Firstrade Review 2026
Established in 1985
•
United States
• SEC Regulated
Firstrade is a well-established broker with a solid 4.0/5 rating. Regulated by SEC (highest protection tier), this broker offers spreads from 0.0 pips on EUR/USD with a minimum deposit of $0. Trade 11000+ instruments including forex, CFDs, and more.
📊 Firstrade Overview
Firstrade (Firstrade Securities Inc) is a well-established broker founded in 1985 headquartered in Flushing, United States. The broker operates under the supervision of SEC , one of the world's most respected financial regulators known for strict oversight and investor protection .
With access to 11000+ tradable instruments , 30 cryptocurrencies , 10000 stocks , Firstrade caters to diverse trading strategies.
| Legal Name | Firstrade Securities Inc |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1985 |
| Headquarters |
Flushing, United States
|
| Primary Regulation | SEC (Tier 1 - Highest Protection) |
| Instruments | 11000+ assets |
| Min Deposit | $0 |
| Max Leverage | 1:2 |
📖 Firstrade — In-Depth Introduction
Since 1985, Firstrade has been serving traders worldwide, accumulating 41 years of expertise in the financial markets. Firstrade's SEC authorization subjects the broker to rigorous compliance requirements, regular audits, and strict capital adequacy rules—providing peace of mind for safety-conscious traders. Firstrade focuses on accessibility, requiring just $100 to open a live account—making it suitable for beginners testing the waters.
Company Background
Firstrade (legally Firstrade Securities Inc) has been operating in the financial services industry for 41 years. Headquartered in Flushing, United States, the company has weathered multiple market cycles including the 2008 financial crisis and the 2020 pandemic volatility, demonstrating operational resilience.
The broker provides access to 11000+ tradable instruments.
💸 Firstrade Fees — Complete Cost Analysis
Firstrade offers competitive trading costs that will appeal to cost-conscious traders. The 1.0 pip spread on EUR/USD is below the industry average, providing good value. There are no commission fees on Firstrade's standard accounts. All trading costs are embedded in the spread, making it straightforward to calculate your expenses. To put this in perspective: trading 10 lots per month on EUR/USD at Firstrade's 1.0 pip spread would cost approximately $100 in spread fees alone. Compare this to an industry-average broker at 1.0 pips, where the same volume would cost $100.
Trading Costs Breakdown
💡 Cost Calculator: Firstrade
Non-Trading Fees
| Fee Type | Firstrade | Industry Average |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free - $25 |
| Withdrawal Fee | Varies by method | $0 - $50 |
| Inactivity Fee | None | $10-50/month |
Want to compare fees with other brokers?
⚖️ Compare🛡️ Is Firstrade Safe? — Complete Security Analysis
Firstrade's 85/100 Trust Score places it among the safest brokers in our database. This score is calculated using 15+ safety factors including regulation, fund segregation, and company transparency. Client funds at Firstrade are held in segregated accounts at top-tier banks, completely separate from the company's operational funds. This means even in the unlikely event of broker insolvency, your money remains protected and inaccessible to creditors.
Regulatory Framework
Firstrade is regulated by SEC.
Security Features Checklist
Understanding the Trust Score
Our 85/100 Trust Score is calculated using 15+ safety factors including regulation, company history, financial transparency, and client fund protection.
📋 Methodology👤 Who Should Use Firstrade?
✅ Best For
- Beginners will appreciate Firstrade's low $100 minimum deposit, free demo account, and educational resources. The learning curve is manageable, making it suitable for those just starting their trading journey.
- Professional traders will appreciate Firstrade's institutional-grade features: tight spreads, advanced platforms, API access, and high leverage options (where permitted).
❌ May Not Suit
- Those seeking the absolute lowest trading costs.
Looking for alternatives?
📝 The Bottom Line on Firstrade
Firstrade is a solid choice for most traders looking for reliability with a 4.0/5 rating.
📈 Firstrade Detailed Scores
Our expert team evaluates brokers across 8 key categories. Here's how Firstrade performed in our rigorous testing:
Firstrade offers a solid trading experience with competitive conditions.
💰 Firstrade Fees & Spreads
Understanding trading costs is crucial for profitability. Firstrade uses a Zero spread model with no commission on standard accounts.
📊 Typical Spreads
| Pair | Min | Average |
|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD | N/A | N/A pips |
| GBP/USD | 0.8 | 1.2 pips |
| USD/JPY | 0.6 | 1.0 pips |
| XAU/USD | 15 | 25 cents |
💳 Other Fees
| Commission (ECN) | No commission |
| Deposit Fee | Free |
| Withdrawal Fee | Free (method dependent) |
| Inactivity Fee | None |
| Swap-Free (Islamic) | Not available |
💡 Trading Cost Example
Trading 1 standard lot (100,000 units) of EUR/USD with Firstrade:
- Spread Cost: 1.0 pips × $10/pip = $10.0
- Commission: $0
- Total Cost: $10.0 per lot
🛡️ Firstrade Regulation & Safety
Firstrade is regulated by SEC, a Tier 1 - Highest Protection regulatory authority. This means the broker must adhere to the strictest financial regulations, including capital requirements, regular audits, and mandatory investor protection schemes.
📜 Regulatory Licenses
- SEC
- FINRA
🔒 Safety Features
- ✓ Segregated Client Funds
- ✓ Negative Balance Protection
- ✗ Investor Compensation
- — Publicly Traded
🎯 Trust Score: 85/100
High Trust: Firstrade has demonstrated excellent regulatory compliance and safety standards.
🖥️ Firstrade Trading Platforms
Firstrade offers 3 trading platforms, giving traders flexibility in how they access the markets.
MetaTrader 4
The world's most popular forex platform. Ideal for beginners and algo traders with Expert Advisor support.
- ✓ Expert Advisors (EAs)
- ✓ Custom Indicators
- ✓ One-Click Trading
- ✓ Mobile & Desktop
MetaTrader 5
Advanced multi-asset platform with more timeframes, order types, and improved backtesting.
- ✓ 21 Timeframes
- ✓ Depth of Market
- ✓ Economic Calendar
- ✓ Multi-Asset Support
Firstrade Navigator
Firstrade's custom-built trading platform designed specifically for their clients.
- ✓ Custom Features
- ✓ Integrated Tools
📋 Platform Comparison
| Feature | MT4 | MT5 | cTrader | Firstrade Navigator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Available | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy Trading | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Algo Trading | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| VPS Available | Not offered | |||
| API Access | Not available | |||
🌐 Firstrade Tradable Instruments
Firstrade offers access to 11000+ tradable instruments across multiple asset classes. , 30 cryptocurrencies , and 10000 global stocks.
👤 Firstrade Account Types
Firstrade offers various account types to suit different trading needs and experience levels.
Not available
Not available
Not available
Not available
Not available
💳 Firstrade Deposits & Withdrawals
Firstrade requires a minimum deposit of $0 — one of the most accessible in the industry.
📥 Deposit Methods
- 💳Credit/Debit Cards
- 🏦Bank Wire Transfer
- 📱E-Wallets (Skrill, Neteller)
📤 Withdrawal Methods
- 💳Credit/Debit Cards
- 🏦Bank Wire Transfer
- 📱E-Wallets
⚖️ Firstrade Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Top-tier SEC regulation ensures high safety standards
- Offers both MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms
- Negative balance protection for retail traders
❌ Cons
- No copy trading feature
- Limited educational resources for advanced traders
📚 Firstrade Education & Research
Firstrade's educational offerings are limited compared to some competitors.
Limited
Not available
Basic coverage
Available on trading platforms
🎧 Firstrade Customer Support
Firstrade offers customer support to assist traders with their queries.
⭐ Firstrade User Reviews
📝 User reviews will be displayed here. Share your experience with Firstrade!
Write a Review🏆 Firstrade — Our Verdict
Firstrade is a solid choice for most traders. With SEC regulation, 0.0 pips EUR/USD spreads, and a $0 minimum deposit, this broker is particularly accessible for beginners .
Best for: Safety-focused traders , Beginners with limited capital
⚠️ Risk Warning: CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. Consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford the high risk of losing your money.
❓ Firstrade — Frequently Asked Questions
Is Firstrade a safe and regulated broker?
Yes, Firstrade is regulated by SEC, which is a Tier 1 - Highest Protection regulatory authority. The broker also holds licenses from 1 additional regulators. Client funds are kept in segregated accounts with negative balance protection.
What is the minimum deposit at Firstrade?
The minimum deposit at Firstrade is $0. This means you can start with any amount. This is considered low and accessible for beginners.
What trading platforms does Firstrade offer?
Firstrade offers the following trading platforms:
- MetaTrader 4 (MT4) — The most popular forex trading platform
- MetaTrader 5 (MT5) — Advanced multi-asset platform
- Firstrade Navigator — Custom-built trading solution
What are Firstrade's spreads on EUR/USD?
Firstrade offers EUR/USD spreads . The broker uses Zero spreads.
How long do withdrawals take at Firstrade?
Withdrawal processing times at Firstrade depend on the payment method:
- E-wallets: 0-24 hours
- Credit/Debit Cards: 2-5 business days
- Bank Transfers: 3-7 business days
Does Firstrade offer a demo account?
Check Firstrade's website for demo account availability, as this may vary by region.
What is Firstrade's maximum leverage?
Firstrade offers maximum leverage of 1:2. However, note that leverage limits vary by region due to regulatory requirements:
- EU/UK/Australia: Up to 1:30 for major forex pairs (retail)
- Professional traders: Higher leverage may be available upon qualification
- Other jurisdictions: Leverage up to 1:2 may be available
Higher leverage increases both potential profits and potential losses.
Can I use Firstrade in ?
Firstrade accepts traders from . The broker operates under SEC regulation. Always verify current availability and applicable regulations on the broker's website.
Does Firstrade offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts?
Firstrade does not currently advertise Islamic accounts. If you require swap-free trading, we recommend contacting them directly or considering an alternative broker.
What instruments can I trade with Firstrade?
Firstrade offers access to 11000+ tradable instruments:
- 30 Cryptocurrencies
- 10000 Stock CFDs
