This comparison pits a commission-free, mobile-first option against a regulator-led, institution-grade platform. The tension centers on cost, long-term features, and global access.
Swissquote edges Freetrade on editorial score due to stronger regulation and broader market access.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose Freetrade if…
Choose Freetrade if you want commission-free stock trading and ISA or SIPP options.
Choose Swissquote if…
Choose Swissquote if you need broad market access and advanced trading tools.
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 and ETF trades.
| Editorial score | 4.0/ 5 | 4.3/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | N/A | $1,000 |
| Spreads from | N/A | 1.7 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | CHF 10/month (after 6 months) |
| Deposit fee | Free |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Freetrade | Swissquote |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| 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 |
The scores are close: Freetrade rates 4/5 and Swissquote rates 4.3/5. Swissquote 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.
Swissquote starts from 1.7. Current spread data is not available for Freetrade. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
Swissquote requires $1000. Minimum deposit information is not currently available for Freetrade.
Both Freetrade and Swissquote 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, Swissquote 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 Swissquote lists up to 20:1. 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 Swissquote supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4. Freetrade has exclusive access to Freetrade App. Swissquote has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and Proprietary Web/Mobile and MetaTrader 4.
Freetrade offers commission-free stock trading while Swissquote 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 Swissquote 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.
Swissquote is strongest for safety and regulation with FINMA backing and depositor protection.
Freetrade is best for long-term investors thanks to ISAs and SIPP support.
Swissquote suits active traders with MT4/MT5 and broad instrument access.
Swissquote offers global access across 60 exchanges.
| 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 | No |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | No |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | No | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA | FCA DFSA FINMA |
|---|
| Platforms | Freetrade App | MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
| Active bonuses | 2 offers | None |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4 / 5
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