FXTM and Hargreaves Lansdown front different stock-trading approaches, pitting global share CFDs against UK-focused investing platforms. The matchup tests regulation, accessibility, and long-term features.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose if…
Choose FXTM for 180+ stock CFDs via MT4/MT5 and dual regulation.
Choose if…
Choose Hargreaves Lansdown for ISA and SIPP access plus UK research.
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 4.3/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $1 |
| Spreads from | 1.5 pips | N/A |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
| Deposit fee |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | FXTM | 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 3.7/5 for FXTM. Hargreaves Lansdown edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
FXTM starts from 1.5. Current spread data is not available for Hargreaves Lansdown. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
FXTM has no minimum deposit, while Hargreaves Lansdown requires at least $1. This makes FXTM more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both FXTM 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.
FXTM stands out for beginners: it has a lower entry point and provides negative balance protection, which caps losses at your deposited amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
FXTM lists maximum leverage of 20:1, 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.
FXTM supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, while Hargreaves Lansdown supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. FXTM has exclusive access to MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. Hargreaves Lansdown has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Neither FXTM 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 FXTM 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.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Hargreaves Lansdown wins safety and regulation for higher trust and FSCS protection.
HL wins for long-term investing due to ISA and SIPP access.
FXTM suits active traders with MT4/MT5 and 180+ stock CFDs.
HL is better for beginners with ISA/SIPP and research.
HL provides broader global market access with 20 exchanges.
FXTM may offer lower costs since HL charges £11.95 per trade.
| Free |
| Free |
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPay | Bank TransferDebit Card |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCardSkrillNetellerFasaPay | 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 | CySEC FSCA FCA FSC | FCA |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 | Proprietary Web/Mobile |
|---|
| Active bonuses | None | 2 offers |
|---|
Hargreaves Lansdown edges FXTM on editorial score due to stronger trust and broader UK investment features.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.7 / 5
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