Two brokers square off over scope, costs, and regulation. Axi prioritizes CFDs and multi-asset access, while Hargreaves Lansdown emphasizes UK stock coverage and ISA options.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose if…
Choose Axi if you want access to 700+ share CFDs across MT4 and Axi One with ECN-adjacent execution, and there is zero minimum deposit. You also benefit from dual Tier 1 regulation via ASIC and FCA.
Choose if…
Choose Hargreaves Lansdown if you want ISA and SIPP capabilities with drawdown and FSCS protection. You also access a proprietary platform and in-depth research backed by a long-standing UK retail track record.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 4.3/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $1 |
| Spreads from | 0 pips | N/A |
| Commission / lot | $7/lot | N/A |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Axi | Hargreaves Lansdown |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Fail |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Fail |
| No deposit fee | — | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Pass |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Fail |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Fail |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Fail |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
Hargreaves Lansdown rates 4.3/5 versus 3.7/5 for Axi. Hargreaves Lansdown edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Axi starts from 0. Current spread data is not available for Hargreaves Lansdown. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
Axi has no minimum deposit, while Hargreaves Lansdown requires at least $1. This makes Axi more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both Axi and Hargreaves Lansdown 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.
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 Hargreaves Lansdown lists up to 1:1. 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 on commission-based accounts. Commission details for Hargreaves Lansdown are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. 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 Hargreaves Lansdown supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. Axi has exclusive access to DXtrade and MetaTrader 4. Hargreaves Lansdown has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Neither Axi nor Hargreaves Lansdown 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 Hargreaves Lansdown 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.
Hargreaves Lansdown wins safety with top-tier FCA oversight and FSCS protection.
HL provides ISA and SIPP with drawdown and dividend reinvestment for longer horizons.
Axi supports CFD trading across MT4 and DXtrade with ECN-like execution.
Axi's $0 minimum deposit lowers entry barriers for beginners.
HL offers 20 exchanges versus Axi's 8, expanding international access.
Axi offers lower costs with ECN-adjacent execution and transparent commissions.
| 0.7 pips |
| N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferDebit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transfer |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Commission-free | No | No |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | No |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | Yes |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | No |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | No |
|---|
| Regulators | ASIC FCA DFSA | FCA |
|---|
| Platforms | DXtrade MetaTrader 4 | Proprietary Web/Mobile |
|---|
| Active bonuses | None | 2 offers |
|---|
Hargreaves Lansdown edges Axi on editorial score, underpinned by top-tier regulation and a broader UK investment universe.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.7 / 5
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