W
Webull
3.6 / 5Score: 2 / 2
Zero-commission trading backed by dual tier-1 regulation from the SEC and FCA.
- Min deposit
- $0
- Max leverage
- 1:4
- Spread from
- 0 pips
- Regulators
- SEC, FCA
Reviewed by Experts Updated 9/11/2026
Webull vs Rakuten Securities: Which Broker Wins in 2026?
Webull and Rakuten Securities both offer zero-commission trading, but they differ sharply in regulation, leverage, and platform depth. Our research gives Webull the edge overall, with a 3.6/5 rating against Rakuten Securities's 3.4/5.
RS
Rakuten Securities
3.4 / 5Score: 0 / 2
A long-established Japanese broker offering broad market access through three trading platforms.
- Min deposit
- $0
- Max leverage
- 1:3
- Spread from
- 0 pips
- Regulators
- 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
Webull
Best for Beginners
Webull
Lowest Fees
Webull
Top Regulation
Webull
Side-by-side comparison
Core features compared head-to-head.
| Feature | W Webull | RS Rakuten Securities |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Rating | 3.6 / 5 | 3.4 / 5 |
| Founded | 2017 | 1999 |
| Headquarters | New York, USA | Tokyo, Japan |
| Regulation | SEC, FCA | FSA |
| Fees & Limits | ||
| Min Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Spreads From | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission | None | None |
| Max Leverage | 1:4 | 1:3 |
| Platforms & Markets | ||
| Trading Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MarketSpeed II |
| Markets Offered | Stocks, Crypto, Forex, Indices | Stocks, Etf, Crypto, Forex, Indices |
Trading & non-trading fees
Min Deposit
Webull
$0
Rakuten Securities
$0
Spreads From
Webull
0 pips
Rakuten Securities
0 pips
Commission
Webull
None
Rakuten Securities
None
Deposit Fees
Webull
None
Rakuten Securities
None
Withdrawal Fees
Webull
None
Rakuten Securities
None
Pros & cons
W
Webull
Pros
- Higher overall rating at 3.6 out of 5 based on our research
- Backed by two respected tier-1 regulators for stronger trader protection
- Slightly higher maximum leverage at 1:4
- Zero minimum deposit removes barriers for new traders
- No commissions, deposit fees, or withdrawal fees
- Modern, streamlined proprietary platform suite
Cons
- Only two proprietary platforms compared to Rakuten Securities's three
- No dedicated ETF market listed among supported instruments
- Fewer total market categories than Rakuten Securities
- Shorter operating history, founded in 2017
- Leverage cap of 1:4 remains modest versus some global competitors
RS
Rakuten Securities
Pros
- Long operating history dating back to 1999
- Broader market coverage with five asset classes including ETFs
- Three supported trading platforms for varied trading styles
- Zero minimum deposit requirement
- No commissions, deposit fees, or withdrawal fees
- Dedicated MarketSpeed II platform for active traders
Cons
- Lower overall rating at 3.4 out of 5 based on our research
- Only a single regulatory licence from the FSA
- Lower maximum leverage capped at 1:3
- Fewer tier-1 regulatory protections than Webull
- Platform variety may add complexity for beginners
Our expert verdict
Editor's verdict
Overall winner Webull
Lowest fees Webull
Best regulation Webull
Better for beginners Webull
Webull is our recommended pick in this comparison, scoring 3.58/5 versus Rakuten Securities's 3.42/5 on our independent rating system. Webull's dual tier-1 regulatory coverage from the SEC and FCA gives it a meaningful safety edge over Rakuten Securities's single FSA licence. That said, Rakuten Securities remains a credible alternative for traders who value its longer track record, broader market access, and dedicated MarketSpeed II platform.
Regulation & Safety
Regulatory strength is one of the clearest differentiators in this matchup. Webull is regulated by both the SEC and the FCA, giving it coverage across two major tier-1 jurisdictions in the United States and United Kingdom.
Rakuten Securities, by contrast, operates under a single licence from Japan's FSA. While the FSA is a respected regulator within Japan, holding only one licence means Rakuten Securities offers narrower cross-border regulatory redundancy than Webull.
For traders who prioritize regulatory diversification and the added protections that come with multiple oversight bodies, Webull holds a clear structural advantage in this category.
Fees, Spreads & Commissions
Both brokers advertise spreads from 0 pips and charge no trading commissions, making them competitive on headline pricing. Neither platform charges deposit or withdrawal fees, which is a welcome feature for cost-conscious traders on both sides.
Where Webull pulls ahead slightly is in the consistency of its zero-cost structure combined with its regulatory backing, giving traders confidence that low fees aren't offset by weaker oversight.
Rakuten Securities matches Webull on the surface-level fee metrics, so traders focused purely on spreads and commissions won't find a major cost gap between the two platforms.
Minimum Deposit & Accessibility
Accessibility is a dead heat here. Both Webull and Rakuten Securities require a $0 minimum deposit, meaning new traders can open an account and begin exploring the platform without committing capital upfront.
This makes both brokers well-suited to beginners or traders who want to test platform functionality before funding a live trading strategy.
Since neither broker imposes a deposit fee, the barrier to entry is effectively identical on this specific metric.
Trading Platforms & Tools
Webull offers its own Proprietary Web and Proprietary Mobile platforms, built with a modern interface aimed at self-directed retail traders. It's a streamlined two-platform offering focused on usability.
Rakuten Securities goes a step further with three platform options: Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, and the dedicated MarketSpeed II terminal, which is typically favored by more active or technically-inclined traders wanting deeper charting and order tools.
Traders who want maximum platform choice, particularly for advanced order execution, may lean toward Rakuten Securities here, even though Webull's simpler suite is generally easier for newcomers to navigate.
Markets & Leverage
Rakuten Securities supports a broader range of markets, including Stocks, ETFs, Crypto, Forex, and Indices — five asset classes in total. Webull covers four: Stocks, Crypto, Forex, and Indices, notably without a dedicated ETF listing in the provided data.
On leverage, Webull offers up to 1:4, slightly higher than Rakuten Securities's 1:3 cap. This may appeal to traders seeking marginally more buying power on eligible instruments.
Overall, Rakuten Securities edges out on market breadth, while Webull offers a small leverage advantage — the right choice depends on whether asset diversity or leverage headroom matters more to your strategy.
Company Background & Track Record
Rakuten Securities has been operating since 1999, giving it over two decades longer in the industry compared to Webull, which was founded in 2017. This longer history may appeal to traders who place a premium on institutional longevity.
Webull, headquartered in New York, USA, represents a newer generation of retail-focused brokers built around commission-free trading and mobile-first design.
Rakuten Securities, based in Tokyo, Japan, brings a more established operational footprint, particularly within Japanese and broader Asian markets.
Verdict summary
The bottom line — category winners and our final pick based on ratings.
Editor's verdict
Webull wins overall
Webull edges out Rakuten Securities overall based on our expert rating score.
W
Highest Rated
Webull
3.6 / 5 / 5
Category winners
Overall winner
Based on overall expert rating (3.6/5).
WebullBetter for beginners
Stronger onboarding and educational resources.
WebullLower trading costs
More competitive spreads and baseline commissions.
WebullStronger regulation
Higher trust based on tier-1 regulatory oversight.
Webull
Frequently asked questions
Based on our independent rating system, Webull edges out Rakuten Securities with a score of 3.6 out of 5 compared to 3.4 out of 5. Webull's advantage largely comes down to its stronger regulatory backing from both the SEC and FCA. Still, the better fit depends on your individual trading priorities, so it's worth reviewing the full head-to-head breakdown above.
Both brokers advertise spreads starting from 0 pips and charge no commissions on trades. Neither imposes deposit or withdrawal fees either, so on pure headline pricing the two are essentially tied. The deciding factor for most traders will come down to regulation and platform features rather than cost.
Neither broker requires a minimum deposit — both Webull and Rakuten Securities allow you to open an account with $0. This makes both platforms accessible to beginners who want to explore the trading environment before committing significant capital.
Webull is regulated by both the SEC and the FCA, giving it two tier-1 regulatory licences. Rakuten Securities operates under a single licence from Japan's FSA. For traders who prioritize multi-jurisdictional oversight, Webull provides a stronger safety profile on paper.
Webull provides Proprietary Web and Proprietary Mobile platforms, focused on a clean, simplified trading experience. Rakuten Securities offers three options: Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, and the dedicated MarketSpeed II terminal, which is popular among more active traders wanting advanced charting tools.
Rakuten Securities supports five markets — Stocks, ETFs, Crypto, Forex, and Indices — giving it a slight edge in asset diversity. Webull covers four markets: Stocks, Crypto, Forex, and Indices. Traders specifically wanting ETF exposure may find Rakuten Securities's offering more complete.
Webull offers maximum leverage of up to 1:4, while Rakuten Securities caps leverage at 1:3. This gives Webull a modest edge for traders who want slightly more buying power, though both figures remain conservative compared to some international competitors.
Yes, there's nothing stopping you from holding accounts at both brokers simultaneously. Many traders choose to diversify across platforms to take advantage of different market access, tools, and regulatory environments rather than relying on a single provider.
Rakuten Securities has a considerably longer track record, having been founded in 1999 in Tokyo, Japan. Webull is a newer entrant, founded in 2017 and headquartered in New York, USA. Longevity can be a reassuring factor for traders who value institutional history.
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.