AvaTrade vs BDSwiss 2026
Two licensed kitchens. Which table you take comes down to how you trade.
Pull up a chair at AvaTrade if you value tighter spreads, copy trading, more instruments (1,260 vs 250). BDSwiss plates up better for anyone who leans on specific use cases detailed below.
The two menus, side by side
| AvaTrade | BDSwiss | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CBI C53877 | CySEC 199/13 |
| Regulation tier | tier-1 | tier-1 |
| Min deposit | $100 | $100 |
| EUR/USD spread | 0.9 pips | 1.5 pips |
| Instruments | 1,260+ | 250+ |
| MetaTrader | Yes (MT4+MT5) | Yes (MT4+MT5) |
| Copy trading | Yes | No |
| Real stocks | No, CFDs only | No, CFDs only |
| Inactivity fee | $50/mo after 3mo | $10/mo after 3mo |
| Founded | 2006 | 2012 |
| Headquarters | Dublin, Ireland | Zurich, Switzerland |
The kitchen inspection: AvaTrade vs BDSwiss
AvaTrade is regulated by CBI under licence C53877 (AvaTrade EU Ltd). The CBI is a tier-1 regulator. Client funds are held in segregated accounts and negative balance protection applies.
BDSwiss is regulated by CySEC under licence 199/13 (BDS Markets). The CySEC is a tier-1 regulator. Client funds are held in segregated accounts and negative balance protection applies.
Both brokers are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Neither has a significant regulatory advantage over the other.
Ingredient costs and the bill
AvaTrade's EUR/USD spread is 0.9 pips. BDSwiss's EUR/USD spread is 1.5 pips. AvaTrade offers tighter spreads on this pair.
AvaTrade charges an inactivity fee of $50/month after 3 months without trading. BDSwiss charges an inactivity fee of $10/month after 3 months.
Platforms and tools
Both AvaTrade and BDSwiss support MetaTrader 4 and 5, so algorithmic traders and EA users can use either.
AvaTrade offers copy trading, BDSwiss does not.
The cover charge
AvaTrade requires a minimum deposit of $100. BDSwiss requires $100. Both require the same initial deposit.
Note that minimum deposits can vary by account type and by which regulatory entity serves your country. Some offshore entities allow lower deposits than the tier-1 entity.
Which is better for beginners?
AvaTrade is generally better for beginners because it offers copy trading, allowing new traders to replicate experienced traders automatically while learning. Both platforms are accessible to new traders, though neither is specifically designed as a beginner-only broker.
Which is better for experienced traders?
Both AvaTrade and BDSwiss support MetaTrader, so experienced traders can use either without restriction. AvaTrade's tighter spreads (0.9 pips) make it better for high-frequency and scalping strategies. AvaTrade offers more instruments (1,260) for portfolio diversification.
The verdict: AvaTrade vs BDSwiss
Book a table at AvaTrade if what you are after is tighter spreads, copy trading, more instruments (1,260 vs 250). Its CBI licence (C53877) brings the full weight of a tier-1 seal.
Go with BDSwiss if you want specific use cases detailed below. Its CySEC licence (199/13) means solid tier-1 protection.
Neither kitchen is a bad one; both hold real licences. In the end it is your own trading appetite that picks the table.
Frequently asked questions
AvaTrade vs BDSwiss: which is better?
AvaTrade is better for tighter spreads, copy trading, more instruments (1,260 vs 250). BDSwiss is better for specific use cases detailed below. If regulation quality is your priority, both have comparable regulation.
Is AvaTrade or BDSwiss safer?
Both AvaTrade (CBI C53877) and BDSwiss (CySEC 199/13) are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Both segregate client funds.
What is the minimum deposit for AvaTrade and BDSwiss?
AvaTrade minimum deposit: $100. BDSwiss minimum deposit: $100. Minimums vary by entity and account type.
Do AvaTrade and BDSwiss have MetaTrader?
Yes, both support MetaTrader 4 and MT5.