Head-to-head comparison across ratings, fees, asset coverage, and platform breadth.
4.0 / 5
Best for OTC and penny-stock buyers who want $0 commissions, plus mainstream mutual-fund and 24/5 access. Smaller platform and research footprint than the big four, but the price floor is uncontested.
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 | Firstrade | SpeedTrader | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| OverallEditorial score | 4.00 / 5 | 3.70 / 5 | Firstrade |
| Sub-ratingsCommissions & fees | 5.00 | 3.50 | Firstrade |
| Sub-ratingsPlatforms & tools | 3.50 | 4.30 | SpeedTrader |
| Sub-ratingsMobile app | 4.00 | 2.50 | Firstrade |
| Sub-ratingsResearch | 3.50 | 2.50 | Firstrade |
| Sub-ratingsEducation | 3.50 | 2.50 | Firstrade |
| Sub-ratingsCustomer service | 3.60 | 4.00 | SpeedTrader |
| Sub-ratingsRange of investments | 3.80 | 2.80 | Firstrade |
| Sub-ratingsActive trading | 3.60 | 4.70 | SpeedTrader |
| PricingLowest margin rate | 10.75% | 8.00% | SpeedTrader |
| PricingDefault cash sweep yield | 3.50% | — | Firstrade |
| PricingPFOF on equities | Accepts | Does not accept | SpeedTrader |
| Asset class | Firstrade | SpeedTrader |
|---|---|---|
| US stocks | Yes | |
| Fractional shares | Yes | No |
| Options | Yes | |
| Mutual funds | Yes | Limited |
| US Treasuries | Yes | |
| Corporate / muni bonds | Yes | |
| Crypto (direct) | Yes | No |
| International stocks (US app) | No | |
| 24-hour overnight equity trading | Yes | No |
| US stocks (NYSE/Nasdaq/AMEX) | Yes | |
| Options (equity, ETF, SPX, other indices) | Yes | |
| US Treasuries / bonds | Limited | |
| Foreign stocks ("F" tickers) | Limited | |
| IRAs | No | |
| Cash accounts | No | |
| Hard-to-borrow short locates | Yes |