Firstrade$0 commission on stocks, ETFs and options
- Published fee
- $0 commission on stocks, ETFs and options
- Minimum deposit
- 0 $
Broker comparison
Firstrade vs.
TradeStation
Which broker fits your needs?
Platforms, products and fees side by side.
Checked on 22 October 2026
See comparisonFirstrade
TradeStationVS
Summary
Your goal decides
TradeStation has a higher rating of 4.3/5 compared to Firstrade (4/5). Oversight: Firstrade: SEC/FINRA; TradeStation: SEC/FINRA. Firstrade: Yes, commission-free. TradeStation: Yes, comprehensive. TradeStation has been in the market since 1982, making it the more experienced provider. Execution speed: Firstrade ~50 ms (US routing via NSCC), TradeStation ~30 ms (Direct Market Routing).
FirstradeCommission-free US broker with options trading since 1985
TradeStationProfessional trading platform with EasyLanguage and strategies
At a glance
The key differences
| Criterion | Firstrade | TradeStation |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Firstrade Web, Firstrade App | TradeStation Desktop, TradeStation Web, TradeStation App |
| Product types | Stocks, Options, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Bonds | Stocks, Options, Futures, ETFs, Crypto |
| Options trading | Yes, commission-free | Yes, comprehensive |
| Fee model | $0 commission on stocks, ETFs and options | $0 stocks, $0.60 per options contract, $1.50 per futures contract |
| Minimum deposit | 0 $ | 0 $ |
| Regulation | SEC/FINRA | SEC/FINRA |
| More information | Details | Details |
Platforms
Firstrade
Firstrade Web, Firstrade App
TradeStation
TradeStation Desktop, TradeStation Web, TradeStation App
Product types
Firstrade
Stocks, Options, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Bonds
TradeStation
Stocks, Options, Futures, ETFs, Crypto
Options trading
Firstrade
Yes, commission-free
TradeStation
Yes, comprehensive
Fee model
Firstrade
$0 commission on stocks, ETFs and options
TradeStation
$0 stocks, $0.60 per options contract, $1.50 per futures contract
Minimum deposit
Firstrade
0 $
TradeStation
0 $
Regulation
Firstrade
SEC/FINRA
TradeStation
SEC/FINRA
Product access and costs depend on market, account and permissions.
Detailed comparison
Comparing fees
Compare total costs, not just the order fee.
FirstradeTradeStation$0 stocks, $0.60 per options contract, $1.50 per futures contract
- Published fee
- $0 stocks, $0.60 per options contract, $1.50 per futures contract
- Minimum deposit
- 0 $
- Inactivity
- $50/year if equity under $5,000, otherwise none
The relevant costs depend on market, currency, order size and trading style.
Worked out
What does it actually cost?
Typical months at Firstrade and TradeStation, priced from their published fee schedules. Spreads, FX and exchange fees come on top depending on the venue.
| Scenario | Firstrade | TradeStation |
|---|---|---|
| ETF savings plan, ≈ €200 a month | US$0$0 online ETF commission (≈ $230 buy); $0 × 1 | US$0$0 online ETF commission (≈ $230 buy); $0 × 1 |
| 10 stock buys of ≈ €1,000 a month | US$0$0 online US stock commission × 10 orders | —$0 commission, but $0.003/share clearing fee (tier 1) listed – depends on share count |
| 10 US option contracts a month | US$0$0 commission and $0 contract fee × 10 (ORF $0.02/contract excluded) | US$8$0.80 per contract (tier 0–500) × 10; $0.025/contract options clearing fee extra |
| Custody and account fee per year | US$0No account maintenance or inactivity fee | US$0$10/month inactivity fee waived with ≥10 trades in prior 90 days |
Checked on 22 October 2026. Prices can change; the current fee schedule is what counts. Sources: firstrade.com · help.en-us.firstrade.com · tradestation.com · tradestation.com
Execution quality
Order type, venue and liquidity affect execution.
FirstradeCheck the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.
Provider informationTradeStationCheck the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.
Provider informationProduct range
FirstradeStocksOptionsETFsMutual FundsBonds
TradeStationStocksOptionsFuturesETFsCrypto
Categories come from broker profiles. Check specific markets and permissions before deciding.
Trading platforms
FirstradeFirstrade 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 platformTradeStationTradeStation Desktop · TradeStation Web · TradeStation App
TradeStation offers a powerful desktop platform with professional charting tools, EasyLanguage strategy development, backtesting engine, and over 1,000 pre-installed indicators. The web and app versions provide simplified access on the go. RadarScreen enables real-time market scanning and the Matrix feature one-click trading. The platform is particularly designed for systematic traders and strategy developers.
Explore platformFirstrade
Firstrade Securities Inc. (clearing: Apex Clearing)
- Supervisor
- SEC / FINRA
TradeStation
TradeStation Securities, Inc.
- Supervisor
- SEC / FINRA, CFTC / NFA (futures)
Regulation does not protect against market losses. What counts is the entity you sign the contract with.
Your investor profile
Who might it suit?
FirstradeCommission-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
TradeStationProfessional trading platform with EasyLanguage and strategies
- Professional charting tools
- EasyLanguage for automated strategies
- Over 40 years of experience
- Platform complex for beginners
- Higher fees for futures
Find the broker that fits
Firstrade oder TradeStation?
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.
Firstrade and TradeStation do not earn the same way
The table shows what they cost. These lessons show how they earn, which is what the difference is made of.
Your questions
Frequently asked questions
How do fees differ between Firstrade and TradeStation?
Firstrade: $0 commission on stocks, ETFs and options. TradeStation: $0 stocks, $0.60 per options contract, $1.50 per futures contract. Compare total costs for the specific market, product, currency and order size in the current fee schedule.
Which broker offers more products: Firstrade or TradeStation?
Firstrade offers Stocks, Options, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Bonds. TradeStation offers Stocks, Options, Futures, ETFs, Crypto.
How are Firstrade and TradeStation regulated?
The broker profiles list SEC/FINRA for Firstrade and SEC/FINRA for TradeStation. Your account's contracting entity determines the applicable oversight and protection rules; check its current disclosures.
Is Firstrade or TradeStation better for beginners?
Firstrade lists a 0 $ minimum deposit and offers Firstrade Web, Firstrade App. TradeStation lists 0 $ and offers TradeStation Desktop, TradeStation Web, TradeStation App. Compare usability, available products and costs for your intended use.
Firstrade vs TradeStation: Which broker is better overall?
The choice between Firstrade (4/5, 600 reviews) and TradeStation (4.3/5, 1100 reviews) depends on your needs. Firstrade: Commission-free US broker with options trading since 1985. TradeStation: Professional trading platform with EasyLanguage and strategies.
Do Firstrade or TradeStation charge an inactivity fee?
Firstrade: no inactivity fee. TradeStation: $50/year if equity under $5,000, otherwise none.
Your next step
Your next step
FirstradeCommission-free US broker with options trading since 1985
Open accountRead reviewTradeStationProfessional trading platform with EasyLanguage and strategies
Open accountRead reviewKeep learning
Before you pick a broker
The guides worth reading before your first trade, whichever of the two you choose.