PN
Phillip Nova
3.4 / 5Score: 2 / 3
Zero minimum deposit, tier-1 MAS regulation, and multi-asset access make Phillip Nova the all-round accessible choice for 2026.
- Min deposit
- $0
- Max leverage
- 1:20
- Spread from
- 0.6 pips
- Regulators
- MAS
Reviewed by Experts Updated 9/11/2026
Phillip Nova vs SoFi Invest: Which Broker Wins in 2026?
Phillip Nova and SoFi Invest go head-to-head in this 2026 comparison. Phillip Nova edges ahead overall with a 3.4/5 rating and zero minimum deposit, while SoFi Invest counters with tighter 0-pip spreads.
SI
SoFi Invest
3.3 / 5Score: 1 / 3
SoFi Invest delivers 0-pip spreads and a $1 entry point for U.S.-based stock and crypto investors who want simplicity over complexity.
- Min deposit
- $1
- Max leverage
- 1:1
- Spread from
- 0 pips
- Regulators
- SEC
Our #1 Pick Right Now: AvaTrade
Same category, top-tier regulation, and it's currently accepting new traders.
See What Makes It Different Overall Winner
Phillip Nova
Best for Beginners
Phillip Nova
Lowest Fees
SoFi Invest
Top Regulation
Phillip Nova
Side-by-side comparison
Core features compared head-to-head.
| Feature | PN Phillip Nova | SI SoFi Invest |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Rating | 3.4 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 |
| Founded | 2005 | 2012 |
| Headquarters | Singapore | San Francisco, USA |
| Regulation | MAS | SEC |
| Fees & Limits | ||
| Min Deposit | $0 | $1 |
| Spreads From | 0.6 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission | None | None |
| Max Leverage | 1:20 | 1:1 |
| Platforms & Markets | ||
| Trading Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, POEMS | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile |
| Markets Offered | Forex, Cfd, Indices, Commodities, Crypto | Stocks, Crypto, Indices |
Trading & non-trading fees
Min Deposit
Phillip Nova
$0
SoFi Invest
$1
Spreads From
Phillip Nova
0.6 pips
SoFi Invest
0 pips
Commission
Phillip Nova
None
SoFi Invest
None
Deposit Fees
Phillip Nova
None
SoFi Invest
None
Withdrawal Fees
Phillip Nova
None
SoFi Invest
None
Pros & cons
PN
Phillip Nova
Pros
- Higher overall rating at 3.4 out of 5 on our independent scoring system
- No minimum deposit makes account opening accessible to nearly anyone
- Leverage up to 1:20 supports more flexible position sizing
- Broader market coverage across five distinct asset classes
- Multiple trading platform choices including the dedicated POEMS suite
- Long operating history since 2005 under respected MAS oversight
- No commission, deposit, or withdrawal fees
Cons
- Spreads from 0.6 pips are wider than SoFi Invest's headline 0-pip offer
- Single regulatory license (MAS) compared to some globally diversified brokers
- Higher leverage can increase risk exposure for inexperienced traders
- Platform lineup, while varied, may feel less modern than newer fintech apps
SI
SoFi Invest
Pros
- Tighter spreads starting from 0 pips undercut many competitors
- Extremely low $1 minimum deposit lowers the barrier to entry
- Tier-1 SEC regulation provides strong investor protection
- Clean, streamlined platform experience across web and mobile
- No commission, deposit, or withdrawal fees to worry about
- Simple structure suits beginner and passive investors
Cons
- Lower overall rating at 3.3 out of 5 versus Phillip Nova's 3.4
- Leverage capped at 1:1, unsuitable for traders wanting geared exposure
- Narrower market range covering only stocks, crypto and indices
- No dedicated advanced platform option beyond proprietary web and mobile
- Fewer asset classes compared to Phillip Nova's five-market offering
Our expert verdict
Editor's verdict
Overall winner Phillip Nova
Lowest fees SoFi Invest
Best regulation Phillip Nova
Better for beginners Phillip Nova
Phillip Nova is the stronger all-round broker in 2026, scoring 3.4/5 on our independent rating versus SoFi Invest's 3.3/5. It wins on regulatory strength, accessibility, leverage, and market breadth, making it the better fit for most traders. SoFi Invest still holds a genuine edge for cost-conscious investors thanks to its 0-pip spreads, and it remains a solid pick for U.S.-based stock and crypto investors who value simplicity over range.
Regulation & Safety
Phillip Nova is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), one of the most respected tier-1 financial regulators in Asia, and the firm has been operating since 2005 out of Singapore.
SoFi Invest is regulated by the SEC in the United States, another tier-1 authority, and has been operational since 2012 from its San Francisco headquarters.
Both regulators carry strong reputations for investor protection, so neither broker presents a meaningful safety gap. That said, our rating system awards the 'Best for Regulation' badge to Phillip Nova due to its longer operating history and broader oversight scope under MAS covering multi-asset derivatives trading.
Fees & Spreads
This is where SoFi Invest fights back. It advertises spreads starting from 0 pips, undercutting Phillip Nova's 0.6 pips headline spread on comparable instruments.
Neither broker charges a commission on standard trades, and both skip deposit and withdrawal fees entirely, which keeps the overall cost structure simple for casual investors.
Traders who prioritize razor-thin spreads above all else should lean toward SoFi Invest, but it's worth noting Phillip Nova's 0.6 pip spread is still competitive within the CFD and forex space, especially given its higher leverage ceiling.
Account Accessibility & Minimum Deposit
Phillip Nova requires no minimum deposit at all, making it exceptionally easy for beginners or smaller-capital traders to open an account and start testing the waters.
SoFi Invest asks for a token $1 minimum, which is still negligible in practical terms but technically places Phillip Nova a notch ahead in pure accessibility.
For traders building a account from scratch or experimenting with strategy before committing real capital, Phillip Nova's zero-deposit threshold is a meaningful convenience factor.
Platforms & Markets Offered
Phillip Nova supports three platform options: Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, and the POEMS trading suite, giving traders more flexibility in how they execute and monitor positions.
SoFi Invest keeps things leaner with just Proprietary Web and Proprietary Mobile platforms, which suits investors who prefer a streamlined, no-frills interface.
On market range, Phillip Nova covers Forex, CFDs, Indices, Commodities, and Crypto — five asset classes in total. SoFi Invest focuses on Stocks, Crypto, and Indices, a narrower but still relevant selection for U.S. equity-focused investors.
Leverage & Trading Flexibility
Phillip Nova offers leverage up to 1:20, giving active traders considerably more flexibility to size positions and manage margin efficiently across forex and CFD instruments.
SoFi Invest caps leverage at 1:1, reflecting its core identity as a stock and crypto investing app rather than a leveraged trading platform.
Traders seeking geared exposure to forex or commodities will find Phillip Nova far more accommodating, while long-term investors who avoid leverage entirely may see SoFi Invest's structure as a non-issue.
Our Verdict
Weighing all criteria together, Phillip Nova comes out on top with a 3.4/5 rating versus SoFi Invest's 3.3/5, earning our badges for Best Overall, Best for Beginners, and Best for Regulation.
SoFi Invest still claims the Best for Low Fees badge thanks to its 0-pip spreads, making it a legitimate alternative for cost-sensitive investors focused purely on U.S. stocks and crypto.
Ultimately, Phillip Nova's broader market access, higher leverage, zero minimum deposit, and multi-platform support make it the more versatile choice for the majority of traders in 2026.
Verdict summary
The bottom line — category winners and our final pick based on ratings.
Editor's verdict
Phillip Nova wins overall
Phillip Nova edges out SoFi Invest overall based on our expert rating score.
PN
Highest Rated
Phillip Nova
3.4 / 5 / 5
Category winners
Overall winner
Based on overall expert rating (3.4/5).
Phillip NovaBetter for beginners
Stronger onboarding and educational resources.
Phillip NovaLower trading costs
More competitive spreads and baseline commissions.
SoFi InvestStronger regulation
Higher trust based on tier-1 regulatory oversight.
Phillip Nova
Frequently asked questions
Based on our independent rating methodology, Phillip Nova edges out SoFi Invest overall, scoring 3.4 out of 5 compared to SoFi Invest's 3.3 out of 5. Phillip Nova wins largely on the strength of its zero minimum deposit, broader market range, and higher leverage ceiling. However, the right choice still depends on individual priorities, so reviewing the full comparison sections above is recommended before deciding.
SoFi Invest holds the edge on raw spread pricing, advertising spreads from 0 pips compared to Phillip Nova's 0.6 pips starting point. Both brokers avoid charging commissions, deposit fees, or withdrawal fees, so the spread is the main cost differentiator between the two platforms.
Phillip Nova requires no minimum deposit whatsoever, allowing traders to open an account with $0 upfront. SoFi Invest requires a nominal $1 minimum deposit, which is still very low but technically places Phillip Nova slightly ahead in terms of pure accessibility.
Phillip Nova is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), while SoFi Invest operates under the oversight of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Both are considered tier-1 regulators with strong investor protection standards, meaning neither broker presents a significant safety disadvantage.
Phillip Nova offers three platform options: a Proprietary Web platform, a Proprietary Mobile app, and the dedicated POEMS trading suite. SoFi Invest offers a more streamlined lineup with just Proprietary Web and Proprietary Mobile options, favoring simplicity over platform variety.
Phillip Nova provides access to five asset classes: Forex, CFDs, Indices, Commodities, and Crypto. SoFi Invest offers a narrower selection focused on Stocks, Crypto, and Indices, making it better suited to equity-focused investors rather than active forex or commodity traders.
Phillip Nova offers considerably higher leverage, up to 1:20, appealing to traders who want more flexibility in position sizing across forex and CFD markets. SoFi Invest caps leverage at 1:1, reflecting its focus on straightforward stock and crypto investing rather than leveraged trading.
Both brokers are accessible to beginners given their low-to-zero minimum deposit requirements and absence of commission fees. Phillip Nova earns our 'Best for Beginners' badge due to its $0 deposit threshold, though SoFi Invest's $1 minimum and simple interface also make it approachable for new investors.
Yes, there is nothing preventing traders from opening accounts with both brokers simultaneously. In fact, many investors diversify across multiple platforms to take advantage of Phillip Nova's broader multi-asset access alongside SoFi Invest's tight spreads on stocks and crypto.
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.