This comparison pits FP Markets' multi-platform options against Saxo Bank's proprietary platform and broad exchange access. The tension lies in platform design and global reach.
Saxo Bank edges FP Markets on editorial score and market reach, with a proprietary platform and extended trading hours.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose FP Markets if…
Choose FP Markets if you want standard share CFDs with no platform fee. DMA access via IRESS is available but may incur fees.
Choose Saxo Bank if…
Choose Saxo Bank if you want global access to more exchanges and a proprietary trading platform.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Saxo Bank wins for safety & regulation with broad multi-jurisdiction oversight (MAS, FCA, ASIC, etc.).
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 4.5/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $100▼ lower | $2,000 |
| Spreads from | 0 pips▼ lower | 0.6 pips |
| Commission / lot | $6/lot | N/A |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | FP Markets | Saxo Bank |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Fail |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Pass |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Pass |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Pass | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
The scores are close: FP Markets rates 4.1/5 and Saxo Bank rates 4.5/5. Saxo Bank 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 lists tighter spreads from 0, compared with Saxo Bank's 0.6. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
FP Markets has $100, while Saxo Bank requires at least $2000. This makes FP Markets more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both FP Markets and Saxo Bank 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: FP Markets requires a lower minimum deposit ($100), lowering the barrier to entry, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
FP Markets lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while Saxo Bank lists up to 1:5. 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 Saxo Bank 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 cTrader, IRESS, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4, while Saxo Bank supports SaxoTraderGO, Proprietary Web/Mobile. FP Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and IRESS and MetaTrader 5 and TradingView and MetaTrader 4. Saxo Bank has exclusive access to SaxoTraderGO and Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Neither FP Markets nor Saxo Bank 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 Saxo Bank 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.
Saxo Bank wins for long-term investors because it supports dividend reinvestment.
Saxo Bank wins for active traders thanks to extended hours and professional-grade research tools.
FP Markets wins for beginners with a low $100 minimum and accessible platforms.
Saxo Bank wins for global market access with 50 exchanges and 60,000+ instruments.
FP Markets wins for low-cost trading because standard share CFDs carry no platform fee.
| 0.6 pips |
| N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | $100/quarter (low-balance accounts) |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerPOLiPayPal | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerPOLi | Bank transfer |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Commission-free | No | No |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | No |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | Yes |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | Yes |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | ASIC CySEC | JFSA MAS DFSA FCA ASIC FINMA Finanstilsynet ACPR CNMV Finanstilsynet MFSA SFC Finansinspektionen CBI KNF CMA FSC |
|---|
| Platforms | cTrader IRESS MetaTrader 5 TradingView MetaTrader 4 | SaxoTraderGO Proprietary Web/Mobile |
|---|
| Active bonuses | None | 2 offers |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4.1 / 5
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