The 5 best stock trading accounts for beginners in comparison
Table of Contents
Stock trading is associated by many with easy money but is highly risky. The value of your investments can either skyrocket or plunge to more than half in minutes. But luck is not the single culprit here. Market knowledge, watching world events, and trading strategies can spell the difference. Equally important is choosing the right trading partner with the best knowledge, tools, diverse offerings, and fast trading. Let us look at the best 5 Stock Trading a current accounts in the market.
Stock Broker: | Review: | Stocks Available: | Spreads: | Assets: | Advantages: | account: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. XTB  | Yes | Starting 0.1 pips | 3,000+ | + More than 3,000 different markets + Very good trading conditions + Direct market access + Bonus program | Live account from $0(Risk warning: 72% of retail CFD accounts lose money) | |
2. eToro  | Yes | Starting 0.2 pips | 3,000+ | + A regulated and safe company + Social and copy trading + Innovative and user-friendly platform + Professional support + Minimum deposit of only $ 200 | Live account from $20076% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. | |
3. Markets.com  | Yes | Starting 0.6 pips | 250+ | + Accepts international traders + Very fast execution + No hidden fees + Low trading fees + Supports MetaTrader 4/5 + Free bonus available | Live account from $250(Risk warning: 67% of retail CFD accounts lose money) | |
4. Admirals  | Yes | Starting 0.0 Pips | 4,000+ | + High security of investments + Quality support and services +Offers mobile trading + Reliable and competitive spreads | Live account from $1(Risk warning: 76% of retail CFD accounts lose money) | |
5. Vantage Markets  | Yes | Starting 0.0 pips | 400+ | + Real ECN Trading + Very fast execution + No hidden fees + Low trading fees + Supports MetaTrader 4/5 + Free bonus available | Live account from $200(Risk warning: Your capital can be at risk) |
(5 / 5)
The list of the 5 best stock trading accounts includes:
- XTB – Good trading conditions
- eToro – Leverage up to 1:30 for european traders
- Markets.com – Over 8,200 markets to trade
- Admirals – High security for traders
- Vantage Markets – Reliable support and service
1. XTB – Good trading conditions
XTB is one of the leading CFD and FX brokers today. They grew their client base to more than 300,000 since they began in 2004. You can trade in Forex, ETFs, Indices, and Commodities using XTB.
Your money is guaranteed with XTB since they are supervised by the authorities. They submit to the FCA, KNF of Poland, and CySEC. Also, they follow the rules by the DFSA of Dubai, the IFSC of Belize, and the CNMV of Spain.
It is easy to trade with XTB since they use a platform that integrates different assets. You can do Forex trading with 57 currency pairs. Or trade the stocks of Facebook, Amazon, Walt Disney, and many more with the almost 2,000 CFDs available. You can also choose among the 135 ETF CFDs, 35 indices, and 23 commodities to help widen your portfolio.
If you are hyped with crypto, you can trade in these five digital currencies in XTB: Bitcoin, Ripple, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Bitcoin Cash.
Their trading platform called xStation 5 is delightful. Access it with your web browser, mobile app, or desktop app. The apps are easily accessible through the App Store or the Google Play store.
When using XTB, don’t forget to check out the other cool features they provide. Take your skills to the next level through trading lessons. They have classes for beginners and advanced traders. Take advantage of the articles, video tutorials, and customized quizzes. Be updated on the news 24/7 and see real-time trends, price tables, and market calendars.
It’s easy to get started with XTB. Just go to the website and create your account. Choose between a Standard and a Professional account. Enter your details, such as name, phone number, and tax number. Then answer a few more questions about your finances together and submit them with your government-issued ID card. And then you are all set to start trading stocks.
But before jumping in on a real account, create a demo service for free. This will allow you to practice and learn without risking losing your hard-earned cash.
XTB will not ask you for a $100 minimum deposit but watch out for fees and commissions for every transaction. The basic account will have more fees vs. the professional one. Watch out, too, for the charges that your bank or digital wallet will charge for money transfers. Check the specifics on the registration page to know the fees you will get.
As a value-added service, you can count on the support team of XTB all the time, 5 days per week. Check out the chat support feature on the webpage, mobile app, or desktop app. They can speak English, French, Russian, German, Arabic, Thai, Vietnamese, and others.
Trading is possible in all countries except the following: United States, Canada, Cuba, Japan, Singapore, Israel, India, Turkey, Pakistan, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Australia, Romania, Slovakia, Mauritius, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda.
XTB at a glance:
- Trading in over 2,100 assets globally
- Authorized by top regulators in the world
- Almost 2,000 different stock trading options are available
- Account opening can be done online
- Flexible account types offered: for beginners or professionals
- No minimum deposit is required
- Trading can be done on the web, desktop, and mobile
- A lot of resources are available
- Chat is active 24/5 in many languages
(Risk warning: 72% of retail CFD accounts lose money)
2. Etoro – Leverage up to 1:30 for European traders
Etoro is a very popular broker with more than 10 million users coming from 140 countries. You can see them active on Facebook and Twitter and on other social media pages, which makes them recognizable to many people.
When you invest through Etoro, you are protected by different authorities in the major markets they operate. This includes the FinCEN and FINRA in the US, FCA in the UK, ASIC in Australia, CySec, and GFSC in Europe.
Using Etoro’s trading platform is a breeze with an uncomplicated and functional design. Choose from the wide range of assets available: commodities, currency pairs, ETFs, and indices. Trade with Apple, Tesla, Alphabet (Google), Facebook, Amazon, and over 900 other stocks from all over the world.
Hone your trading skills with the 53 currency pairs and the widest range of digital currencies offered anywhere.
With Etoro’s trading platform, you can trade from anywhere, right from your mobile phone. All the features of the platform can be used by your phone, something that other companies can only offer on the webpage. You can also change devices in a snap: switch to your laptop, phone, or tablet fast. And this comes free for download from the AppStore or the Google Play store.
You will love another feature from Etoro called the CopyTrader. Using this function, you can copy the strategy of successful traders with a few clicks.
To get started, you must register with Etoro. It is made simpler by having only one account type. There is no complicated decision-making at this stage. Fill up the online registration, submit the documents, and you’re done. To make your first trade, deposit at least $200 using your credit card, do a bank transfer or link your digital wallet. If you live in the US, you can start trading for only $50.
But before jumping in, check out the free eToro demo account, which comes with a $100,000 credit. This will give you a chance to experience trading first-hand without the risk of losing money.
Note that on top of the minimum deposit, eToro will also charge you fees for transactions, including withdrawal and currency conversion fees. Be sure to check the terms of the stock trading account before making your first trade.
Etoro takes pride in having a one-stop shop for all client requirements. Feel free to ask questions and locate answers in a dedicated user database. If you have a ticket number for a complaint, you can follow up from here. Alternatively, a customer service agent is ready to answer you from Monday to Friday, 24 hours per day.
You cannot participate in Etoro’s trading platform if you are from Singapore, Japan, Macau, Hong Kong, Turkey, Iran, India, Saudi Arabia, Madagascar, Canada, and New Zealand.
Etoro at a glance:
- More than 10 million clients in 140 countries
- Popular on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media channels
- Regulated by authorities in major markets
- Introduced CopyTrader, designed for beginners
- Trade anywhere and on any platform
- Only one stock trading account type. No complicated options.
- Offers a free account with a $100,000 credit
- Developed a one-stop-shop for better client service
- Many payments and withdrawal methods
76% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
3. Markets.com – Over 8,200 markets to trade
Markets.com is a CFD and FX broker that got the Best Trading Platform recognition for 2020. It has a huge market capitalization backed by mother companies Finalto (BVI) limited and Playtech, famous in gaming and financial trading tech.
All your investments through Markets.com are secured with strict regulations from the FSC, CySEC, FCA, and ASIC in Australia.
It is easy to trade with Markets.com since there are a variety of assets available for you. For Forex traders, you can select from the 67 major and minor currency pairs. Digital currency enthusiasts have 25 various crypto assets traded daily. Choose from Bitcoin Futures, Ripple, Ethereum, and many others.
If you prefer stock trading, its diverse portfolio of almost 2,000 blue-chip companies is very welcome. Also, you can trade in 28 commodities and 40 stock market indices.
Markets.com is easily accessible through your web browsers. There are a lot of features to explore, especially for beginners. It is easy to connect with experts by using trader insights. What is more interesting is that all these features are built into the system. So, you can explore from one easy-to-navigate platform. Make sure to use the market sentiments to know how people feel about the asset and trading news. If you are always on the go, you can access MarketsX using your mobile phone. Get it free through the Apple or Google Play stores.
You will also love the trading cubes feature. This is like a multi-tasker device that allows you to view different assets all on one screen. You will save time and energy just by using this tool.
If you want to open a stock trading account, it comes easy with Markets.com. The registration process is simple and easy to follow. Just provide all the details and documents needed. Choose between a retail or a professional account. If you are planning to invest more than half a million dollars, get a professional account. Otherwise, the retail account is best suited for you. For Muslim clients, ask for details of the Islamic Sharia account.
Do take advantage of the test account to assess your trading skills without the potential of losing money. But stay active because if you don’t perform any transaction in three months, your account will be removed. Another good thing about Markets.com is that you can use your demo account and live trading account at the same time. So before putting your cash in stock, test your strategy first with the demo account.
Your live account needs at least $100 to start trading. Load up with Skrill, Neteller, PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, and bank transfers. They charge commissions on stock trading and other fees, including penalties for inactivity, so be careful. Alternatively, there are bonuses available, so watch out for them. Take advantage of a sign-up bonus and refer your friend schemes offered in some countries.
A dedicated customer service team will assist you 24 hours a day and 5 days per week to answer your trading problems. Call them (for UK customers), chat with them, or click the contact us section on the webpage or the mobile app to get in touch. You can also search the knowledge database in English, Spanish, or Arabic.
Trading in many countries but not in the following: Singapore, India, Iran, Hong Kong, Syria, Turkey, Israel, Japan, United States, Russia, Canada, New Zealand, Brazil, Belgium, and Puerto Rico.
Markets.com at a glance:
- Backed by big companies Playtech and Finalto (BVI) Ltd.
- Follows strict regulation in major markets
- Seamless integration of MarketsX platform in multiple devices
- Has negative balance protection
- Trading Cube allows the trading of multiple assets on one screen
- Multiple channel support is available 24 hours a day, 5x per week
- Test and Live accounts can be used at the same time
- Diverse payment methods
(Risk warning: 67% of retail CFD accounts lose money)
4. Admirals – High security for traders
Admirals began operations in 2001 and now has more than 120,000 traders in 110 countries. It primarily serves retail traders and has specialized programs and training for beginners.
Your money is safeguarded through the stringent oversight of the EFSA in Estonia. Their operations in other countries are regulated by the FCA, CySEC, and AFSL of Australia.
With Admirals, you can trade in over 8,000 assets, including Forex, commodities, indices, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies. If you prefer Forex, there are 47 currency pairs to choose from. The other investment options available for you are the 27 commodities, 32 cryptocurrencies, 20 indices, and more than 3,000 CFDs. Trading transactions are executed super-fast with only a fraction of a second, so you have the advantage of short-term trading.
Admirals’ platform is familiar to those who have trading experience. It uses the popular MT4, MT5, and Meta/WebTrader. You can access these through the web or mobile apps, which gives additional points for desirability. Still better, all Admiral’s users get a free upgrade to the MetaTrader Supreme Edition, which is the latest version of the MetaTrader 4 and 5.
To open a stock trading account, submit your name and email address. And soon, you will be on your way to starting your trading. Choose from a variety of account types from Trade MT4 or 5 to Zero MT4 or 5 to Admirals Pro for seasoned traders. You will only need a $25 deposit for the basic account types. However, only bank transfers are accepted for both deposits and withdrawals. It’s a good thing there are no minimum or maximum amounts set, and there are no fees for deposits.
For new traders, you should take full advantage of the demo account to get yourself acquainted with the platform and its many benefits. This will save you a lot of money from impulsive trading practices.
Check out the analytics section of the platform, as this is the place to get the latest news, trader reviews, opinions, and blogs from expert traders. Newbies will be happy with the training programs “Zero to Hero” and “Forex 101,” which will give great fundamentals to trading stocks and Forex.
If you encounter any issues, check out the help center, as this is the place to find solutions to your concerns. Use the live chat feature for real-time customer support. They also have a resource center and an FAQ here. All you need to do is type the search keywords and check the answers from the list.
If you come from any of these countries, you cannot use any of the BDSwiss platforms. Traders from the USA, India, South Africa, Belgium, Cyprus, and Congo are not allowed here.
Admirals at a glance:
- Investments are protected by regulatory bodies in several markets
- Super-fast trading available in over 100 countries
- Trade in global stock markets at zero transaction costs
- Demo account offered to new clients
- Fast registration with only your name and email address
- A low starting investment of $25 only
- Customer support teams are available via live chat or the resource center
(Risk warning: 76% of retail CFD accounts lose money)
5. Vantage Markets – Reliable support and service
Vantage Markets is an international broker for Forex (currency pairs) and CFDs (Contracts for Difference). The company has existed since 2009 and is mainly based in Level 29, 31 Market Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia, and accepts traders from almost every country. But they also got business addresses in the Cayman Islands and Vanuatu.
The strengths of Vantage Markets are transparent order execution and liquidity delivery. It is one of the few actual ECN brokers. The broker is connected to a network of large liquidity providers. These accept the order of the traders. The liquidity providers are transparently visible on the homepage. Large, well-known banks (HSBC, Bank of America, UBS, and more) are among them.
For secure online trading, broker regulation is required by most traders. The company must have an official license (through licensing/regulation) from a government agency to offer financial products. Official laws are always subject to specific criteria and rules that a broker must adhere to. In case of violation of these rules, an immediate withdrawal of the regulation and license threatens. The regulation thus creates a high degree of trust between the trader and the broker. Fraud can be completely ruled out with an utterly regulated offerer to 99%.
For secure online trading, broker regulation is required by most traders. The company must have an official license (through licensing/regulation) from a government agency to offer financial products. Official laws are always subject to specific criteria and rules that a broker must adhere to. In case of violation of these rules, an immediate withdrawal of the regulation and license threatens. The regulation thus creates a high degree of trust between the trader and the broker. Fraud can be completely ruled out with an utterly regulated offerer to 99%.
Vantage Markets also offers 3 different account models (STP, RAW ECN, and PRO ECN – more on that below). The leverage can be up to 1:500 high for all accounts, and the spreads start depending on the account model from 1.4 pips or 0.0 pips. The commission per traded 1 lot is either $ 3 or $ 2 high.
Offered trading platforms:
- MetaTrader 4
- MetaTrader 5
- Vantage Markets Mobile App
In summary, Vantage Markets is among the best brokers out there. This company can be very interesting for beginners or advanced. In particular, the provider is recommended for traders who want transparent and secure trading.
The broker offers you the options you need for professional trading. From our experience, there are no disadvantages except the language barrier in English using the support. Vantage Markets is a reputable and trustworthy broker with an extensive and favorable trade offer for international traders.
If you need a high level of leverage and want to trade tight spreads, you should switch now or open your first trading account.
Vantage Markets at a glance:
- Regulated and safe Forex Broker
- Real ECN Trading
- The best trading conditions for Forex
- Very fast execution
- Reliable support and service
- No hidden fees
- Low trading fees
- Supports MetaTrader 4/5
- Free bonus available
How do I open a stock trading account?
The best trading companies follow the standards set by the regulators. In the past, you must be physically present at the trader’s office to open a stock trading account. But with the growth of digital, you can now open an account online.
The first step is to provide your contact details: name, address, phone number, and email address. Then you must submit proof of residence and ID, usually issued by government agencies or authorities. Next, this will be evaluated together with your income, financial records, and other documents. If you pass, congratulations! Your stock trading account will now be ready for setup. Deposit the minimum amount required by your chosen plan and start trading immediately.
There may be additional steps to open a stock trading account in your country. Be sure to check with your preferred stock trading company.
(Risk warning: 72% of retail CFD accounts lose money)
What is the best stock trading website for beginners?
All the top 5 stock trading companies have developed their website with all clients in mind, both new and advanced traders. You can find training materials, webinars, easy-to-follow Q&As, and a simplified user interface for beginners.
But if there is one stock trading website that stands out, it is the Etoro website. The CopyTrader feature is a winner for new traders since this allows them to copy the trading strategies and decisions of seasoned traders. By using this tool, it is easy to learn the tips and tricks of trading not just in a classroom setting but in a live trading environment.
How much money do I need to open a stock trading account?
Initial deposits vary from one company to another, including the account type, platform preference, or trading volume. Many have accepted zero initial deposits, while some can work with a $100 to $200 initial deposit. Check the websites of your chosen trading partner for more information.
Take advantage of the free demo accounts of all the major trading companies. This will allow you to trade virtually at zero investment cost without losing your investment.
Conclusion – Take advantage of our comparison and pick one of the best stock brokers!
Stock Trading has gained its fair share of popularity in the mind of investors. It has opened its doors to small-time investors and beginners too. It has evolved with the digital transformation of the world. But the basic facts remain the same. Stock trading is risky and tricky. More than ever, investors need to find the best trading partner to make them succeed. By carefully studying and matching your needs with the offers of the brokers, you can get higher chances of attaining financial investment success.
Last Updated on November 14, 2023 by Andre Witzel
