Capital.com and E*TRADE clash on cost models, platform depth, and global market access. The matchup reveals divergent strengths that invite a closer look at the verdict.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose if…
Choose Capital.com if you want access to 25 global exchanges for share CFDs and multilingual support.
| Editorial score | 3.9/ 5 | 4.3/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $20 | N/A |
| Spreads from | 0.6 pips | N/A |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | $10/month (after 3 months) | None |
| Deposit fee | Free |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Capital.com | E*TRADE |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Pass | Pass |
| No deposit fee | — | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Pass |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Pass |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Pass | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
The scores are close: Capital.com rates 3.9/5 and ETRADE rates 4.3/5. ETRADE 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.
Capital.com starts from 0.6. Current spread data is not available for E*TRADE. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
Capital.com requires $20. Minimum deposit information is not currently available for E*TRADE.
Both Capital.com and E*TRADE 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, Capital.com provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
Capital.com lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while E*TRADE lists up to 1:4. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
Capital.com supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, while E*TRADE supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Yes, both Capital.com and E*TRADE offer commission-free stock trading according to our data. Keep in mind that commission-free brokers may still charge spread costs, foreign exchange fees, or platform fees — always check the full fee schedule on each broker's website.
Capital.com 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.
Choose E*TRADE if…
Choose E*TRADE if you want the Power E*TRADE platform with professional options analytics.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Equally matched; both offer commission-free stock trading options.
E*TRADE wins for safety and regulation due to longer history and SEC/FINRA oversight.
E*TRADE wins because of dividend reinvestment and longer operating history.
ETRADE wins with Power ETRADE platform and options analytics.
Capital.com wins thanks to a low $20 minimum deposit.
Capital.com wins with 25 exchanges offering broader global access.
| Free |
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerPayPalApple PayGoogle Pay | Bank TransferACHWire TransferCheque |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCardSkrillNeteller | Bank TransferACHWire Transfer |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free ACH; $25 wire transfer |
|---|
| Commission-free | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | No |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | Yes |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | Yes |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | MAS CMA CySEC FCA ASIC | SEC FINRA |
|---|
| Platforms | Proprietary Web/Mobile | Proprietary Web/Mobile |
|---|
| Active bonuses | None | 2 offers |
|---|
E*TRADE edges Capital.com on overall score due to stronger regulation and longer operating history. Capital.com remains a CFD-focused option with broad exchange access.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.9 / 5
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