RS
Rakuten Securities
3.4 / 5Score: 3 / 4
Zero minimum deposit and zero commissions make Rakuten Securities the most accessible entry point into stocks, crypto, and forex trading.
- Min deposit
- $0
- Max leverage
- 1:3
- Spread from
- 0 pips
- Regulators
- FSA
Reviewed by Experts Updated 10/22/2026
Rakuten Securities vs Windsor Brokers: Which Broker Wins in 2026?
Rakuten Securities and Windsor Brokers appeal to very different trader profiles, but only one comes out on top in our 2026 analysis. Rakuten Securities edges ahead with a stronger overall rating, zero minimum deposit, and commission-free trading, while Windsor Brokers counters with higher leverage and broader regulatory coverage.
WB
Windsor Brokers
3.2 / 5Score: 1 / 4
Decades of market experience paired with high leverage and multi-jurisdictional regulation for serious forex and CFD traders.
- Min deposit
- $100
- Max leverage
- 1:500
- Spread from
- 0 pips
- Regulators
- CySEC, FSA
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
Rakuten Securities
Best for Beginners
Rakuten Securities
Lowest Fees
Rakuten Securities
Top Regulation
Windsor Brokers
Side-by-side comparison
Core features compared head-to-head.
| Feature | RS Rakuten Securities | WB Windsor Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Rating | 3.4 / 5 | 3.2 / 5 |
| Founded | 1999 | 1988 |
| Headquarters | Tokyo, Japan | Limassol, Cyprus |
| Regulation | FSA | CySEC, FSA |
| Fees & Limits | ||
| Min Deposit | $0 | $100 |
| Spreads From | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission | None | $3/lot |
| Max Leverage | 1:3 | 1:500 |
| Platforms & Markets | ||
| Trading Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MarketSpeed II | MT4, MT5 |
| Markets Offered | Stocks, Etf, Crypto, Forex, Indices | Forex, Cfd, Indices, Commodities, Stocks |
Trading & non-trading fees
Min Deposit
Rakuten Securities
$0
Windsor Brokers
$100
Spreads From
Rakuten Securities
0 pips
Windsor Brokers
0 pips
Commission
Rakuten Securities
None
Windsor Brokers
$3/lot
Deposit Fees
Rakuten Securities
None
Windsor Brokers
None
Withdrawal Fees
Rakuten Securities
None
Windsor Brokers
None
Pros & cons
RS
Rakuten Securities
Pros
- Highest overall rating in this comparison at 3.4/5
- No minimum deposit required to open an account
- Completely commission-free trading model
- Wider range of supported platforms, including proprietary tools
- Diverse market access spanning stocks, crypto, ETFs, and forex
- No deposit or withdrawal fees charged
Cons
- Lower maximum leverage capped at just 1:3
- Single regulatory licence compared to competitors with multiple
- Platform lineup is proprietary rather than industry-standard MT4/MT5
- Less suited to high-leverage forex or CFD scalping strategies
WB
Windsor Brokers
Pros
- Significantly higher leverage ceiling at 1:500
- Broader regulatory coverage across two licensing bodies
- Long-established track record dating back to 1988
- Industry-standard MT4/MT5 platforms with EA support
- Diverse CFD and commodities market access
- No deposit or withdrawal fees charged
Cons
- Lower overall rating compared to Rakuten Securities at 3.2/5
- Higher minimum deposit requirement of $100
- Charges a $3 per lot commission on trades
- Does not offer crypto or ETF market access
- Fewer supported trading platforms overall
Our expert verdict
Editor's verdict
Overall winner Rakuten Securities
Lowest fees Rakuten Securities
Best regulation Windsor Brokers
Better for beginners Rakuten Securities
Rakuten Securities is our recommended pick, scoring 3.4/5 on our proprietary rating system versus 3.2/5 for Windsor Brokers. Rakuten Securities wins on accessibility thanks to its $0 minimum deposit and commission-free structure, making it the stronger all-around choice for most traders. Windsor Brokers remains relevant for those who specifically need higher leverage or multi-jurisdictional regulatory coverage, but it does not match Rakuten Securities's overall package.
Regulation & Safety
Regulation is one area where traders need to weigh quantity against jurisdictional strength. Rakuten Securities operates under a single licence from Japan's FSA, a strict regulator known for rigorous capital and conduct requirements for domestic brokerages.
Windsor Brokers holds licences from both CySEC and FSA, giving it broader multi-jurisdictional coverage that may appeal to traders seeking regulatory diversification. This is reflected in our award for Best for Regulation, which goes to Windsor Brokers.
That said, more licences do not automatically mean better investor protection in every scenario. Rakuten Securities's single, tightly-regulated Japanese framework still provides a high degree of oversight, particularly for traders based in or trading Japanese markets.
Fees & Spreads
Both brokers advertise spreads starting from 0 pips, so headline pricing looks similar on paper. The real differentiator is commission structure: Rakuten Securities charges no per-trade commission at all, while Windsor Brokers applies a $3 per lot charge on top of its spreads.
This makes Rakuten Securities meaningfully cheaper for active traders who execute frequent, smaller trades, since commission costs can accumulate quickly over time. Neither broker charges deposit or withdrawal fees, which is a welcome point of parity.
For cost-conscious traders, especially those running high-frequency or scalping strategies, Rakuten Securities's commission-free model provides a clear mathematical advantage over the long run.
Account Accessibility & Minimum Deposit
Rakuten Securities requires no minimum deposit at all, making it exceptionally easy for beginners or cautious traders to open an account and start small. Windsor Brokers, by contrast, requires a $100 minimum deposit to get started.
While $100 is not a prohibitive barrier for most traders, the zero-deposit requirement at Rakuten Securities removes friction entirely and allows traders to test the platform without committing capital upfront.
This accessibility advantage is a key reason Rakuten Securities earns our Best for Beginners award in this matchup.
Trading Platforms & Markets
Rakuten Securities offers a proprietary ecosystem including Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, and MarketSpeed II, giving traders tools tailored specifically to Japanese and broader equity markets alongside crypto and forex access.
Windsor Brokers relies on the industry-standard MT4 and MT5 platforms, which remain hugely popular for forex and CFD traders due to their familiarity, automation support, and third-party tool compatibility.
Market coverage also differs: Rakuten Securities spans stocks, ETFs, crypto, forex, and indices, while Windsor Brokers focuses more heavily on forex, CFDs, indices, commodities, and stocks. Traders who prioritize algorithmic trading via Expert Advisors may lean toward Windsor Brokers's MT4/MT5 setup.
Leverage & Trading Conditions
Leverage is one category where Windsor Brokers clearly outperforms, offering up to 1:500 compared to Rakuten Securities's more conservative 1:3 cap. This makes Windsor Brokers more attractive to experienced traders seeking higher capital efficiency on forex and CFD positions.
However, higher leverage also carries amplified risk, and Rakuten Securities's lower cap may actually suit more risk-averse or long-term investors better, particularly those focused on equities rather than leveraged forex speculation.
The right leverage profile ultimately depends on individual trading strategy and risk tolerance rather than a one-size-fits-all answer.
Company Background & Track Record
Windsor Brokers has a longer operating history, founded in 1988 and headquartered in Limassol, Cyprus, giving it decades of experience navigating market cycles and regulatory changes.
Rakuten Securities was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, backed by the broader Rakuten financial ecosystem, which adds a layer of corporate stability and brand recognition.
Both firms bring substantial institutional backing, so track record alone should not be the deciding factor — it's best weighed alongside fees, platform fit, and regulatory needs.
Verdict summary
The bottom line — category winners and our final pick based on ratings.
Editor's verdict
Rakuten Securities wins overall
Rakuten Securities edges out Windsor Brokers overall based on our expert rating score.
RS
Highest Rated
Rakuten Securities
3.4 / 5 / 5
Category winners
Overall winner
Based on overall expert rating (3.4/5).
Rakuten SecuritiesBetter for beginners
Stronger onboarding and educational resources.
Rakuten SecuritiesLower trading costs
More competitive spreads and baseline commissions.
Rakuten SecuritiesStronger regulation
Higher trust based on tier-1 regulatory oversight.
Windsor Brokers
Frequently asked questions
Based on our proprietary rating system, Rakuten Securities scores higher overall at 3.4/5 compared to Windsor Brokers's 3.2/5. Rakuten Securities wins on accessibility and cost, while Windsor Brokers holds an edge in leverage and regulatory breadth. The right choice depends on your trading style, so review the full head-to-head verdict above for specifics.
Both brokers advertise spreads starting from 0 pips, but Rakuten Securities charges no commission at all, whereas Windsor Brokers applies a $3 per lot fee. This makes Rakuten Securities the more cost-effective option for frequent or high-volume traders.
Rakuten Securities requires no minimum deposit, allowing traders to open an account with $0. Windsor Brokers requires a $100 minimum deposit to get started, which is still relatively low but notably higher than Rakuten Securities's zero-dollar entry point.
Rakuten Securities is regulated solely by Japan's FSA, while Windsor Brokers holds licences from both CySEC and FSA, giving it broader multi-jurisdictional coverage. Traders who prioritize regulatory diversification may lean toward Windsor Brokers, though Rakuten Securities's FSA oversight remains robust.
Rakuten Securities offers a proprietary suite consisting of Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, and MarketSpeed II. Windsor Brokers instead supports the industry-standard MT4 and MT5 platforms, which are popular for algorithmic trading and third-party tool integration.
Windsor Brokers offers significantly higher leverage of up to 1:500, compared to Rakuten Securities's more conservative cap of 1:3. Traders seeking aggressive capital efficiency on forex positions may find Windsor Brokers's leverage structure more appealing, though it carries increased risk.
Rakuten Securities is particularly beginner-friendly thanks to its $0 minimum deposit and commission-free model, earning it our Best for Beginners award. Windsor Brokers is still approachable with a $100 minimum deposit but carries a slightly steeper entry cost and per-trade commission.
Rakuten Securities provides access to stocks, ETFs, crypto, forex, and indices, offering a diversified asset range. Windsor Brokers focuses on forex, CFDs, indices, commodities, and stocks, making it more specialized toward forex and CFD-style trading.
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 fee structures depending on their strategy.
Windsor Brokers has the longer track record, founded in 1988 and based in Limassol, Cyprus, compared to Rakuten Securities, which was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Both have substantial institutional experience, though Windsor Brokers has roughly a decade more history in the industry.
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.