Two brokers compete for your stock CFD exposure with different platform ecosystems and support models, highlighting contrasting approaches to access, regulation, and client service.
Axi and Exness are closely matched overall, but Exness adds 24/5 live chat and phone support with access to fewer exchanges.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Exness wins for safety and regulation with multiple regulators including FCA, CySEC, FSCA, and OJK.
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 3.6/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $1 |
| Spreads from | 0 pips▼ lower | 0.3 pips |
| Commission / lot | $7/lot | $3.5/lot▼ lower |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Axi | Exness |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Fail |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Pass |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
The scores are close: Axi rates 3.7/5 and Exness rates 3.6/5. Axi has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
Axi lists tighter spreads from 0, compared with Exness's 0.3. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
Axi has no minimum deposit, while Exness requires at least $1. This makes Axi more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both Axi and Exness hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each broker's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners, two factors stand out: Axi has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
Axi lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while Exness lists up to 20:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
Exness charges $3.5 per trade, lower than Axi's $7 per trade. Lower commissions benefit active traders who execute many trades per day. Stock commissions may be charged as a flat rate per trade or per share; confirm the exact structure on each broker's website.
Axi supports DXtrade, MetaTrader 4, while Exness supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. Axi has exclusive access to DXtrade. Exness has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5.
Neither Axi nor Exness is listed as offering commission-free trading in our data. Compare each broker's commission schedule directly, as fees vary by account type and the markets you trade.
Both Axi and Exness are covered by a compensation scheme according to our data, providing an additional safety net for your stock investments. Confirm the specific scheme and coverage limit that applies to your account before depositing.
Exness wins for active traders with MT4, MT5, and Exness Terminal options.
Axi is best for beginners thanks to a $0 min deposit and strong regulation.
Axi leads global access with 8 exchanges versus 5 from Exness.
Equally matched across cost-related factors due to lack of clear per-trade or commission data.
Equally matched since neither offers fractional shares or DRIP.
| 0.7 pips |
| 0.65 pips▼ lower |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerPerfect MoneyCryptoP2P |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerPerfect MoneyCrypto |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Commission-free | No | No |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | No |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | No |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | No |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA ASIC DFSA | FCA FSCA OJK CySEC |
|---|
| Platforms | DXtrade MetaTrader 4 | MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.6 / 5
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