Broker comparison

Firstrade vs.
tastytrade

Which broker fits your needs?

Platforms, products and fees side by side.

Checked on 22 October 2026

See comparison

Summary

Your goal decides

tastytrade has a higher rating of 4.5/5 compared to Firstrade (4/5). Firstrade offers 5 instrument types, while tastytrade offers 4. Oversight: Firstrade: SEC/FINRA; tastytrade: SEC-registered, member FINRA, SIPC, NFA (no EU supervisor). Firstrade: Yes, commission-free. tastytrade: Yes, listed options: US. Firstrade has been in the market since 1985, making it the more experienced provider.

Commission-free US broker with options trading since 1985

Options broker built by traders for traders with innovative platform

At a glance

The key differences

Criterion
PlatformsFirstrade Web, Firstrade Apptastytrade Desktop, tastytrade Web, tastytrade App
Product typesStocks, Options, ETFs, Mutual Funds, BondsStocks, Options, Futures, Crypto
Options tradingYes, commission-freeYes, listed options: US
Fee model$0 commission on stocks, ETFs and optionsUS: Stock/ETF options: USD 1 per contract to open, capped at USD 10 per leg; USD 0 closing commission. Broad-based index options: USD 1 to open without a cap, USD 0 to close. Both incur USD 0.10 clearing per contract plus applicable exchange/regulatory fees on opening and closing; exercise/assignment USD 5
Minimum deposit0 $0 $
RegulationSEC/FINRASEC-registered, member FINRA, SIPC, NFA (no EU supervisor)
More informationDetailsDetails

Platforms

Firstrade

Firstrade Web, Firstrade App

tastytrade

tastytrade Desktop, tastytrade Web, tastytrade App

Product types

Firstrade

Stocks, Options, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Bonds

tastytrade

Stocks, Options, Futures, Crypto

Options trading

Firstrade

Yes, commission-free

tastytrade

Yes, listed options: US

Fee model

Firstrade

$0 commission on stocks, ETFs and options

tastytrade

US: Stock/ETF options: USD 1 per contract to open, capped at USD 10 per leg; USD 0 closing commission. Broad-based index options: USD 1 to open without a cap, USD 0 to close. Both incur USD 0.10 clearing per contract plus applicable exchange/regulatory fees on opening and closing; exercise/assignment USD 5

Minimum deposit

Firstrade

0 $

tastytrade

0 $

Regulation

Firstrade

SEC/FINRA

tastytrade

SEC-registered, member FINRA, SIPC, NFA (no EU supervisor)

More information

Firstrade

Details

tastytrade

Details

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

Detailed comparison

Comparing fees

Compare total costs, not just the order fee.

$0 commission on stocks, ETFs and options

Published fee
$0 commission on stocks, ETFs and options
Minimum deposit
0 $
See terms at provider

Terms by market

US
Stock/ETF options: USD 1 per contract to open, capped at USD 10 per leg; USD 0 closing commission. Broad-based index options: USD 1 to open without a cap, USD 0 to close. Both incur USD 0.10 clearing per contract plus applicable exchange/regulatory fees on opening and closing; exercise/assignment USD 5
Minimum deposit
0 $
See terms at provider

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

Worked out

What does it actually cost?

Typical months at Firstrade and tastytrade, priced from their published fee schedules. Spreads, FX and exchange fees come on top depending on the venue.

ScenarioFirstradetastytrade
ETF savings plan, ≈ €200 a monthUS$0$0 online ETF commission (≈ $230 buy); $0 × 1US$0$0 online ETF commission (≈ $230 buy); $0 × 1
10 stock buys of ≈ €1,000 a monthUS$0$0 online US stock commission × 10 ordersUS$0$0 online US stock commission × 10 orders
10 US option contracts a monthUS$0$0 commission and $0 contract fee × 10 (ORF $0.02/contract excluded)US$10$1 per contract to open × 10 (max $10 per leg); closing $0
One BTC purchase of ≈ €1,000—Crypto fee not confirmed on the official pricing pageUS$8.63BTC: 0.75% of purchase × $1,150
Custody and account fee per yearUS$0No account maintenance or inactivity fee—Account/inactivity fees not stated on pricing page

Checked on 22 October 2026. Prices can change; the current fee schedule is what counts. Sources: firstrade.com · help.en-us.firstrade.com · tastytrade.com

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

StocksOptionsETFsMutual FundsBonds
StocksOptionsFuturesCrypto

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

Trading platforms

Firstrade Web · Firstrade App

Firstrade offers its own web platform and mobile app with basic charting features, options chain view, real-time quotes, and an integrated screener for stocks and ETFs. The platform is intentionally kept simple and tailored to long-term investors. Options traders can create multi-leg strategies through the options chain feature. Research tools include Morningstar ratings and basic fundamental analyses.

Explore platform

tastytrade Desktop · tastytrade Web · tastytrade App

tastytrade offers its own innovative trading platform as desktop, web, and app versions, specifically designed for options trading. The platform provides unique visualizations for options chains, probability-of-profit calculations, the Follow feed for copying other traders, and advanced strategy builders. All versions integrate tastylive content directly into the trading interface for real-time education.

Explore platform

Regulation & security

Firstrade

Firstrade Securities Inc. (clearing: Apex Clearing)

Supervisor
SEC / FINRA
Investor compensation
SIPC member: up to $500,000 per customer (max. $250,000 cash) if the broker fails; no cover for market losses
Cash
Uninvested cash in the account: SIPC up to $250,000

tastytrade

tastytrade, Inc.

Supervisor
SEC / FINRA, NFA
Investor compensation
SIPC member: up to $500,000 per customer (max. $250,000 cash) if the broker fails; no cover for market losses
Cash
Cash in brokerage: SIPC up to $250,000; crypto accounts not SIPC protected

Regulation does not protect against market losses. What counts is the entity you sign the contract with.

Your investor profile

Who might it suit?

Commission-free US broker with options trading since 1985

  • Completely commission-free trading
  • Over 35 years of experience
  • No minimum deposit
  • Less advanced platform
  • Limited research tools

Options broker built by traders for traders with innovative platform

  • Specialized in options trading
  • Opening commission capped for stock/ETF options
  • Innovative trading platform
  • Focused on US markets only
  • Not ideal for buy-and-hold investors

Find the broker that fits

Firstrade oder tastytrade?

Side by side. Decided with knowledge.

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

VS
  • Fees
  • Platform
  • Regulation
  • Matching lessons
Two brokers. Many options. Your call.
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Your questions

Frequently asked questions

How do fees differ between Firstrade and tastytrade?
Firstrade: $0 commission on stocks, ETFs and options. tastytrade: US: Stock/ETF options: USD 1 per contract to open, capped at USD 10 per leg; USD 0 closing commission. Broad-based index options: USD 1 to open without a cap, USD 0 to close. Both incur USD 0.10 clearing per contract plus applicable exchange/regulatory fees on opening and closing; exercise/assignment USD 5. Compare total costs for the specific market, product, currency and order size in the current fee schedule.
Which broker offers more products: Firstrade or tastytrade?
Firstrade offers Stocks, Options, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Bonds. tastytrade offers Stocks, Options, Futures, Crypto.
How are Firstrade and tastytrade regulated?
The broker profiles list SEC/FINRA for Firstrade and SEC-registered, member FINRA, SIPC, NFA (no EU supervisor) for tastytrade. Your account's contracting entity determines the applicable oversight and protection rules; check its current disclosures.
Is Firstrade or tastytrade better for beginners?
Firstrade lists a 0 $ minimum deposit and offers Firstrade Web, Firstrade App. tastytrade lists 0 $ and offers tastytrade Desktop, tastytrade Web, tastytrade App. Compare usability, available products and costs for your intended use.
Firstrade vs tastytrade: Which broker is better overall?
The choice between Firstrade (4/5, 600 reviews) and tastytrade (4.5/5, 1400 reviews) depends on your needs. Firstrade: Commission-free US broker with options trading since 1985. tastytrade: Options broker built by traders for traders with innovative platform.

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