This matchup pits global stock access, platform depth, and regulation between Swissquote and Windsor Brokers. The tension centers on breadth of markets versus fee structures.
Swissquote leads overall, while Windsor Brokers trails, due to Swissquote's higher editorial score and broader exchange access.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose Swissquote if…
Swissquote for real shares held in Swiss bank custody across 60 exchanges. It also offers a proprietary platform alongside MT4/MT5. Windsor Brokers for CySEC regulation with ICF compensation up to EUR 20,000. It has a 35+ year operating history.
Choose Windsor Brokers if…
Swissquote for real shares held in Swiss bank custody across 60 exchanges. It also offers a proprietary platform alongside MT4/MT5. Windsor Brokers for CySEC regulation with ICF compensation up to EUR 20,000. It has a 35+ year operating history.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Swissquote wins safety and regulation due to FINMA licensing and Swiss bank custody.
| Editorial score | 4.3/ 5 | 3.4/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $1,000 | $100▼ lower |
| Spreads from | 1.7 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $8/lot |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Swissquote | Windsor Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass | Fail |
| 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 3.4/5 for Windsor Brokers. Swissquote edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Windsor Brokers 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.
Windsor Brokers has $100, while Swissquote requires at least $1000. This makes Windsor Brokers more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both Swissquote and Windsor Brokers 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: Windsor Brokers 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.
Swissquote lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while Windsor Brokers lists up to 500:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
Windsor Brokers charges $8 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.
Swissquote supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while Windsor Brokers supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. Swissquote has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Neither Swissquote nor Windsor Brokers 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 Swissquote and Windsor Brokers 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 combines MT4/MT5 with a proprietary platform, boosting advanced trading tools.
Windsor Brokers' $100 minimum deposit lowers entry for new investors.
Swissquote offers access to 60 exchanges, far more than Windsor's five.
Windsor Brokers offers the lowest entry point with a $100 minimum deposit.
Swissquote wins with real shares held in Swiss bank custody across 60 exchanges.
| N/A |
| 0.8 pips |
| Inactivity fee | CHF 10/month (after 6 months) | None |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transfer | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| 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 | DFSA FCA FINMA | CySEC FSCA |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 | MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.4 / 5
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