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Side-by-Side Comparison Independent Updated Oct 2, 2026

Firstrade vs Phillip Nova 2026: Which Broker is Better?

Choosing between Firstrade and Phillip Nova depends on your trading style, preferred markets, and budget. Firstrade is headquartered in New York, USA, while Phillip Nova operates from Singapore. Firstrade has the longer track record, established in 1985, compared to Phillip Nova which was founded in 2005. 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

Phillip Nova

FirstradePhillip Nova
BrokerRank Score3.4/5 ✓3.4/5
Min. Deposit$0$0
Spread from0 pips ✓0.6 pips
Max Leverage1:21:20 ✓
RegulationSEC, CFTC ✓MAS
PlatformsProprietary Web, Proprietary MobileProprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, POEMS
Quick VerdictBrokerRank recommends
Best for Beginners
FirstradePhillip Nova
Best for Low Fees
FirstradePhillip Nova
Best for Regulation
FirstradePhillip Nova
Quick Answer

Firstrade (3.4/5) and Phillip Nova (3.4/5) are closely matched. Firstrade has lower spreads; the better pick depends on your priorities.

See full side-by-side comparison below

Firstrade vs Phillip Nova: Key Differences

Feature

Firstrade

Winner

Phillip Nova

Our Rating
3.4 / 5
3.4 / 5
Min. Deposit
$0
$0
Max Leverage
Spread From
0 pips
0.6 pips
Commission
None
None
Regulated By
SECCFTC
Platforms
Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile
Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, POEMS
Markets
Stocks, Indices
Forex, Cfd, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
Founded
1985
2005
Headquarters
New York, USA
Singapore
Score
2 / 2
0 / 2

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Fees Comparison

Fee

Firstrade

Lower fees

Phillip Nova

Spread From
0 pips
0.6 pips
Commission
None
None
Deposit Fee
None
None
Withdrawal Fee
None
None

Regulation & Trust

Firstrade holds licences from SEC, CFTC. Phillip Nova is regulated by MAS.

Markets & Assets

Both brokers offer access to Indices markets. Firstrade additionally covers Stocks. Phillip Nova adds Forex, Cfd, Commodities, Crypto.

Fees & Spreads

On spreads, Firstrade is more competitive with EUR/USD spreads from 0.0 pips, compared to 0.6 pips at Phillip Nova.

Trading Platforms

Firstrade supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. Phillip Nova offers Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, POEMS. Both brokers are available on Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile.

Minimum Deposit

Firstrade requires no minimum deposit, while Phillip Nova sets no minimum deposit. This makes Firstrade accessible to traders with any budget.

Overall Ratings

BrokerRank scores Firstrade at 3.41/5 and Phillip Nova at 3.39/5, based on 50+ data points covering regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and user experience. Firstrade leads overall with a marginal advantage.

BrokerRank Verdict

Firstrade and Phillip Nova are closely matched, with Firstrade scoring 3.41/5 against Phillip Nova's 3.39/5. Firstrade holds more tier-1 licences (SEC, CFTC), offering stronger regulatory protection. Firstrade also provides tighter spreads (0.0 pips) versus 0.6 pips at Phillip Nova. For most traders, Firstrade is the stronger all-round choice, though Phillip Nova remains competitive for traders who prefer Phillip Nova's specific platform or market selection.

Who Should Choose Which?

Firstrade

Firstrade

3.4/5

Top pick

Choose Firstrade if you want…

  • Tighter spreads (from 0 pips)
  • More regulatory licences (2)
  • More established (est. 1985)
Phillip Nova

Phillip Nova

3.4/5

Choose Phillip Nova if you want…

  • Higher leverage (up to 1:20)
  • More market types (5)
  • More platforms (3 supported)

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Both Firstrade & Phillip Nova are available in

Frequently Asked Questions

1

Is Firstrade better than Phillip Nova?

Firstrade (3.4/5) and Phillip Nova (3.4/5) are closely matched on our independent rating scale. The better choice depends on your priorities — fees, regulation, platforms, or available markets. See the full comparison above.

2

Which has lower fees, Firstrade or Phillip Nova?

Firstrade offers spreads from 0 pips, while Phillip Nova starts at 0.6 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.

3

What is the minimum deposit for Firstrade vs Phillip Nova?

Firstrade requires a minimum deposit of $0. Phillip Nova requires $0.

4

Which broker is safer, Firstrade or Phillip Nova?

Firstrade is regulated by SEC, CFTC, while Phillip Nova holds licences from MAS.

5

What trading platforms do Firstrade and Phillip Nova support?

Firstrade supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. Phillip Nova supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, POEMS.

6

Can I use both Firstrade and Phillip Nova?

Yes, you can hold accounts at multiple brokers simultaneously. Many traders diversify across platforms to access different markets and tools.

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