Head-to-head comparison across ratings, fees, asset coverage, and platform breadth.
4.5 / 5
Best for full-service investors who want thinkorswim, broad 24/5 trading, deep customer service, and integrated banking. Cost-competitive on most fronts but lags on margin rates and fractional-share breadth.
3.7 / 5
Direct-access broker built for active day traders who need DAS Trader Pro, ECN order routing, integrated short locates, and OTC/penny stock access. Strong on short-locate workflow; weak on transparency, mobile, and reputation given multiple FINRA enforcement actions.
Each broker scored 0–5 across the same 8 dimensions.
Green cells mark the winner on each metric. Tie rows are uncoloured.
| Metric | Charles | SpeedTrader | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| OverallEditorial score | 4.50 / 5 | 3.70 / 5 | Charles |
| Sub-ratingsCommissions & fees | 4.20 | 3.50 | Charles |
| Sub-ratingsPlatforms & tools | 5.00 | 4.30 | Charles |
| Sub-ratingsMobile app | 4.40 | 2.50 | Charles |
| Sub-ratingsResearch | 5.00 | 2.50 | Charles |
| Sub-ratingsEducation | 5.00 | 2.50 | Charles |
| Sub-ratingsCustomer service | 4.90 | 4.00 | Charles |
| Sub-ratingsRange of investments | 4.70 | 2.80 | Charles |
| Sub-ratingsActive trading | 4.70 | 4.70 | Tie |
| PricingLowest margin rate | 11.13% | 8.00% | SpeedTrader |
| PricingDefault cash sweep yield | 0.45% | — | Charles |
| PricingPFOF on equities | Accepts | Does not accept | SpeedTrader |
| Asset class | Charles | SpeedTrader |
|---|---|---|
| OTC / penny stocks | Yes | |
| Fractional shares | Limited | No |
| Options (single & multi-leg) | Yes | |
| Mutual funds | Yes | Limited |
| US Treasuries | Yes | |
| Corporate / muni bonds, CDs | Yes | |
| Forex | Yes | No |
| Futures / futures options | Yes | |
| Crypto (direct) | Limited | No |
| International stocks | Limited | |
| IPOs | Yes | |
| 24-hour overnight equity trading | Yes | No |
| OTC / Pink Sheets / OTCQX / OTCQB | Yes | |
| Options (equity, ETF, SPX, other indices) | Yes | |
| US Treasuries / bonds | Limited | |
| Futures | No | |
| Foreign stocks ("F" tickers) | Limited | |
| IRAs | No | |
| Cash accounts | No | |
| Hard-to-borrow short locates | Yes |