Two brokers compete for value in stock CFDs and multi-asset trading. The axis of tension centers on regulation, access to global exchanges, and pricing.
FXOpen and Skilling are closely matched. FXOpen shows 5 exchanges while Skilling offers 10, signaling broader access for Skilling.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose FXOpen if…
You get phone support with FXOpen and access to 5 exchanges. You gain access to 10 exchanges and you rely on digital support rather than phone.
Choose Skilling if…
You get phone support with FXOpen and access to 5 exchanges. You gain access to 10 exchanges and you rely on digital support rather than phone.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
FXOpen wins safety and regulation with FSCS protection and dual tier-1 oversight.
| Editorial score | 3.6/ 5 | 3.7/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $100 | $50▼ lower |
| Spreads from | 0 pips▼ lower | 0.7 pips |
| Commission / lot | $3/lot | N/A |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | FXOpen | Skilling |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
The scores are close: FXOpen rates 3.6/5 and Skilling rates 3.7/5. Skilling 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.
FXOpen lists tighter spreads from 0, compared with Skilling's 0.7. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
Skilling has $50, while FXOpen requires at least $100. This makes Skilling more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both FXOpen and Skilling 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: Skilling requires a lower minimum deposit ($50), lowering the barrier to entry, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
FXOpen lists maximum leverage of 500:1, while Skilling 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.
FXOpen charges $3 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for Skilling 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 Skilling supports cTrader, Skilling Trader, MetaTrader 4. Both provide cTrader and MetaTrader 4. FXOpen has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5. Skilling has exclusive access to Skilling Trader.
Neither FXOpen nor Skilling 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 Skilling 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.
Skilling wins for active traders with 10 exchanges and Skilling Trader platform.
Skilling offers a lower minimum deposit, easing entry for new traders.
FXOpen is best for low cost trading due to ECN/STP execution.
Equally matched.
| 0.3 pips |
| N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | $10/month (after 90 days) |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerCrypto | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerCrypto | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Commission-free | No | No |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | No |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | No |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | No |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA ASIC CySEC | FCA FSCA CySEC |
|---|
| Platforms | cTrader MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 | cTrader Skilling Trader MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.6 / 5
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