FM
FP Markets
3.8 / 5Score: 1 / 4
A globally regulated multi-asset broker built for traders who want high leverage and platform flexibility.
- Min deposit
- $100
- Max leverage
- 1:500
- Spread from
- 0 pips
- Regulators
- ASIC, CySEC
Reviewed by Experts Updated 8/19/2026
FP Markets vs E*TRADE: Which Broker Wins in 2026?
FP Markets and E*TRADE serve very different trader profiles, but our research crowns FP Markets the stronger all-round choice for 2026. E*TRADE still holds appeal for cost-conscious US stock investors starting with minimal capital.
E
E*TRADE
3.6 / 5Score: 3 / 4
A veteran US brokerage offering commission-free stock trading with zero minimum deposit.
- Min deposit
- $0
- Max leverage
- 1:4
- Spread from
- 0 pips
- Regulators
- SEC, CFTC
Overall Winner
FP Markets
Best for Beginners
E*TRADE
Lowest Fees
FP Markets
Top Regulation
FP Markets
Side-by-side comparison
Core features compared head-to-head.
| Feature | FM FP Markets | E E*TRADE |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Rating | 3.8 / 5 | 3.6 / 5 |
| Founded | 2005 | 1982 |
| Headquarters | Sydney, Australia | Arlington, USA |
| Regulation | ASIC, CySEC | SEC, CFTC |
| Fees & Limits | ||
| Min Deposit | $100 | $0 |
| Spreads From | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission | $3/lot | None |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:4 |
| Platforms & Markets | ||
| Trading Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingView, Proprietary Mobile | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile |
| Markets Offered | Forex, Cfd, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto | Stocks, Indices, Commodities |
Trading & non-trading fees
Min Deposit
FP Markets
$100
E*TRADE
$0
Spreads From
FP Markets
0 pips
E*TRADE
0 pips
Commission
FP Markets
$3/lot
E*TRADE
None
Deposit Fees
FP Markets
None
E*TRADE
None
Withdrawal Fees
FP Markets
None
E*TRADE
None
Pros & cons
FM
FP Markets
Pros
- Higher overall rating of 3.8/5 in our research
- Leverage up to 1:500 for eligible accounts
- Access to six distinct market categories
- Four supported trading platforms for maximum flexibility
- No deposit or withdrawal fees
- Established multi-jurisdictional regulation via ASIC and CySEC
Cons
- Requires a $100 minimum deposit versus E*TRADE's $0
- Charges a flat $3 per lot commission on raw accounts
- High leverage carries increased risk for inexperienced traders
- No direct SEC/CFTC oversight for US-based clients
E
E*TRADE
Pros
- No minimum deposit required to open an account
- No per-trade commission on stock trading
- Long-established brand with over four decades of history
- Strong regulatory oversight from SEC and CFTC
- No deposit or withdrawal fees
- Simple, beginner-friendly proprietary platforms
Cons
- Maximum leverage capped at just 1:4
- Limited to Stocks, Indices, and Commodities markets
- No support for MT4, MT5, or TradingView
- Lower overall rating of 3.6/5 in our research
- Narrower platform ecosystem compared to competitors
Our expert verdict
Editor's verdict
Overall winner FP Markets
Lowest fees FP Markets
Best regulation FP Markets
Better for beginners E*TRADE
FP Markets is our recommended pick overall, earning a 3.8/5 rating against E*TRADE's 3.6/5. It wins on regulatory breadth, leverage, platform variety, and market access, making it the better fit for active forex and multi-asset traders. E*TRADE remains a compelling alternative for beginners who want a $0 minimum deposit and a simple US-focused stock trading experience.
Regulation & Safety
FP Markets is regulated by ASIC and CySEC, two well-respected regulatory bodies that enforce strict capital adequacy and client fund segregation rules across multiple jurisdictions.
E*TRADE operates under SEC and CFTC oversight in the United States, which offers strong investor protections but is limited to the domestic US regulatory framework.
Both brokers maintain no deposit or withdrawal fees, which is a reassuring sign of transparent cost structures on the account funding side.
Traders seeking multi-jurisdictional regulatory coverage for international access may lean toward FP Markets, while US-based investors may feel more comfortable under E*TRADE's domestic licensing.
Fees, Spreads & Commissions
Both brokers advertise spreads starting from 0 pips, but the overall cost structure differs meaningfully once commissions are factored in.
FP Markets charges a transparent $3 per lot commission on its raw spread accounts, a standard structure for ECN-style forex trading that active traders often prefer for its predictability.
E*TRADE charges no per-trade commission, which is attractive for buy-and-hold stock investors but its leverage ceiling of just 1:4 limits its use for margin-based forex or CFD trading.
For high-frequency forex and CFD traders, FP Markets' fee model combined with leverage up to 1:500 typically results in a more capital-efficient setup despite the flat commission.
Platforms & Tools
FP Markets supports a wide platform ecosystem including MT4, MT5, TradingView, and a Proprietary Mobile app, giving traders flexibility across desktop, web, and mobile environments.
E*TRADE offers a Proprietary Web platform and a Proprietary Mobile app, both purpose-built for US equities and options trading but lacking third-party charting integrations like TradingView.
Traders who rely on algorithmic strategies, expert advisors, or advanced charting will find FP Markets' MT4/MT5 and TradingView support far more versatile.
E*TRADE's proprietary tools are streamlined and beginner-friendly, which suits investors who prioritize simplicity over customization.
Market Access & Leverage
FP Markets provides access to six market categories: Forex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, and Crypto, alongside leverage of up to 1:500 for eligible accounts.
E*TRADE is narrower in scope, covering Stocks, Indices, and Commodities, with a conservative maximum leverage of 1:4 in line with US margin regulations.
This makes FP Markets the natural choice for diversified, multi-asset traders, while E*TRADE suits investors focused specifically on US equities and long-term positions.
The leverage gap is significant and reflects the fundamentally different regulatory environments each broker operates within.
Account Accessibility & Costs
E*TRADE has the clear edge on entry-level accessibility, requiring a $0 minimum deposit compared to FP Markets' $100 requirement.
Neither broker charges deposit or withdrawal fees, so ongoing account maintenance costs remain minimal on both platforms.
Beginners with very limited starting capital may find E*TRADE's zero-deposit threshold more approachable when opening their first account.
However, the $100 threshold at FP Markets is still low by industry standards and unlocks a substantially broader trading toolkit.
Our Verdict
FP Markets earns our recommendation as the stronger all-round broker, scoring 3.8/5 against E*TRADE's 3.6/5 in our independent rating system.
Its combination of multi-asset market access, higher leverage, broader platform support, and solid dual regulation gives it the edge for the majority of active traders.
E*TRADE remains a smart pick specifically for beginner US stock investors who value a $0 minimum deposit and a no-commission structure.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on whether you prioritize breadth and flexibility (FP Markets) or simplicity and low-cost entry into US equities (E*TRADE).
Verdict summary
The bottom line — category winners and our final pick based on ratings.
Editor's verdict
FP Markets wins overall
FP Markets edges out E*TRADE overall based on our expert rating score.
FM
Highest Rated
FP Markets
3.8 / 5 / 5
Category winners
Overall winner
Based on overall expert rating (3.8/5).
FP MarketsBetter for beginners
Stronger onboarding and educational resources.
E*TRADELower trading costs
More competitive spreads and baseline commissions.
FP MarketsStronger regulation
Higher trust based on tier-1 regulatory oversight.
FP Markets
Frequently asked questions
Based on our independent rating system, FP Markets scores higher overall at 3.8/5 compared to E*TRADE's 3.6/5. FP Markets wins on regulatory breadth, leverage, and market diversity, though E*TRADE holds an edge for beginners wanting a $0 minimum deposit. Your ideal choice ultimately depends on whether you prioritize multi-asset flexibility or simple US stock investing.
Both brokers advertise spreads starting from 0 pips, but FP Markets applies a $3 per lot commission on raw spread accounts while E*TRADE charges no per-trade commission at all. For high-frequency forex traders, FP Markets often works out more efficient due to leverage access, while E*TRADE suits low-frequency stock investors better.
FP Markets requires a minimum deposit of $100 to open an account, while E*TRADE has no minimum deposit requirement at all. This makes E*TRADE more accessible for absolute beginners, though FP Markets' threshold remains low relative to many other multi-asset brokers.
FP Markets is regulated by ASIC and CySEC, both respected international regulators known for strict capital and segregation requirements. E*TRADE is regulated by the SEC and CFTC in the United States, offering strong domestic investor protections. Both are considered safe, well-regulated brokers within their respective jurisdictions.
FP Markets offers a broader platform lineup including MT4, MT5, TradingView, and a proprietary mobile app. E*TRADE offers a proprietary web platform and a proprietary mobile app, both tailored specifically toward US stock and options trading. Traders wanting algorithmic trading or advanced charting will likely prefer FP Markets' ecosystem.
E*TRADE's market offering is centered on Stocks, Indices, and Commodities, and it does not offer the same forex and crypto access that FP Markets provides. FP Markets covers six market categories including Forex and Crypto, making it the far more versatile option for forex-focused traders. E*TRADE's low 1:4 leverage cap also reflects its non-forex-centric design.
Yes, there is nothing preventing you from holding accounts at both brokers simultaneously. Many traders diversify across multiple platforms to access different markets, tools, and regulatory environments at once. This can be a smart strategy if you want FP Markets' forex and CFD access alongside E*TRADE's US equities platform.
FP Markets offers substantially higher leverage of up to 1:500 for eligible accounts, compared to E*TRADE's maximum of 1:4. This difference stems from FP Markets' international regulatory framework versus E*TRADE's US-based compliance under SEC and CFTC rules. Higher leverage can amplify both gains and losses, so it should be used carefully.
E*TRADE is generally considered friendlier for absolute beginners due to its $0 minimum deposit and commission-free stock trading model. FP Markets, while requiring a modest $100 deposit, offers more educational value long-term through its diverse market access and professional-grade platforms. Beginners focused solely on US stocks may prefer E*TRADE's simplicity.
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.