eToro vs Saxo Bank 2026
Two licensed kitchens. Which table you take comes down to how you trade.
Pull up a chair at eToro if you value lower minimum deposit ($50 vs $2000), copy trading. Saxo Bank plates up better for anyone who leans on tighter spreads, MetaTrader support, more instruments (65,000 vs 3,000).
The two menus, side by side
| eToro | Saxo Bank | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA 583263 | DFSA DF000029 |
| Regulation tier | tier-1 | tier-1 |
| Min deposit | $50 | $2000 |
| EUR/USD spread | 1 pips | 0.4 pips |
| Instruments | 3,000+ | 65,000+ |
| MetaTrader | No | Yes (MT4+MT5) |
| Copy trading | Yes | No |
| Real stocks | Yes | Yes |
| Inactivity fee | $10/mo after 12mo | $100/mo after 6mo |
| Founded | 2007 | 1992 |
| Headquarters | Tel Aviv, Israel | Copenhagen, Denmark |
The kitchen inspection: eToro vs Saxo Bank
eToro is regulated by FCA under licence 583263 (eToro (UK) Ltd). The FCA is a tier-1 regulator. Client funds are held in segregated accounts and negative balance protection applies.
Saxo Bank is regulated by DFSA under licence DF000029 (Saxo Bank A/S (DIFC)). The DFSA 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
eToro's EUR/USD spread is 1 pips. Saxo Bank's EUR/USD spread is 0.4 pips. Saxo Bank offers tighter spreads on this pair.
eToro charges an inactivity fee of $10/month after 12 months without trading. Saxo Bank charges an inactivity fee of $100/month after 6 months.
Platforms and tools
Saxo Bank supports MetaTrader. eToro uses a proprietary platform only, traders who need MT4/MT5 for automated strategies should choose Saxo Bank.
eToro offers copy trading, Saxo Bank does not.
The cover charge
eToro requires a minimum deposit of $50. Saxo Bank requires $2000. eToro has the lower barrier to entry. Traders who want to start with less capital should consider eToro.
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?
eToro is generally better for beginners because it offers copy trading, allowing new traders to replicate experienced traders automatically while learning. eToro also has the lower minimum deposit of $50, making it easier to start with a small amount. Both platforms are accessible to new traders, though neither is specifically designed as a beginner-only broker.
Which is better for experienced traders?
Saxo Bank is better for experienced traders who need MetaTrader. Saxo Bank's tighter spreads (0.4 pips) make it better for high-frequency and scalping strategies. Saxo Bank offers more instruments (65,000) for portfolio diversification.
The verdict: eToro vs Saxo Bank
Book a table at eToro if what you are after is lower minimum deposit ($50 vs $2000), copy trading. Its FCA licence (583263) brings the full weight of a tier-1 seal.
Go with Saxo Bank if you want tighter spreads, MetaTrader support, more instruments (65,000 vs 3,000). Its DFSA licence (DF000029) 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
eToro vs Saxo Bank: which is better?
eToro is better for lower minimum deposit ($50 vs $2000), copy trading. Saxo Bank is better for tighter spreads, MetaTrader support, more instruments (65,000 vs 3,000). If regulation quality is your priority, both have comparable regulation.
Is eToro or Saxo Bank safer?
Both eToro (FCA 583263) and Saxo Bank (DFSA DF000029) are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Both segregate client funds.
What is the minimum deposit for eToro and Saxo Bank?
eToro minimum deposit: $50. Saxo Bank minimum deposit: $2000. Minimums vary by entity and account type.
Do eToro and Saxo Bank have MetaTrader?
Saxo Bank supports MT4 and MT5. eToro does not offer MetaTrader.