Avenue Securities and M1 Finance both target cost-conscious investors, but only one delivers a stronger all-around package in 2026. Avenue Securities edges out M1 Finance with a higher overall rating, zero minimum deposit, and broader regulatory coverage. Here's the full breakdown.
Zero minimum deposit and triple-regulated oversight make Avenue Securities the most accessible entry point into stocks, ETFs, and crypto.
A Chicago-based investing platform with a decade-long track record and slightly higher leverage for equity-focused traders.
Core features compared head-to-head.
| Feature | AS Avenue Securities | MF M1 Finance |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Rating | 3.4 / 5 | 3.2 / 5 |
| Founded | 2019 | 2015 |
| Headquarters | Miami, USA | Chicago, USA |
| Regulation | SEC, FINRA, CVM | SEC |
| Fees & Limits | ||
| Min Deposit | $0 | $100 |
| Spreads From | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission | None | None |
| Max Leverage | 1:1 | 1:2 |
| Platforms & Markets | ||
| Trading Platforms | Proprietary Mobile, Proprietary Web | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile |
| Markets Offered | Stocks, Etf, Crypto | Stocks, Indices |
Avenue Securities
$0
M1 Finance
$100
Avenue Securities
0 pips
M1 Finance
0 pips
Avenue Securities
None
M1 Finance
None
Avenue Securities
None
M1 Finance
None
Avenue Securities
None
M1 Finance
None
Avenue Securities is the better overall broker in 2026, earning a 3.4/5 rating compared to M1 Finance's 3.2/5 on our independent scoring system. Avenue Securities wins on accessibility with a $0 minimum deposit versus M1 Finance's $100 requirement, and it holds broader regulatory coverage across SEC, FINRA, and CVM. M1 Finance still appeals to traders wanting slightly higher leverage or its specific investing-focused platform, but for most traders, Avenue Securities is the stronger choice.
Both brokers operate under credible oversight, but Avenue Securities holds the broader regulatory footprint. It is regulated by the SEC, FINRA, and CVM, giving it coverage across both U.S. and Brazilian markets. M1 Finance, by comparison, is regulated solely by the SEC.
For traders who prioritize multi-jurisdictional oversight as a safety signal, Avenue Securities' three licences versus M1 Finance's single licence is a meaningful differentiator. Neither broker carries any red flags, but more regulatory bodies generally means more layers of accountability.
This is reflected directly in our scoring, where Avenue Securities earned a perfect 2/2 regulatory score against M1 Finance's 0/2. Safety-conscious traders should weigh this gap carefully.
On pure trading costs, the two brokers are nearly identical. Both Avenue Securities and M1 Finance advertise spreads starting from 0 pips, and neither charges a standard trading commission.
Where the two diverge is account accessibility. Avenue Securities requires no minimum deposit at all, letting new traders start with whatever capital they have on hand. M1 Finance requires a $100 minimum deposit to open an account.
Neither broker charges deposit or withdrawal fees, which is a welcome feature for cost-conscious traders moving funds in and out regularly. Overall, Avenue Securities has a slight edge purely due to its lower barrier to entry.
Both brokers rely on proprietary technology rather than third-party platforms like MetaTrader. Avenue Securities offers a Proprietary Mobile and Proprietary Web platform, while M1 Finance offers the same combination in reverse naming order: Proprietary Web and Proprietary Mobile.
Market access differs more meaningfully. Avenue Securities supports Stocks, ETFs, and Crypto, giving traders three distinct asset classes to diversify across. M1 Finance supports Stocks and Indices, a narrower but still functional offering for equity-focused investors.
Traders who want crypto exposure alongside traditional equities will find Avenue Securities' market range more complete. Those solely focused on stocks and index-based strategies may find M1 Finance sufficient for their needs.
M1 Finance offers slightly higher maximum leverage at 1:2, compared to Avenue Securities' 1:1. For traders who want to employ modest leverage on their positions, this gives M1 Finance a narrow advantage in this specific category.
That said, 1:2 leverage is still conservative compared to many global retail brokers, so this shouldn't be viewed as a major differentiator for most equity investors. It matters more for traders running specific margin strategies.
Company history also plays a small role here. M1 Finance was founded in 2015, four years before Avenue Securities launched in 2019, giving it a longer operating track record in the U.S. market.
When every data point is weighed together, Avenue Securities comes out ahead with a 3.4/5 rating versus M1 Finance's 3.2/5. It wins on regulatory breadth, minimum deposit accessibility, and market variety — three factors that matter to the majority of retail traders.
M1 Finance isn't a weak broker by any means. Its slightly higher leverage and longer operating history make it a reasonable choice for traders who specifically value those traits or prefer its platform experience.
For most traders, especially beginners and those prioritizing low-cost entry, Avenue Securities offers the stronger overall package in 2026.
The bottom line — category winners and our final pick based on ratings.
Avenue Securities edges out M1 Finance overall based on our expert rating score.
Highest Rated
Avenue Securities
3.4 / 5 / 5
Category winners
Overall winner
Based on overall expert rating (3.4/5).
Better for beginners
Stronger onboarding and educational resources.
Lower trading costs
More competitive spreads and baseline commissions.
Stronger regulation
Higher trust based on tier-1 regulatory oversight.
Risk warning: Trading CFDs and forex involves significant risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Please consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
