Two brokers target different trader profiles and market approaches. One emphasizes regulatory rigor and commission-free access, the other emphasizes low-cost entry via CFDs and MT platforms.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose if…
Choose FBS if you want MT4/MT5 with advanced charting and access to 3 exchanges. You also get 24/7 multilingual live support.
Choose if…
Choose Robinhood if you want commission-free trades and 24-hour US-market access.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
| Editorial score | 3.3/ 5 | 3.8/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $1 | N/A |
| Spreads from | 0 pips | N/A |
| Commission / lot | $20/lot | N/A |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | FBS | Robinhood |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Fail | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Fail | Fail |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Fail | Fail |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Pass |
| No deposit fee | — | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Pass |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Pass |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Pass |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Fail |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
Robinhood rates 3.8/5 versus 3.3/5 for FBS. Robinhood edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
FBS starts from 0. Current spread data is not available for Robinhood. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
FBS requires $1. Minimum deposit information is not currently available for Robinhood.
Robinhood holds top-tier regulation (SEC, FINRA), providing stronger investor protections. FBS may be regulated but does not hold top-tier status in our data. Verify regulatory status on each regulator's public register before depositing funds.
Minimum deposit and negative balance protection data are not confirmed for this pair. Robinhood holds top-tier regulatory status, which provides a stronger safety baseline for newer traders. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site.
FBS lists maximum leverage of 3000:1, while Robinhood 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.
FBS charges $20 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for Robinhood 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.
FBS supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while Robinhood supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. FBS has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. Robinhood has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Robinhood offers commission-free stock trading while FBS 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.
Robinhood wins for low cost trading due to commission-free trades across US stocks and ETFs.
Robinhood wins for safety & regulation due to SEC/FINRA oversight and SIPC membership.
Robinhood wins for long-term investors with fractional shares and dividend reinvestment.
Robinhood wins for beginners with a clean, beginner-friendly mobile interface.
FBS wins for global market access with access to 3 exchanges.
| 2 pips |
| N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPayPerfect Money | Bank transferACHDebit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPayPerfect Money | Bank transferACH |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Commission-free | No | Yes |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | Yes |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | Yes |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | Yes |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | CySEC FSCA IFSC | SEC FINRA |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 | Proprietary Web/Mobile |
|---|
| Active bonuses | None | 2 offers |
|---|
Robinhood edges out FBS on the editorial score due to stronger regulatory footprint and commission-free pricing. FBS remains notable for MT4/MT5 and low minimum deposits.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.3 / 5
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