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First Trade logo

First Trade

7.5/10

Hargreaves Lansdown

7/10
3/10RegulationWinner7/10
10/10WinnerFees8/10
9/10PlatformsTied9/10
10/10WinnerEducation & Research6/10
4/10Deposits & WithdrawalsTied4/10
10/10SupportTied10/10

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Overview

First Trade was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in USA, while Hargreaves Lansdown was established in 1981 and is based in UK. First Trade holds licences including Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), while Hargreaves Lansdown is regulated by Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) among others. First Trade serves 10,000+ clients worldwide; Hargreaves Lansdown has 10,000+. The minimum deposit is $5 at First Trade and $200 at Hargreaves Lansdown.

First Trade wins this category
FeatureFirst TradeHargreaves Lansdown
Min. Deposit$5$200
RegulationSecurities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
Founded20081981
CountryUSAUK
Clients10,000+10,000+

Fees

Fees are a critical factor when choosing between First Trade and Hargreaves Lansdown, directly affecting your bottom line as a trader. Hargreaves Lansdown has a lower barrier to entry with a minimum deposit of $200 (vs $5 at First Trade). First Trade charges withdrawal fees while Hargreaves Lansdown does not, a notable advantage for frequent withdrawers. First Trade charges deposit fees; Hargreaves Lansdown does not. Overall, First Trade scores higher on fees in our assessment.

First Trade wins this category
FeatureFirst TradeHargreaves Lansdown
Min. Deposit$5$200
Withdrawal FeesYesNo
Inactivity FeesNoNo
Deposit FeesYesNo
CFD FeesNoYes

Platforms

First Trade offers MT4, MT5, cTrader, while Hargreaves Lansdown supports MT4, MT5, cTrader. Both brokers provide mobile trading apps for iOS and Android. The two brokers are closely matched on platform offering.

Tied
FeatureFirst TradeHargreaves Lansdown
MT4YesYes
MT5YesYes
cTraderYesYes
Windows AppYesYes
iOS AppYesYes
Android AppYesYes
Trading PlatformsMT4,WEBWeb Trader, Tablet & Mobile apps

Education & Research

Education and research tools help traders at every level make more informed decisions, and here's how First Trade and Hargreaves Lansdown 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. First Trade scores higher overall in education and research.

First Trade wins this category
FeatureFirst TradeHargreaves Lansdown
Forex EducationYesNo
CFD EducationYesYes
Weekly WebinarsYesYes
Daily CommentaryYesYes
Trading CentralYesYes
AutochartistYesNo

Deposits & Withdrawals

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

Tied
FeatureFirst TradeHargreaves Lansdown
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 First Trade and Hargreaves Lansdown 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
FeatureFirst TradeHargreaves Lansdown
Live ChatYesYes
Phone SupportYesYes
Email SupportYesYes
LanguagesEnglish, and ChineseEnglish, and Chinese