Two brokers square off over stock access, pricing models and custody. Libertex touts a commission-based CFD approach, while Swissquote delivers real shares under strong regulation.
Swissquote edges Libertex on regulation, real share ownership and global exchange access, supported by a higher editorial score; Libertex remains a commission-based, CFDs-focused alternative.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose Libertex if…
Choose Libertex if you prefer a low-entry, commission-based CFD model with zero spreads.
Choose Swissquote if…
Choose Swissquote if you value real share ownership across many exchanges with strong regulation and custody.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Swissquote wins for safety & regulation because of FINMA licence and depositor protection.
| Editorial score | 3.5/ 5 | 4.3/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $10▼ lower | $1,000 |
| Spreads from | 0 pips▼ lower | 1.7 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | $5/month (after 180 days) | CHF 10/month (after 6 months) |
| Deposit fee |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Libertex | 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 3.5/5 for Libertex. Swissquote edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Libertex 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.
Libertex has $10, while Swissquote requires at least $1000. This makes Libertex more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both Libertex 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: Libertex requires a lower minimum deposit ($10), lowering the barrier to entry, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
Libertex lists maximum leverage of 999:1, 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.
Libertex supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while Swissquote supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and Proprietary Web/Mobile and MetaTrader 4.
Neither Libertex 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 Libertex 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.
Swissquote wins for active traders with research tools and stock screener.
Swissquote wins for global market access with 60 exchanges.
Libertex wins for low-cost trading due to commission-based pricing and zero spreads.
Swissquote wins for long-term investors with real shares and custody.
| Free |
| Free |
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | 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 | CySEC | DFSA FCA FINMA |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 | MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.5 / 5
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