Direct FX
Startrader
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Overview
Direct FX was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in New Zealand, while Startrader was established in 2011 and is based in Hong Kong. Direct FX holds licences including Unregulated, while Startrader is regulated by Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) among others. Direct FX serves 10,000+ clients worldwide; Startrader has 500,000 +. The minimum deposit is $1 at Direct FX and $50 at Startrader.
| Feature | Direct FX | Startrader |
|---|---|---|
| Min. Deposit | $1 | $50 |
| Regulation | Unregulated | Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Saint Vincent and Grenadines (SVG) and Financial Services Authority Seychelles (FSA) |
| Founded | 2006 | 2011 |
| Country | New Zealand | Hong Kong |
| Clients | 10,000+ | 500,000 + |
Fees
Fees are a critical factor when choosing between Direct FX and Startrader, directly affecting your bottom line as a trader. Direct FX has a lower barrier to entry with a minimum deposit of $1 (vs $50 at Startrader). Startrader charges withdrawal fees while Direct FX does not, giving Direct FX an edge for frequent withdrawers. Direct FX charges deposit fees; Startrader does not. The two brokers are broadly comparable on fee structure.
| Feature | Direct FX | Startrader |
|---|---|---|
| Min. Deposit | $1 | $50 |
| Withdrawal Fees | No | Yes |
| Inactivity Fees | No | No |
| Deposit Fees | Yes | No |
| CFD Fees | Yes | Yes |
Platforms
Direct FX offers MT4, MT5, cTrader, while Startrader supports MT4, MT5, cTrader. Direct FX offers a mobile trading app; mobile availability for Startrader is limited. Both brokers support copy or social trading, catering to less hands-on investors. Direct FX edges ahead on platform breadth and functionality in our scoring.
| Feature | Direct FX | Startrader |
|---|---|---|
| MT4 | Yes | Yes |
| MT5 | Yes | Yes |
| cTrader | Yes | Yes |
| Windows App | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App | Yes | No |
| Android App | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | Not 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 Direct FX and Startrader compare. Both brokers run regular live webinars. Both provide video tutorials, including advanced content. Daily market commentary is available from both brokers. Both integrate third-party research tools including Trading Central. Archived webinars are available at both brokers for self-paced learning. Startrader scores higher overall in education and research.
| Feature | Direct FX | Startrader |
|---|---|---|
| Forex Education | No | Yes |
| CFD Education | Yes | Yes |
| Weekly Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Daily Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Central | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | Yes |
Deposits & Withdrawals
Convenient deposit and withdrawal options reduce friction for traders, especially important when managing positions across time zones. Direct FX 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.
| Feature | Direct FX | Startrader |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Transfer | Yes | Yes |
| Credit Card | Yes | Yes |
| PayPal | No | No |
| Skrill | No | Yes |
| Neteller | No | Yes |
Support
Responsive customer support matters most when you're locked out of your account or need urgent help with a trade. Both Direct FX 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.
| Feature | Direct FX | Startrader |
|---|---|---|
| Live Chat | Yes | Yes |
| Phone Support | Yes | Yes |
| Email Support | Yes | Yes |
| Languages | English, and Chinese | English, Chinese |