Broker comparison

Saxo Bank vs.
Swissquote

Which broker fits your needs?

Platforms, products and fees side by side.

Updated: October 2026

See comparison

Summary

Your goal decides.

Both offer genuine options trading and professional platforms — the difference is the entry ticket and the running costs. Saxo Bank (4.5/5, DFSA/FCA) starts with no minimum deposit, states more than 72,000 instruments, stocks and options from $1 and forex from 0.4 pip. Swissquote (4.4/5, FINMA) asks for a CHF 1,000 minimum, charges stocks from CHF 5 and a CHF 80 quarterly custody fee, but brings a Swiss banking licence, crypto trading and MT4 and MT5. On cost and range Saxo leads; for Swiss bank security and crypto, Swissquote.

Premium investment bank with over 72,000 tradable instruments

Swiss online bank with premium trading and crypto offering

At a glance

The key differences

Criterion
PlatformsSaxoTraderGO, SaxoTraderPRO, Saxo AppSwissquote eTrading, MT4, MT5, Swissquote App
Product typesStocks, Options, Futures, Forex, ETFs, Bonds, CFDs, Commodities, Mutual FundsStocks, ETFs, Forex, Options, Futures, Bonds, Funds, Crypto
Options tradingYes, comprehensive options trading on global exchangesYes, options trading available via eTrading
Fee modelStocks from $1, options from $1, forex from 0.4 pipStocks from CHF 5, forex spreads from 1.3 pip (Standard)
Minimum deposit0 €1.000 CHF
RegulationDFSA/FCAFINMA
More informationDetailsDetails

Platforms

Saxo Bank

SaxoTraderGO, SaxoTraderPRO, Saxo App

Swissquote

Swissquote eTrading, MT4, MT5, Swissquote App

Product types

Saxo Bank

Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, ETFs, Bonds, CFDs, Commodities, Mutual Funds

Swissquote

Stocks, ETFs, Forex, Options, Futures, Bonds, Funds, Crypto

Options trading

Saxo Bank

Yes, comprehensive options trading on global exchanges

Swissquote

Yes, options trading available via eTrading

Fee model

Saxo Bank

Stocks from $1, options from $1, forex from 0.4 pip

Swissquote

Stocks from CHF 5, forex spreads from 1.3 pip (Standard)

Minimum deposit

Saxo Bank

0 €

Swissquote

1.000 CHF

Regulation

Saxo Bank

DFSA/FCA

Swissquote

FINMA

More information

Saxo Bank

Details

Swissquote

Details

Product access and costs depend on market, account and permissions.

Detailed comparison

Comparing fees

Compare total costs, not just the order fee.

Stocks from $1, options from $1, forex from 0.4 pip

Published fee
Stocks from $1, options from $1, forex from 0.4 pip
Minimum deposit
0 €
Spread figure
EUR/USD from 0.4 pip (Classic), 0.2 pip (VIP)
See terms at provider

Stocks from CHF 5, forex spreads from 1.3 pip (Standard)

Published fee
Stocks from CHF 5, forex spreads from 1.3 pip (Standard)
Minimum deposit
1.000 CHF
Inactivity
No inactivity fee; however CHF 80/quarter custody fee on securities accounts
See terms at provider

The relevant costs depend on market, currency, order size and trading style.

Execution quality

Order type, venue and liquidity affect execution.

Check the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.

Provider information

Check the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.

Provider information

Product range

StocksOptionsFuturesForexETFsBondsCFDsCommoditiesMutual Funds
StocksETFsForexOptionsFuturesBondsFundsCrypto

Categories come from broker profiles. Check specific markets and permissions before deciding.

Trading platforms

SaxoTraderGO · SaxoTraderPRO · Saxo App

Saxo Bank offers three trading platforms: SaxoTraderGO is the web-based main platform with modern design, comprehensive charting tools, option chains, stock screeners, and integrated research reports. SaxoTraderPRO caters to professional traders with multi-monitor support, extended order book, algorithmic trading, and real-time analyses. The Saxo App provides the full range of features on mobile, including options trading and portfolio management.

Explore platform

Swissquote eTrading · MT4 · MT5 · Swissquote App

Swissquote offers the Swissquote eTrading platform, MT4, MT5, and the Swissquote App. The eTrading platform is the main platform for trading stocks, options, bonds, and funds with real-time market data, chart analysis, and portfolio management. MT4 and MT5 are available for forex and CFD trading with automated strategies. The Swissquote App provides the full range of features on mobile, including crypto trading, securities trading, and banking functions.

Explore platform

Regulation & security

DFSA/FCA

Regulatory information

FINMA

Regulatory information

Regulation does not prevent market losses. The relevant authority depends on the contracting entity.

Your investor profile

Who might it suit?

Premium investment bank with over 72,000 tradable instruments

  • Over 72,000 tradable instruments
  • Professional platforms
  • Comprehensive options trading
  • Higher fees for entry-level account
  • Platform complex for beginners

Swiss online bank with premium trading and crypto offering

  • Swiss banking license (FINMA)
  • Broad product range incl. crypto
  • High deposit protection
  • Higher minimum deposit (CHF 1,000)
  • Fees higher than pure online brokers

Find the broker that fits

Saxo Bank oder Swissquote?

Side by side. Decided with knowledge.

See the differences that matter, and the Academy lessons that explain them.

Saxo Bank4.5
  • Over 72,000 tradable instruments
  • Professional platforms
  • Comprehensive options trading
Swissquote4.4
  • Swiss banking license (FINMA)
  • Broad product range incl. crypto
  • High deposit protection
VS
  • Fees
  • Platform
  • Regulation
  • Matching lessons
Two brokers. Many options. Your call.
Open The Dealing Room

In-depth analysis

Entry and fees: The most striking difference is the entry barrier. Saxo requires no minimum deposit (€0) and trades stocks and options from $1 plus forex from 0.4 pip (Classic) or 0.2 pip (VIP). Swissquote requires a CHF 1,000 minimum deposit, charges stocks from CHF 5 and forex spreads from 1.3 pip on the Standard account (0.6 pip Premium); it also levies a custody fee of CHF 80 per quarter on securities accounts. For cost-conscious investors, Saxo is the cheaper base.

Products and platforms: Saxo offers one of the market's broadest ranges with over 72,000 instruments — stocks, options, futures, forex, ETFs, bonds, CFDs, commodities and mutual funds — and comprehensive options trading on global exchanges via SaxoTraderGO and SaxoTraderPRO. Swissquote covers stocks, ETFs, forex, options, futures, bonds, funds and cryptocurrencies; options run through the eTrading platform, and MT4 and MT5 are also available. Crypto is tradable at Swissquote but is not listed among Saxo's instruments.

Profile and verdict: Saxo (rated 4.5/5, founded 1992 in Copenhagen) is DFSA- and FCA-regulated and positions itself as a premium investment bank with excellent research. Swissquote (4.4/5, founded 1996 in Gland) is FINMA-regulated and scores with a Swiss banking license, high deposit protection and integrated crypto trading. Those seeking maximum product breadth, low costs and strong options trading with no minimum deposit choose Saxo; those wanting Swiss banking security and crypto bundled in a full bank suit Swissquote.

Your questions

Frequently asked questions

How do fees differ between Saxo Bank and Swissquote?
Saxo Bank: Stocks from $1, options from $1, forex from 0.4 pip. Swissquote: Stocks from CHF 5, forex spreads from 1.3 pip (Standard). Compare total costs for the specific market, product, currency and order size in the current fee schedule.
Which broker offers more products: Saxo Bank or Swissquote?
Saxo Bank offers Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, ETFs, Bonds, CFDs, Commodities, Mutual Funds. Swissquote offers Stocks, ETFs, Forex, Options, Futures, Bonds, Funds, Crypto.
How are Saxo Bank and Swissquote regulated?
The broker profiles list DFSA/FCA for Saxo Bank and FINMA for Swissquote. Your account's contracting entity determines the applicable oversight and protection rules; check its current disclosures.
Is Saxo Bank or Swissquote better for beginners?
Saxo Bank lists a 0 € minimum deposit and offers SaxoTraderGO, SaxoTraderPRO, Saxo App. Swissquote lists 1.000 CHF and offers Swissquote eTrading, MT4, MT5, Swissquote App. Compare usability, available products and costs for your intended use.
Saxo Bank vs Swissquote: Which broker is better overall?
The choice between Saxo Bank (4.5/5, 1900 reviews) and Swissquote (4.4/5, 1200 reviews) depends on your needs. Saxo Bank: Premium investment bank with over 72,000 tradable instruments. Swissquote: Swiss online bank with premium trading and crypto offering.
How do spreads compare between Saxo Bank and Swissquote?
Saxo Bank offers typical spreads of EUR/USD from 0.4 pip (Classic), 0.2 pip (VIP). Swissquote offers EUR/USD from 1.1 pip (Standard), 0.6 pip (Premium). Tighter spreads reduce trading costs especially for active trading.
Do Saxo Bank or Swissquote charge an inactivity fee?
Saxo Bank: no inactivity fee. Swissquote: No inactivity fee; however CHF 80/quarter custody fee on securities accounts.

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Before you pick a broker

The guides worth reading before your first trade, whichever of the two you choose.

Crypto options: Bitcoin & EthereumOptions on crypto, the venues and their quirks.Options risks & opportunitiesWhat you can lose, and what the risk buys you.Options taxes in GermanyFlat-rate tax, loss offsetting and allowances.
Terms in the glossary:Implied volatilityMarginPremiumCall optionExpiration