Two brokers contrast on cost models, platforms, and stock access. The clash centers on eToro's social trading and fractional shares versus FXTM's MT4/MT5 stock CFDs and regulation.
eToro edges FXTM on the editorial score, due to commission-free real stock trading and a beginner-friendly interface.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
eToro wins for low cost trading due to commission-free stock trades.
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 3.7/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $50 | No minimum▼ lower |
| Spreads from | 1 pips▼ lower | 1.5 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | $10/month (after 12 months) | None |
| Deposit fee |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | eToro | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Fail | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Fail | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
The scores are close: eToro rates 4.1/5 and FXTM rates 3.7/5. eToro 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.
eToro lists tighter spreads from 1, compared with FXTM's 1.5. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
FXTM has no minimum deposit, while eToro requires at least $50. This makes FXTM more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both eToro and FXTM 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: FXTM 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.
eToro lists maximum leverage of 1:5, while FXTM 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.
eToro supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, while FXTM supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. eToro has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile. FXTM has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4.
eToro offers commission-free stock trading while FXTM 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 eToro and FXTM 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.
eToro wins for safety and regulation with broader oversight and compensation scheme coverage.
eToro wins for long-term investing thanks to fractional shares enabling gradual ownership.
FXTM wins for active traders due to short selling and advanced charting on MT4/MT5.
eToro wins for beginners with a clean interface and social trading features.
eToro wins for global market access with 17 exchanges compared to FXTM's 6.
| Free |
| Free |
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardPayPalSkrillApple PayGoogle Pay | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPay |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardPayPalSkrill | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPay |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | USD 5 per withdrawal | Free |
|---|
| Commission-free | Yes | No |
|---|
| Fractional shares | Yes | No |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | No |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | No |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | No | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA CNB CMVM ASIC HCMC FSRA CySEC Finanstilsynet Finanstilsynet ASF Finansinspektionen FSC MNB KNF CMA | FSCA FCA CySEC FSC |
|---|
| Platforms | Proprietary Web/Mobile | MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
| Active bonuses | 2 offers | None |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.7 / 5
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