This comparison pits FXOpen's multi-asset, low-cost execution against Hargreaves Lansdown's UK-focused, regulation-heavy platform, highlighting the tension between cost efficiency and long-term investment features.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose if…
Choose FXOpen if you need short selling across stock CFDs and ECN/STP execution that keeps trading costs transparent. You also gain access to advanced charting, multiple platforms (MT4/MT5 and cTrader), and multilingual support across supported regions.
Choose if…
Choose Hargreaves Lansdown if you want ISA and SIPP wrappers with dividend reinvestment and a broad UK investment universe. You also benefit from a proprietary platform with extensive UK research, robust reliability during market stress, and access to AIM shares.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
| Editorial score | 3.6/ 5 | 4.3/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $100 | $1▼ lower |
| Spreads from | 0 pips | N/A |
| Commission / lot | $3/lot | N/A |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | FXOpen | 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 | Fail | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
Hargreaves Lansdown rates 4.3/5 versus 3.6/5 for FXOpen. Hargreaves Lansdown edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
FXOpen 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 FXOpen requires at least $100. This makes Hargreaves Lansdown more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both FXOpen 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 FXOpen provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
FXOpen lists maximum leverage of 500:1, 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.
FXOpen charges $3 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.
FXOpen supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while Hargreaves Lansdown supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. FXOpen has exclusive access to cTrader and MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. Hargreaves Lansdown has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Neither FXOpen 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 FXOpen 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.
Hargreaves Lansdown is strongest for safety and regulation due to top-tier FCA oversight and FSCS protection.
Hargreaves Lansdown wins for long-term investing with ISA/SIPP wrappers and dividend reinvestment.
FXOpen suits active traders with multiple platforms and ECN/STP execution.
Hargreaves Lansdown is best for beginners due to reputation and a reliable platform.
Hargreaves Lansdown provides broader global market access with access to 20 exchanges.
FXOpen is best for low cost trading because of ECN/STP execution on stock CFDs.
| 0.3 pips |
| N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerCrypto | Bank transferDebit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerCrypto | Bank transfer |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Commission-free | No | No |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | No |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | Yes |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | No |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | No |
|---|
| Regulators | ASIC CySEC FCA | FCA |
|---|
| Platforms | cTrader MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 | Proprietary Web/Mobile |
|---|
| Active bonuses | None | 2 offers |
|---|
Hargreaves Lansdown edges FXOpen on editorial score (4.3 vs 3.6). The higher score reflects HL's top-tier FCA oversight and UK-focused investment universe.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.6 / 5
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