Two regulated players clash on platform depth, cost structure, and international access. The tension hinges on traditional stock trading versus CFD-centric reach and protections.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose if…
Choose E*TRADE if you want the Power E*TRADE platform with commission-free stocks and ETFs.
Choose if…
Choose FXTM if you want MetaTrader platforms and FXTM Invest copy trading.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
| Editorial score | 4.3/ 5 | 3.7/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | N/A | No minimum |
| Spreads from | N/A | 1.5 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
| Deposit fee | Free |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | E*TRADE | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
ETRADE rates 4.3/5 versus 3.7/5 for FXTM. ETRADE edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
FXTM starts from 1.5. Current spread data is not available for E*TRADE. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
FXTM requires no minimum deposit required. Minimum deposit information is not currently available for E*TRADE.
Both E*TRADE 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, FXTM 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 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.
ETRADE supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, while FXTM supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. ETRADE has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile. FXTM has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4.
E*TRADE 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.
FXTM 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.
E*TRADE wins for low cost trading with commission-free stocks and ETFs.
E*TRADE excels in safety and regulation with SEC and FINRA oversight.
E*TRADE supports dividend reinvestment for long-term investors.
ETRADE targets active traders with Power ETRADE and options analytics.
| Free |
| Deposit methods | Bank transferACHWire transferCheque | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPay |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferACHWire transfer | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPay |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free ACH; $25 wire transfer | Free |
|---|
| Commission-free | Yes | No |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | No |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | Yes | No |
|---|
| Extended hours | Yes | No |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | SEC FINRA | CySEC FCA FSCA FSC |
|---|
| Platforms | Proprietary Web/Mobile | MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
| Active bonuses | 2 offers | None |
|---|
E*TRADE is the editorial winner, scoring higher overall than FXTM. Its higher trust & regulation score and broader exchange access justify the lead.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.7 / 5
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