XTB vs Swissquote 2026
Two licensed kitchens. Which table you take comes down to how you trade.
Pull up a chair at XTB if you value tighter spreads, lower minimum deposit (None vs $1000). Swissquote plates up better for anyone who leans on more instruments (3,000,000 vs 5,800).
The two menus, side by side
| XTB | Swissquote | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA 522157 | FCA 562379 |
| Regulation tier | tier-1 | tier-1 |
| Min deposit | None | $1000 |
| EUR/USD spread | 0.1 pips | 1.3 pips |
| Instruments | 5,800+ | 3,000,000+ |
| MetaTrader | Yes (MT4+MT5) | Yes (MT4+MT5) |
| Copy trading | No | No |
| Real stocks | Yes | Yes |
| Inactivity fee | $10/mo after 12mo | $10/mo after 12mo |
| Founded | 2002 | 1996 |
| Headquarters | Warsaw, Poland | Gland, Switzerland |
The kitchen inspection: XTB vs Swissquote
XTB is regulated by FCA under licence 522157 (XTB Ltd). The FCA is a tier-1 regulator. Client funds are held in segregated accounts and negative balance protection applies.
Swissquote is regulated by FCA under licence 562379 (Swissquote UK Ltd). The FCA 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
XTB's EUR/USD spread is 0.1 pips. Swissquote's EUR/USD spread is 1.3 pips. XTB offers tighter spreads on this pair.
XTB charges an inactivity fee of $10/month after 12 months without trading. Swissquote charges an inactivity fee of $10/month after 12 months.
Platforms and tools
Both XTB and Swissquote support MetaTrader 4 and 5, so algorithmic traders and EA users can use either.
Neither broker offers copy trading.
The cover charge
XTB requires a minimum deposit of None. Swissquote requires $1000. XTB has the lower barrier to entry. Traders who want to start with less capital should consider XTB.
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?
XTB also has the lower minimum deposit of None, 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?
Both XTB and Swissquote support MetaTrader, so experienced traders can use either without restriction. XTB's tighter spreads (0.1 pips) make it better for high-frequency and scalping strategies. Swissquote offers more instruments (3,000,000) for portfolio diversification.
The verdict: XTB vs Swissquote
Book a table at XTB if what you are after is tighter spreads, lower minimum deposit (None vs $1000). Its FCA licence (522157) brings the full weight of a tier-1 seal.
Go with Swissquote if you want more instruments (3,000,000 vs 5,800). Its FCA licence (562379) 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
XTB vs Swissquote: which is better?
XTB is better for tighter spreads, lower minimum deposit (None vs $1000). Swissquote is better for more instruments (3,000,000 vs 5,800). If regulation quality is your priority, both have comparable regulation.
Is XTB or Swissquote safer?
Both XTB (FCA 522157) and Swissquote (FCA 562379) are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Both segregate client funds.
What is the minimum deposit for XTB and Swissquote?
XTB minimum deposit: None. Swissquote minimum deposit: $1000. Minimums vary by entity and account type.
Do XTB and Swissquote have MetaTrader?
Yes, both support MetaTrader 4 and MT5.