Skilling
Startrader
BrokerDataNet earns affiliate commission from brokers listed on this site. This does not affect our ratings or editorial independence.
Overview
Skilling was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Cyprus, while Startrader was established in 2011 and is based in Hong Kong. Skilling holds licences including Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), while Startrader is regulated by Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) among others. Skilling serves 5,000+ clients worldwide; Startrader has 500,000 +. The minimum deposit is $100 at Skilling and $50 at Startrader.
| Feature | Skilling | Startrader |
|---|---|---|
| Min. Deposit | $100 | $50 |
| Regulation | Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), CIF license number 357/18, Financial Services Authority (FSA) under license No. SD042 | Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Saint Vincent and Grenadines (SVG) and Financial Services Authority Seychelles (FSA) |
| Founded | 2016 | 2011 |
| Country | Cyprus | Hong Kong |
| Clients | 5,000+ | 500,000 + |
Fees
Fees are a critical factor when choosing between Skilling and Startrader, directly affecting your bottom line as a trader. Skilling has a lower barrier to entry with a minimum deposit of $100 (vs $50 at Startrader). Startrader charges withdrawal fees while Skilling does not, giving Skilling an edge for frequent withdrawers. Overall, Startrader scores higher on fees in our assessment.
| Feature | Skilling | Startrader |
|---|---|---|
| Min. Deposit | $100 | $50 |
| Withdrawal Fees | No | Yes |
| Inactivity Fees | No | No |
| Deposit Fees | No | No |
| CFD Fees | No | Yes |
Platforms
Skilling offers MT4, MT5, cTrader, while Startrader supports MT4, MT5, cTrader. Skilling offers a mobile trading app; mobile availability for Startrader is limited. Both brokers support copy or social trading, catering to less hands-on investors. Skilling edges ahead on platform breadth and functionality in our scoring.
| Feature | Skilling | Startrader |
|---|---|---|
| MT4 | Yes | Yes |
| MT5 | Yes | Yes |
| cTrader | Yes | Yes |
| Windows App | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App | Yes | No |
| Android App | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | MT4, Web Trader, Tablet & Mobile apps | MT4, MT5 and Web Trader |
Education & Research
Education and research tools help traders at every level make more informed decisions, and here's how Skilling 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 | Skilling | 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. Skilling 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 | Skilling | 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 Skilling 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 | Skilling | Startrader |
|---|---|---|
| Live Chat | Yes | Yes |
| Phone Support | Yes | Yes |
| Email Support | Yes | Yes |
| Languages | English, and Chinese | English, Chinese |