FXOpen and Swissquote square off over stock access, regulation, and platform depth. The tension centers on CFDs versus real shares and the value of robust protection.
Swissquote edges FXOpen on the editorial score due to stronger regulation and broader stock access. FXOpen still offers ECN/STP execution for stock CFDs.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose FXOpen if…
FXOpen: Choose FXOpen if you want a low minimum deposit of $100 and ECN/STP execution for stock CFDs. You also access MT4, MT5, and cTrader across a multi-asset platform. Swissquote: Choose Swissquote if you want real shares with custody across 60 exchanges. You also benefit from a FINMA regulated banking licence and depositor protection.
Choose if…
FXOpen: Choose FXOpen if you want a low minimum deposit of $100 and ECN/STP execution for stock CFDs. You also access MT4, MT5, and cTrader across a multi-asset platform. Swissquote: Choose Swissquote if you want real shares with custody across 60 exchanges. You also benefit from a FINMA regulated banking licence and depositor protection.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Swissquote wins for safety & regulation with a FINMA licence and depositor protection.
| Editorial score | 3.6/ 5 | 4.3/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $100▼ lower | $1,000 |
| Spreads from | 0 pips▼ lower | 1.7 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 | Swissquote |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
Swissquote rates 4.3/5 versus 3.6/5 for FXOpen. Swissquote edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
FXOpen lists tighter spreads from 0, compared with Swissquote's 1.7. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
FXOpen has $100, while Swissquote requires at least $1000. This makes FXOpen more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both FXOpen 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, two factors stand out: FXOpen 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.
FXOpen lists maximum leverage of 500:1, 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.
FXOpen charges $3 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for Swissquote 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 Swissquote supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. FXOpen has exclusive access to cTrader. Swissquote has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Neither FXOpen nor Swissquote 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 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.
FXOpen wins for active traders with ECN/STP execution and MT4/MT5/cTrader access.
Swissquote wins for global market access with 60 exchanges.
FXOpen wins for low cost trading with a $100 minimum deposit and ECN/STP execution.
Swissquote wins for long-term investors with real shares and custody.
| 0.3 pips |
| N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | CHF 10/month (after 6 months) |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerCrypto | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerCrypto | Bank transfer |
|---|
| 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 | DFSA FCA FINMA |
|---|
| Platforms | cTrader MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 | MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.6 / 5
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