This matchup pits FBS and Stake in a clash over stock access, fee models, and regulatory protection. The tension centers on real share ownership versus CFDs.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose if…
Choose FBS if you want 24/5 live chat and phone support along with advanced charting.
Choose if…
Choose Stake if you prefer real share ownership with commission-free trading and strong ASIC/FCA oversight.
| Editorial score | 3.3/ 5 | 3.9/ 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 | Stake |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Pass |
| No deposit fee | — | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Fail |
| 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 |
Stake rates 3.9/5 versus 3.3/5 for FBS. Stake 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 Stake. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
FBS requires $1. Minimum deposit information is not currently available for Stake.
Stake holds top-tier regulation (FCA, ASIC), 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. Stake 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. 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 Stake 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 4, MetaTrader 5, while Stake supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. FBS has exclusive access to MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. Stake has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Stake 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.
Stake 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.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Stake wins for low cost trading due to commission-free stock access.
Stake wins for safety & regulation with ASIC/FCA oversight and FSCS protection.
FBS wins for active traders with advanced charting and short selling.
Stake wins for beginners with no account minimum and simple interface.
Stake wins for global market access with real stocks across US, AU, UK.
Stake wins for long-term investors with real ownership and dividends.
| 2 pips |
| N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPayPerfect Money | Bank TransferCredit CardDebit Card |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCardSkrillNetellerFasaPayPerfectMoney | Bank Transfer |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Commission-free | No | Yes |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | No |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | No |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | No |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | No |
|---|
| Regulators | IFSC CySEC FSCA | FCA ASIC |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 | Proprietary Web/Mobile |
|---|
| Active bonuses | None | 2 offers |
|---|
Stake edges FBS on the editorial score due to stronger regulation and a commission-free stock model.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.3 / 5
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