Rakuten Securities vs Firstrade 2026: Which Broker is Better?
Choosing between Rakuten Securities and Firstrade depends on your trading style, preferred markets, and budget. Rakuten Securities is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, while Firstrade operates from New York, USA. Firstrade has the longer track record, established in 1985, compared to Rakuten Securities which was founded in 1999. This in-depth comparison covers regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and overall ratings to help you decide which broker is the better fit in 2026.
Rakuten Securities
Firstrade
| Rakuten Securities | Firstrade | |
|---|---|---|
| BrokerRank Score | 3.5/5 ✓ | 3.4/5 |
| Min. Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Spread from | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Max Leverage | 1:3 ✓ | 1:2 |
| Regulation | FSA | SEC, CFTC ✓ |
| Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MarketSpeed II | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile |
Rakuten Securities is the better choice overall, scoring 3.5/5 vs 3.4/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, Rakuten Securities offers lower spreads (0 pips).
See full side-by-side comparison belowRakuten Securities vs Firstrade: Key Differences
Rakuten Securities
Firstrade
Still deciding between Rakuten Securities and Firstrade?
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Fees Comparison
Rakuten Securities
Firstrade
Regulation & Trust
Rakuten Securities holds licences from FSA. Firstrade is regulated by SEC, CFTC.
Markets & Assets
Both brokers offer access to Stocks, Indices markets. Rakuten Securities additionally covers Etf, Crypto, Forex.
Trading Platforms
Rakuten Securities supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MarketSpeed II. Firstrade offers Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. Both brokers are available on Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile.
Minimum Deposit
Rakuten Securities requires no minimum deposit, while Firstrade sets no minimum deposit. This makes Rakuten Securities accessible to traders with any budget.
Overall Ratings
BrokerRank scores Rakuten Securities at 3.42/5 and Firstrade at 3.41/5, based on 50+ data points covering regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and user experience. Rakuten Securities leads overall with a marginal advantage.
BrokerRank Verdict
Who Should Choose Which?
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)
Firstrade
3.4/5
Choose Firstrade if you want…
- More regulatory licences (2)
- More established (est. 1985)
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 Rakuten Securities & Firstrade are available in
Frequently Asked Questions
1Is Rakuten Securities better than Firstrade?
Rakuten Securities scores higher overall on our independent rating system. Rakuten Securities holds a 3.5/5 rating vs Firstrade's 3.4/5. The best choice ultimately depends on your trading style — see our full verdict above for a detailed breakdown.
2Which has lower fees, Rakuten Securities or Firstrade?
Rakuten Securities offers spreads from 0 pips, while Firstrade starts at 0 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.
3What is the minimum deposit for Rakuten Securities vs Firstrade?
Rakuten Securities requires a minimum deposit of $0. Firstrade requires $0.
4Which broker is safer, Rakuten Securities or Firstrade?
Rakuten Securities is regulated by FSA, while Firstrade holds licences from SEC, CFTC.
5What trading platforms do Rakuten Securities and Firstrade support?
Rakuten Securities supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MarketSpeed II. Firstrade supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile.
6Can I use both Rakuten Securities and Firstrade?
Yes, you can hold accounts at multiple brokers simultaneously. Many traders diversify across platforms to access different markets and tools.
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