E
EasyEquities
3.2 / 5Score: 1 / 3
Zero minimum deposit meets multi-asset access, making EasyEquities the low-barrier gateway to stocks, ETFs, and crypto.
- Min deposit
- $0
- Max leverage
- 1:1
- Spread from
- 0 pips
- Regulators
- FSCA
Reviewed by Experts Updated 10/4/2026
EasyEquities vs M1 Finance: Which Broker Wins in 2026?
EasyEquities and M1 Finance sit almost neck-and-neck in our 2026 ratings, scoring 3.22/5 and 3.20/5 respectively. EasyEquities pulls ahead thanks to its $0 minimum deposit and broader market access, but M1 Finance's commission-free structure and higher leverage keep it firmly in contention.
MF
M1 Finance
3.2 / 5Score: 2 / 3
Commission-free trading paired with SEC oversight gives M1 Finance a distinctly US-focused appeal.
- Min deposit
- $100
- Max leverage
- 1:2
- Spread from
- 0 pips
- Regulators
- SEC
Best for Beginners
EasyEquities
Lowest Fees
EasyEquities
Top Regulation
EasyEquities
Side-by-side comparison
Core features compared head-to-head.
| Feature | E EasyEquities | MF M1 Finance |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Rating | 3.2 / 5 | 3.2 / 5 |
| Founded | 2014 | 2015 |
| Headquarters | Johannesburg, South Africa | Chicago, USA |
| Regulation | FSCA | SEC |
| Fees & Limits | ||
| Min Deposit | $0 | $100 |
| Spreads From | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission | $0.25/lot | None |
| Max Leverage | 1:1 | 1:2 |
| Platforms & Markets | ||
| Trading Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile |
| Markets Offered | Stocks, Etf, Crypto | Stocks, Indices |
Trading & non-trading fees
Min Deposit
EasyEquities
$0
M1 Finance
$100
Spreads From
EasyEquities
0 pips
M1 Finance
0 pips
Commission
EasyEquities
$0.25/lot
M1 Finance
None
Deposit Fees
EasyEquities
None
M1 Finance
None
Withdrawal Fees
EasyEquities
None
M1 Finance
None
Pros & cons
E
EasyEquities
Pros
- No minimum deposit needed to open an account
- Wider market selection covering three asset classes
- Longer operating history dating back to 2014
- Transparent fee structure with no deposit or withdrawal charges
- FSCA regulation offers regional credibility
- Low spreads starting from 0 pips
Cons
- Lower maximum leverage capped at 1:1
- Commission of $0.25 per lot still applies to trades
- Limited to proprietary platforms with no MT4/MT5 support
- Regulatory coverage is narrower in scope compared to global multi-licence brokers
MF
M1 Finance
Pros
- Zero commission on trades
- Higher leverage ceiling than EasyEquities
- Backed by SEC regulation familiar to US investors
- No deposit or withdrawal fees charged
- Established since 2015 with a solid US footprint
- Streamlined platform focused on stocks and indices
Cons
- Higher minimum deposit of $100 compared to EasyEquities' $0
- Narrower market access limited to stocks and indices
- No cryptocurrency trading availability
- Lacks MT4/MT5 platform support for traders wanting third-party tools
- Slightly lower overall rating than EasyEquities in our matrix
Our expert verdict
Editor's verdict
Lowest fees EasyEquities
Best regulation EasyEquities
Better for beginners EasyEquities
EasyEquities edges out M1 Finance as the stronger all-round choice in 2026, primarily due to its accessible $0 minimum deposit, wider market selection spanning stocks, ETFs, and crypto, and its longer operating track record since 2014. M1 Finance still holds appeal for investors who value zero per-trade commissions and slightly higher leverage of 1:2, and its SEC oversight will feel more familiar to US-based traders. Ultimately, unless you specifically need M1 Finance's platform ecosystem or its US-centric regulatory framework, EasyEquities offers a more accessible and diversified entry point for most traders.
Regulation & Safety
EasyEquities operates under the oversight of the FSCA (Financial Sector Conduct Authority) in South Africa, giving it a solid regulatory footing within its home market. M1 Finance, by contrast, is overseen by the SEC in the United States, a framework that many American investors will find reassuring and familiar.
Neither broker holds an overwhelming array of international licences, so traders operating outside each firm's core jurisdiction should weigh this carefully. In our proprietary scoring, EasyEquities edges ahead on regulatory comfort largely due to its transparent fee structure paired with FSCA compliance, though M1 Finance's SEC status is far from a weak point.
For beginners prioritizing regulatory clarity within a single well-known jurisdiction, either broker delivers adequate protection — the real differentiator lies more in geographic relevance than in raw safety.
Fees & Spreads
Both brokers advertise spreads starting from 0 pips, making this metric essentially a wash on paper. Where they diverge is in the surrounding fee structure: EasyEquities applies a modest $0.25 per lot commission, while M1 Finance charges no per-trade commission at all.
That said, EasyEquities' $0 minimum deposit substantially lowers the barrier to entry compared to M1 Finance's $100 requirement, which matters greatly for cost-conscious or first-time investors testing the waters with smaller sums.
Neither platform charges deposit or withdrawal fees, which is a welcome consistency for traders moving funds in and out of their accounts. Overall, cost-sensitive traders trading frequently in smaller lots may prefer M1 Finance's zero-commission model, while those prioritizing low upfront capital will lean toward EasyEquities.
Account Accessibility & Leverage
Accessibility is where EasyEquities pulls its clearest lead. A $0 minimum deposit means literally anyone can open an account and begin investing without needing to commit capital upfront, a huge advantage for students, beginners, or cautious first-time investors.
M1 Finance requires a $100 minimum deposit, which, while still modest by industry standards, represents a real barrier compared to EasyEquities' zero-dollar threshold.
On leverage, M1 Finance offers a slight edge with maximum leverage of 1:2 versus EasyEquities' 1:1. This won't matter much to long-term buy-and-hold investors, but active traders seeking amplified exposure may find M1 Finance's structure marginally more flexible.
Platforms & Market Access
Both brokers rely on proprietary web and mobile platforms rather than third-party solutions like MetaTrader, meaning neither supports MT4 or MT5 for traders who prefer those industry-standard interfaces.
In terms of market breadth, EasyEquities holds an advantage, offering access to stocks, ETFs, and crypto — three distinct asset classes. M1 Finance covers stocks and indices, a narrower but still functional selection for equity-focused investors.
Investors wanting crypto exposure alongside traditional equities within a single account will find EasyEquities the more versatile option, while those focused purely on stocks and indices may find M1 Finance's platform sufficiently streamlined.
Company Background & Track Record
EasyEquities was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, giving it a one-year head start and an established presence in the South African retail investing space.
M1 Finance launched in 2015 and operates out of Chicago, USA, positioning it firmly within the competitive US fintech investing landscape.
Both firms are relatively young compared to legacy institutional brokers, but each has built a loyal user base within its respective region, suggesting sustained operational stability going forward.
Our Verdict
When our full rating matrix is weighed together, EasyEquities finishes marginally ahead of M1 Finance, 3.22/5 versus 3.20/5 — a difference driven mainly by accessibility and market breadth rather than a dramatic performance gap.
EasyEquities earns our recommendation for beginners, low-fee seekers, and traders wanting regulatory comfort under the FSCA umbrella. M1 Finance remains a very capable alternative, particularly for US-based traders who value zero-commission trading and slightly higher leverage.
Ultimately, your decision should hinge on your home region, capital availability, and desired asset classes — both brokers are legitimate, competitive choices in 2026.
Verdict summary
The bottom line — category winners and our final pick based on ratings.
Editor's verdict
EasyEquities wins overall
EasyEquities edges out M1 Finance overall based on our expert rating score.
E
Highest Rated
EasyEquities
3.2 / 5 / 5
Category winners
Overall winner
Based on overall expert rating (3.2/5).
EasyEquitiesBetter for beginners
Stronger onboarding and educational resources.
EasyEquitiesLower trading costs
More competitive spreads and baseline commissions.
EasyEquitiesStronger regulation
Higher trust based on tier-1 regulatory oversight.
EasyEquities
Frequently asked questions
In our proprietary 2026 rating matrix, EasyEquities scores 3.22/5 compared to M1 Finance's 3.20/5. The gap is narrow, so your ideal pick depends on priorities like minimum deposit, market access, and regional regulation.
EasyEquities charges a small $0.25 per lot commission with spreads from 0 pips, while M1 Finance charges no per-trade commission but also starts spreads at 0 pips. Frequent traders may prefer M1 Finance's zero-commission model, while occasional traders may not notice much difference.
EasyEquities requires no minimum deposit at all, making it accessible to virtually anyone. M1 Finance requires a $100 minimum deposit, a modest but noticeable barrier compared to EasyEquities.
EasyEquities is regulated by the FSCA in South Africa, while M1 Finance operates under SEC oversight in the United States. Both offer credible regional protection, so the better fit often comes down to where you live and trade from.
Both brokers rely exclusively on proprietary web and mobile platforms rather than third-party software like MetaTrader. Neither supports MT4 or MT5, so traders wanting those industry-standard tools should look elsewhere.
EasyEquities supports crypto trading alongside stocks and ETFs, giving it a broader asset selection. M1 Finance is limited to stocks and indices, with no cryptocurrency access currently offered.
Yes, nothing prevents you from holding accounts at both brokers simultaneously. Many investors diversify across multiple platforms to access different markets, fee structures, and regulatory frameworks.
M1 Finance offers maximum leverage of 1:2, slightly higher than EasyEquities' 1:1 cap. This may matter more to active or short-term traders than to long-term buy-and-hold investors.
EasyEquities is generally the stronger pick for beginners thanks to its $0 minimum deposit, broader market access, and straightforward fee transparency. It removes the upfront capital barrier that can discourage first-time investors.
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.