Are you confused about whether to choose TradeStation vs Firstrade as a broker for your investing needs?
In this side-by-side comparison, we analyse TradeStation 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!
TradeStation vs Firstrade: In a Nutshell
US investors looking for commission-free trades
TradeStation is a comprehensive online brokerage platform designed for active traders and investors, giving you a wide range of tradable assets (stocks, ETFs, options, futures, and forex),
One of the standout features of TradeStation is its robust trading technology. The platform provides access to real-time market data, customizable charting tools, and advanced order execution options.
The platform offers a wide range of educational resources, including webinars, tutorials, and a vibrant online community where traders can exchange ideas and insights.
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
TradeStation
Pros
- 0% commissions on stocks and ETFs
- Low commission on options trading
- Good research and education tools
- Sophisticated trading platforms
Cons
- Minimum deposit of $500
- High fees on withdrawal
- Weak customer support
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
TradeStation 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.
