E*TRADEvs
Forex.comStock Broker Comparison
Two seasoned brokers square off across active trading power and regulation driven access. The tension centers on cost, tools, and global reach.
Key Differences
- 1Extended hours trading is available on E*TRADE.
- 2E*TRADE provides a stock screener.
- 3Forex.com uses a compensation scheme.
Who should choose E*TRADE vs Forex.com?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose if…
Choose E*TRADE if you want commission-free stocks and ETFs and extended hours.
Choose if…
Choose Forex.com if you want share CFDs and multilingual support from a regulated provider.
E*TRADE vs Forex.com: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.3/ 5 | 3.9/ 5 |
| Min deposit | N/A | $100 |
| Spreads from | N/A | 1 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $7/lot |
E*TRADE vs Forex.com Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- Power E*TRADE platform with professional options analytics and strategy scanner
- Commission-free stocks and ETFs with $0.50/contract options for active traders
- Futures trading available on CME products from the same account
- Morgan Stanley analyst reports now included for account holders
- 40+ year operating history; SEC, FINRA, and SIPC regulated
Cons
E*TRADE vs Forex.com: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
4
E*TRADE
criteria wins
2
Forex.com
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | E*TRADE | Forex.com |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Fail | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Fail | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Pass | Fail |
| No deposit fee | Pass | — |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Pass | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Pass | 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 | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
E*TRADE vs Forex.com: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: ETRADE rates 4.3/5 and Forex.com rates 3.9/5. 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.
Forex.com starts from 1. Current spread data is not available for E*TRADE. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
Forex.com requires $100. Minimum deposit information is not currently available for E*TRADE.
Both E*TRADE and Forex.com 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, Forex.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.
E*TRADE lists maximum leverage of 1:4, while Forex.com 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.
Forex.com charges $7 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for E*TRADE 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.
E*TRADE supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, while Forex.com supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. Forex.com has exclusive access to MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5.
E*TRADE offers commission-free stock trading while Forex.com 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.
Forex.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.
