Two brokers clash on regulation, costs, and trading platforms in a stock-focused comparison. The axis of tension centers on commission structure versus regulatory depth and tools.
XTB edges Axi on editorial score and regulation, and delivers stronger platform tools with a commission-free stock tier and built-in stock screener.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose Axi if…
Choose Axi if you prioritize strong regulation from ASIC and FCA and want to access 700+ share CFDs through MT4 or Axi One in a single account. You benefit from short selling via equity CFDs with ECN-adjacent execution, while noting the absence of research tools.
Choose XTB if…
Choose XTB if you want a commission-free stock trading tier up to €100,000 monthly turnover and a stock screener plus market scanner in xStation 5. You also benefit from live chat 24/5 and phone support, FCA and CySEC regulation, and FSCS protection for UK clients.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
XTB is best for low cost trading due to commission-free stock trading up to €100k monthly turnover.
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum | N/A |
| 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 | XTB |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass |
| No deposit fee | — | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Pass |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Fail |
| 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 | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Pass |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
The scores are close: Axi rates 3.7/5 and XTB rates 4.1/5. XTB 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 XTB. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
Axi requires no minimum deposit required. Minimum deposit information is not currently available for XTB.
Both Axi and XTB 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, both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
Axi lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while XTB lists up to 1:5. 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 XTB 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 XTB supports xStation 5. Axi has exclusive access to DXtrade and MetaTrader 4. XTB has exclusive access to xStation 5.
XTB offers commission-free stock trading while Axi does not according to our data. Commission-free trading can reduce costs for frequent traders. Always confirm the current fee structure directly on each broker's website.
Both Axi and XTB 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.
XTB is best for safety and regulation with FCA and CySEC oversight and FSCS protection for UK clients.
XTB is best for long-term investors with fractional shares and a built-in stock screener.
XTB is best for active traders thanks to 16 exchanges and robust xStation 5 tools.
XTB is best for beginners due to fractional shares enabling smaller positions.
| 0.7 pips |
| N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | $10/month (after 12 months) |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrill |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardSkrill |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Commission-free | No | Yes |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | Yes |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | No |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | No |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | No |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA ASIC DFSA | FCA CySEC |
|---|
| Platforms | DXtrade MetaTrader 4 | xStation 5 |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.7 / 5
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