This comparison pits cost conscious, mobile first trading against institutional grade market access. Robinhood prioritizes simplicity and fractional shares, while Saxo Bank offers broad global access and advanced tools.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose if…
Choose Robinhood if you want zero commissions and fractional shares.
Choose if…
Choose Saxo Bank if you need broad global access and professional tools.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
| Editorial score | 3.8/ 5 | 4.5/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | N/A | $2,000 |
| Spreads from | N/A | 0.6 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | $100/quarter (low-balance accounts) |
| Deposit fee | Free |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Robinhood | Saxo Bank |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Fail | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Fail | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Pass | Fail |
| No deposit fee | Pass | — |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Pass | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Pass | Pass |
| Extended hours trading | Pass | Pass |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Fail | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Fail |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
Saxo Bank rates 4.5/5 versus 3.8/5 for Robinhood. Saxo Bank edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Saxo Bank starts from 0.6. Current spread data is not available for Robinhood. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
Saxo Bank requires $2000. Minimum deposit information is not currently available for Robinhood.
Both Robinhood 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, Saxo Bank provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
Robinhood lists maximum leverage of 1:4, 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.
Robinhood supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, while Saxo Bank supports SaxoTraderGO, Proprietary Web/Mobile. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. Saxo Bank has exclusive access to SaxoTraderGO.
Robinhood offers commission-free stock trading while Saxo Bank does not according to our data. Commission-free trading can reduce costs for frequent traders. Always confirm the current fee structure directly on each broker's website.
Saxo Bank scores higher on investor protection criteria, with compensation scheme coverage and segregated client funds. For stock investors, confirming compensation scheme coverage ensures your assets are protected up to a defined limit if the broker becomes insolvent.
Robinhood wins for low-cost trading thanks to commission-free trades.
Saxo Bank leads on safety and regulation with a broader top level regulatory footprint.
Equally matched for long-term investing; both offer fractional shares and DRIP.
Saxo Bank wins for active traders with professional grade tools and broad research.
Robinhood is best for beginners thanks to a clean, beginner friendly interface.
Saxo Bank wins for global market access with 50+ exchanges.
| Free |
| Deposit methods | Bank transferACHDebit card | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferACH | Bank transfer |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Commission-free | Yes | No |
|---|
| Fractional shares | Yes | No |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Extended hours | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | SEC FINRA | ASIC JFSA CNMV KNF FCA DFSA MFSA ACPR Finansinspektionen CBI CMA SFC Finanstilsynet FINMA MAS Finanstilsynet FSC |
|---|
| Platforms | Proprietary Web/Mobile | SaxoTraderGO Proprietary Web/Mobile |
|---|
| Active bonuses | 2 offers | 2 offers |
|---|
Saxo Bank edges Robinhood on the editorial score, driven by Saxo Bank's stronger platforms, broader global access, and a more robust regulatory profile.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.8 / 5
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