In a head to head on regulation, platforms, and global reach, FXTM and Saxo Bank pull in different directions on market access and pricing.
Saxo Bank edges FXTM on editorial score due to stronger regulation, richer platforms, and wider market access.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Saxo Bank wins for safety & regulation with broader multi-jurisdiction oversight.
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 4.5/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $2,000 |
| Spreads from | 1.5 pips | 0.6 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | $100/quarter (low-balance accounts) |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | FXTM | Saxo Bank |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Pass |
| 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 |
Saxo Bank rates 4.5/5 versus 3.7/5 for FXTM. Saxo Bank edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Saxo Bank lists tighter spreads from 0.6, compared with FXTM's 1.5. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
FXTM has no minimum deposit, while Saxo Bank requires at least $2000. This makes FXTM more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both FXTM and Saxo Bank 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: FXTM has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
FXTM lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while Saxo Bank lists up to 1:5. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
FXTM supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while Saxo Bank supports SaxoTraderGO, Proprietary Web/Mobile. FXTM has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. Saxo Bank has exclusive access to SaxoTraderGO and Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Neither FXTM nor Saxo Bank 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 Saxo Bank 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.
Saxo Bank wins for long-term investing with DRIP and multi-asset options.
Saxo Bank wins for active traders with 60,000+ instruments and advanced research.
FXTM wins for beginners thanks to a $0 minimum deposit and MT4/MT5 access.
Saxo Bank wins for global market access with 50+ exchanges.
Saxo Bank wins for low cost trading based on the Fees & Spreads category score.
| Deposit fee |
|---|
| Free |
| Free |
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPay | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPay | Bank transfer |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Commission-free | No | No |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | No |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | Yes |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | Yes |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA FSCA CySEC FSC | FCA ASIC JFSA MAS DFSA FINMA Finanstilsynet ACPR CNMV Finanstilsynet MFSA SFC Finansinspektionen CBI KNF CMA FSC |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 | SaxoTraderGO Proprietary Web/Mobile |
|---|
| Active bonuses | None | 2 offers |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.7 / 5
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