Firstrade vs M1 Finance 2026: Which Broker is Better?
Choosing between Firstrade and M1 Finance depends on your trading style, preferred markets, and budget. Firstrade is headquartered in New York, USA, while M1 Finance operates from Chicago, USA. Firstrade has the longer track record, established in 1985, compared to M1 Finance which was founded in 2015. This in-depth comparison covers regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and overall ratings to help you decide which broker is the better fit in 2026.
Firstrade
M1 Finance
| Firstrade | M1 Finance | |
|---|---|---|
| BrokerRank Score | 3.4/5 ✓ | 3.2/5 |
| Min. Deposit | $0 ✓ | $100 |
| Spread from | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Max Leverage | 1:2 | 1:2 |
| Regulation | SEC, CFTC ✓ | SEC |
| Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile |
Firstrade is the better choice overall, scoring 3.4/5 vs 3.2/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, Firstrade offers lower spreads (0 pips).
See full side-by-side comparison belowFirstrade vs M1 Finance: Key Differences
Firstrade
WinnerM1 Finance
Still deciding between Firstrade and M1 Finance?
Skip the back-and-forth — answer 4 quick questions and we'll match you to your best fit.
Fees Comparison
Firstrade
M1 Finance
Regulation & Trust
Firstrade holds licences from SEC, CFTC. M1 Finance is regulated by SEC.
Markets & Assets
Both brokers offer access to Stocks, Indices markets.
Trading Platforms
Firstrade supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. M1 Finance offers Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. Both brokers are available on Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile.
Minimum Deposit
Firstrade requires no minimum deposit, while M1 Finance sets a minimum deposit of $100. This makes Firstrade accessible to traders with any budget.
Overall Ratings
BrokerRank scores Firstrade at 3.41/5 and M1 Finance at 3.20/5, based on 50+ data points covering regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and user experience. Firstrade leads overall with a clear advantage.
BrokerRank Verdict
Who Should Choose Which?
Firstrade
3.4/5
Choose Firstrade if you want…
- Higher overall rating (3.4/5)
- No minimum deposit
- More regulatory licences (2)
- More established (est. 1985)
M1 Finance
3.2/5
Choose M1 Finance if you want…
Similar strengths to Firstrade — compare below.
Also consider
We earn a commission when you open an account through these links, at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are scored independently — see the full independent ranking.
Both Firstrade & M1 Finance are available in
Frequently Asked Questions
1Is Firstrade better than M1 Finance?
Firstrade scores higher overall on our independent rating system. Firstrade holds a 3.4/5 rating vs M1 Finance's 3.2/5. The best choice ultimately depends on your trading style — see our full verdict above for a detailed breakdown.
2Which has lower fees, Firstrade or M1 Finance?
Firstrade offers spreads from 0 pips, while M1 Finance starts at 0 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.
3What is the minimum deposit for Firstrade vs M1 Finance?
Firstrade requires a minimum deposit of $0. M1 Finance requires $100.
4Which broker is safer, Firstrade or M1 Finance?
Firstrade is regulated by SEC, CFTC, while M1 Finance holds licences from SEC.
5What trading platforms do Firstrade and M1 Finance support?
Firstrade supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. M1 Finance supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile.
6Can I use both Firstrade and M1 Finance?
Yes, you can hold accounts at multiple brokers simultaneously. Many traders diversify across platforms to access different markets and tools.
Key Trading Terms
Related Guides
More Comparisons
BrokerRank Research
Only 26% of Brokers Are Truly Fee-Free
BrokerRank Research — Hidden costs across our broker database
58% of Brokers Hold a Single Licence
BrokerRank Research — Regulation quality analysis
71% of Retail Traders Lose Money
BrokerRank Research — Loss rates across 50 EU brokers
76% of Brokers Use Proprietary Platforms
BrokerRank Research — MT4 vs MT5 vs proprietary
Trading involves risk. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Capital at risk. Full risk disclosure.
Featured
Deriv
4.0Capital at risk · T&Cs apply