Comparison of TradeStation vs AvaTrade [ 2024 ]

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

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

TradeStation

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

AvaTrade

Main points

Fees

Low 4,2/5

Regulated

FINRA, SEC

Demo account

Yes

Average 3,4/5

Fees

ASIC

Regulated

Yes

Demo account

Recommended for

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Buy and hold

Yes

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Passive income

Buy and hold

Comparison of fees

Rating

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 .

4.2 – AvaTrade stands out with no deposit or withdrawal fees and competitive spreads, making it a good option for frequent traders. The only drawback is the inactivity fee .

Level

Low 4,2/5

Average 3,4/5

Brief explanation

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.

AvaTrade operates with a clear and competitive commission structure, making it an attractive choice for traders looking for cost efficiency. There are no fees for deposits or withdrawals, which is a significant advantage compared to many other platforms. Deposits can be made via credit and debit cards, wire transfers, and e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller, while withdrawals are processed within 1-5 business days, depending on the method used . AvaTrade charges spreads on cryptocurrency trades, with typical spreads being competitive. For example, the spread for Bitcoin against the US dollar (BTC/USD) is around 0.35%, and for Ethereum against the US dollar (ETH/USD), it’s about 0.60%. These spreads are within the industry standard, offering traders cost-effective trading opportunities . However, there are some non-trading fees to be aware of. AvaTrade imposes an inactivity fee of $50 per quarter after three months of inactivity and a $100 administrative fee after 12 months of inactivity. Additionally, overnight financing fees apply to positions held overnight, with rates varying depending on the asset . Despite these non-trading fees, AvaTrade’s overall fee structure is transparent and competitive, making it a favorable platform for active traders looking to minimize their costs.

TradeStation

Year Founded: Established in 1982, TradeStation has a long track record of stability and innovation in the brokerage industry.
Security Methods: TradeStation employs robust security measures, including two-factor authentication and encryption, to protect user data and assets.
Regulation and Licensing: TradeStation is regulated by top-tier US authorities such as the SEC and FINRA, ensuring compliance with strict financial standards.
Reputation and Reviews: TradeStation has consistently received positive reviews from users and industry experts for its advanced trading tools and comprehensive platform.
Transparency: As a subsidiary of Monex Group, a publicly listed company, TradeStation maintains a high level of transparency by regularly publishing financial statements and complying with rigorous disclosure requirements.

AvaTrade

Regulated by Multiple Authorities: AvaTrade is regulated by several top-tier financial authorities, including the Central Bank of Ireland, ASIC in Australia, the Financial Sector Conduct Authority in South Africa, and the Financial Futures Association of Japan. This extensive regulatory oversight ensures a high level of security and compliance with international standards .
Established Track Record: Founded in 2006, AvaTrade has a long-standing presence in the financial industry. This longevity demonstrates the platform's resilience and reliability through various market cycles and financial crises .
Robust Security Measures: AvaTrade employs advanced security protocols to protect client funds and personal information. These measures include negative balance protection and the segregation of client funds from the company’s operational funds, ensuring that your investments are safeguarded against unforeseen events .
Comprehensive Customer Support: AvaTrade offers excellent customer service, available 24/5 via live chat, phone, and email. The support team is multilingual, responsive, and well-equipped to handle a wide range of trading-related queries, ensuring that users can get the help they need promptly .
Transparent Operations: AvaTrade maintains transparency in its operations, providing clear information about its fees, regulatory status, and security measures. This transparency builds trust and allows traders to make informed decisions about their investments

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Account Minimum

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Direct link to the website

Product selection

Native token

TradeStation does not have a native token.

AvaTrade does not have a native token.

Earns

TradeStation does not provide staking or earning options with cryptocurrencies. The platform allows direct trading of certain cryptocurrencies .

AvaTrade does not provide earning options like staking for cryptocurrencies. The platform focuses on CFD trading .

NFT marketplace

TradeStation does not have an NFT marketplace.

AvaTrade does not have an NFT marketplace.

Cripto/debit card

TradeStation does not have a card for its clients .

AvaTrade does not provide a card for its clients .

Payment methods

Transfers

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

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

Mastercard

No, TradeStation does not accept Mastercard for deposits.

Yes, AvaTrade accepts Mastercard for deposits.

Wire transfer

Wise is not mentioned as a supported payment method .

Card

No, TradeStation does not accept credit/debit cards .

Yes, AvaTrade accepts credit/debit cards .

Comparative table

TradeStation	Features	AvaTrade
TradeStation allows for low minimum trades, making it accessible for beginners.	Minimum Trade	Minimum trade size is accessible, starting from 0.01 lots, making it suitable for beginners.
Fees are higher than some competitors, especially for withdrawals.	Trading and Transaction Fees	Competitive spreads, but inactivity and overnight fees can add up .
Only offers Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USD Coin.	Number of Cryptocurrencies	Limited selection of 13 cryptocurrencies, including major ones like Bitcoin and Ethereum .
Limited to major coins, restricting diversification opportunities.	Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs	Offers crypto-to-crypto trading pairs, but the range is limited compared to specialized crypto exchanges .
TradeStation provides clear and detailed information about its services and fees.	Website Transparency	The website is clear and informative, with comprehensive details about fees, trading conditions, and regulations .
TradeStation does not have a card for its clients .	Credit/Debit Card	AvaTrade does not provide a card for its clients .
Utilizes secure storage solutions with BitGo for crypto assets.	Storage Offering	Does not offer crypto wallets as it only deals in crypto CFDs .
No staking or rewards programs available.	Staking and Rewards	No staking or rewards programs available, which could be a drawback for some users .
Both platforms are user-friendly and feature-rich, but the mobile app has fewer features.	Mobile App and Desktop	AvaTradeGO mobile app and desktop platforms like MetaTrader 4/5 provide robust trading features and user-friendly interfaces .
Customer service is decent but has room for improvement in response times and support quality.	Customer Service	Multilingual customer support available 24/5 via live chat, phone, and email, but not 24/7 .
Limited methods and high fees for withdrawals, making it less user-friendly.	Deposit and Withdraw	Free deposits and withdrawals with various methods, though withdrawal processing can take up to five days

Key features

Analysis tools

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 .

AvaTrade offers the Guardian Angel risk management tool for MetaTrader 4 and 5, which provides real-time feedback on trading actions. AvaTrade also provides access to a wide range of technical indicators and charting tools within their trading platforms .

Mobile APP

Yes, TradeStation offers a mobile app that includes advanced charting, trading, and analysis tools .

Yes, AvaTrade offers the AvaTradeGo mobile app, which is reliable and provides access to all trading tools and account management features .

Security

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.

AvaTrade is regulated by multiple authorities, including the Central Bank of Ireland and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). They provide negative balance protection for retail clients, ensuring investors cannot lose more than their account balance.

Additional features

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 .

AvaTrade is known for its extensive range of CFDs, including cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, and more. They offer leverage up to 1:2 for EU clients and up to 1:25 for non-EU clients. AvaTrade also features the Guardian Angel tool for risk management, which gives instant feedback and advice tailored to each trader’s actions. Furthermore, they provide competitive spreads and have a variety of trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4 and 5 .

Anonymity

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

Anonymous accounts are not available on AvaTrade. The registration process includes filling out personal information, financial details, and providing proof of identity and residence .

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

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

AvaTrade provides trading in cryptocurrency CFDs. The supported cryptocurrencies are Bitcoin (BTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Bitcoin Gold (BTG), Ethereum (ETH), EOS, NEO, Dash, Chainlink (LINK), Uniswap (UNI), Litecoin (LTC), Stellar (XLM), IOTA (MIOTA), and Ripple (XRP). Additionally, it offers a Crypto10 index.

User-friendliness

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.

AvaTrade simplifies the crypto trading experience with a quick and fully digital account setup process. Users can start trading within minutes, which is significantly faster compared to traditional crypto exchanges. The platform supports multiple payment methods for deposits and withdrawals, making it convenient for global users. AvaTrade’s intuitive interface and support for various cryptocurrencies make it an excellent choice for beginners .

Value for money

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.

AvaTrade provides a robust value for money with no deposit or withdrawal fees, though it charges an inactivity fee of $50 after three months of inactivity. The spreads on major cryptos are competitive, making it a good option for active traders.

Countries of operation

United States, available to most other countries except restricted regions like North Korea and Sudan .

Ireland, Japan, Australia, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, Israel .

Best for

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.

AvaTrade is great for traders who are interested in speculating on the price movements of major cryptocurrencies using CFDs. It’s particularly suitable for those who want to utilize leverage and trade within a highly regulated framework, although the limited number of available cryptocurrencies might be a drawback for some.

Account

Trading

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.

AvaTrade supports crypto CFD trading with a range of popular cryptocurrencies. The platform is well-regulated and offers leverage, providing a secure environment for trading cryptos.

Deposit and withdrawal

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.

AvaTrade supports a variety of deposit and withdrawal methods, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets. The process is generally smooth, but withdrawal times can vary based on the method used.

Account opening process

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.

Opening an account with AvaTrade is simple and fast. Users must complete an online registration form, provide personal information, and upload verification documents. The process is fully digital, and accounts are usually approved within a day.

KYC required?

TradeStation requires KYC verification. Users need to provide personal identification documents and proof of address before they can start trading.

AvaTrade requires KYC verification. Users need to submit identification documents and proof of address before they can start trading.

Customer Service

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.

AvaTrade provides strong customer support through multiple channels including live chat, email, and phone. Their support is available 24/5 and is generally responsive, though some users report occasional delays in getting complex issues resolved.

Security

Which of these exchanges is for you?

Alejandro Borja

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.

Xavier Tarrasó

As a cryptocurrency enthusiast and expert at Threenvest, I highly recommend AvaTrade for its robust regulatory framework and user-friendly trading platforms. AvaTrade’s diverse range of trading instruments and excellent customer support make it a reliable choice for both new and experienced traders. While the selection of cryptocurrencies could be broader, and the inactivity fees lower, the overall security and ease of use make AvaTrade a strong contender in the world of crypto trading.

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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.

Comparison of TradeStation vs AvaTrade [ 2024 ]

TradeStation

AvaTrade

Main points

Recommended for

Comparison of fees

Rating

Level

Brief explanation

TradeStation

AvaTrade

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 TradeStation and AvaTrade