Comparison of Capital.com vs Firstrade [ 2024 ]

The best brokers to invest in cryptocurrencies compared by their commissions, cryptos, security and much more. Here is theCapital.com vs Firstrade comparison!

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

Capital.com

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

Firstrade

Main points

Fees

Low 3,9/5

Regulated

CySEC, FCA

Demo account

Yes

Low 4/5

Fees

FINRA, SEC

Regulated

Demo account

Recommended for

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Buy and hold

Yes

Beginners

Trading

Passive income

Buy and hold

Comparison of fees

Rating

4.5 – Capital.com provides excellent value with zero commissions and very tight spreads on a wide range of cryptocurrencies. The overnight financing fees are the only additional cost .

3.5 – Firstrade charges a 1% fee on crypto trades, which is higher than some competitors. Despite this, its low fees on other investment options and user-friendly platform add value .

Level

Low 3,9/5

Low 4/5

Brief explanation

Capital.com offers a competitive fee structure that makes it an attractive choice for cryptocurrency traders. The platform charges 0% commissions on trades, meaning there are no upfront costs for executing trades. However, traders should be aware of the overnight financing fees (swap rates) applied to positions held overnight. These fees vary depending on the cryptocurrency and whether the position is long or short. For example, long positions incur a fee of 0.06164% of the exposure plus the daily interest fee, while short positions receive 0.0137% of the exposure minus the daily interest fee. Additionally, while deposits and withdrawals are generally free, an inactivity fee applies after one year for clients contracting with Cyprus (CCSV) or Bahamas (SCB). Overall, Capital.com’s fee structure is transparent and competitive, but it’s important for traders to account for potential overnight fees.

Firstrade offers competitive and straightforward commission structures for cryptocurrency trading. The platform charges a flat fee of 1% for buying or selling cryptocurrencies, which is relatively high compared to some other exchanges but remains transparent without additional hidden fees. Trading Commissions Firstrade’s trading fee for cryptocurrencies is set at 1% of the trade value. This fee applies uniformly to all cryptocurrency transactions, ensuring that users are aware of the costs upfront. The simplicity of this fee structure is advantageous for those who prefer clarity and straightforward pricing. Other Fees Firstrade does not charge any deposit fees, making it cost-effective to add funds to your account. However, while withdrawals via ACH are free, wire transfers incur a fee of $25, which is something users should be mindful of when planning their fund withdrawals. Overall, Firstrade’s commission structure is designed to be transparent and easy to understand, with the primary cost being the 1% trading fee on all cryptocurrency transactions. This can be beneficial for traders who value simplicity and predictability in their trading costs.

Capital.com

Year Founded: Capital.com was established in 2016. Despite being relatively new, the platform has quickly built a reputation for reliability and innovation in the trading industry.
Number of Users: Capital.com serves a large and growing user base, with over 1 million registered users globally. This extensive user adoption reflects the platform's credibility and popularity among traders.
Security Methods: Capital.com employs state-of-the-art security measures to protect user data and funds. This includes SSL encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA), and secure data storage practices. Additionally, the platform uses AI algorithms to detect and prevent fraudulent activities.
Regulation: The platform is regulated by several top-tier financial authorities, including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), and the Securities Commission of the Bahamas (SCB). This multi-jurisdictional regulation ensures that Capital.com adheres to strict financial and operational standards.
Transparency: Capital.com is committed to transparency, providing clear information about fees, trading conditions, and the risks involved in CFD trading. The platform's educational resources, such as the Investmate app, further support transparency by helping users understand the trading process and make informed decisions.

Firstrade

Year Founded: Firstrade was established in 1985, making it one of the most experienced brokerage firms in the industry. With nearly four decades of operation, Firstrade has demonstrated stability and reliability through various market conditions.
Number of Users: Firstrade serves a large number of clients, reflecting its broad acceptance and trust within the investment community. The significant user base is a testament to its reliability and the trust it has earned over the years.
Security Methods: Firstrade employs stringent security measures to protect client accounts and personal information. The platform is regulated by top-tier authorities such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Additionally, Firstrade provides high investor protection through the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), covering up to $500,000, including $250,000 for cash.
Regulation: Firstrade is fully regulated by the SEC and FINRA, ensuring compliance with strict industry standards. This regulation provides an added layer of security and transparency, assuring users that their investments are managed according to rigorous guidelines.
Customer Service: Firstrade offers robust customer service options, including phone and email support. Although not available 24/7, their customer service team is dedicated to providing helpful and relevant responses. This commitment to customer care enhances user confidence and satisfaction.

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Account Minimum

Get started with just $100.

And 1% fee on all cryptocurrency trades.

Direct link to the website

Product selection

Native token

Capital.com does not have a native token.

Firstrade does not have a native token.

Earns

Capital.com does not offer staking or earning options with cryptocurrencies. It focuses on trading crypto CFDs with leverage .

Firstrade does not offer staking or earning options for cryptocurrencies. It focuses on trading a variety of digital assets .

NFT marketplace

Capital.com does not have an NFT marketplace.

Firstrade does not have an NFT marketplace.

Cripto/debit card

Capital.com does not have a card for its clients .

Firstrade does not offer a card for its clients .

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes, Capital.com accepts bank transfers for both deposits and withdrawals .

Yes, Firstrade accepts bank transfers for both deposits and withdrawals .

Mastercard

Yes, Capital.com accepts Mastercard for deposits.

No, Firstrade does not accept Mastercard for deposits.

Wire transfer

Wise is not mentioned as a supported payment method .

Card

Yes, Capital.com accepts credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) .

No, Firstrade does not accept credit/debit cards .

Comparative table

Capital.com	Features	Firstrade
The minimum trade amount is very low at $1, making it accessible for all types of traders.	Minimum Trade	Firstrade allows low minimum trade amounts, making it accessible for beginners to start investing in cryptocurrencies.
Capital.com offers 0% commissions on trades, but high swap rates for overnight positions.	Trading and Transaction Fees	The platform offers competitive trading fees, although some users might find hidden costs associated with certain transactions.
With 377 cryptocurrencies and 490+ crypto pairs available, the selection is extensive.	Number of Cryptocurrencies	Firstrade supports over 30 cryptocurrencies, providing a good range of options for investors.
The platform offers numerous crypto-only pairs, allowing for extensive trading opportunities.	Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs	While it offers a variety of cryptocurrencies, the number of available trading pairs is somewhat limited compared to other platforms.
Information on fees, regulations, and trading conditions is clear, but some details on spreads and swaps could be more transparent.	Website Transparency	Firstrade’s website is transparent and informative, clearly outlining fees, security measures, and available services.
Capital.com does not have a card for its clients .	Credit/Debit Card	Firstrade does not offer a card for its clients .
Capital.com only offers CFD trading, meaning users cannot store actual cryptocurrencies.	Storage Offering	Firstrade lacks a dedicated cryptocurrency wallet, requiring users to use third-party services for storing their digital assets.
The platform does not support staking or rewards for holding cryptocurrencies.	Staking and Rewards	The platform currently does not offer staking or reward programs, which can be a downside for users looking to earn passive income.
Both the mobile app and desktop platform are highly intuitive and user-friendly, providing seamless trading experiences.	Mobile App and Desktop	Firstrade offers a highly rated mobile app and a robust desktop platform, ensuring a seamless trading experience across devices.
Customer service is available 24/7, but live chat support can be unreliable.	Customer Service	Firstrade’s customer service is reliable but not available 24/7, which can be an inconvenience for users needing assistance outside business hours.
Deposits and withdrawals are free and processed quickly, but the range of available currencies is limited.	Deposit and Withdraw	Firstrade offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal options, although the lack of instant processing for some methods can be a drawback.

Key features

Analysis tools

Capital.com features the Investmate app for educational purposes, offers advanced charting tools, technical indicators, and a demo mode for practice trading. Their platform supports extensive market analysis and educational resources .

Firstrade offers a variety of tools and resources including research reports, market data and analysis, and educational resources such as webinars and articles .

Mobile APP

Yes, Capital.com offers mobile apps for iOS and Android, providing a smooth and intuitive trading experience on both platforms .

Yes, Firstrade offers a mobile app available for iOS and Android devices, designed for a seamless trading experience .

Security

Capital.com is authorized and regulated by several top-tier regulators, including the FCA and CySEC. They offer negative balance protection, ensuring investors are protected from losing more than their account balance. However, they do not have a banking license.

Firstrade is regulated by the SEC and FINRA in the United States, offering a high level of security. They follow strict security measures to protect client accounts and personal information.

Additional features

Capital.com offers CFD trading on a wide range of cryptocurrencies with competitive spreads and zero commissions. They support 377 cryptocurrencies for trading and provide a user-friendly interface, both on desktop and mobile. Capital.com also includes advanced educational tools such as courses, blogs, and tutorials, and they offer negative balance protection. Their trading platform allows trading 24/7 with a low minimum deposit requirement of $20 for card payments .

Firstrade offers trading on 38 popular cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. Their platform is integrated with Apex Crypto for secure storage and trading. Firstrade provides a highly-rated mobile app for seamless trading on the go and features like real-time data and analytics, 24/7 trading, and instant fund access. They charge a high spot crypto fee of 1% of the trade value but provide a user-friendly experience for beginners .

Anonymity

Capital.com does not support anonymous accounts. Users must provide personal information, trading experience, and verification documents like an ID or passport and proof of address.

Firstrade does not support anonymous accounts. The account opening process includes submitting personal details and verification documents .

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

Capital.com offers trading in cryptocurrency CFDs. Users can trade a wide range of cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Ripple (XRP), and many others, totaling 377 cryptocurrencies.

Firstrade provides access to 38 cryptocurrencies. These include Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Cardano (ADA), Dogecoin (DOGE), Stellar (XLM), Solana (SOL), Shiba Inu (SHIB), and more.

User-friendliness

Capital.com excels in providing an intuitive and seamless trading experience for cryptocurrencies. The platform’s user-friendly design, combined with robust educational resources, makes it accessible to both novice and experienced traders. Capital.com supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies and offers competitive spreads, ensuring that users have a cost-effective and efficient trading experience .

Firstrade offers a highly-rated mobile app for crypto trading, designed to provide a seamless and user-friendly experience. The platform supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies and allows for easy buying and selling. While it lacks a dedicated crypto wallet and some advanced features, its simplicity and accessibility make it a good choice for beginners looking to manage their crypto investments alongside other asset classes .

Value for money

Capital.com stands out with 0% commission on trades and very tight spreads. The broker’s comprehensive educational resources and user-friendly platform add to its value, though inactivity fees apply after one year for some clients.

Firstrade offers a strong value proposition with low fees and no minimum deposit, making it accessible for beginners. However, its 1% trading fee on crypto is higher compared to some competitors, which could affect active traders.

Countries of operation

United Kingdom, European Union, Australia, Bahamas .

United States, Germany, United Kingdom, China, Singapore, Hong Kong .

Best for

Capital.com is ideal for investors looking to trade a wide variety of cryptocurrencies with competitive spreads and zero commissions. Its user-friendly platform and extensive educational resources make it a good choice for beginners and those interested in CFD trading.

Firstrade is best for US-based investors who want a straightforward, user-friendly platform to trade a variety of cryptocurrencies. Its mobile app and low fees make it a good option for beginners and those looking to manage their crypto investments alongside traditional assets.

Account

Trading

Capital.com provides extensive crypto CFD trading options, with over 370 cryptocurrencies available. The platform is user-friendly and offers low spreads, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced traders.

Firstrade has limited offerings in cryptocurrency trading, focusing primarily on traditional securities. It may not be the best option for dedicated crypto traders.

Deposit and withdrawal

Capital.com provides a seamless deposit and withdrawal experience with no fees. Supported methods include bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets like PayPal and Apple Pay. Transactions are typically processed quickly.

Firstrade primarily supports deposits and withdrawals via bank transfers and checks. The process can be slower compared to other brokers, and international clients might face additional hurdles.

Account opening process

Capital.com offers a seamless account opening experience. The process is fully digital and involves filling out personal information, financial status, and trading experience. Users must also submit verification documents. Accounts are typically approved within one business day.

Opening an account with Firstrade involves completing an online application and submitting personal and financial information. Verification documents are required. The process can take a bit longer compared to other brokers, especially for international clients.

KYC required?

KYC is mandatory at Capital.com. Users must complete identity verification by submitting personal identification documents and proof of residence.

Firstrade mandates KYC verification. Users must provide personal identification documents and proof of address as part of the account opening process.

Customer Service

Capital.com offers exceptional customer service with 24/7 support via live chat, phone, and email. The support team is highly responsive and provides detailed answers, ensuring users get the help they need promptly.

Firstrade provides customer support via phone and email, but does not offer live chat. The support is available during regular business hours, and while it is generally helpful, the lack of live chat can be a drawback for some users.

Security

Firstrade is regulated by the SEC and FINRA in the United States, offering a high level of security. They follow strict security measures to protect client accounts and personal information.

Which of these exchanges is for you?

Alejandro Borja

As an expert on our website, I highly recommend Capital.com for those interested in cryptocurrency trading, especially if you’re looking for a platform with a wide range of crypto options and excellent user experience. The platform’s extensive selection of 377 cryptocurrencies and 490+ crypto pairs provides ample trading opportunities, while its intuitive interfaces and robust security measures make it a reliable choice for both beginners and seasoned traders. Despite the limitation of offering only CFD trading, the low fees and fast transactions make it an appealing option for anyone looking to engage in crypto trading.

Xavier Tarrasó

As an expert on our website, I find Firstrade to be a reliable choice for anyone looking to start investing in cryptocurrencies. The platform offers a secure and user-friendly experience, with competitive trading fees and a robust mobile app. However, the absence of a dedicated crypto wallet and 24/7 customer support are areas that could use improvement. Overall, Firstrade is a solid option for beginners and seasoned investors alike, thanks to its strong regulatory framework and extensive market experience.

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We collect data directly from exchanges through detailed questionnaires and conduct first-hand testing and observations during crypto exchange demonstrations. Questionnaire responses, combined with demonstrations and hands-on research from our experts, feed into our proprietary evaluation process that scores each provider’s performance on more than 15 factors. The end result produces star ratings ranging from poor (one star) to excellent (five stars).

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Risk Disclaimer

Investing in cryptocurrencies is very risky, you should only invest the money you are willing to lose. Also you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong.

Neither Threenvest, nor the author, are recommending you to invest with this article.

Comparison of Capital.com vs Firstrade [ 2024 ]

Capital.com

Firstrade

Main points

Recommended for

Comparison of fees

Rating

Level

Brief explanation

Capital.com

Firstrade

Product selection

Native token

Earns

NFT marketplace

Cripto/debit card

Company information

Full name

Regulation

Year founded

Founder

Payment methods

Transfers

Mastercard

Wire transfer

Card

Comparative table

Key features

Analysis tools

Mobile APP

Security

Additional features

Anonymity

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

User-friendliness

Value for money

Countries of operation

Best for

Account

Trading

Deposit and withdrawal

Account opening process

KYC required?

Customer Service

Security

Which of these exchanges is for you?

How do we review crypto exchanges?

Risk Disclaimer

More comparatives Capital.com and Firstrade