Comparison of XTB vs Firstrade [ 2025 ]

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

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

XTB

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

Firstrade

Main points

Fees

Low 4,7/5

Regulated

FCA, KNF

Demo account

Yes
Low 4/5

Fees

FINRA, SEC

Regulated

No

Demo account

Recommended for

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

No

Buy and hold

No
Yes

Beginners

No

Trading

No

Passive income

No

Buy and hold


Comparison of fees

Rating

4.4 – XTB provides excellent value with no deposit or withdrawal fees for most methods and tight spreads. The inactivity fee after 12 months is the main 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 4,7/5
Low 4/5

Brief explanation

XTB’s fee structure is primarily built around spreads, with no commissions for crypto trades. The spreads are competitive, starting from 0.22% for Bitcoin. Additionally, XTB does not charge deposit fees for bank transfers or credit/debit cards, although e-wallet deposits may incur fees ranging from 1% to 2%. Withdrawals are generally free unless the amount is below $50, in which case a $30 fee applies. An inactivity fee of $10 per month is charged after 12 months of inactivity. Overall, XTB’s fee structure is straightforward and relatively low-cost compared to other brokers .
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.

XTB

Firstrade

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Account Minimum

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Product selection

Native token

XTB does not have a native token.
Firstrade does not have a native token.

Earns

XTB does not provide staking or earning options for cryptocurrencies. The platform offers trading in crypto CFDs .
Firstrade does not offer staking or earning options for cryptocurrencies. It focuses on trading a variety of digital assets .

NFT marketplace

XTB does not have an NFT marketplace.
Firstrade does not have an NFT marketplace.

Cripto/debit card

XTB does not have a card for its clients .
Firstrade does not offer a card for its clients .

Company information

Full name

XTB International Limited​​.
Firstrade Securities Inc.​​.

Regulation

FCA (UK), CySEC, KNF (Poland), IFSC (Belize)​​.
SEC, FINRA, SIPC (USA)​​.

Year founded

2002​​
1985​​

Founder

Jakub Zablocki
John Liu​​

Payment methods

Transfers

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

Mastercard

Yes, XTB accepts Mastercard for deposits​​.
No, Firstrade 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, XTB accepts credit/debit cards .
No, Firstrade does not accept credit/debit cards .

Comparative table

XTB Features Firstrade
Minimum trade size is flexible, starting at $1. This low threshold allows even small-scale investors to participate in cryptocurrency trading .
Minimum Trade
Firstrade allows low minimum trade amounts, making it accessible for beginners to start investing in cryptocurrencies.
XTB charges spreads on crypto trades starting from 0.22% for Bitcoin. While competitive, additional fees apply for certain e-wallet deposits and withdrawals .
Trading and Transaction Fees
The platform offers competitive trading fees, although some users might find hidden costs associated with certain transactions.
XTB offers trading on over 50 cryptocurrencies, including major coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, along with various crypto pairs .
Number of Cryptocurrencies
Firstrade supports over 30 cryptocurrencies, providing a good range of options for investors.
The platform supports 16 intra-crypto pairs, allowing traders to speculate on the performance of one cryptocurrency against another .
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.
XTB provides comprehensive information about its services, fees, and regulations. However, some users may find the navigation slightly complex .
Website Transparency
Firstrade’s website is transparent and informative, clearly outlining fees, security measures, and available services.
XTB does not have a card for its clients .
Credit/Debit Card
Firstrade does not offer a card for its clients .
As a CFD provider, XTB does not offer dedicated crypto wallet services. Traders need to use external wallets if they wish to own actual cryptocurrencies .
Storage Offering
Firstrade lacks a dedicated cryptocurrency wallet, requiring users to use third-party services for storing their digital assets.
XTB does not provide staking options or rewards programs for holding cryptocurrencies, which might be a drawback for some investors .
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.
The xStation platform is available on both mobile and desktop, offering a seamless and user-friendly experience with advanced trading tools .
Mobile App and Desktop
Firstrade offers a highly rated mobile app and a robust desktop platform, ensuring a seamless trading experience across devices.
XTB’s customer service is available 24/5, providing support via phone, live chat, and email. While generally responsive, some users report occasional delays .
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 mostly fee-free, except for small withdrawals under certain thresholds. The process is straightforward and quick .
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

XTB offers the xStation platform with advanced charting tools, technical indicators, and intra-crypto pairs for detailed analysis. They also provide educational resources and market analysis tools .
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, XTB provides the xStation mobile app, which includes advanced trading and charting tools
Yes, Firstrade offers a mobile app available for iOS and Android devices, designed for a seamless trading experience .

Security

XTB is regulated by top-tier authorities, including the FCA and CySEC. They provide negative balance protection and are listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange, enhancing transparency and 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​​.

Additional features

XTB provides trading on over 50 cryptocurrencies with tight spreads and leverage up to 1:5. Their xStation platform offers intra-crypto pairs and 24/7 trading. XTB is known for its secure environment and transparent accounts, but crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from the UK .
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

Anonymous accounts are not available with XTB. The account opening process requires personal information and identity verification .
Firstrade does not support anonymous accounts. The account opening process includes submitting personal details and verification documents .

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

XTB offers trading in cryptocurrency CFDs. The supported cryptocurrencies include Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Stellar (XLM), Dogecoin (DOGE), and others, totaling 50 major coins and 16 crypto pairs​​.
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

XTB’s platform is designed to be intuitive and easy to use, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced traders. The platform supports a variety of cryptocurrencies and offers competitive spreads. XTB’s strong regulatory framework and educational resources also contribute to a positive user 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

XTB offers excellent value with tight spreads and no deposit or withdrawal fees for most methods. Its comprehensive educational resources and transparent fee structure enhance its attractiveness, although inactivity fees apply after 12 months​​.
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, Dubai, Belize .
United States, Germany, United Kingdom, China, Singapore, Hong Kong .

Best for

XTB is suitable for both beginners and advanced traders who want to trade a wide range of cryptocurrencies with tight spreads. Its comprehensive educational resources and strong regulatory framework make it a reliable choice for crypto 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

XTB provides extensive crypto CFD trading options with over 50 cryptocurrencies available. The platform is known for its tight spreads and leverage options, making it suitable for active crypto 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

XTB offers free deposits and withdrawals via bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets. The process is efficient, with most transactions processed quickly, though small fees may apply for low withdrawal amounts.
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

XTB offers a hassle-free and fully digital account opening process. Users need to fill out an online form with personal and financial information, and submit verification documents. Accounts are usually 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?

Yes, KYC is required at XTB. Users need to submit identification documents and proof of address during the account opening process.
Firstrade mandates KYC verification. Users must provide personal identification documents and proof of address as part of the account opening process.

Customer Service

XTB offers comprehensive customer support available 24/5 through phone, email, and live chat. The support team is known for being efficient and knowledgeable, 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

XTB is regulated by top-tier authorities, including the FCA and CySEC. They provide negative balance protection and are listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange, enhancing transparency and 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?

As an expert, I find XTB to be a robust choice for cryptocurrency traders, especially those interested in CFDs. The platform offers a broad range of over 50 cryptocurrencies and 16 intra-crypto pairs, providing ample opportunities for diversified trading strategies. The xStation platform is particularly user-friendly, equipped with advanced charting tools and quick execution times, which enhances the overall trading experience. Furthermore, XTB’s strong regulatory oversight by entities like the FCA, CySEC, and KNF, coupled with its transparency as a publicly listed company, ensures a high level of trust and security for traders. However, the lack of support for MetaTrader 4 and 5 and the exclusive focus on CFDs might be limiting for some users. Overall, XTB is highly suitable for both novice and experienced traders looking for a reliable and transparent platform for crypto trading.
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.

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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