Are you confused about whether to choose AJ Bell vs Firstrade as a broker for your investing needs?
In this side-by-side comparison, we analyse AJ Bell vs Firstrade to help you understand how these apps compare on some of the most common features and make a better-informed decision about the best broker for you.
Below, you’ll find the pros and cons of each broker, as well as a comparison table that features the different fees charged, the financial instruments supported, the regulation, and more. Keep reading!
AJ Bell vs Firstrade: In a Nutshell
Pension plans in the UK
AJ Bell is a prominent investment platform and wealth management company based in the United Kingdom. It offers stocks, ETFs, funds, and pensions.
One of AJ Bell’s key strengths lies in its transparent and competitive fee structure. The company aims to provide cost-effective investment solutions, offering investors access to a range of low-cost options.
AJ Bell places a strong emphasis on customer service and support. Besides, it is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
US investors looking for US options only
Firstrade is a traditional company founded in 1985 that recently changed its strategy to become a commission-free online trading platform for stocks, ETFs and options.
The broker is considered safe, with a long track record that survived a few crises and top-tier regulators’ supervision.
The main drawbacks are its limited products offering (no European ETFs, stocks,…) and the fact that it only offers fractional shares on reinvested dividends.
Pros and Cons
AJ Bell
Pros
- User-Friendly Platform
- Good customer service
- Transparent fee structure
- Regular educational content
Cons
- Limited Product Range (no forex, options and futures)
- Low technical data
Firstrade
Pros
- Commission-free stock, ETF, mutual fund and options trading
- Good research and educational content
- No inactivity fees
- No minimum deposit
Cons
- You can trade only on US markets
- No 24/7 customer support
- No demo account
- No fractional shares
AJ Bell vs Firstrade: Side-by-side Comparison
- General Information
- Founded in
- Demo Account
- Account Minimum
- Interest on unninvested cash (annually)
- Products
- Stocks
- ETFs
- Bonds
- Funds
- Options
- Futures
- CFDs
- Leverage Products
- Forex
- Cryptocurrencies
- Commodities
- Fees
- US stocks
- EU stocks
- ETFs
- Cryptocurrencies
- Custody Fee
- Inactivity Fee
- Withdrawal Fee
- Connectivity Fee
- Currency Conversion Fee
- Security
- Regulators
- Investor Compensation Scheme(per person, per institution)
Franklin is a CFA Level III Candidate with 3 years of experience in Wealth Management as a Fund Research Analyst and the Host of the "Edge Over Hedge" YouTube Channel.
