In this stock-focused showdown, two regulated brokers map different international reach and toolsets. The axis of tension centers on how many exchanges and trading features each platform unlocks.
Capital.com and HFM are closely matched overall. Capital.com offers access to 25 exchanges compared with HFM, a clear differentiator that shapes international stock reach.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose Capital.com if…
Choose Capital.com if you value 24/5 live chat and a commission-free model with access to 25 exchanges.
Choose HFM if…
Choose HFM if you value phone support and MT4/MT5 access with HFcopy copy trading.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Capital.com wins for low cost trading with a commission-free share CFD model.
| Editorial score | 3.9/ 5 | 3.8/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $20 | No minimum▼ lower |
| Spreads from | 0.6 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $6/lot |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Capital.com | HFM |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass | 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 | Pass | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
The scores are close: Capital.com rates 3.9/5 and HFM rates 3.8/5. Capital.com 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.
HFM lists tighter spreads from 0, compared with Capital.com's 0.6. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
HFM has no minimum deposit, while Capital.com requires at least $20. This makes HFM more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both Capital.com and HFM 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: HFM 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.
Capital.com lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while HFM 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.
HFM charges $6 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for Capital.com 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.
Capital.com supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, while HFM supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. Capital.com has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile. HFM has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4.
Capital.com offers commission-free stock trading while HFM 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 Capital.com and HFM 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.
Capital.com wins for safety and regulation with FCA, ASIC, CySEC, MAS, and CMA.
Capital.com wins for active traders thanks to its proprietary platform and AI trading insights.
HFM wins for beginners with a $0 minimum deposit and MT4/MT5 access.
Capital.com wins for global market access with 25 exchanges.
Capital.com wins for long-term investors with a large 4,000+ share CFD pool and no commission.
| N/A |
| 0.6 pips |
| Inactivity fee | $10/month (after 3 months) | None |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerPayPalApple PayGoogle Pay | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPay |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPay |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Commission-free | Yes | No |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | No |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | No |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | No |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | MAS FCA ASIC CySEC CMA | FSCA DFSA FCA CySEC |
|---|
| Platforms | Proprietary Web/Mobile | MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.8 / 5
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