B
Directshares logo

Directshares

7.3/10
Saxo Markets logo

Saxo Markets

6.1/10
6/10RegulationWinner7/10
4/10WinnerFees0/10
9/10PlatformsTied9/10
10/10WinnerEducation & Research4/10
4/10Deposits & WithdrawalsTied4/10
10/10SupportTied10/10

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Overview

Directshares was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Australia, while Saxo Markets was established in 2012 and is based in Denmark. Directshares holds licences including The Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM), while Saxo Markets is regulated by Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) among others. Directshares serves 10,000+ clients worldwide; Saxo Markets has 10,000+. The minimum deposit is $100 at Directshares and $6500 at Saxo Markets.

Directshares wins this category
FeatureDirectsharesSaxo Markets
Min. Deposit$100$6500
RegulationThe Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM)Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
Founded20072012
CountryAustraliaDenmark
Clients10,000+10,000+

Fees

Fees are a critical factor when choosing between Directshares and Saxo Markets, directly affecting your bottom line as a trader. Directshares has a lower barrier to entry with a minimum deposit of $100 (vs $6500 at Saxo Markets). Both brokers charge withdrawal fees. Saxo Markets applies inactivity fees on dormant accounts; Directshares does not. Directshares charges deposit fees; Saxo Markets does not. Overall, Directshares scores higher on fees in our assessment.

Directshares wins this category
FeatureDirectsharesSaxo Markets
Min. Deposit$100$6500
Withdrawal FeesYesYes
Inactivity FeesNoYes
Deposit FeesYesNo
CFD FeesNoNo

Platforms

Directshares offers MT4, MT5, cTrader, while Saxo Markets supports MT4, MT5, cTrader. Both brokers provide mobile trading apps for iOS and Android. Both brokers support copy or social trading, catering to less hands-on investors. The two brokers are closely matched on platform offering.

Tied
FeatureDirectsharesSaxo Markets
MT4YesYes
MT5YesYes
cTraderYesYes
Windows AppYesYes
iOS AppYesYes
Android AppYesYes
Trading PlatformsMT4,iOS,MacBook,iPhoneMac, Web Trader, Tablet & Mobile apps

Education & Research

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

Directshares wins this category
FeatureDirectsharesSaxo Markets
Forex EducationYesYes
CFD EducationYesNo
Weekly WebinarsYesNo
Daily CommentaryYesNo
Trading CentralYesNo
AutochartistYesYes

Deposits & Withdrawals

Convenient deposit and withdrawal options reduce friction for traders, especially important when managing positions across time zones. Directshares accepts 2 of the tracked payment methods (bank transfer, credit/debit card), while Saxo Markets supports 2 (bank transfer, credit/debit card). Both brokers support the same set of payment methods.

Tied
FeatureDirectsharesSaxo Markets
Bank TransferYesYes
Credit CardYesYes
PayPalNoNo
SkrillNoNo
NetellerNoNo

Support

Responsive customer support matters most when you're locked out of your account or need urgent help with a trade. Both Directshares and Saxo Markets 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
FeatureDirectsharesSaxo Markets
Live ChatYesYes
Phone SupportYesYes
Email SupportYesYes
LanguagesEnglish, and ChineseEnglish, and Chinese