B

Alpha Capital Markets

6.1/10

Startrader

8.1/10
3/10RegulationWinner9/10
10/10FeesTied10/10
9/10WinnerPlatforms6/10
4/10Education & ResearchWinner10/10
4/10Deposits & WithdrawalsWinner7.5/10
10/10SupportTied10/10

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Overview

Alpha Capital Markets was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in UK, while Startrader was established in 2011 and is based in Hong Kong. Alpha Capital Markets holds licences including Unregulated, while Startrader is regulated by Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) among others. Alpha Capital Markets serves 10,000+ clients worldwide; Startrader has 500,000 +. The minimum deposit is $0 at Alpha Capital Markets and $50 at Startrader.

Startrader wins this category
FeatureAlpha Capital MarketsStartrader
Min. Deposit$0$50
RegulationUnregulatedFinancial Conduct Authority (FCA), Saint Vincent and Grenadines (SVG) and Financial Services Authority Seychelles (FSA)
Founded19992011
CountryUKHong Kong
Clients10,000+500,000 +

Fees

Fees are a critical factor when choosing between Alpha Capital Markets and Startrader, directly affecting your bottom line as a trader. Alpha Capital Markets has a lower barrier to entry with a minimum deposit of $0 (vs $50 at Startrader). Startrader charges withdrawal fees while Alpha Capital Markets does not, giving Alpha Capital Markets an edge for frequent withdrawers. Alpha Capital Markets applies inactivity fees on dormant accounts; Startrader does not. The two brokers are broadly comparable on fee structure.

Tied
FeatureAlpha Capital MarketsStartrader
Min. Deposit$0$50
Withdrawal FeesNoYes
Inactivity FeesYesNo
Deposit FeesNoNo
CFD FeesNoYes

Platforms

Alpha Capital Markets offers MT4, MT5, cTrader, while Startrader supports MT4, MT5, cTrader. Alpha Capital Markets offers a mobile trading app; mobile availability for Startrader is limited. Both brokers support copy or social trading, catering to less hands-on investors. Alpha Capital Markets edges ahead on platform breadth and functionality in our scoring.

Alpha Capital Markets wins this category
FeatureAlpha Capital MarketsStartrader
MT4YesYes
MT5YesYes
cTraderYesYes
Windows AppYesYes
iOS AppYesNo
Android AppYesNo
Trading PlatformsMetatrader 4 - desktop, iOS and Android versions available.MT4, MT5 and Web Trader

Education & Research

Education and research tools help traders at every level make more informed decisions, and here's how Alpha Capital Markets and Startrader compare. Startrader runs regular live webinars; Alpha Capital Markets does not. Both provide video tutorials. Startrader publishes daily market commentary; Alpha Capital Markets does not. Both integrate third-party research tools. Startrader maintains an archive of past webinars for on-demand viewing. Startrader scores higher overall in education and research.

Startrader wins this category
FeatureAlpha Capital MarketsStartrader
Forex EducationYesYes
CFD EducationNoYes
Weekly WebinarsNoYes
Daily CommentaryNoYes
Trading CentralNoYes
AutochartistYesYes

Deposits & Withdrawals

Convenient deposit and withdrawal options reduce friction for traders, especially important when managing positions across time zones. Alpha Capital Markets accepts 2 of the tracked payment methods (bank transfer, credit/debit card), while Startrader supports 4 (bank transfer, credit/debit card, Skrill, Neteller). Startrader uniquely supports Skrill and Neteller among the two brokers. Startrader scores higher on deposit and withdrawal flexibility.

Startrader wins this category
FeatureAlpha Capital MarketsStartrader
Bank TransferYesYes
Credit CardYesYes
PayPalNoNo
SkrillNoYes
NetellerNoYes

Support

Responsive customer support matters most when you're locked out of your account or need urgent help with a trade. Both Alpha Capital Markets and Startrader offer live chat support. Both provide phone support. Email support is available at both brokers. Both brokers offer support in 2 languages. Both brokers are comparable on support quality.

Tied
FeatureAlpha Capital MarketsStartrader
Live ChatYesYes
Phone SupportYesYes
Email SupportYesYes
LanguagesEnglish, and ChineseEnglish, Chinese