Firstrade vs eToro 2025
In this head to head comparison of Firstrade vs eToro, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
In this head to head comparison of Firstrade vs eToro, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
For investors looking at a range of investment opportunities, Firstrade stands out as a more versatile option compared to eToro. Firstrade is ranked sixth out of fifteen brokers by StockBrokers.com for its diverse range of investments, receiving a rating of 4.5 stars. In contrast, eToro sits at the fifteenth position with a 2.5-star rating, suggesting more limited options. Both platforms offer stock and options trading, but Firstrade provides additional avenues, such as mutual funds and OTC stocks, which could cater to a more extensive audience seeking varied investment vehicles.
When it comes to specific investment features, Firstrade offers margin trading and IRA accounts, both traditional and Roth, adding flexibility for different investor profiles. On the other hand, eToro shines in the cryptocurrency arena with the availability of trading in 26 coins, an area where Firstrade doesn’t participate. Nonetheless, eToro lacks in areas like mutual funds and OTC stocks, potentially limiting its appeal for traditional asset investors.
Both Firstrade and eToro accommodate fractional shares trading and options trading, indicating a willingness to cater to investors looking to diversify or manage investments with smaller sums. Neither platform currently offers futures or forex trading, maintaining a similar stance in these particular sectors. It's essential for investors to match their financial goals with the options available, considering Firstrade's wider selection against eToro's specialization in crypto trading.
Feature |
|
|
---|---|---|
Stock Trading | Yes | Yes |
Margin Trading | Yes | No |
Fractional Shares | Yes | Yes |
OTC Stocks | Yes | No |
Mutual Funds | Yes | No |
Options Trading | Yes | Yes |
Futures Trading | No | No |
Crypto Trading | No | Yes |
Crypto Trading - Total Coins | 0 | 26 |
Range of Investments |
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Dive deeper: Best Options Trading Platforms for 2025, Best Futures Trading Platforms for 2025
In comparing the trading platforms and tools of Firstrade and eToro, Firstrade emerges slightly ahead. While neither broker offers a downloadable desktop trading platform for Windows or Mac, they both provide a browser-based experience. Firstrade shines with more technical indicators, offering 102 compared to eToro's 46, which is particularly advantageous for users focused on in-depth analysis. Additionally, Firstrade features a more customizable watch list with 50 columns, surpassing eToro's 7. On the flip side, eToro distinguishes itself with features like a practice mode through paper trading and the ability to add notes to charts, catering more to beginners who value simulated trading environments.
Neither platform allows users to adjust open orders directly on stock charts or display corporate events, but eToro lets users save multiple chart profiles, adding a layer of convenience when managing different trading strategies. Firstrade, however, allows adding index overlays to charts, which can aid in broader market analysis. When it comes to drawing tools, eToro provides a more comprehensive selection with 48, compared to Firstrade's 8, making it a better option for those who require extensive visual aids in their trading toolkit.
According to ratings, Firstrade received 3 out of 5 stars for its trading platforms and tools, while eToro garnered 2.5 stars. This difference reflects in their rankings by StockBrokers.com, where Firstrade holds the 11th position out of 15 brokers, marginally ahead of eToro, which ranks 12th. Ultimately, Firstrade stands out for its superior technical depth, whereas eToro excels in user-friendly features like paper trading and note-taking on charts.
Feature |
|
|
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Web Trading Platform | Yes | Yes |
Desktop Trading Platform | No | No |
Desktop Platform (Mac) | No | No |
Paper Trading | No | Yes |
Watch Lists - Total Fields | 50 | 7 |
Charting - Indicators / Studies | 102 | 46 |
Charting - Drawing Tools | 8 | 48 |
Platforms & Tools |
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Dive deeper: Best Online Brokerage Accounts for 2025, Best Paper Trading Platforms for 2025
Firstrade and eToro both provide educational resources for investors, although the depth and variety differ. Firstrade covers topics like stock and options education, which can be helpful for beginners looking to diversify their investment knowledge. In contrast, eToro focuses primarily on stock education. Both platforms offer educational videos, but Firstrade has the added benefit of hosting webinars, allowing users to engage in real-time learning from experts. Unfortunately, neither service provides learning progress tracking or educational quizzes, which could further enhance the learning experience for investors.
When comparing the overall educational offerings, Firstrade receives a slight edge with a 3.5-star rating, surpassing eToro's 2.5 stars. Moreover, in a ranking of 15 brokers, Firstrade places 13th, while eToro is ranked at 15th for education. Another noteworthy point is that eToro provides a paper trading feature, which Firstrade lacks, enabling users to practice trading with virtual money. Although both platforms offer valuable resources, Firstrade stands out slightly more in terms of the variety of education it provides.
Feature |
|
|
---|---|---|
Education (Stocks) | Yes | Yes |
Education (ETFs) | No | No |
Education (Options) | Yes | No |
Education (Mutual Funds) | No | No |
Education (Bonds) | No | No |
Paper Trading | No | Yes |
Videos | Yes | Yes |
Webinars | Yes | No |
Education |
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Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Platforms for Beginners of 2025
Both Firstrade and eToro present strong stock trading app options, each equipped with unique features. Firstrade slightly edges out eToro in rankings, being placed 9th compared to eToro's 11th in StockBrokers.com's assessment of 15 brokers. Despite their lower ranking, both brokerages boast an impressive user rating of 4.5 stars. For traders weighing out their choices, both apps have substantial offerings, although specific functionalities and preferences may lead you toward one or the other.
When it comes to compatibility, Firstrade and eToro offer apps for both Android and iPhone users, though neither supports the Apple Watch. Both platforms support essential features such as mobile after-hours stock trading and mobile options trading, ensuring that traders can execute decisions outside of traditional market hours. Streaming quotes and the ability to generate stock alerts are also available on both platforms, guaranteeing that users stay informed of market movements in real-time.
Charting features reveal more contrasts between the two apps. Firstrade allows for customizable watch list columns and lets users view charts in landscape mode, making it a favorable choice for those who prefer a more personalized interface. On the other hand, eToro shines with 103 technical studies, surpassing Firstrade's 81, and offers unique capabilities like displaying stock comparisons on charts. Both platforms permit viewing charts across multiple time frames, yet only eToro supports videos on demand, offering an avenue for continued learning and analysis for users. Ultimately, your choice between these two apps will largely depend on which specific tools and features align with your trading strategies and preferences.
Feature |
|
|
---|---|---|
iPhone App | Yes | Yes |
Android App | Yes | Yes |
Apple Watch App | No | No |
Stock Alerts | Yes | Yes |
Charting - After-Hours | No | Yes |
Charting - Technical Studies | 81 | 103 |
Mobile Trading Apps |
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Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Apps for 2025
When it comes to choosing between Firstrade and eToro for your online trading needs, both stand strong with features catering to different investor preferences. Firstrade emerges as a cost-effective choice for those looking to avoid initial investment barriers, offering a $0 minimum deposit and no fees for stock or options trades. eToro, conversely, requires a modest $50 minimum deposit but matches Firstrade's zero-fee structure for stock and options trading. While both platforms offer commission-free trading, Firstrade maintains an edge with no IRA fees and zero charges for options-related activities.
Firstrade offers comprehensive account fee structures, spotlighting various features like margin trading with interest rates ranging from 13.00% to 13.75% depending on balance. In contrast, eToro does not provide margin trading services, which might limit traders interested in leveraging such options. When discussing account transfers, Firstrade charges $55 for partial and $75 for full transfers, whereas eToro maintains a flat $75 fee for either type of transfer. The slight variance in transfer fees could influence long-term strategic decisions based on potential future transitions between brokers.
For traders considering IRA-related services, Firstrade distinguishes itself by maintaining a $0 charge for both annual fees and closure fees, an area where eToro does not provide comparable service information. This becomes an important aspect for retirement-focused investors who prioritize cost-efficiency in managing long-term accounts. Overall, while both platforms offer competitive free trading experiences, Firstrade provides extra savings with its fee transparency and more detailed margin trading options, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious traders and retirement planners alike.
Feature |
|
|
---|---|---|
Minimum Deposit | $0.00 | $50.00 |
Stock Trades | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Options (Per Contract) | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Options Exercise Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Options Assignment Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
IRA Annual Fee | $0.00 | |
IRA Closure Fee | $0.00 |
Dive deeper: Best Free Trading Platforms for 2025
When it comes to day trading capabilities, Firstrade and eToro each have their own strengths and limitations. For traders requiring streaming time and sales data for stocks, eToro has the edge, offering this feature while Firstrade does not. However, both platforms lack other advanced trading features such as live streaming TV, direct market routing for stocks, ladder trading, and trading hotkeys for keyboard entry. Essential tools like level 2 quotes and both basic and advanced strategy backtesting are also unavailable with both platforms. This could affect traders who rely on detailed market analytics and simulation tools for their trading strategies.
Neither Firstrade nor eToro provides a short locator tool, which means traders aiming to view real-time availability of shares for short selling will need alternative solutions. Additionally, lacking order liquidity rebates, both platforms might not fully satisfy traders looking for incentives related to maker/taker fees. While eToro’s offering of streaming time and sales for stocks may be beneficial for some day traders, those in need of a more comprehensive suite of trading tools might find both platforms lacking in features that support high-frequency trading or in-depth market analysis.
Feature |
|
|
---|---|---|
Streaming Time & Sales | No | Yes |
Streaming TV | No | No |
Direct Market Routing - Stocks | No | No |
Level 2 Quotes - Stocks | No | No |
Trade Ideas - Backtesting | No | No |
Trade Ideas - Backtesting Adv | No | No |
Short Locator | No | No |
Dive deeper: Best Day Trading Platforms for 2025
When comparing the market research capabilities of Firstrade and eToro, Firstrade emerges as the superior choice, offering extensive research tools across various investment products. Firstrade provides resources for stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, Pink Sheets/OTCBB, and bonds, while eToro limits its focus primarily to stocks and ETFs. Firstrade also stands out with unique offerings such as downloadable PDF reports for both stocks and ETFs and advanced tools like screeners for trade ideas across multiple asset classes.
Firstrade's research offerings are comprehensive, including the ability to view portfolio allocation by asset class and access to social media sentiment data for stock research. Additionally, Firstrade supports investors interested in ESG factors, providing insights that align with environmental, social, and governance criteria. While both platforms offer some level of ESG research, Firstrade extends its functionality with a stock screener and analytics tools that can identify potential investment opportunities, giving it an edge. In contrast, eToro does not offer features like downloadable reports for stocks or screeners for trade ideas, limiting its research appeal.
This breadth and depth translate to Firstrade receiving a stellar 4.5-star rating from StockBrokers.com for market research, placing it sixth out of fifteen brokers. Meanwhile, eToro receives a modest 1.5-star rating, ranking fourteenth. This disparity underscores Firstrade's excellence in comprehensive market research capabilities, catering to both novice investors and seasoned traders seeking detailed, actionable insights.
Feature |
|
|
---|---|---|
Research - Stocks | Yes | Yes |
Screener - Stocks | Yes | No |
Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes |
Screener - ETFs | Yes | No |
Research - Mutual Funds | Yes | No |
Screener - Mutual Funds | Yes | No |
Research - Bonds | Yes | No |
Screener - Bonds | Yes | No |
Research |
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When comparing Firstrade and eToro on their banking capabilities, Firstrade stands out by offering a few more options for financial management. Firstrade provides checking accounts and debit cards, along with certificates of deposit (CDs), giving users a bit more breadth in banking services. Meanwhile, eToro does not offer these services, focusing solely on trading and investment. Neither Firstrade nor eToro offer savings accounts, credit cards, or mortgage loans. Therefore, for those looking for an online broker that extends beyond trading to include some basic banking functions, Firstrade offers a slight edge over eToro.
Feature |
|
|
---|---|---|
Checking Accounts | Yes | No |
Savings Accounts | No | No |
Debit Cards | Yes | No |
Credit Cards | No | No |
Mortgage Loans | No | No |
CDs | Yes | No |
Dive deeper: Best Bank Accounts for Trading Stocks for 2025
After opening live accounts and testing 15 of the best online brokers, our research and live account testing finds that Firstrade is better than eToro. Firstrade finished with an overall score of 81.8%, while eToro finished with a score of 66.1%.
Firstrade scored well for penny stock trading in our 2024 Annual Awards, and is a great choice for Chinese-speaking investors. However, it lags behind the competition in certain areas, especially platforms, tools and education.
Firstrade does not offer cryptocurrency trading, while eToro provides access to trading with 26 different coins, making eToro a more suitable choice for investors interested in the crypto market.
Dive deeper: Best Online Brokers for Crypto Trading in 2025
Firstrade offers both traditional and Roth IRA accounts with no annual or closure fees, whereas eToro does not provide traditional or Roth IRA options.
Dive deeper: Best IRA Accounts for 2025
Select Brokers
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0 of 5Overall Rating | Firstrade | eToro | |
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Overall |
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Range of Investments |
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Platforms & Tools |
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Mobile Trading Apps |
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Research |
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Customer Service |
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Education |
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Ease Of Use |
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Winner | check_circle | ||
Review | Firstrade Review | eToro Review |
Broker Screenshots | Firstrade | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Trading Platform & Tools Gallery (click to expand) | |||
Research Gallery (click to expand) | |||
Mobile Trading Apps Gallery (click to expand) | |||
Education Gallery (click to expand) |
Trading Fees | Firstrade | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Minimum Deposit | $0.00 | $50.00 | |
Stock Trades | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
Penny Stock Fees (OTC) | $0.00 | N/A | |
Mutual Fund Trade Fee | $0 | N/A | |
Options (Per Contract) | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
Futures (Per Contract) | (Not offered) | (Not offered) | |
Broker Assisted Trade Fee | $19.95 | $0 |
Margin Rates | Firstrade | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Margin Rate Under $25,000 | 13.75% | Not offered | |
Margin Rate $25,000 to $49,999.99 | 13.50% | Not offered | |
Margin Rate $50,000 to $99,999.99 | 13.00% | Not offered | |
Margin Rate $100,000 to $249,999.99 | 12.50% | Not offered | |
Margin Rate $250,000 to $499,999.99 | 12.50% | Not offered | |
Margin Rate $500,000 to $999,999.99 | 12.50% | Not offered | |
Margin Rate Above $1,000,000 | 12.50% | Not offered |
Account Fees | Firstrade | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
IRA Annual Fee | $0.00 | ||
IRA Closure Fee | $0.00 | ||
Account Transfer Out (Partial) | $55.00 | $75.00 | |
Account Transfer Out (Full) | $75.00 | $75.00 | |
Options Exercise Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
Options Assignment Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Investment Options | Firstrade | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Stock Trading | Yes | Yes | |
Margin Trading | Yes | No | |
Fractional Shares | Yes | Yes | |
OTC Stocks | Yes | No | |
Options Trading | Yes | Yes | |
Complex Options Max Legs | 4 | 0 | |
Futures Trading | No | No | |
Forex Trading | No | No | |
Crypto Trading | No | Yes | |
Crypto Trading - Total Coins | 0 | 26 | |
Mutual Funds (No Load) | 15460 | 0 | |
Mutual Funds (Total) | 19666 | 0 | |
Bonds (US Treasury) | Yes | No | |
Bonds (Corporate) | Yes | No | |
Bonds (Municipal) | Yes | No | |
Traditional IRAs | Yes | No | |
Roth IRAs | Yes | No | |
Advisor Services | No | No | |
International Countries (Stocks) | 0 | 0 |
Order Types | Firstrade | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Order Type - Market | Yes | Yes | |
Order Type - Limit | Yes | No | |
Order Type - After Hours | Yes | No | |
Order Type - Stop | Yes | Yes | |
Order Type - Trailing Stop | Yes | Yes | |
Order Type - OCO | Yes | No | |
Order Type - OTO | Yes | No | |
Order Type - Broker Assisted | Yes | No |
Beginners | Firstrade | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Education (Stocks) | Yes | Yes | |
Education (ETFs) | No | No | |
Education (Options) | Yes | No | |
Education (Mutual Funds) | No | No | |
Education (Bonds) | No | No | |
Education (Retirement) | Yes | No | |
Retirement Calculator | Yes | No | |
Investor Dictionary | Yes | No | |
Paper Trading | No | Yes | |
Videos | Yes | Yes | |
Webinars | Yes | No | |
Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No | |
Progress Tracking | No | No | |
Interactive Learning - Quizzes | No | No |
Stock Trading Apps | Firstrade | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
iPhone App | Yes | Yes | |
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
Apple Watch App | No | No | |
Trading - Stocks | Yes | Yes | |
Trading - After-Hours | Yes | No | |
Trading - Simple Options | Yes | Yes | |
Trading - Complex Options | Yes | No | |
Order Ticket RT Quotes | Yes | Yes | |
Order Ticket SRT Quotes | Yes | Yes |
Stock App Features | Firstrade | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Market Movers (Top Gainers) | Yes | Yes | |
Stream Live TV | No | No | |
Videos on Demand | No | Yes | |
Stock Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
Option Chains Viewable | Yes | Yes | |
Watch List (Real-time) | Yes | Yes | |
Watch List (Streaming) | Yes | Yes | |
Watch Lists - Create & Manage | Yes | Yes | |
Watch Lists - Column Customization | Yes | No |
Stock App Charting | Firstrade | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Charting - After-Hours | No | Yes | |
Charting - Can Turn Horizontally | Yes | No | |
Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
Charting - Technical Studies | 81 | 103 | |
Charting - Study Customizations | Yes | Yes | |
Charting - Stock Comparisons | No | Yes |
Trading Platforms | Firstrade | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Active Trading Platform | N/A | ||
Desktop Trading Platform | No | No | |
Desktop Platform (Mac) | No | No | |
Web Trading Platform | Yes | Yes | |
Paper Trading | No | Yes | |
Trade Journal | No | No | |
Watch Lists - Total Fields | 50 | 7 |
Stock Chart Features | Firstrade | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Charting - Adjust Trades on Chart | No | No | |
Charting - Indicators / Studies | 102 | 46 | |
Charting - Drawing Tools | 8 | 48 | |
Charting - Notes | No | Yes | |
Charting - Index Overlays | Yes | Yes | |
Charting - Historical Trades | No | No | |
Charting - Corporate Events | No | No | |
Charting - Custom Date Range | No | No | |
Charting - Custom Time Bars | No | No | |
Charting - Automated Analysis | No | No | |
Charting - Save Profiles | No | Yes | |
Trade Ideas - Technical Analysis | Yes | Yes | |
Charting - Study Customizations | 6 | 5 | |
Charting - Custom Studies | No | No |
Day Trading | Firstrade | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Streaming Time & Sales | No | Yes | |
Streaming TV | No | No | |
Direct Market Routing - Stocks | No | No | |
Ladder Trading | No | No | |
Trade Hotkeys | No | No | |
Level 2 Quotes - Stocks | No | No | |
Trade Ideas - Backtesting | No | No | |
Trade Ideas - Backtesting Adv | No | No | |
Short Locator | No | No | |
Order Liquidity Rebates | No | No |
Research Overview | Firstrade | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Research - Stocks | Yes | Yes | |
Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes | |
Research - Mutual Funds | Yes | No | |
Research - Pink Sheets / OTCBB | Yes | No | |
Research - Bonds | Yes | No | |
Screener - Stocks | Yes | No | |
Screener - ETFs | Yes | No | |
Screener - Mutual Funds | Yes | No | |
Screener - Bonds | Yes | No | |
Misc - Portfolio Allocation | Yes | No |
Stock Research | Firstrade | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Stock Research - PDF Reports | 1 | 0 | |
Stock Research - Earnings | Yes | Yes | |
Stock Research - Insiders | Yes | Yes | |
Stock Research - Social | Yes | Yes | |
Stock Research - News | Yes | Yes | |
Stock Research - ESG | Yes | Yes | |
Stock Research - SEC Filings | Yes | Yes |
ETF Research | Firstrade | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
ETFs - Strategy Overview | Yes | Yes | |
ETF Fund Facts - Inception Date | Yes | No | |
ETF Fund Facts - Expense Ratio | Yes | No | |
ETF Fund Facts - Net Assets | Yes | No | |
ETF Fund Facts - Total Holdings | Yes | No | |
ETFs - Top 10 Holdings | Yes | No | |
ETFs - Sector Exposure | Yes | No | |
ETFs - Risk Analysis | Yes | No | |
ETFs - Ratings | Yes | Yes | |
ETFs - Morningstar StyleMap | Yes | No | |
ETFs - PDF Reports | Yes | No |
Mutual Fund Research | Firstrade | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Mutual Funds - Strategy Overview | Yes | No | |
Mutual Funds - Performance Chart | Yes | No | |
Mutual Funds - Performance Analysis | Yes | No | |
Mutual Funds - Prospectus | Yes | No | |
Mutual Funds - 3rd Party Ratings | Yes | No | |
Mutual Funds - Fees Breakdown | Yes | No | |
Mutual Funds - Top 10 Holdings | Yes | No | |
Mutual Funds - Asset Allocation | Yes | No | |
Mutual Funds - Sector Allocation | Yes | No | |
Mutual Funds - Country Allocation | Yes | No | |
Mutual Funds - StyleMap | Yes | No |
Options Trading | Firstrade | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Option Chains - Basic View | Yes | Yes | |
Option Chains - Strategy View | Yes | No | |
Option Chains - Streaming | No | No | |
Option Chains - Total Columns | 8 | 0 | |
Option Chains - Greeks | 5 | 4 | |
Option Chains - Quick Analysis | No | Yes | |
Option Analysis - P&L Charts | Yes | No | |
Option Probability Analysis | No | No | |
Option Probability Analysis Adv | Yes | No | |
Option Positions - Greeks | No | No | |
Option Positions - Greeks Streaming | No | No | |
Option Positions - Adv Analysis | No | No | |
Option Positions - Rolling | Yes | No | |
Option Positions - Grouping | No | No |
Banking | Firstrade | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Bank (Member FDIC) | No | No | |
Checking Accounts | Yes | No | |
Savings Accounts | No | No | |
Credit Cards | No | No | |
Debit Cards | Yes | No | |
Mortgage Loans | No | No |
Customer Service | Firstrade | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Phone Support (Prospect Customers) | Yes | No | |
Phone Support (Current Customers) | Yes | No | |
Email Support | Yes | Yes | |
Live Chat (Prospect Customers) | Yes | Yes | |
Live Chat (Current Customers) | Yes | Yes | |
24/7 Support | No | No |
Overall | Firstrade | eToro | |
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Overall |
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Range of Investments |
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Platforms & Tools |
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Mobile Trading Apps |
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Research |
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Education |
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Ease Of Use |
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Winner | check_circle | ||
Review | Firstrade Review | eToro Review |