Two stark approaches collide on cost model, long-term investing features, and global access. Freetrade emphasizes commission-free trading and simplicity, while Saxo Bank delivers broader markets and professional tools.
Saxo Bank is the overall winner on editorial score, edging Freetrade 4.5 to 4.0. Saxo Bank benefits from stronger platforms and regulation.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Freetrade wins for low cost trading due to commission-free stock trading.
| Editorial score | 4.0/ 5 | 4.5/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | N/A | $2,000 |
| Spreads from | N/A | 0.6 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | $100/quarter (low-balance accounts) |
| Deposit fee | Free |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Freetrade | Saxo Bank |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Fail | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Pass | Fail |
| No deposit fee | Pass | — |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Pass | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Pass |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Pass |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Fail | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Fail | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Fail |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
Saxo Bank rates 4.5/5 versus 4/5 for Freetrade. Saxo Bank edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Saxo Bank starts from 0.6. Current spread data is not available for Freetrade. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
Saxo Bank requires $2000. Minimum deposit information is not currently available for Freetrade.
Both Freetrade 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, Saxo Bank provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
Freetrade lists maximum leverage of 1:1, 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.
Freetrade supports Freetrade App, while Saxo Bank supports SaxoTraderGO, Proprietary Web/Mobile. Freetrade has exclusive access to Freetrade App. Saxo Bank has exclusive access to SaxoTraderGO and Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Freetrade offers commission-free stock trading while Saxo Bank 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.
Both Freetrade 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 safety and regulation with a broad international regulator footprint.
Freetrade is best for long-term investors due to ISA and SIPP support.
Saxo Bank wins for active traders with diverse instruments and pro tools.
Freetrade offers a simple mobile interface suitable for beginners.
Saxo Bank delivers access to 50 exchanges for global markets.
| Free |
| Deposit methods | Bank transferDebit card | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transfer | Bank transfer |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Commission-free | Yes | No |
|---|
| Fractional shares | Yes | No |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | Yes |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | Yes |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | No | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA | FCA ASIC JFSA MAS DFSA FINMA Finanstilsynet ACPR CNMV Finanstilsynet MFSA SFC Finansinspektionen CBI KNF CMA FSC |
|---|
| Platforms | Freetrade App | SaxoTraderGO Proprietary Web/Mobile |
|---|
| Active bonuses | 2 offers | 2 offers |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4 / 5
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