Comparison of Capital.com vs TradeStation [ 2024 ]

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

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

capital-com

Capital.com

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

tradestation

TradeStation

Main points

Fees

Low 3,9/5

Regulated

CySEC, FCA

Demo account

Yes
Low 4,2/5

Fees

FINRA, SEC

Regulated

Yes

Demo account

Recommended for

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

No

Buy and hold

No
Yes

Beginners

Yes

Trading

No

Passive income

No

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 .
3.9 – TradeStation charges competitive volume-based fees starting at $2 + 0.65% for small trades. The complex fee structure and $10 monthly inactivity fee are notable drawbacks .

Level

Low 3,9/5
Low 4,2/5

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.
TradeStation charges competitive fees for cryptocurrency trading, though there are some costs to be aware of. Trading commissions are based on a tiered structure, starting at 0.30% per trade for monthly volumes up to $100,000 and decreasing to 0.20% for volumes above $1 million. This makes TradeStation suitable for both small and large traders. Additionally, there is a spread markup, which is the difference between the bid and ask prices, typically ranging from 0.5% to 1%. The platform also charges an inactivity fee of $50 if there is no trading activity for 12 months, and wire transfer withdrawal fees are $25 for US clients and $35 for international clients. These fees can add up, especially for infrequent traders. Despite these costs, TradeStation’s comprehensive tools and security measures can justify the expenses for those who prioritize advanced trading capabilities and regulatory compliance.

Capital.com

TradeStation

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Account Minimum

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Product selection

Native token

Capital.com does not have a native token.
TradeStation 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 .
TradeStation does not provide staking or earning options with cryptocurrencies. The platform allows direct trading of certain cryptocurrencies .

NFT marketplace

Capital.com does not have an NFT marketplace.
TradeStation does not have an NFT marketplace.

Cripto/debit card

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

Company information

Full name

Capital Com (UK) Limited​​.
TradeStation Securities, Inc.​​.

Regulation

FCA (UK), CySEC, ASIC, FSA (Seychelles)​​.
SEC, FINRA (USA)​​.

Year founded

2016​​
1982​​

Founder

Ivan Gowan​​
William Cruz, Rafael Cruz​​

Payment methods

Transfers

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

Mastercard

Yes, Capital.com accepts Mastercard for deposits​​.
No, TradeStation does not accept Mastercard for deposits​​.

Wire transfer

Wise is not mentioned as a supported payment method .
Wise is not mentioned as a supported payment method .

Card

Yes, Capital.com accepts credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) .
No, TradeStation does not accept credit/debit cards .

Comparative table

Capital.com Features TradeStation
The minimum trade amount is very low at $1, making it accessible for all types of traders.
Minimum Trade
TradeStation allows for low minimum trades, making it accessible for beginners.
Capital.com offers 0% commissions on trades, but high swap rates for overnight positions.
Trading and Transaction Fees
Fees are higher than some competitors, especially for withdrawals.
With 377 cryptocurrencies and 490+ crypto pairs available, the selection is extensive.
Number of Cryptocurrencies
Only offers Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USD Coin.
The platform offers numerous crypto-only pairs, allowing for extensive trading opportunities.
Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs
Limited to major coins, restricting diversification opportunities.
Information on fees, regulations, and trading conditions is clear, but some details on spreads and swaps could be more transparent.
Website Transparency
TradeStation provides clear and detailed information about its services and fees.
Capital.com does not have a card for its clients .
Credit/Debit Card
TradeStation does not have a card for its clients .
Capital.com only offers CFD trading, meaning users cannot store actual cryptocurrencies.
Storage Offering
Utilizes secure storage solutions with BitGo for crypto assets.
The platform does not support staking or rewards for holding cryptocurrencies.
Staking and Rewards
No staking or rewards programs available.
Both the mobile app and desktop platform are highly intuitive and user-friendly, providing seamless trading experiences.
Mobile App and Desktop
Both platforms are user-friendly and feature-rich, but the mobile app has fewer features.
Customer service is available 24/7, but live chat support can be unreliable.
Customer Service
Customer service is decent but has room for improvement in response times and support quality.
Deposits and withdrawals are free and processed quickly, but the range of available currencies is limited.
Deposit and Withdraw
Limited methods and high fees for withdrawals, making it less user-friendly.

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 .
TradeStation provides a powerful desktop trading platform with customizable sophisticated analysis tools, custom charts, and a detailed order book for crypto trading. They also offer mobile app trading with improved charting capabilities .

Mobile APP

Yes, Capital.com offers mobile apps for iOS and Android, providing a smooth and intuitive trading experience on both platforms .
Yes, TradeStation offers a mobile app that includes advanced charting, trading, and analysis tools .

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​​.
TradeStation is regulated by the SEC and FINRA, providing high investor protection levels. They offer SIPC insurance but do not provide negative balance protection. Their parent company is publicly listed, enhancing transparency​​.

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 .
TradeStation offers direct cryptocurrency trading for a limited selection of coins, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USD Coin. Their platform includes advanced features like strategy development and technical analysis through the TradeStation Master Class. They also support crypto trading in IRAs and provide competitive volume-based fees. However, their crypto offerings have decreased in recent years .

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​​.
Anonymous accounts are not supported on TradeStation. Personal and financial information along with verification documents are required​​.

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​​.
TradeStation offers trading in a few cryptocurrencies. The supported cryptocurrencies include Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and USD Coin (USDC) .

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​​ .
TradeStation provides a powerful and intuitive platform for trading cryptocurrencies. The platform is designed to cater to both novice and experienced traders, with a range of tools and features that enhance the trading experience. While the selection of cryptocurrencies is limited, the platform’s overall usability and support make it a solid choice for crypto trading​​.

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​​.
TradeStation offers good value with competitive volume-based fees and a range of trading tools. Its inactivity fee of $10 per month and the administrative fee for IRAs might be less attractive for occasional traders​​.

Countries of operation

United Kingdom, European Union, Australia, Bahamas .
United States, available to most other countries except restricted regions like North Korea and Sudan .

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​​.
TradeStation is suited for experienced traders who value advanced trading tools and direct access to crypto trading. Its detailed order book and professional-grade platform make it ideal for those who want to trade and analyze cryptocurrencies deeply​​.

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.
TradeStation offers a limited selection of cryptocurrencies but provides a powerful trading platform with advanced tools and features. It is suitable for traders who want to integrate crypto trading with other financial products.

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.
TradeStation supports deposits and withdrawals primarily via bank transfers. While the process is secure, it can be slower and more expensive compared to other brokers, with fees for wire transfers.

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 TradeStation is fully digital and user-friendly. Users need to provide personal and financial information and submit verification documents. The process usually takes one to two business days for approval.

KYC required?

KYC is mandatory at Capital.com. Users must complete identity verification by submitting personal identification documents and proof of residence.
TradeStation requires KYC verification. Users need to provide personal identification documents and proof of address before they can start trading.

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.
TradeStation provides customer support via phone, email, and live chat. The support is available during market hours and is generally responsive, though some users find the service to be slower during peak times.

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​​.
TradeStation is regulated by the SEC and FINRA, providing high investor protection levels. They offer SIPC insurance but do not provide negative balance protection. Their parent company is publicly listed, enhancing transparency​​.

Which of these exchanges is for you?

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.
As an expert in the crypto market, I find TradeStation to be a solid platform for those who prioritize security and advanced trading tools. While its cryptocurrency offerings are limited to Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USD Coin, the platform excels in providing a highly regulated environment and robust trading features. TradeStation’s user-friendly interface and comprehensive educational resources make it a suitable choice for both seasoned traders and those looking to gain deeper insights into crypto trading. However, the high withdrawal fees and limited deposit options are areas that could be improved to enhance the overall user experience.

How do we review crypto exchanges?

At Threenvest, we conduct a thorough review process to evaluate and rank the world’s leading crypto exchanges. Our goal is to offer an unbiased assessment, providing you with the information you need to make informed decisions on which ones best suit your needs. We strictly adhere to the guidelines of our editorial policy.

 

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).


For more details on the categories considered when rating brokers and our process, read our full methodology.

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.

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