Comparison of Firstrade vs AvaTrade [ 2025 ]

The best brokers to invest in cryptocurrencies compared by their commissions, cryptos, security and much more. Here is theFirstrade vs AvaTrade comparison!

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

Firstrade

  • Threenvest valuation: 4,7/5
  • Investor protection: Yes
  • Security: 5/5
  • Available cryptocurrencies: 38 (CFDs)
Go crypto broker

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

avatrade

AvaTrade

  • Threenvest valuation: 4,5/5
  • Investor protection: Yes
  • Security: 5/5
  • Available cryptocurrencies: 11 (CFDs)
Go crypto broker

Main points

Fees

Low 4/5

Regulated

FINRA, SEC

Demo account

No
Average 3,4/5

Fees

ASIC

Regulated

Yes

Demo account

Recommended for

Beginners

Yes

Trading

No

Passive income

No

Buy and hold

No
Yes

Beginners

Yes

Trading

No

Passive income

No

Buy and hold


Comparison of fees

Rating

3.5 – Firstrade charges a 1% fee on crypto trades, which is higher than some competitors. Despite this, its low fees on other investment options and user-friendly platform add value .
4.2 – AvaTrade stands out with no deposit or withdrawal fees and competitive spreads, making it a good option for frequent traders. The only drawback is the inactivity fee .

Level

Low 4/5
Average 3,4/5

Brief explanation

Firstrade offers competitive and straightforward commission structures for cryptocurrency trading. The platform charges a flat fee of 1% for buying or selling cryptocurrencies, which is relatively high compared to some other exchanges but remains transparent without additional hidden fees​​. Trading Commissions Firstrade’s trading fee for cryptocurrencies is set at 1% of the trade value. This fee applies uniformly to all cryptocurrency transactions, ensuring that users are aware of the costs upfront. The simplicity of this fee structure is advantageous for those who prefer clarity and straightforward pricing. Other Fees Firstrade does not charge any deposit fees, making it cost-effective to add funds to your account. However, while withdrawals via ACH are free, wire transfers incur a fee of $25, which is something users should be mindful of when planning their fund withdrawals​​. Overall, Firstrade’s commission structure is designed to be transparent and easy to understand, with the primary cost being the 1% trading fee on all cryptocurrency transactions. This can be beneficial for traders who value simplicity and predictability in their trading costs.
AvaTrade operates with a clear and competitive commission structure, making it an attractive choice for traders looking for cost efficiency. There are no fees for deposits or withdrawals, which is a significant advantage compared to many other platforms. Deposits can be made via credit and debit cards, wire transfers, and e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller, while withdrawals are processed within 1-5 business days, depending on the method used . AvaTrade charges spreads on cryptocurrency trades, with typical spreads being competitive. For example, the spread for Bitcoin against the US dollar (BTC/USD) is around 0.35%, and for Ethereum against the US dollar (ETH/USD), it’s about 0.60%. These spreads are within the industry standard, offering traders cost-effective trading opportunities . However, there are some non-trading fees to be aware of. AvaTrade imposes an inactivity fee of $50 per quarter after three months of inactivity and a $100 administrative fee after 12 months of inactivity. Additionally, overnight financing fees apply to positions held overnight, with rates varying depending on the asset . Despite these non-trading fees, AvaTrade’s overall fee structure is transparent and competitive, making it a favorable platform for active traders looking to minimize their costs.

Firstrade

Read Firstrade review
  • Year Founded: Firstrade was established in 1985, making it one of the most experienced brokerage firms in the industry. With nearly four decades of operation, Firstrade has demonstrated stability and reliability through various market conditions​​.
  • Number of Users: Firstrade serves a large number of clients, reflecting its broad acceptance and trust within the investment community. The significant user base is a testament to its reliability and the trust it has earned over the years​​.
  • Security Methods: Firstrade employs stringent security measures to protect client accounts and personal information. The platform is regulated by top-tier authorities such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Additionally, Firstrade provides high investor protection through the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), covering up to $500,000, including $250,000 for cash​​.
  • Regulation: Firstrade is fully regulated by the SEC and FINRA, ensuring compliance with strict industry standards. This regulation provides an added layer of security and transparency, assuring users that their investments are managed according to rigorous guidelines​​.
  • Customer Service: Firstrade offers robust customer service options, including phone and email support. Although not available 24/7, their customer service team is dedicated to providing helpful and relevant responses. This commitment to customer care enhances user confidence and satisfaction​​.
  • Pros
  • Low transaction fee.
  • No minimum deposit required.
  • Wide variety of cryptocurrencies available.
  • Cons
  • No dedicated crypto wallet.
  • Limited customer support hours.

AvaTrade

avatrade
Read AvaTrade review
  • Regulated by Multiple Authorities: AvaTrade is regulated by several top-tier financial authorities, including the Central Bank of Ireland, ASIC in Australia, the Financial Sector Conduct Authority in South Africa, and the Financial Futures Association of Japan. This extensive regulatory oversight ensures a high level of security and compliance with international standards .
  • Established Track Record: Founded in 2006, AvaTrade has a long-standing presence in the financial industry. This longevity demonstrates the platform's resilience and reliability through various market cycles and financial crises .
  • Robust Security Measures: AvaTrade employs advanced security protocols to protect client funds and personal information. These measures include negative balance protection and the segregation of client funds from the company’s operational funds, ensuring that your investments are safeguarded against unforeseen events .
  • Comprehensive Customer Support: AvaTrade offers excellent customer service, available 24/5 via live chat, phone, and email. The support team is multilingual, responsive, and well-equipped to handle a wide range of trading-related queries, ensuring that users can get the help they need promptly .
  • Transparent Operations: AvaTrade maintains transparency in its operations, providing clear information about its fees, regulatory status, and security measures. This transparency builds trust and allows traders to make informed decisions about their investments
  • Pros
  • Heavily regulated, enhancing trading security.
  • Offers leverage up to 25:1.
  • Supports MetaTrader4 and AvaTradeGo platforms.
  • Cons
  • Limited range of cryptocurrencies offered.
  • Only supports CFDs, not actual ownership.

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Product selection

Native token

Firstrade does not have a native token.
AvaTrade does not have a native token.

Earns

Firstrade does not offer staking or earning options for cryptocurrencies. It focuses on trading a variety of digital assets .
AvaTrade does not provide earning options like staking for cryptocurrencies. The platform focuses on CFD trading .

NFT marketplace

Firstrade does not have an NFT marketplace.
AvaTrade does not have an NFT marketplace.

Cripto/debit card

Firstrade does not offer a card for its clients .
AvaTrade does not provide a card for its clients .

Company information

Full name

Firstrade Securities Inc.​​.
AVA Trade EU Ltd​​.

Regulation

SEC, FINRA, SIPC (USA)​​.
Central Bank of Ireland, BVIFSC, ASIC, FSCA, FSA, FFAJ, ADGM-FSRA, ISA​​.

Year founded

1985​​
2006​​

Founder

John Liu​​
Emanuel Kronitz, Negev Nosatzki, Clal Finance​​

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes, Firstrade accepts bank transfers for both deposits and withdrawals .
Yes, AvaTrade accepts bank transfers for both deposits and withdrawals .

Mastercard

No, Firstrade does not accept Mastercard for deposits​​.
Yes, AvaTrade accepts Mastercard for deposits​​.

Wire transfer

Wise is not mentioned as a supported payment method .
Wise is not mentioned as a supported payment method .

Card

No, Firstrade does not accept credit/debit cards .
Yes, AvaTrade accepts credit/debit cards .

Comparative table

Firstrade Features AvaTrade
Firstrade allows low minimum trade amounts, making it accessible for beginners to start investing in cryptocurrencies.
Minimum Trade
Minimum trade size is accessible, starting from 0.01 lots, making it suitable for beginners.
The platform offers competitive trading fees, although some users might find hidden costs associated with certain transactions.
Trading and Transaction Fees
Competitive spreads, but inactivity and overnight fees can add up .
Firstrade supports over 30 cryptocurrencies, providing a good range of options for investors.
Number of Cryptocurrencies
Limited selection of 13 cryptocurrencies, including major ones like Bitcoin and Ethereum .
While it offers a variety of cryptocurrencies, the number of available trading pairs is somewhat limited compared to other platforms.
Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs
Offers crypto-to-crypto trading pairs, but the range is limited compared to specialized crypto exchanges .
Firstrade’s website is transparent and informative, clearly outlining fees, security measures, and available services.
Website Transparency
The website is clear and informative, with comprehensive details about fees, trading conditions, and regulations .
Firstrade does not offer a card for its clients .
Credit/Debit Card
AvaTrade does not provide a card for its clients .
Firstrade lacks a dedicated cryptocurrency wallet, requiring users to use third-party services for storing their digital assets.
Storage Offering
Does not offer crypto wallets as it only deals in crypto CFDs .
The platform currently does not offer staking or reward programs, which can be a downside for users looking to earn passive income.
Staking and Rewards
No staking or rewards programs available, which could be a drawback for some users .
Firstrade offers a highly rated mobile app and a robust desktop platform, ensuring a seamless trading experience across devices.
Mobile App and Desktop
AvaTradeGO mobile app and desktop platforms like MetaTrader 4/5 provide robust trading features and user-friendly interfaces .
Firstrade’s customer service is reliable but not available 24/7, which can be an inconvenience for users needing assistance outside business hours.
Customer Service
Multilingual customer support available 24/5 via live chat, phone, and email, but not 24/7 .
Firstrade offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal options, although the lack of instant processing for some methods can be a drawback.
Deposit and Withdraw
Free deposits and withdrawals with various methods, though withdrawal processing can take up to five days

Key features

Analysis tools

Firstrade offers a variety of tools and resources including research reports, market data and analysis, and educational resources such as webinars and articles .
AvaTrade offers the Guardian Angel risk management tool for MetaTrader 4 and 5, which provides real-time feedback on trading actions. AvaTrade also provides access to a wide range of technical indicators and charting tools within their trading platforms .

Mobile APP

Yes, Firstrade offers a mobile app available for iOS and Android devices, designed for a seamless trading experience .
Yes, AvaTrade offers the AvaTradeGo mobile app, which is reliable and provides access to all trading tools and account management features .

Security

Firstrade is regulated by the SEC and FINRA in the United States, offering a high level of security. They follow strict security measures to protect client accounts and personal information​​.
AvaTrade is regulated by multiple authorities, including the Central Bank of Ireland and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). They provide negative balance protection for retail clients, ensuring investors cannot lose more than their account balance​​.

Additional features

Firstrade offers trading on 38 popular cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. Their platform is integrated with Apex Crypto for secure storage and trading. Firstrade provides a highly-rated mobile app for seamless trading on the go and features like real-time data and analytics, 24/7 trading, and instant fund access. They charge a high spot crypto fee of 1% of the trade value but provide a user-friendly experience for beginners .
AvaTrade is known for its extensive range of CFDs, including cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, and more. They offer leverage up to 1:2 for EU clients and up to 1:25 for non-EU clients. AvaTrade also features the Guardian Angel tool for risk management, which gives instant feedback and advice tailored to each trader’s actions. Furthermore, they provide competitive spreads and have a variety of trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4 and 5 .

Anonymity

Firstrade does not support anonymous accounts. The account opening process includes submitting personal details and verification documents .
Anonymous accounts are not available on AvaTrade. The registration process includes filling out personal information, financial details, and providing proof of identity and residence .

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

Firstrade provides access to 38 cryptocurrencies. These include Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Cardano (ADA), Dogecoin (DOGE), Stellar (XLM), Solana (SOL), Shiba Inu (SHIB), and more​​.
AvaTrade provides trading in cryptocurrency CFDs. The supported cryptocurrencies are Bitcoin (BTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Bitcoin Gold (BTG), Ethereum (ETH), EOS, NEO, Dash, Chainlink (LINK), Uniswap (UNI), Litecoin (LTC), Stellar (XLM), IOTA (MIOTA), and Ripple (XRP). Additionally, it offers a Crypto10 index​​.

User-friendliness

Firstrade offers a highly-rated mobile app for crypto trading, designed to provide a seamless and user-friendly experience. The platform supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies and allows for easy buying and selling. While it lacks a dedicated crypto wallet and some advanced features, its simplicity and accessibility make it a good choice for beginners looking to manage their crypto investments alongside other asset classes .
AvaTrade simplifies the crypto trading experience with a quick and fully digital account setup process. Users can start trading within minutes, which is significantly faster compared to traditional crypto exchanges. The platform supports multiple payment methods for deposits and withdrawals, making it convenient for global users. AvaTrade’s intuitive interface and support for various cryptocurrencies make it an excellent choice for beginners .

Value for money

Firstrade offers a strong value proposition with low fees and no minimum deposit, making it accessible for beginners. However, its 1% trading fee on crypto is higher compared to some competitors, which could affect active traders​​.
AvaTrade provides a robust value for money with no deposit or withdrawal fees, though it charges an inactivity fee of $50 after three months of inactivity. The spreads on major cryptos are competitive, making it a good option for active traders​​.

Countries of operation

United States, Germany, United Kingdom, China, Singapore, Hong Kong .
Ireland, Japan, Australia, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, Israel .

Best for

Firstrade is best for US-based investors who want a straightforward, user-friendly platform to trade a variety of cryptocurrencies. Its mobile app and low fees make it a good option for beginners and those looking to manage their crypto investments alongside traditional assets​​.
AvaTrade is great for traders who are interested in speculating on the price movements of major cryptocurrencies using CFDs. It’s particularly suitable for those who want to utilize leverage and trade within a highly regulated framework, although the limited number of available cryptocurrencies might be a drawback for some​​.

Account

Trading

Firstrade has limited offerings in cryptocurrency trading, focusing primarily on traditional securities. It may not be the best option for dedicated crypto traders.
AvaTrade supports crypto CFD trading with a range of popular cryptocurrencies. The platform is well-regulated and offers leverage, providing a secure environment for trading cryptos.

Deposit and withdrawal

Firstrade primarily supports deposits and withdrawals via bank transfers and checks. The process can be slower compared to other brokers, and international clients might face additional hurdles.
AvaTrade supports a variety of deposit and withdrawal methods, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets. The process is generally smooth, but withdrawal times can vary based on the method used.

Account opening process

Opening an account with Firstrade involves completing an online application and submitting personal and financial information. Verification documents are required. The process can take a bit longer compared to other brokers, especially for international clients.
Opening an account with AvaTrade is simple and fast. Users must complete an online registration form, provide personal information, and upload verification documents. The process is fully digital, and accounts are usually approved within a day.

KYC required?

Firstrade mandates KYC verification. Users must provide personal identification documents and proof of address as part of the account opening process.
AvaTrade requires KYC verification. Users need to submit identification documents and proof of address before they can start trading.

Customer Service

Firstrade provides customer support via phone and email, but does not offer live chat. The support is available during regular business hours, and while it is generally helpful, the lack of live chat can be a drawback for some users.
AvaTrade provides strong customer support through multiple channels including live chat, email, and phone. Their support is available 24/5 and is generally responsive, though some users report occasional delays in getting complex issues resolved.

Security

Firstrade is regulated by the SEC and FINRA in the United States, offering a high level of security. They follow strict security measures to protect client accounts and personal information​​.
AvaTrade is regulated by multiple authorities, including the Central Bank of Ireland and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). They provide negative balance protection for retail clients, ensuring investors cannot lose more than their account balance​​.

Which of these exchanges is for you?

alejandro-borja-analista-de-brokers.webp

Alejandro Borja

As an expert on our website, I find Firstrade to be a reliable choice for anyone looking to start investing in cryptocurrencies. The platform offers a secure and user-friendly experience, with competitive trading fees and a robust mobile app. However, the absence of a dedicated crypto wallet and 24/7 customer support are areas that could use improvement. Overall, Firstrade is a solid option for beginners and seasoned investors alike, thanks to its strong regulatory framework and extensive market experience.
Xavier-tarraso-mascarell.jpg

Xavier Tarrasó

As a cryptocurrency enthusiast and expert at Threenvest, I highly recommend AvaTrade for its robust regulatory framework and user-friendly trading platforms. AvaTrade’s diverse range of trading instruments and excellent customer support make it a reliable choice for both new and experienced traders. While the selection of cryptocurrencies could be broader, and the inactivity fees lower, the overall security and ease of use make AvaTrade a strong contender in the world of crypto trading.

Read Firstrade review

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Read AvaTrade review

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How do we review crypto exchanges?

At Threenvest, we conduct a thorough review process to evaluate and rank the world’s leading crypto exchanges. Our goal is to offer an unbiased assessment, providing you with the information you need to make informed decisions on which ones best suit your needs. We strictly adhere to the guidelines of our editorial policy.

 

We collect data directly from exchanges through detailed questionnaires and conduct first-hand testing and observations during crypto exchange demonstrations. Questionnaire responses, combined with demonstrations and hands-on research from our experts, feed into our proprietary evaluation process that scores each provider’s performance on more than 15 factors. The end result produces star ratings ranging from poor (one star) to excellent (five stars).


For more details on the categories considered when rating brokers and our process, read our full methodology.

Risk Disclaimer

Investing in cryptocurrencies is very risky, you should only invest the money you are willing to lose. Also you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong.

Neither Threenvest, nor the author, are recommending you to invest with this article.

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