Firstrade vs Vanguard Comparison
Comparing brokers side by side is no easy task. For our 2023 annual broker review, we spent hundreds of hours assessing 17 brokerages to find the best online broker. Let's compare Firstrade vs Vanguard.
Is Firstrade or Vanguard better for beginners?
Firstrade offers more comprehensive new investor education for beginner investors than Vanguard. Firstrade offers investors access to Videos, Education (Stocks), Education (Options) and Education (Retirement), while Vanguard offers investors access to Videos, Education (Stocks) and Education (Retirement). Neither have Paper Trading, Education (ETFs), Education (Mutual Funds) and Education (Bonds).
What about Firstrade vs Vanguard pricing?
Firstrade and Vanguard charge the same amount for regular stock trades, $0.00. Option contracts are pricier at Vanguard, costing $1.00 per contract versus $0.00 per contract at Firstrade. For a complete commissions summary, see our best brokers for free stock trading guide.
Does Firstrade or Vanguard offer a wider range of investment options?
Firstrade offers investors access to Stock Trading, Options Trading, OTC Stocks and Mutual Funds, while Vanguard offers investors access to Stock Trading, Options Trading, OTC Stocks, Mutual Funds and Advisor Services. Neither have Fractional Shares, Futures Trading and Forex Trading. Looking at Mutual Funds, Vanguard trails Firstrade in its offering of no transaction fee (NTF) mutual funds, with Firstrade offering 3767 and Vanguard offering .
Which trading platform is better: Firstrade or Vanguard?
To compare the trading platforms of Firstrade and Vanguard, we tested each broker's trading tools, research capabilities, and mobile apps. For trading tools, Firstrade offers a better experience. With research, Firstrade offers superior market research. Finally, we found Firstrade to provide better mobile trading apps.
Does either broker offer banking?
Online banking can be a benefit for investors, and some brokerages do provide banking services to customers. Checking Accounts and Debit Cards are offered by Firstrade while Vanguard offers none. Neither have Savings Accounts, Credit Cards and Mortgage Loans.
Is Firstrade good?
Firstrade scored well in our 2023 Annual Review for ease of use, and is a great choice for Chinese-speaking investors. However, it lags behind the competition in certain areas, especially platforms, tools and education.
Is Vanguard good?
Vanguard is aimed squarely at buy-and-hold investors, and its platform reflects that focus. Vanguard is known for its low-cost funds, and the investment platform is really built for those looking to invest solely in mutual funds and ETFs.
Firstrade vs Vanguard Winner
Overall winner: Firstrade
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