Comparison of OANDA vs TradeStation [ 2025 ]

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

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

OANDA

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

tradestation

TradeStation

Main points

Fees

Low 4,3/5

Regulated

FCA, CFTC

Demo account

Yes
Low 4,2/5

Fees

FINRA, SEC

Regulated

Yes

Demo account

Recommended for

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

No

Buy and hold

No
Yes

Beginners

Yes

Trading

No

Passive income

No

Buy and hold


Comparison of fees

Rating

3.8 – OANDA’s fees for crypto trading are competitive with no spread markups or custody fees. However, the platform’s higher fees for certain transactions and inactivity fees can be a drawback .
3.9 – TradeStation charges competitive volume-based fees starting at $2 + 0.65% for small trades. The complex fee structure and $10 monthly inactivity fee are notable drawbacks .

Level

Low 4,3/5
Low 4,2/5

Brief explanation

OANDA offers a transparent and straightforward fee structure for cryptocurrency trading, which makes it an appealing choice for many traders. The platform charges a 0.25% fee on all executed crypto orders, with a minimum fee of $0.01. This fee is calculated based on the order quantity and fill price, ensuring that traders know exactly what they are paying upfront. Unlike many other brokers, OANDA does not apply a spread markup or custody fee on crypto trades, which can help keep trading costs lower. Deposits via credit/debit cards and electronic wallets like PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller are free, but bank transfers, which can take up to three business days to process, may incur conversion costs if the currency differs from the account base currency. Withdrawal fees are notably higher, especially for bank transfers, which can cost up to $20 or more per transaction, depending on the currency and region. While OANDA does not offer leverage for cryptocurrency trading, which could limit the potential for higher returns, this also reduces the risk of significant losses. The absence of short selling options is another limitation for those looking to profit from falling markets. Overall, OANDA’s fee structure is designed to be clear and straightforward, with no hidden costs, making it a reliable choice for crypto traders who prioritize transparency and security .
TradeStation charges competitive fees for cryptocurrency trading, though there are some costs to be aware of. Trading commissions are based on a tiered structure, starting at 0.30% per trade for monthly volumes up to $100,000 and decreasing to 0.20% for volumes above $1 million. This makes TradeStation suitable for both small and large traders. Additionally, there is a spread markup, which is the difference between the bid and ask prices, typically ranging from 0.5% to 1%. The platform also charges an inactivity fee of $50 if there is no trading activity for 12 months, and wire transfer withdrawal fees are $25 for US clients and $35 for international clients. These fees can add up, especially for infrequent traders. Despite these costs, TradeStation’s comprehensive tools and security measures can justify the expenses for those who prioritize advanced trading capabilities and regulatory compliance.

OANDA

TradeStation

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Account Minimum

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Direct link to the website

Product selection

Native token

OANDA does not have a native token.
TradeStation does not have a native token.

Earns

OANDA does not provide staking or other earning options for cryptocurrencies. The platform supports trading through crypto CFDs and direct trading via partnerships .
TradeStation does not provide staking or earning options with cryptocurrencies. The platform allows direct trading of certain cryptocurrencies .

NFT marketplace

OANDA does not have an NFT marketplace.
TradeStation does not have an NFT marketplace.

Cripto/debit card

OANDA does not provide a card for its clients .
TradeStation does not have a card for its clients .

Company information

Full name

OANDA Corporation​​.
TradeStation Securities, Inc.​​.

Regulation

FCA (UK), NFA/CFTC (USA), IIROC (Canada), ASIC, MAS​​.
SEC, FINRA (USA)​​.

Year founded

1996​​
1982​​

Founder

Michael Stumm, Richard Olsen​​
William Cruz, Rafael Cruz​​

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes, OANDA accepts bank transfers for both deposits and withdrawals .
Yes, TradeStation accepts bank transfers for both deposits and withdrawals .

Mastercard

Yes, OANDA accepts Mastercard for deposits​​.
No, TradeStation does not accept Mastercard for deposits​​.

Wire transfer

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

Card

Yes, OANDA accepts credit/debit cards .
No, TradeStation does not accept credit/debit cards .

Comparative table

OANDA Features TradeStation
No minimum trade requirement, making it accessible for all traders.
Minimum Trade
TradeStation allows for low minimum trades, making it accessible for beginners.
Competitive fees, but high withdrawal costs for bank transfers.
Trading and Transaction Fees
Fees are higher than some competitors, especially for withdrawals.
Supports 63 crypto trading pairs, offering good variety.
Number of Cryptocurrencies
Only offers Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USD Coin.
Wide range of pairs available, enhancing trading opportunities.
Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs
Limited to major coins, restricting diversification opportunities.
Highly transparent with detailed information about fees, regulations, and services.
Website Transparency
TradeStation provides clear and detailed information about its services and fees.
OANDA does not provide a card for its clients .
Credit/Debit Card
TradeStation does not have a card for its clients .
No dedicated crypto wallet service; relies on Paxos integration for custody.
Storage Offering
Utilizes secure storage solutions with BitGo for crypto assets.
Does not offer staking or rewards programs.
Staking and Rewards
No staking or rewards programs available.
User-friendly mobile and desktop platforms with advanced charting tools.
Mobile App and Desktop
Both platforms are user-friendly and feature-rich, but the mobile app has fewer features.
24/7 support available, though response times can vary.
Customer Service
Customer service is decent but has room for improvement in response times and support quality.
Multiple methods available but high fees for bank transfers.
Deposit and Withdraw
Limited methods and high fees for withdrawals, making it less user-friendly.

Key features

Analysis tools

OANDA offers a proprietary web platform with over 65 technical indicators powered by TradingView, advanced charting tools, and a robust mobile app. They also provide comprehensive research offerings .
TradeStation provides a powerful desktop trading platform with customizable sophisticated analysis tools, custom charts, and a detailed order book for crypto trading. They also offer mobile app trading with improved charting capabilities .

Mobile APP

Yes, OANDA provides a mobile app for trading, which includes advanced charting and access to their full range of trading instruments .
Yes, TradeStation offers a mobile app that includes advanced charting, trading, and analysis tools .

Security

OANDA is regulated by top-tier authorities such as the FCA. They offer negative balance protection for EU clients and are known for their transparency and robust security measures, including 24/7 customer support​​.
TradeStation is regulated by the SEC and FINRA, providing high investor protection levels. They offer SIPC insurance but do not provide negative balance protection. Their parent company is publicly listed, enhancing transparency​​.

Additional features

OANDA offers trading on 13 popular cryptocurrency CFDs, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, through their platform. They provide a user-friendly app with advanced charting tools and the ability to manage risk using limit and stop orders. OANDA’s crypto trading is available 24/7 with competitive spreads and transparent fees .
TradeStation offers direct cryptocurrency trading for a limited selection of coins, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USD Coin. Their platform includes advanced features like strategy development and technical analysis through the TradeStation Master Class. They also support crypto trading in IRAs and provide competitive volume-based fees. However, their crypto offerings have decreased in recent years .

Anonymity

OANDA does not support anonymous accounts. Personal information, financial details, and verification documents are necessary for opening an account .
Anonymous accounts are not supported on TradeStation. Personal and financial information along with verification documents are required​​.

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

OANDA offers trading in cryptocurrency CFDs and direct trading through a partnership with Paxos. Available cryptocurrencies include Bitcoin (BTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Chainlink (LINK), EOS, Binance Coin (BNB), Stellar (XLM), Dogecoin (DOGE), Uniswap (UNI), Tezos (XTZ), Cardano (ADA), and Polkadot (DOT)​​.
TradeStation offers trading in a few cryptocurrencies. The supported cryptocurrencies include Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and USD Coin (USDC) .

User-friendliness

OANDA’s crypto trading experience is integrated into its well-established forex trading platform, providing a seamless and user-friendly interface. The platform supports a range of cryptocurrencies and offers easy account funding options. OANDA’s strong regulatory framework and security features add an extra layer of trust for users .
TradeStation provides a powerful and intuitive platform for trading cryptocurrencies. The platform is designed to cater to both novice and experienced traders, with a range of tools and features that enhance the trading experience. While the selection of cryptocurrencies is limited, the platform’s overall usability and support make it a solid choice for crypto trading​​.

Value for money

OANDA provides good value with no deposit or withdrawal fees and competitive spreads on crypto CFDs. However, the platform’s above-average fees for certain transactions and inactivity fees might deter less active traders​​​​.
TradeStation offers good value with competitive volume-based fees and a range of trading tools. Its inactivity fee of $10 per month and the administrative fee for IRAs might be less attractive for occasional traders​​.

Countries of operation

United Kingdom, United States, European Union, Canada, Australia, Singapore .
United States, available to most other countries except restricted regions like North Korea and Sudan .

Best for

OANDA is best for traders who want the flexibility to trade both crypto CFDs and underlying crypto assets. Its strong regulatory framework and user-friendly app make it a good choice for those looking for a secure trading environment​​.
TradeStation is suited for experienced traders who value advanced trading tools and direct access to crypto trading. Its detailed order book and professional-grade platform make it ideal for those who want to trade and analyze cryptocurrencies deeply​​.

Account

Trading

OANDA offers crypto CFD trading with a focus on transparency and regulation. The platform provides competitive spreads and leverage, making it a secure choice for trading cryptocurrencies.
TradeStation offers a limited selection of cryptocurrencies but provides a powerful trading platform with advanced tools and features. It is suitable for traders who want to integrate crypto trading with other financial products.

Deposit and withdrawal

OANDA offers deposits and withdrawals via bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets. The process is straightforward, but fees may apply for certain withdrawal methods, especially international transfers.
TradeStation supports deposits and withdrawals primarily via bank transfers. While the process is secure, it can be slower and more expensive compared to other brokers, with fees for wire transfers.

Account opening process

OANDA has a straightforward and fully digital account opening process. Users need to fill out an online form with personal and financial details and submit verification documents. Accounts are typically approved within one business day.
Opening an account with TradeStation is fully digital and user-friendly. Users need to provide personal and financial information and submit verification documents. The process usually takes one to two business days for approval.

KYC required?

OANDA requires KYC verification. Users must submit personal identification documents and proof of address to open an account.
TradeStation requires KYC verification. Users need to provide personal identification documents and proof of address before they can start trading.

Customer Service

OANDA provides strong customer support available 24/5 via phone, email, and live chat. The support team is generally responsive and knowledgeable, making it easy for users to resolve their issues.
TradeStation provides customer support via phone, email, and live chat. The support is available during market hours and is generally responsive, though some users find the service to be slower during peak times.

Security

OANDA is regulated by top-tier authorities such as the FCA. They offer negative balance protection for EU clients and are known for their transparency and robust security measures, including 24/7 customer support​​.
TradeStation is regulated by the SEC and FINRA, providing high investor protection levels. They offer SIPC insurance but do not provide negative balance protection. Their parent company is publicly listed, enhancing transparency​​.

Which of these exchanges is for you?

As an expert on our website, I highly recommend OANDA for its reliability and robust security measures in cryptocurrency trading. OANDA’s regulation by top-tier authorities such as the FCA and CFTC ensures a secure trading environment. The platform offers a user-friendly experience with advanced charting tools and over 60 crypto trading pairs through its partnership with Paxos Trust Company. Despite its higher withdrawal fees and lack of leverage for crypto, OANDA is an excellent choice for traders seeking a trustworthy and well-regulated broker.
As an expert in the crypto market, I find TradeStation to be a solid platform for those who prioritize security and advanced trading tools. While its cryptocurrency offerings are limited to Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USD Coin, the platform excels in providing a highly regulated environment and robust trading features. TradeStation’s user-friendly interface and comprehensive educational resources make it a suitable choice for both seasoned traders and those looking to gain deeper insights into crypto trading. However, the high withdrawal fees and limited deposit options are areas that could be improved to enhance the overall user experience.

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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