Firstrade vs eToro 2025
In this head to head comparison of Firstrade vs eToro, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
In this head to head comparison of Firstrade vs eToro, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
When choosing between Firstrade and eToro for your investment needs, it's essential to understand their distinctive offerings. Firstrade stands out with a broad selection of investment options, making it the go-to choice for traditional investors. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars for its investment range, Firstrade offers stock, margin, and options trading, along with mutual funds and over-the-counter stocks. In contrast, eToro, rated 2.5 stars and ranked last among its peers, excels primarily in the crypto space, providing access to 26 different coins, but lacks options like margin trading and mutual funds. Whether you're interested in traditional assets or emerging digital currencies, each platform offers uniquely tailored services to suit different investment strategies.
Firstrade caters to a more conventional investor profile, offering a comprehensive range of investment choices, including trading stocks, options, and mutual funds. It also supports margin trading and provides access to over-the-counter stocks. For those planning for retirement, Firstrade offers traditional and Roth IRA accounts, adding a layer of versatility not available on eToro. However, Firstrade does not support crypto trading, which may limit options for those interested in digital currencies.
In contrast, eToro shines in the cryptocurrency niche and allows fractional share trading but does not offer some of the key traditional financial instruments that Firstrade provides, like mutual funds or OTC stocks. While eToro does not support margin trading or retirement accounts, it offers options trading alongside its crypto selections. This makes eToro an appealing choice for investors primarily interested in cryptocurrencies and stocks available via fractional trading.
Feature |
|
|
---|---|---|
Stock Trading | Yes | Yes |
Margin Trading | Yes | No |
Fractional Shares | Yes | Yes |
OTC Stocks | Yes | No |
Mutual Funds | Yes | No |
Options Trading | Yes | Yes |
Futures Trading | No | No |
Crypto Trading | No | Yes |
Crypto Trading - Total Coins | 0 | 26 |
Range of Investments |
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Dive deeper: Best Options Trading Platforms for 2025, Best Futures Trading Platforms for 2025: A Beginner-Friendly Guide to an Advanced Market
In the realm of online trading, Firstrade and eToro offer unique advantages that cater to different trader preferences. Firstrade receives a slightly higher rating of 3 stars compared to eToro's 2.5 stars for their trading platforms and tools. While both platforms provide browser-based trading options, neither offers a downloadable platform for Windows or Mac users. Firstrade outshines eToro with its 102 technical indicators and 50 watchlist columns, compared to eToro's 46 indicators and 7 columns. However, eToro compensates with features like paper trading, the ability to add notes to charts, and the option to save multiple chart profiles, which Firstrade does not provide.
Both Firstrade and eToro lack the capability to adjust open orders directly on stock charts and do not support chart pattern automation or custom date ranges. eToro impresses with 48 drawing tools for technical analysis, surpassing Firstrade's offerings of only 8. Moreover, while both platforms allow index overlays on charts, neither can display corporate events like earnings or dividends. Notably, Firstrade offers more customization when editing an SMA study with 6 fields to eToro's 5.
In conclusion, Firstrade and eToro each have unique strengths tailored for specific trading needs. Firstrade appeals to traders emphasizing technical indicators and extensive watchlist customization, while eToro caters to those valuing paper trading and charting flexibility. The choice between the two platforms largely hinges on personal preference regarding trading tools and features, as reflected in their close rankings among online brokers.
Feature |
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Web Trading Platform | Yes | Yes |
Desktop Trading Platform | No | No |
Desktop Platform (Mac) | No | No |
Paper Trading | No | Yes |
Watch Lists - Total Fields | 50 | 7 |
Charting - Indicators / Studies | 102 | 46 |
Charting - Drawing Tools | 8 | 48 |
Platforms & Tools |
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Dive deeper: Best Online Brokers & Trading Platforms for 2025, Best Paper Trading Apps & Platforms for 2025
When comparing Firstrade and eToro for beginner and investor education, both online brokers offer a solid foundation for those looking to learn about stocks. Firstrade stands out with its options education and features such as webinars and educational videos, although it lacks resources for ETFs, mutual funds, or bonds education. Unfortunately, Firstrade doesn’t offer paper trading or learning progress tracking, which could be a disadvantage for those eager to practice trading without financial risk.
On the other hand, eToro provides educational videos and a unique advantage with its paper trading feature, allowing beginners to practice in a risk-free environment. Similar to Firstrade, eToro does not cover ETFs, mutual funds, or bonds education. However, eToro does not offer options education, webinars, or quizzes. When evaluated by StockBrokers.com, Firstrade received a better educational ranking and rating, earning 3.5 out of 5 stars and securing the 12th spot among 14 brokers, while eToro was ranked last with a 2.5-star rating.
Feature |
|
|
---|---|---|
Education (Stocks) | Yes | Yes |
Education (ETFs) | No | No |
Education (Options) | Yes | No |
Education (Mutual Funds) | No | No |
Education (Bonds) | No | No |
Paper Trading | No | Yes |
Videos | Yes | Yes |
Webinars | Yes | No |
Education |
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Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Platforms for Beginners of 2025
When evaluating the overall stock trading app experience, Firstrade and eToro offer a comparable set of features, each excelling in distinct areas. Both platforms are highly rated at 4.5 stars, indicating strong user satisfaction, although Firstrade holds a slight edge with a higher ranking at #9 compared to eToro's #11 among stock trading apps reviewed by StockBrokers.com. These apps demonstrate broad compatibility, available on iOS and Android devices but not on Apple Watch, ensuring accessibility to users across popular mobile platforms.
Firstrade stands out with capabilities such as mobile after-hours stock trading, streaming quotes, customizable watch list columns, and the ability to view charts in landscape mode. It provides users with 81 technical studies for chart analysis, which, while fewer than eToro's offering, still allows for detailed market insights. On the other hand, eToro impresses with its provision of videos on demand, after-hours charting, and the facility to display stock comparisons on charts, along with a more extensive library of 103 technical studies, catering to users who favor rich charting capabilities.
Both apps deliver essential functionalities like options trading, custom watch lists, and stock alerts, ensuring traders enjoy a comprehensive trading experience on the go. While Firstrade offers some customization features that eToro lacks, eToro compensates by enhancing charting tools and educational content, making each platform suitable depending on individual trader preferences. Ultimately, your choice between Firstrade and eToro may hinge on which specific features align better with your trading style and analytical needs.
Feature |
|
|
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iPhone App | Yes | Yes |
Android App | Yes | Yes |
Apple Watch App | No | No |
Stock Alerts | Yes | Yes |
Charting - After-Hours | No | Yes |
Charting - Technical Studies | 81 | 103 |
Mobile Trading Apps |
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Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Apps for 2025
When it comes to choosing between Firstrade and eToro for your online trading needs, both stand strong with features catering to different investor preferences. Firstrade emerges as a cost-effective choice for those looking to avoid initial investment barriers, offering a $0 minimum deposit and no fees for stock or options trades. eToro, conversely, requires a modest $50 minimum deposit but matches Firstrade's zero-fee structure for stock and options trading. While both platforms offer commission-free trading, Firstrade maintains an edge with no IRA fees and zero charges for options-related activities.
Firstrade offers comprehensive account fee structures, spotlighting various features like margin trading with interest rates ranging from 13.00% to 13.75% depending on balance. In contrast, eToro does not provide margin trading services, which might limit traders interested in leveraging such options. When discussing account transfers, Firstrade charges $55 for partial and $75 for full transfers, whereas eToro maintains a flat $75 fee for either type of transfer. The slight variance in transfer fees could influence long-term strategic decisions based on potential future transitions between brokers.
For traders considering IRA-related services, Firstrade distinguishes itself by maintaining a $0 charge for both annual fees and closure fees, an area where eToro does not provide comparable service information. This becomes an important aspect for retirement-focused investors who prioritize cost-efficiency in managing long-term accounts. Overall, while both platforms offer competitive free trading experiences, Firstrade provides extra savings with its fee transparency and more detailed margin trading options, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious traders and retirement planners alike.
Feature |
|
|
---|---|---|
Minimum Deposit | $0.00 | $50.00 |
Stock Trades | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Options (Per Contract) | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Options Exercise Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Options Assignment Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
IRA Annual Fee | $0.00 | |
IRA Closure Fee | $0.00 |
Dive deeper: Best Free Trading Platforms for 2025
When it comes to day trading capabilities, Firstrade and eToro each have their own strengths and limitations. For traders requiring streaming time and sales data for stocks, eToro has the edge, offering this feature while Firstrade does not. However, both platforms lack other advanced trading features such as live streaming TV, direct market routing for stocks, ladder trading, and trading hotkeys for keyboard entry. Essential tools like level 2 quotes and both basic and advanced strategy backtesting are also unavailable with both platforms. This could affect traders who rely on detailed market analytics and simulation tools for their trading strategies.
Neither Firstrade nor eToro provides a short locator tool, which means traders aiming to view real-time availability of shares for short selling will need alternative solutions. Additionally, lacking order liquidity rebates, both platforms might not fully satisfy traders looking for incentives related to maker/taker fees. While eToro’s offering of streaming time and sales for stocks may be beneficial for some day traders, those in need of a more comprehensive suite of trading tools might find both platforms lacking in features that support high-frequency trading or in-depth market analysis.
Feature |
|
|
---|---|---|
Streaming Time & Sales | No | Yes |
Streaming TV | No | No |
Direct Market Routing - Stocks | No | No |
Level 2 Quotes - Stocks | No | No |
Trade Ideas - Backtesting | No | No |
Trade Ideas - Backtesting Adv | No | No |
Short Locator | No | No |
Dive deeper: Best Day Trading Platforms for 2025
When it comes to market research capabilities, Firstrade outpaces eToro significantly. Firstrade offers a comprehensive suite of research tools and assets, allowing investors to delve into stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, pink sheets, OTCBB, and bonds. Investors can also explore a wide range of portfolio allocation insights by asset class, augmented by social media sentiment and ESG research data. Most notably, Firstrade provides downloadable PDF reports for stocks and ETFs, along with an array of screeners for trade ideas across several asset types, making it a strong choice for research-driven investors. Conversely, eToro covers stock and ETF research but lacks in-depth resources across mutual funds, bonds, and other critical investment categories, limiting its research capabilities. This disparity is reflected in ratings, with Firstrade earning 4.5 stars against eToro's 1.5 stars, and StockBrokers.com ranking Firstrade #6 and eToro #14 out of 14 brokers.
Firstrade excels at providing a wide array of research tools, making it an ideal platform for investors who require detailed market insights. With capabilities such as a stock screener, ETF screener, and mutual fund screener, investors can easily generate trade ideas tailored to their investment strategy. Firstrade's inclusion of downloadable PDF reports offers valued documentation and insights, although it doesn't extend to mutual funds. Additionally, the ability to view portfolio allocations by asset class further empowers investors with control and precision.
In contrast, eToro provides a less comprehensive approach to market research. While it does offer basic stock and ETF research enhanced with social media sentiment and ESG analysis, it falls short in mutual fund and bond research, lacking the depth that investors might need for informed decision-making. The absence of downloadable PDF reports and trade idea screeners is also a downside for research-inclined users. Overall, eToro's market research features are geared towards a more casual investor demographic, one that might not require as much detailed analysis as Firstrade offers.
Feature |
|
|
---|---|---|
Research - Stocks | Yes | Yes |
Screener - Stocks | Yes | No |
Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes |
Screener - ETFs | Yes | No |
Research - Mutual Funds | Yes | No |
Screener - Mutual Funds | Yes | No |
Research - Bonds | Yes | No |
Screener - Bonds | Yes | No |
Research |
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When comparing Firstrade and eToro on their banking capabilities, Firstrade stands out by offering a few more options for financial management. Firstrade provides checking accounts and debit cards, along with certificates of deposit (CDs), giving users a bit more breadth in banking services. Meanwhile, eToro does not offer these services, focusing solely on trading and investment. Neither Firstrade nor eToro offer savings accounts, credit cards, or mortgage loans. Therefore, for those looking for an online broker that extends beyond trading to include some basic banking functions, Firstrade offers a slight edge over eToro.
Feature |
|
|
---|---|---|
Checking Accounts | Yes | No |
Savings Accounts | No | No |
Debit Cards | Yes | No |
Credit Cards | No | No |
Mortgage Loans | No | No |
CDs | Yes | No |
Dive deeper: Best Brokerage Checking Accounts for 2025
After opening live accounts and testing 14 of the best online brokers, our research and live account testing finds that Firstrade is better than eToro. Firstrade finished with an overall score of 81.8%, while eToro finished with a score of 66.1%.
Firstrade scored well for penny stock trading in our 2024 Annual Awards, and is a great choice for Chinese-speaking investors. However, it lags behind the competition in certain areas, especially platforms, tools and education.
Firstrade does not offer cryptocurrency trading, while eToro provides access to trading with 26 different coins, making eToro a more suitable choice for investors interested in the crypto market.
Dive deeper: Best Online Brokers for Crypto Trading in 2025
Firstrade offers both traditional and Roth IRA accounts with no annual or closure fees, whereas eToro does not provide traditional or Roth IRA options.
Dive deeper: Best IRA Accounts for 2025
Select Brokers
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0 of 5Overall Rating | Firstrade | eToro | |
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Overall |
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Platforms & Tools |
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Mobile Trading Apps |
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Research |
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Customer Service |
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Education |
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Ease of Use |
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Winner | check_circle | ||
Review | Firstrade Review | eToro Review |
Broker Screenshots | Firstrade | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Trading Platform & Tools Gallery (click to expand) | |||
Research Gallery (click to expand) | |||
Mobile Trading Apps Gallery (click to expand) | |||
Education Gallery (click to expand) |
Trading Fees | Firstrade | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Minimum Deposit | $0.00 | $50.00 | |
Stock Trades | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
Penny Stock Fees (OTC) | $0.00 | N/A | |
Mutual Fund Trade Fee | $0 | N/A | |
Options (Per Contract) | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
Futures (Per Contract) | (Not offered) | (Not offered) | |
Broker Assisted Trade Fee | $19.95 | $0 |
Margin Rates | Firstrade | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Margin Rate Under $25,000 | 13.75% | Not offered | |
Margin Rate $25,000 to $49,999.99 | 13.50% | Not offered | |
Margin Rate $50,000 to $99,999.99 | 13.00% | Not offered | |
Margin Rate $100,000 to $249,999.99 | 12.50% | Not offered | |
Margin Rate $250,000 to $499,999.99 | 12.50% | Not offered | |
Margin Rate $500,000 to $999,999.99 | 12.50% | Not offered | |
Margin Rate Above $1,000,000 | 12.50% | Not offered |
Account Fees | Firstrade | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
IRA Annual Fee | $0.00 | ||
IRA Closure Fee | $0.00 | ||
Account Transfer Out (Partial) | $55.00 | $75.00 | |
Account Transfer Out (Full) | $75.00 | $75.00 | |
Options Exercise Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
Options Assignment Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Investment Options | Firstrade | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Stock Trading | Yes | Yes | |
Margin Trading | Yes | No | |
Fractional Shares | Yes | Yes | |
OTC Stocks | Yes | No | |
Options Trading | Yes | Yes | |
Complex Options Max Legs | 4 | 0 | |
Futures Trading | No | No | |
Forex Trading | No | No | |
Crypto Trading | No | Yes | |
Crypto Trading - Total Coins | 0 | 26 | |
Mutual Funds (No Load) | 15460 | 0 | |
Mutual Funds (Total) | 19666 | 0 | |
Bonds (US Treasury) | Yes | No | |
Bonds (Corporate) | Yes | No | |
Bonds (Municipal) | Yes | No | |
Traditional IRAs | Yes | No | |
Roth IRAs | Yes | No | |
Advisor Services | No | No | |
International Countries (Stocks) | 0 | 0 |
Order Types | Firstrade | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Order Type - Market | Yes | Yes | |
Order Type - Limit | Yes | No | |
Order Type - After Hours | Yes | No | |
Order Type - Stop | Yes | Yes | |
Order Type - Trailing Stop | Yes | Yes | |
Order Type - OCO | Yes | No | |
Order Type - OTO | Yes | No | |
Order Type - Broker Assisted | Yes | No |
Beginners | Firstrade | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Education (Stocks) | Yes | Yes | |
Education (ETFs) | No | No | |
Education (Options) | Yes | No | |
Education (Mutual Funds) | No | No | |
Education (Bonds) | No | No | |
Education (Retirement) | Yes | No | |
Retirement Calculator | Yes | No | |
Investor Dictionary | Yes | No | |
Paper Trading | No | Yes | |
Videos | Yes | Yes | |
Webinars | Yes | No | |
Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No | |
Progress Tracking | No | No | |
Interactive Learning - Quizzes | No | No |
Stock Trading Apps | Firstrade | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
iPhone App | Yes | Yes | |
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
Apple Watch App | No | No | |
Trading - Stocks | Yes | Yes | |
Trading - After-Hours | Yes | No | |
Trading - Simple Options | Yes | Yes | |
Trading - Complex Options | Yes | No | |
Order Ticket RT Quotes | Yes | Yes | |
Order Ticket SRT Quotes | Yes | Yes |
Stock App Features | Firstrade | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Market Movers (Top Gainers) | Yes | Yes | |
Stream Live TV | No | No | |
Videos on Demand | No | Yes | |
Stock Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
Option Chains Viewable | Yes | Yes | |
Watch List (Real-time) | Yes | Yes | |
Watch List (Streaming) | Yes | Yes | |
Watch Lists - Create & Manage | Yes | Yes | |
Watch Lists - Column Customization | Yes | No |
Stock App Charting | Firstrade | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Charting - After-Hours | No | Yes | |
Charting - Can Turn Horizontally | Yes | No | |
Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
Charting - Technical Studies | 81 | 103 | |
Charting - Study Customizations | Yes | Yes | |
Charting - Stock Comparisons | No | Yes |
Trading Platforms | Firstrade | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Active Trading Platform | N/A | N/A | |
Desktop Trading Platform | No | No | |
Desktop Platform (Mac) | No | No | |
Web Trading Platform | Yes | Yes | |
Paper Trading | No | Yes | |
Trade Journal | No | No | |
Watch Lists - Total Fields | 50 | 7 |
Stock Chart Features | Firstrade | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Charting - Adjust Trades on Chart | No | No | |
Charting - Indicators / Studies | 102 | 46 | |
Charting - Drawing Tools | 8 | 48 | |
Charting - Notes | No | Yes | |
Charting - Index Overlays | Yes | Yes | |
Charting - Historical Trades | No | No | |
Charting - Corporate Events | No | No | |
Charting - Custom Date Range | No | No | |
Charting - Custom Time Bars | No | No | |
Charting - Automated Analysis | No | No | |
Charting - Save Profiles | No | Yes | |
Trade Ideas - Technical Analysis | Yes | Yes | |
Charting - Study Customizations | 6 | 5 | |
Charting - Custom Studies | No | No |
Day Trading | Firstrade | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Streaming Time & Sales | No | Yes | |
Streaming TV | No | No | |
Direct Market Routing - Stocks | No | No | |
Ladder Trading | No | No | |
Trade Hotkeys | No | No | |
Level 2 Quotes - Stocks | No | No | |
Trade Ideas - Backtesting | No | No | |
Trade Ideas - Backtesting Adv | No | No | |
Short Locator | No | No | |
Order Liquidity Rebates | No | No |
Research Overview | Firstrade | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Research - Stocks | Yes | Yes | |
Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes | |
Research - Mutual Funds | Yes | No | |
Research - Pink Sheets / OTCBB | Yes | No | |
Research - Bonds | Yes | No | |
Screener - Stocks | Yes | No | |
Screener - ETFs | Yes | No | |
Screener - Mutual Funds | Yes | No | |
Screener - Bonds | Yes | No | |
Misc - Portfolio Allocation | Yes | No |
Stock Research | Firstrade | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Stock Research - PDF Reports | 1 | 0 | |
Stock Research - Earnings | Yes | Yes | |
Stock Research - Insiders | Yes | Yes | |
Stock Research - Social | Yes | Yes | |
Stock Research - News | Yes | Yes | |
Stock Research - ESG | Yes | Yes | |
Stock Research - SEC Filings | Yes | Yes |
ETF Research | Firstrade | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
ETFs - Strategy Overview | Yes | Yes | |
ETF Fund Facts - Inception Date | Yes | No | |
ETF Fund Facts - Expense Ratio | Yes | No | |
ETF Fund Facts - Net Assets | Yes | No | |
ETF Fund Facts - Total Holdings | Yes | No | |
ETFs - Top 10 Holdings | Yes | No | |
ETFs - Sector Exposure | Yes | No | |
ETFs - Risk Analysis | Yes | No | |
ETFs - Ratings | Yes | Yes | |
ETFs - Morningstar StyleMap | Yes | No | |
ETFs - PDF Reports | Yes | No |
Mutual Fund Research | Firstrade | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Mutual Funds - Strategy Overview | Yes | No | |
Mutual Funds - Performance Chart | Yes | No | |
Mutual Funds - Performance Analysis | Yes | No | |
Mutual Funds - Prospectus | Yes | No | |
Mutual Funds - 3rd Party Ratings | Yes | No | |
Mutual Funds - Fees Breakdown | Yes | No | |
Mutual Funds - Top 10 Holdings | Yes | No | |
Mutual Funds - Asset Allocation | Yes | No | |
Mutual Funds - Sector Allocation | Yes | No | |
Mutual Funds - Country Allocation | Yes | No | |
Mutual Funds - StyleMap | Yes | No |
Options Trading | Firstrade | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Option Chains - Basic View | Yes | Yes | |
Option Chains - Strategy View | Yes | No | |
Option Chains - Streaming | No | No | |
Option Chains - Total Columns | 8 | 0 | |
Option Chains - Greeks | 5 | 4 | |
Option Chains - Quick Analysis | No | Yes | |
Option Analysis - P&L Charts | Yes | No | |
Option Probability Analysis | No | No | |
Option Probability Analysis Adv | Yes | No | |
Option Positions - Greeks | No | No | |
Option Positions - Greeks Streaming | No | No | |
Option Positions - Adv Analysis | No | No | |
Option Positions - Rolling | Yes | No | |
Option Positions - Grouping | No | No |
Banking | Firstrade | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Bank (Member FDIC) | No | No | |
Checking Accounts | Yes | No | |
Savings Accounts | No | No | |
Credit Cards | No | No | |
Debit Cards | Yes | No | |
Mortgage Loans | No | No |
Customer Service | Firstrade | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Phone Support (Prospect Customers) | Yes | No | |
Phone Support (Current Customers) | Yes | No | |
Email Support | Yes | Yes | |
Live Chat (Prospect Customers) | Yes | Yes | |
Live Chat (Current Customers) | Yes | Yes | |
24/7 Support | No | No |
Overall | Firstrade | eToro | |
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Overall |
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Range of Investments |
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Platforms & Tools |
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Mobile Trading Apps |
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Research |
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Education |
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Ease of Use |
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Winner | check_circle | ||
Review | Firstrade Review | eToro Review |