FP Marketsvs
Hargreaves LansdownStock Broker Comparison
FP Markets offers a broad platform mix and DMA access, while Hargreaves Lansdown centers on UK-focused long-term investing. The tension: cost, access, and safety.
Who should choose FP Markets vs Hargreaves Lansdown?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose if…
Choose FP Markets if you want multiple platforms and DMA access.
Choose if…
Choose Hargreaves Lansdown if you want ISA and SIPP wrappers with UK-focused research.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Best for safety & regulation
Recommended
FP Markets vs Hargreaves Lansdown: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 4.3/ 5 |
| Min deposit | $100 | $1▼ lower |
| Spreads from | 0 pips | N/A |
| Commission / lot | $6/lot | N/A |
FP Markets vs Hargreaves Lansdown Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- IRESS platform provides genuine DMA access to ASX, NYSE, LSE, and other exchanges
- 10,000+ share CFDs available on MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView
- ASIC and CySEC regulation, among the strongest regulatory profiles for a mid-tier broker
- No platform fee for standard share CFD trading (IRESS fee only for DMA users)
Cons
- IRESS DMA incurs a monthly fee (~AUD 55), uneconomical for low-frequency traders
FP Markets vs Hargreaves Lansdown: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
4
FP Markets
criteria wins
1
Hargreaves Lansdown
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | FP Markets | 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 | Pass | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Fail |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
FP Markets vs Hargreaves Lansdown: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: FP Markets rates 4.1/5 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.
FP Markets starts from 0. 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 FP Markets requires at least $100. This makes Hargreaves Lansdown more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both FP Markets 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 FP Markets provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
FP Markets 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.
FP Markets charges $6 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.
FP Markets supports IRESS, TradingView, cTrader, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, while Hargreaves Lansdown supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. FP Markets has exclusive access to IRESS and TradingView and cTrader and MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. Hargreaves Lansdown has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Neither FP Markets 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 FP Markets 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.
