Side-by-Side Comparison Independent Updated Mar 9, 2026
Firstrade vs Rakuten Securities 2026: Which Broker is Better?
In this comparison of Firstrade and Rakuten Securities, the key difference lies in their market offerings and regional focus. Firstrade, based in New York, appeals to international traders who prioritise zero commissions on stocks, ETFs, and options with no minimum deposit requirement. However, it offers a limited product range, as it does not cover forex or CFDs. Conversely, Rakuten Securities caters to traders interested in a broader market selection, including crypto and forex, and is particularly appealing to those integrated into the Japanese financial ecosystem, although it primarily caters to Japanese-speaking clients.
Firstrade
Rakuten Securities
VS
| Firstrade | Rakuten Securities | |
|---|---|---|
| BrokerRank Score | 3.4/5 | 3.5/5 ✓ |
| Min. Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Spread from | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Max Leverage | 1:2 | 1:3 ✓ |
| Regulation | SEC, CFTC ✓ | FSA |
| Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MarketSpeed II |
Quick VerdictBrokerRank recommends
Best for Beginners
FirstradeRakuten Securities
Best for Low Fees
FirstradeRakuten Securities
Best for Regulation
FirstradeRakuten Securities
Best Overall
Rakuten SecuritiesFirstrade
Quick Answer
Rakuten Securities is the better choice overall, scoring 3.5/5 vs 3.4/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, Firstrade offers lower spreads (0 pips).
See full side-by-side comparison belowFirstrade vs Rakuten Securities: Key Differences
Feature
Firstrade
Rakuten Securities
Our Rating
3.4 / 5
3.5 / 5
Min. Deposit
$0
$0
Spread From
0 pips
0 pips
Commission
None
None
Platforms
Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile
Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MarketSpeed II
Markets
Stocks, Indices
Stocks, Etf, Crypto, Forex, Indices
Founded
1985
1999
Headquarters
New York, USA
Tokyo, Japan
Score
1 / 2
1 / 2
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Find my matchFees Comparison
Fee
Firstrade
Rakuten Securities
Spread From
0 pips
0 pips
Commission
None
None
Deposit Fee
None
None
Withdrawal Fee
None
None
BrokerRank Verdict
For beginners, Firstrade is the better option due to its user-friendly approach with zero commissions on stocks, ETFs, and options, along with no minimum deposit requirement. Rakuten Securities, with its broader market access including forex and crypto, is more suited for professional traders seeking diverse investment opportunities and higher leverage. In terms of fees, both brokers offer competitive pricing with zero commissions, but Firstrade edges slightly ahead due to its longer industry presence and international client support.
Who Should Choose Which?
Firstrade
3.4/5
Choose Firstrade if you want…
- More regulatory licences (2)
- More established (est. 1985)
Rakuten Securities
3.5/5
Choose Rakuten Securities if you want…
- Higher overall rating (3.5/5)
- Higher leverage (up to 1:3)
- More market types (5)
- More platforms (3 supported)
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 & Rakuten Securities are available in
Frequently Asked Questions
1Is Firstrade better than Rakuten Securities?
Rakuten Securities scores higher overall on our independent rating system. Firstrade holds a 3.4/5 rating vs Rakuten Securities's 3.5/5. The best choice ultimately depends on your trading style — see our full verdict above for a detailed breakdown.
2Which has lower fees, Firstrade or Rakuten Securities?
Firstrade offers spreads from 0 pips, while Rakuten Securities starts at 0 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.
3What is the minimum deposit for Firstrade vs Rakuten Securities?
Firstrade requires a minimum deposit of $0. Rakuten Securities requires $0.
4Which broker is safer, Firstrade or Rakuten Securities?
Firstrade is regulated by SEC, CFTC, while Rakuten Securities holds licences from FSA.
5What trading platforms do Firstrade and Rakuten Securities support?
Firstrade supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. Rakuten Securities supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MarketSpeed II.
6Can I use both Firstrade and Rakuten Securities?
Yes, you can hold accounts at multiple brokers simultaneously. Many traders diversify across platforms to access different markets and tools.
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Trading involves risk. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Capital at risk. Full risk disclosure.
Higher Rated
Rakuten Securities
Capital at risk · T&Cs apply