In a head-to-head review, Axi and FBS clash over regulation, platforms, and global access. The comparison weighs how these strengths translate into everyday stock trading.
Axi outperforms FBS on editorial score and carries top-tier regulation, with compensation scheme and negative balance protection, and more exchanges.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Axi wins on safety and regulation due to top-tier ASIC and FCA oversight.
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 3.3/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $1 |
| Spreads from | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission / lot | $7/lot▼ lower | $20/lot |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Axi | FBS |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Fail |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | Fail |
| 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 FBS rates 3.3/5. 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.
Both Axi and FBS start from the same spread of 0. For stock trading, also compare per-trade or per-share commissions to determine the total cost per transaction.
Axi has no minimum deposit, while FBS requires at least $1. This makes Axi more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Axi holds top-tier regulation (FCA, ASIC, DFSA), providing stronger investor protections. FBS may be regulated but does not hold top-tier status in our data. Verify regulatory status on each regulator's public register before depositing funds.
Axi stands out for beginners: it has a lower entry point and provides negative balance protection, which caps losses at your deposited amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
Axi lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while FBS lists up to 3000:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
Axi charges $7 per trade, lower than FBS's $20 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 FBS supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. Axi has exclusive access to DXtrade. FBS has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5.
Neither Axi nor FBS 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.
Axi scores higher on investor protection criteria, with compensation scheme coverage and segregated client funds. For stock investors, confirming compensation scheme coverage ensures your assets are protected up to a defined limit if the broker becomes insolvent.
Axi is best for active traders because of ECN-adjacent equity CFD execution.
Equally matched; no clear cost advantage is shown by the data.
Equally matched; neither offers fractional shares or DRIP features.
| 0.7 pips▼ lower |
| 2 pips |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPayPerfect Money |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPayPerfect Money |
|---|
| 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 | FSCA CySEC IFSC |
|---|
| Platforms | DXtrade MetaTrader 4 | MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.3 / 5
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