Axi and Vanguard sit at opposite ends of the spectrum on costs, regulation, and product scope, presenting a clear choice for different investor aims.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose if…
Choose Axi if you want 700+ share CFDs accessed via MT4 and Axi One, with ECN-adjacent execution and up to 20:1 leverage. This setup appeals to traders adding equity CFD exposure to a broader account while enjoying strong regulatory oversight.
Choose if…
Choose Vanguard if you seek ultra-low-cost long-term investing via Stocks and Shares ISA or SIPP, with a capped platform fee and Vanguard funds only. The structure is designed for buy-and-hold investors prioritizing fund expense ratios starting at 0.06% and FSCS protection through FCA regulation.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $100 |
| 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 | Vanguard |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Fail |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Fail |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
The scores are close: Axi rates 3.7/5 and Vanguard rates 4.1/5. Vanguard 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 starts from 0. Current spread data is not available for Vanguard. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
Axi has no minimum deposit, while Vanguard requires at least $100. This makes Axi more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both Axi and Vanguard 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 Vanguard 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 Vanguard 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 Vanguard supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. Axi has exclusive access to DXtrade and MetaTrader 4. Vanguard has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Neither Axi nor Vanguard 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 Vanguard 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.
Vanguard wins for safety & regulation with FCA oversight and FSCS protection.
Vanguard wins for long-term investors due to ISA/SIPP access to its funds and long-term structure.
Axi wins for active traders with broad share CFDs, ECN-adjacent execution, and advanced platforms.
Vanguard wins for beginners with a straightforward ISA/SIPP path and capped fees.
Axi wins for global market access due to eight exchanges versus Vanguard's one.
Vanguard wins for low cost trading thanks to ultra-low platform fees and fund expense ratios as low as 0.06%.
| 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 |
|---|
Vanguard edges Axi on editorial score. Its stronger Trust & Regulation and Fees & Spreads drive the lead.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.7 / 5
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