Two mid-sized brokers clash over stock CFD access, platform depth, and regulation. The outcome hinges on cost structures and global exchange access.
FP Markets edges Axi on the editorial score, driven by stronger trust, platform tools, and support. Axi remains competitive on regulation and equity CFD exposure.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose Axi if…
Choose Axi if you want a zero minimum deposit and access through a proprietary platform with ASIC and FCA regulation.
Choose FP Markets if…
Choose FP Markets if you value 24/5 live chat and phone support, plus access to IRESS DMA with broad exchange reach across 15 markets.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Axi benefits from a broader Tier 1 regulatory footprint including ASIC, FCA, and DFSA.
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $100 |
| Spreads from | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission / lot | $7/lot | $6/lot▼ lower |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Axi | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass |
| 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 FP Markets rates 4.1/5. FP Markets 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 FP Markets 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 FP Markets requires at least $100. This makes Axi more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both Axi and FP Markets 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 FP Markets 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.
FP Markets charges $6 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 FP Markets supports cTrader, IRESS, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. Axi has exclusive access to DXtrade. FP Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and IRESS and MetaTrader 5 and TradingView.
Neither Axi nor FP Markets 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 FP Markets 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.
FP Markets supports DMA-style access with IRESS and broad exchange reach.
Axi offers a zero minimum deposit, easing initial account setup.
FP Markets provides access to 15 exchanges, expanding global stock reach.
FP Markets offers no platform fee for standard share CFDs, reducing trading costs.
Equally matched; neither offers fractional shares or dividend reinvestment.
| 0.7 pips |
| 0.6 pips▼ lower |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerPOLiPayPal |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerPOLi |
|---|
| 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 | ASIC CySEC |
|---|
| Platforms | DXtrade MetaTrader 4 | cTrader IRESS MetaTrader 5 TradingView MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.7 / 5
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