Self Directed Investing Guide
Updated June 18, 2021
Self Directed Investing
Self-directed investing is an interesting term used in the financial world. It is simply refering to the managing of all the trading activities without the help of others. Under the term, a trader does the investing by himself to possibly get better returns in the long run.
It is common practice for adviros to take dollars from the wallets of investors without offering much guidance and this is one of the reasons that self-directed investing is gaining popularity - to save on service charges or fees.
It is not always worth paying for advice and certain strategies suggest not to share your hard-earned money. Hence, it is up to the investor to decide whether to take the advice of professionals or go solo. But of course, going solo means a lot of hard work is required to understand the market and know the products.
Self Directed Investing Explained
As said above, self-directed investing means trading bonds, funds, stocks and other securities without any advice or guidance. It is a DIY art of not relying on others even if the service of discount brokers is received. The investor chooses what to buy and sell as well as when to buy and sell. Below are the most common behaviors in self-directed investing:
- Investors craft their own investment plans and this is based on personal interest, long-term goals and risk attitude.
- It reflects confidence among investors irrespective of the sentiment of the market, advisors or brokers.
- Investors believe they can research independently and can act on the relevant information.
Such investors will not pay a fee to an investment manager that is above 1 percent of the portfolio year after year. Moreover, paying fees or commissions on trades is disliked. To avoid all such expenses, it is suggested they invest in index funds as no fund manager is required.
Why Self Directed Investing Matters
Suppose an investor is 23 years old and has stepped into his first professional job. He will be working for another 40 or 45 years before looking at retirement. If he starts investing now, his capital will be added up many times over the period. If a bit of risk can be afforded, he can plan for the long term.
Simultaneously, if an investor has just become a dad and seeks to save some money for the college education of his child in the time span of 18 or 20 years, he may start investing to see the fund grow in a compound way. He can save some money from tax waving due to his investment.
As well as these two examples, an individual who has just retired can keep some money away from his tax-privileged account and invest instead of spending it. If he understands his financial goals and is comfortable with his risk attitude, he can opt for self-directed investing.
How Self Directed Investing Works
Investing in index funds like S&P 500 can benefit you, with an average return of 6 to 10 percent annually. This is considered a good return for doing almost nothing. The returns can be increased if individual's stocks are picked. However, it requires the right approach and research. It requires a good knowledge of the market and stocks.
Self Directed Investing Brokerage Accounts
The 401(k) may offer its own investing. One can bypass the fund choices and can make their own financial decisions. However, it is not made available to all the holders of 401(k) accounts. It is not quite similar to having your own independent brokerage account. Tax benefits can be enjoyed on the employer-sponsored plan and one gains benefits from his own choice and research.
It is important to contact the 401(k) plan administrator to know whether the feature is being offered. Moreover, if the job is switched, it is essential to roll over the 401(k) account into an IRA to keep the money under your control.
Self Directed Investing Verdict
It is one of the best features if one can handle the investment arena. With self-directed investing, one can avoid paying fees or commissions to brokers or other professionals. However, it requires skill and knowledge to place a profiting trade. Good knowledge about the market and the stocks or funds is necessary.
Many have started practicing self-directed investing lately, but it is suggested to keep the investment within the scope of a sensible risk-taking attitude. It is also important to monitor the trades carefully to avoid any losses. It is safe if the investment is made in index funds like S&P 500.
Beginners may enjoy self-directed investing as not relying on others mean learning the art of trading practically and hence increasing the potentiality of future profit.
We've collected thousands of datapoints and written a guide to help you find the best Self Directed Investing for you. We hope this guide helps you find a reputable broker that matches what you need. We list the what we think are the best Self Directed Investing Investment Platforms below.
Reputable Self Directed Investing Checklist
There are a number of important factors to consider when picking an online Self Directed Investing Investment Platforms trading brokerage.
- Check your Self Directed Investing Investment Platforms broker has a history of at least 2 years.
- Check your Self Directed Investing Investment Platforms broker has a reasonable sized customer support of at least 15.
- Does the Self Directed Investing Investment Platforms broker fall under regulation from a jurisdiction that can hold a broker responsible for its misgivings; or at best play an arbitration role in case of bigger disputes.
- Check your Self Directed Investing Investment Platforms broker has the ability to get deposits and withdrawals processed within 2 to 3 days. This is important when withdrawing funds.
- Does your Self Directed Investing Investment Platforms broker have an international presence in multiple countries. This includes local seminar presentations and training.
- Make sure your Self Directed Investing Investment Platforms can hire people from various locations in the world who can better communicate in your local language.
Our team have listed brokers that match your criteria for you below. All brokerage data has been summarised into a comparison table. Scroll down.
Our brokerage comparison table below allows you to compare the below features for brokers offering Self Directed Investing Investment Platforms.
We compare these features to make it easier for you to make a more informed choice.
- Minimum deposit to open an account.
- Available funding methods for the below Self Directed Investing Investment Platforms.
- What you are able to trade with each brokerage.
- Trading Platforms offered by these brokers.
- Spread type (if applicable) for each brokerage.
- Customer support levels offered.
- We show if each brokerage offers Micro, Standard, VIP and Islamic accounts.
Top 15 Self Directed Investing Investment Platforms of 2021 compared
Here are the top Self Directed Investing Investment Platforms.
Compare Self Directed Investing Investment Platforms min deposits, regulation, headquarters, benefits, funding methods and fees side by side.
All brokers below are Self Directed Investing Investment Platforms. Learn more about what they offer below.
You can scroll left and right on the comparison table below to see more Self Directed Investing Investment Platforms that accept Self Directed Investing Investment Platforms clients
| Broker |
eToro
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AvaTrade
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IC Markets
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XTB
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Pepperstone
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XM
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FP Markets
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Plus500
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FXPrimus
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EasyMarkets
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SpreadEx
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| Rating | |||||||||||
| Regulation | Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), Markets In Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID), Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) | Central Bank of Ireland, Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), Financial Services Authority (FSA), South African Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), Financial Stability Board (FSB), Abu Dhabi Global Markets (ADGM), Financial Regulatory Services Authority (FRSA), British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission (BVI) | Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), Financial Services Authority (FSA), Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) | Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), FCA number FRN 522157, Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), CySEC Licence Number: 169/12, Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores, Komisja Nadzoru Finansowego, Belize International Financial Services Commission (IFSC) under license number IFSC/60/413/TS/19, Polish Securities and Exchange Commission (KPWiG) | Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin), Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), Capital Markets Authority of Kenya (CMA), Pepperstone Markets Limited is incorporated in The Bahamas (number 177174 B), Licensed by the Securities Commission of the Bahamas (SCB) number SIA-F217 | International Financial Services Commission (IFSC), Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) | Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) | Plus500UK Ltd authorized & regulated by the FCA (#509909), Plus500CY Ltd authorized & regulated by CySEC (#250/14), Plus500AU Pty Ltd (ACN 153301681), ASIC in Australia AFSL #417727, FMA in New Zealand, FSP #486026 and Authorised Financial Services Provider in South Africa FSP #47546 | Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), Markets In Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) | Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) | Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) |
| Min Deposit | 200 | 250 | 200 | No minimum deposit | 200 | 5 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 1 |
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| Used By | 20,000,000+ | 200,000+ | 180,000+ | 250,000+ | 89,000+ | 3,500,000+ | 10,000+ | 15,500+ | 10,000+ | 142,500+ | 10,000+ |
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| Platforms | Web Trader, Tablet & Mobile apps | Web Trader, MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGo, AvaOptions, Mac, Mobile Apps, ZuluTrade, DupliTrade, MQL5 | MT4, MT5, Mirror Trader, ZuluTrade, Web Trader, cTrader, Mac | MT4, Mirror Trader, Web Trader, Tablet & Mobile apps | MT4, MT5, Mac, ZuluTrade, Web Trader, cTrader, Tablet & Mobile apps | MT4, MT5, Mac, Web Trader, Tablet & Mobile apps | MT4, MT5, IRESS, Mac, Web Trader, Tablet & Mobile apps | Web Trader, Tablet & Mobile apps | MT4, Mac, Mirror Trader, Web Trader, Tablet & Mobile apps | MT4, Web Trader, Tablet & Mobile apps | Web Trader, Tablet & Mobile apps |
| Support |
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| Learn More |
Sign
Up with etoro |
Sign
Up with avatrade |
Sign
Up with icmarkets |
Sign
Up with xtb |
Sign
Up with pepperstone |
Sign
Up with xm |
Sign
Up with fpmarkets |
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Up with plus500 |
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Up with fxprimus |
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Up with easymarkets |
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Up with spreadex |
| Risk Warning | 67% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. | 72% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider | Losses can exceed deposits | 77% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. | CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 79.3% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money | Your capital is at risk | Losses can exceed deposits | 72% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. | Losses can exceed deposits | Your capital is at risk | Losses can exceed deposits |
| Demo |
eToro Demo |
AvaTrade Demo |
IC Markets Demo |
XTB Demo |
Pepperstone Demo |
XM Demo |
FP Markets Demo |
Plus500 Demo |
FXPrimus Demo |
easyMarkets Demo |
SpreadEx Demo |
| Excluded Countries | IR, KP, BE, CA, JP, SY, TR, IL, BY, AL, MD, MK, RS, GN, CD, SD, ZW, ET, GH, TZ, LY, UG, ZM, BW, RW, TN, SO, NA, TG, SL, LR, GM, DJ, CI, PK, BN, TW, WS, NP, SG, VI, TM, TJ, UZ, LK, TT, HT, MM, BT, MH, MV, KZ, GD, FJ, BB, BM, BS, AG, AI, AW, LB, SV, US, PY, HN, GT, PR, NI, VG, AN, | BE, BR, KP, NZ, TR, US, CA, SG | AF, GN, SL, BW, IR, SY, MM, IQ, TG, KH, LS, YE, CI , LR, ZW, CU, LY, TZ, CG, ML, BO, LR, NE, AO, GM, NG, AG, GH, KR, KG, GN, SN, NA | US, IN, PK, BD, NG , ID, BE, AU | BR, KR, IR, IQ, SY, JP, US | US, CA, IL, KR, IR, MM, CU, SD, SY | US, JP, NZ | MY, BE, US, CA, CN, ID, PH, TG, NG, DO, MA, ZW, PR, TZ, TN, UG, BW, AO, AE | AF, CI, CU, IQ, IR, LY, MM, KR, SD, PR, US, AU, SY, DZ, JP, EC. | US | US, TR |
All Self Directed Investing Investment Platforms in more detail
You can compare Self Directed Investing Investment Platforms ratings, min deposits what the the broker offers, funding methods, platforms, spread types, customer support options, regulation and account types side by side.
We also have an indepth Top Self Directed Investing Investment Platforms for 2021 article further below. You can see it now by clicking here
We have listed top Self Directed Investing Investment Platforms below.
Self Directed Investing Table of Contents
- Self Directed Investing Explained
- 6 Factors to Consider when Choosing Self Directed Investing
- Are Your Self Directed Investing Trusted And Established?
- Are The Self Directed Investing World Leading?
- What are the Self Directed Investing Commissions and Fees?
- What are the Self Directed Investing Funding and Withdrawl Methods?
- Find Self Directed Investing with Round-the-clock support?
- Make sure the Self Directed Investing Offer Comprehensive Trader resources?
- Why Self Directed Investing needs to be regulated?
- Self Directed Investing FAQ
- What are the best Self Directed Investing Investment Platforms brokers?
- What is the best Self Directed Investing Investment Platform broker?
- Related Self Directed Investing Reviews
- Related Self Directed Investing Alternatives
- Related Self Directed Investing Comparisons
Self Directed Investing Explained
Trading the financial markets with Self Directed Investing when conditions are volatile can be difficult, even for experienced traders.
Apart from the educational and other resources made available online, another important factor for traders to consider when looking for Self Directed Investing is the platform that a Self Directed Investing offer.
Choose Self Directed Investing that's at the forefront of innovation and generally considered an industry-leader.
To gain access to the financial markets, you'll need Self Directed Investing that you can rely on.
6 Factors to Consider when Choosing Self Directed Investing
Follow these five rules for selecting a broker that's right for you:
Are Your Self Directed Investing Trusted And Established?
Look for a broker that has a good track record/longevity in the market so that your strategy is your primary concern for navigating the markets. The top rated Self Directed Investing broker is eToro. Established in 2007, and in operation for 14 years eToro have a head office in Cyprus, UK.
eToro is regulated. This means eToro are supervised by and is checked for conduct by Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), Markets In Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID), Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) regulatory bodies.
Another top rated broker is AvaTrade.
AvaTrade was established 2006, and in operation for 12 years AvaTrade have a head office in The British Virgin Islands.
AvaTrade is regulated. This means AvaTrade are supervised by and is checked for conduct by Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), Markets In Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID), Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) regulatory bodies.
| Broker |
eToro
|
AvaTrade
|
IC Markets
|
XTB
|
Pepperstone
|
XM
|
| Year Established | 2007 | 2006 | 2007 | 2002 | 2010 | 2009 |
| Head Office | Cyprus, UK | The British Virgin Islands | Australia | Poland | Australia | Cyprus |
| Regulation | Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), Markets In Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID), Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) | Central Bank of Ireland, Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), Financial Services Authority (FSA), South African Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), Financial Stability Board (FSB), Abu Dhabi Global Markets (ADGM), Financial Regulatory Services Authority (FRSA), British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission (BVI) | Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), Financial Services Authority (FSA), Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) | Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), FCA number FRN 522157, Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), CySEC Licence Number: 169/12, Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores, Komisja Nadzoru Finansowego, Belize International Financial Services Commission (IFSC) under license number IFSC/60/413/TS/19, Polish Securities and Exchange Commission (KPWiG) | Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin), Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), Capital Markets Authority of Kenya (CMA), Pepperstone Markets Limited is incorporated in The Bahamas (number 177174 B), Licensed by the Securities Commission of the Bahamas (SCB) number SIA-F217 | International Financial Services Commission (IFSC), Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) |
| Used By | 20,000,000+ | 200,000+ | 180,000+ | 250,000+ | 89,000+ | 3,500,000+ |
| Negative balance protection | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Guaranteed Stop Loss | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Learn More | Visit eToro | Visit AvaTrade | Visit IC Markets | Visit XTB | Visit Pepperstone | Visit XM |
| Risk Warning | 67% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. | 72% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider | Losses can exceed deposits | 77% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. | CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 79.3% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money | Your capital is at risk |
Are The Self Directed Investing World Leading?
Choose a broker that's at the forefront of innovation and generally considered an industry-leader. eToro Segregates clients funds and offers over 2000 instruments. eToro offers both an online trading platform as well as a mobile platform giving clients easy access to markets.
In addition, the eToro platform enables access to a variety of financial markets worldwide. eToro is a world-leader when it comes to innovation and they are always looking at ways to improve and to maintain their competitive advantage.
Another good choice when looking for Self Directed Investing is AvaTrade . AvaTrade Segregates clients funds and offers over 1000 instruments.
| Broker |
eToro
|
AvaTrade
|
IC Markets
|
XTB
|
Pepperstone
|
XM
|
| Instruments Available | 2000 | 1000 | 232 | 4000 | 100 | 1000 |
| Platforms | Web Trader, Tablet & Mobile apps | Web Trader, MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGo, AvaOptions, Mac, Mobile Apps, ZuluTrade, DupliTrade, MQL5 | MT4, MT5, Mirror Trader, ZuluTrade, Web Trader, cTrader, Mac | MT4, Mirror Trader, Web Trader, Tablet & Mobile apps | MT4, MT5, Mac, ZuluTrade, Web Trader, cTrader, Tablet & Mobile apps | MT4, MT5, Mac, Web Trader, Tablet & Mobile apps |
| Excluded Countries | IR, KP, BE, CA, JP, SY, TR, IL, BY, AL, MD, MK, RS, GN, CD, SD, ZW, ET, GH, TZ, LY, UG, ZM, BW, RW, TN, SO, NA, TG, SL, LR, GM, DJ, CI, PK, BN, TW, WS, NP, SG, VI, TM, TJ, UZ, LK, TT, HT, MM, BT, MH, MV, KZ, GD, FJ, BB, BM, BS, AG, AI, AW, LB, SV, US, PY, HN, GT, PR, NI, VG, AN, | BE, BR, KP, NZ, TR, US, CA, SG | US | US, AU, CA, JP, KR, KP, SG, MU, IL, TR, IN, PK, BA, ET, UG, CU, SY, BD, NG, ID, BE, LY, MO, KE, YE, VU, GY, CD, CG, AF, LA, MZ, IQ, IR | BR, KR, IR, IQ, SY, JP,US | US, CA, IL, KR, IR, MM, CU, SD, SY, PT |
| Forex pairs offered | 50 | 80 | 65 | 57 | 70 | 80 |
| Forex pairs offered | 50 | 80 | 65 | 57 | 70 | 80 |
| Major forex pairs | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Minor forex pairs | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Exotic forex pairs | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrencies (availability subject to regulation) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Commodities Offered | 31 | 16 | 19 | 21 | 16 | 15 |
| Metals | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Energies | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Agricultural | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Stocks Offered | 2042 | 99 | 110 | 1696 | 60 | 160 |
| UK Shares | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
| US Shares | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| German Shares | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Japanese Shares | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
What are the Self Directed Investing Commissions and Fees?
Ensure that your broker is transparent with fees and those dues are competitive.
The best rated Self Directed Investing broker eToro offers competitive offers for Stocks, Commodities, Forex, CFDs, Social Trading, Indices, Cryptocurrency, Index Based Funds, Exchange Traded Funds (ETF). eToro minimum deposit is 200.
Another top rated Self Directed Investing broker AvaTrade offers Forex, CFDs, Spread Betting, Social Trading. AvaTrade minimum deposit is 250. Please note that any cryptocurrency availability with any broker is subject to regulation.
| Broker |
eToro
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AvaTrade
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IC Markets
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XTB
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Pepperstone
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XM
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| Min Deposit | 200 | 250 | 200 | 0 | 200 | 5 |
| Withdrawl Fees | Yes | No | No | varies | No | No |
| Inactivity Fees | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Deposit Fees | No | No | Varies | No | No | No |
| CFD Commission Fees | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
What are the Self Directed Investing Funding and Withdrawal Methods?
When dealing with Self Directed Investing having convenient funding and withdrawl facilities makes the trading process and your trading experience smoother.
| Broker |
eToro
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AvaTrade
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IC Markets
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XTB
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Pepperstone
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XM
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| Bank transfer | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Credit Cards | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Paypal | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Skrill | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Payoneer | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Neteller | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Find Self Directed Investing with Round-the-clock support?
Customer service is very important when dealing with Self Directed Investing.
When investing and dealing with brokers customer support can be a range of customer services to assist customers in making cost effective and correct use the brokers services. It can include assistance in installation, training, troubleshooting, upgrading, and cancelation of a product or service.
Self Directed Investing customer support can include Phone answering services, Live chat support and Email customer service support.
eToro support a wide range of languages including English, German, Spanish, French, Italian
AvaTrade support a wide range of languages including English, Italian, German, French, Greek, and Hebrew
eToro and AvaTrade offer support where clients are able to call or contact the helpdesk via email or a chat service.
| Broker |
eToro
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AvaTrade
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IC Markets
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XTB
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Pepperstone
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XM
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| Support |
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| Languages | English, German, Spanish, French, Italian | English, Italian, German, French, Greek, and Hebrew | English, Japanese, Chinese, Polish, Afrikans, Danish, Dutch, German and more | English, Spanish, Czech, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Slovenian, and Turkish | English, Spanish, Polish, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Arabic | Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Greek, Hindi, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Thai, and Turkish |
| Learn More | Visit eToro | Visit AvaTrade | Visit IC Markets | Visit XTB | Visit Pepperstone | Visit XM |
| Risk Warning | 67% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. | 72% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider | Losses can exceed deposits | 77% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. | CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 79.3% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money | Your capital is at risk |
Make sure the Self Directed Investing Offer Comprehensive Trader resources?
Make sure your broker offers free resources like analysis, education and risk-management tools. With a wealth of knowledge from top analysts, eToro and AvaTrade work together to bring the latest news and insights to traders.
For most traders, the first – and sometimes only – concern is pursuing their 'edge'. While that is surely important, along with sound money management habits, to navigating the markets; that step alone does not represent the full preparation. As each trader dives into this important venture, it is important not to forget the most rudimentary yet crucial steps such as selecting the best broker to access the markets.
Why Self Directed Investing needs to be regulated?
A regulated Self Directed Investing broker lowers your risk.
Broker regulation protects consumers. Too little broker regulation can lead to poor services and possibly financial harm.
Self Directed Investing brokers are regulated to stop fraud. The agent's working capital and clients funded account have to be separated. This amounts to fraud if client money is used to conduct the business. Regulation is required to make sure this does not happen.
Self Directed Investing List
Funding methods
Bank transfer Credit Card PaypalPlatforms
Web Trader, Tablet & Mobile appsCustomer support
Live chat Phone support Email supportAccount Types
Micro account Standard account Islamic account VIP account
Funding methods
Bank transfer Credit Card PaypalPlatforms
Web Trader, MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGo, AvaOptions, Mac, Mobile Apps, ZuluTrade, DupliTrade, MQL5Customer support
Live chat Phone support Email supportAccount Types
Micro account Standard account Islamic account VIP account
Funding methods
Bank transfer Credit Card PaypalPlatforms
MT4, MT5, Mirror Trader, ZuluTrade, Web Trader, cTrader, MacCustomer support
Live chat Phone support Email supportAccount Types
Micro account Standard account Islamic account VIP account
Funding methods
Bank transfer Credit Card PaypalPlatforms
MT4, Mirror Trader, Web Trader, Tablet & Mobile appsCustomer support
Live chat Phone support Email supportAccount Types
Micro account Standard account Islamic account VIP account
Funding methods
Bank transfer Credit Card PaypalPlatforms
MT4, MT5, Mac, ZuluTrade, Web Trader, cTrader, Tablet & Mobile appsCustomer support
Live chat Phone support Email supportAccount Types
Micro account Standard account Islamic account VIP account
Funding methods
Bank transfer Credit Card PaypalPlatforms
MT4, MT5, Mac, Web Trader, Tablet & Mobile appsCustomer support
Live chat Phone support Email supportAccount Types
Micro account Standard account Islamic account VIP account
Funding methods
Bank transfer Credit Card PaypalPlatforms
MT4, MT5, IRESS, Mac, Web Trader, Tablet & Mobile appsCustomer support
Live chat Phone support Email supportAccount Types
Micro account Standard account Islamic account VIP account
Plus500 offer a 100% Free and Unlimited Demo account No Deposit fees/Commissions No hidden fees Competitive fees Tight Spreads
Funding methods
Bank transfer Credit Card PaypalPlatforms
Web Trader, Tablet & Mobile appsCustomer support
Live chat Phone support Email supportAccount Types
Micro account Standard account Islamic account VIP account
Funding methods
Bank transfer Credit Card PaypalPlatforms
MT4, Mac, Mirror Trader, Web Trader, Tablet & Mobile appsCustomer support
Live chat Phone support Email supportAccount Types
Micro account Standard account Islamic account VIP account
Funding methods
Bank transfer Credit Card PaypalPlatforms
MT4, Web Trader, Tablet & Mobile appsCustomer support
Live chat Phone support Email supportAccount Types
Micro account Standard account Islamic account VIP account