Forex.comvs
Hargreaves LansdownStock Broker Comparison
This comparison pits two regulated brokers with distinct focuses: Forex.com emphasizes multi-asset access with global share CFDs, while Hargreaves Lansdown centers on UK-investing breadth and retirement accounts.
Key Differences
- 1ISA and SIPP access available on HL, not on Forex.com.
- 2HL offers dividend reinvestment; Forex.com does not.
- 3Forex.com offers 24/5 live chat; HL does not.
Who should choose Forex.com vs Hargreaves Lansdown?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose if…
Choose Forex.com if you need US-resident access to share CFDs, multi-platform trading via MT4/MT5/Web, and no inactivity fee for funded accounts.
Forex.com vs Hargreaves Lansdown: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.9/ 5 | 4.3/ 5 |
| Min deposit | $100 | $1▼ lower |
| Spreads from | 1 pips | N/A |
| Commission / lot | $7/lot | N/A |
Forex.com vs Hargreaves Lansdown Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- NFA, CFTC, and FCA regulated, accessible to US residents who cannot use most CFD brokers
- Share CFDs on MT4, MT5, and proprietary Web Trader from a single account
- Reuters news and integrated economic calendar in the Web Trader
- No inactivity fee for actively funded accounts
Cons
- Narrowest stock selection (220+) among regulated multi-platform equity CFD brokers
Forex.com vs Hargreaves Lansdown: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
4
Forex.com
criteria wins
2
Hargreaves Lansdown
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | Forex.com | Hargreaves Lansdown |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Fail |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Fail |
| No deposit fee | — | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Pass |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Fail |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Fail |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
Forex.com vs Hargreaves Lansdown: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: Forex.com rates 3.9/5 and Hargreaves Lansdown rates 4.3/5. Hargreaves Lansdown 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 Hargreaves Lansdown. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
Hargreaves Lansdown has $1, while Forex.com requires at least $100. This makes Hargreaves Lansdown more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both Forex.com and Hargreaves Lansdown 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: Hargreaves Lansdown requires a lower minimum deposit ($1), lowering the barrier to entry, and Forex.com provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
Forex.com lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while Hargreaves Lansdown lists up to 1:1. 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 Hargreaves Lansdown 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.
Forex.com supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, while Hargreaves Lansdown supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. Forex.com has exclusive access to MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5.
Neither Forex.com nor Hargreaves Lansdown is listed as offering commission-free trading in our data. Compare each broker's commission schedule directly, as fees vary by account type and the markets you trade.
Both Forex.com and Hargreaves Lansdown 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.
