Swissquote

Swissquote

Unrated
8.6
/ 10
vs
Deriv

Deriv

🟡 Tier 3 Regulated
7.0
/ 10

Swissquote vs Deriv

A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.

Swissquote and Deriv are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. Swissquote, founded in 1996 and headquartered in Gland, Switzerland, is regulated by FINMA and offers spreads starting from 1.1 pips with a minimum deposit of $1000. Deriv, established in 2000 in Cyberjaya, Malaysia, holds licenses from VFSC, FSC, LFSA with spreads from 0.5 pips and a $5 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, Swissquote scored 8.6/10 overall compared to Deriv's 7/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, Deriv holds its own with overall value, so your ideal broker depends on what you prioritize in a trading partner.

Key Differences at a Glance

  • 📊

    Swissquote scores 8.6/10 overall vs 7/10 for Deriv — a 1.6-point difference.

  • 💵

    Deriv requires just $5 to start, while Swissquote needs $1000 — Deriv is 200x more accessible.

  • 🛡️

    Deriv holds Tier 3 regulation (VFSC, FSC, LFSA) offering stronger investor protection than Swissquote's Unrated status.

  • 📈

    Swissquote offers 3,000+ instruments vs 150+ at Deriv — a massive gap in market coverage.

  • 🖥️

    Swissquote runs on MT4, MT5, Advanced Trader, while Deriv uses DTrader, DBot, DMT5, Deriv X — different ecosystems for different trading styles.

  • The biggest gap is in Regulation & Trust: Swissquote scores 10.0 vs 5.5 for Deriv — a 4.5-point difference.

Our Verdict

🏆 WINNER
Swissquote

Swissquote

Score: 8.6/10 · Wins 6 categories
  • You're a beginner who values learning resources
  • You need advanced trading platforms and tools
  • Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
  • Responsive customer support matters to you
Deriv

Deriv

Score: 7.0/10 · Wins 0 categories
  • You prefer a low minimum deposit ($5)
  • You prefer Deriv's trading environment overall

Swissquote takes the lead with an overall score of 8.6/10 compared to 7/10, winning in 6 out of 8 scoring categories. Swissquote stands out for better trading platforms and stronger regulation, while Deriv remains a solid alternative.

Detailed Verdict

After testing both brokers with real accounts, Swissquote comes out ahead with a 8.6/10 overall rating, winning 6 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Regulation & Trust where it scores 10.0/10. Swissquote holds Unrated regulation, though traders should verify the specific entity and jurisdiction covering their account. Deriv is not without merit — it scores 7/10 overall and excels in Platforms & Tools (7.5/10). For a complete breakdown, read our full Swissquote review and Deriv review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.

Score Breakdown

Swissquote
Deriv
Trading Costs
7.0 7.0
Platforms & Tools
8.0 7.5

Swissquote wins by 0.5 points

Regulation & Trust
10.0 5.5

Swissquote wins by 4.5 points

Education
7.5 6.5

Swissquote wins by 1.0 points

Customer Service
7.5 7.0

Swissquote wins by 0.5 points

Research & Analysis
8.5 6.5

Swissquote wins by 2.0 points

Deposit & Withdrawal
7.5 7.5
Product Range
8.5 7.0

Swissquote wins by 1.5 points

Full Feature Comparison

Structured broker facts pulled from the shared broker dataset.
Feature
Overall Score
8.6/10
7.0/10
Min Deposit
Lower is better
$1000
$5
Max Leverage
1:100
1:1000
Spreads From
1.1 pips
0.5 pips
Platforms
MT4, MT5, Advanced Trader
DTrader, DBot, DMT5, Deriv X
Regulation
FINMA
VFSC, FSC, LFSA
Founded
Older track record highlighted
1996
2000
Markets
3,000+
150+
Swissquote: 0 Deriv: 0
💰

Fees & Costs

When it comes to trading costs, Swissquote has the edge with a score of 7/10 versus 7/10 for Deriv. Swissquote offers spreads starting from 1.1 pips, while Deriv starts from 0.5 pips. The minimum deposit at Swissquote is $1000, compared to $5 at Deriv. Both brokers operate primarily on a spread-based pricing model, though actual costs vary by account type and instrument. For high-volume traders, even small spread differences add up significantly over time, making this an important category to weigh carefully.

Swissquote
7.0
Deriv
7.0
Swissquote: 1 Deriv: 0
🖥️

Trading Platforms

🏅 Section Winner: Swissquote (8.0 vs 7.5)

Swissquote scores 8/10 for platforms compared to 7.5/10 for Deriv. Swissquote provides MT4, MT5, Advanced Trader, while Deriv offers DTrader, DBot, DMT5, Deriv X. The choice of platform affects your charting, order execution speed, and available technical indicators. Traders who rely on MetaTrader's algorithmic trading capabilities should check which MT4/MT5 features each broker supports, including custom indicators and expert advisors.

Swissquote
8.0
Deriv
7.5
Swissquote: 2 Deriv: 0
🛡️

Regulation & Safety

🏅 Section Winner: Swissquote (10.0 vs 5.5)

Regulation is crucial for fund safety. Swissquote is regulated by FINMA (Unrated), while Deriv holds licenses from VFSC, FSC, LFSA (Tier 3). Swissquote scores 10/10 and Deriv scores 5.5/10 in this category. Tier 1 regulators like FCA, ASIC, and CySEC offer the strongest investor protection, including segregated client funds and compensation schemes. Always verify your broker's specific license for your jurisdiction before opening an account.

Swissquote
10.0
Deriv
5.5
Swissquote: 3 Deriv: 0
📚

Education & Research

🏅 Section Winner: Swissquote (7.5 vs 6.5)

For learning resources, Swissquote leads with 7.5/10 compared to 6.5/10. Quality education materials can shorten your learning curve significantly. Look for brokers offering structured courses, live webinars, and practice demo accounts. Swissquote and Deriv both provide demo accounts for risk-free practice, but the depth of educational content varies. Beginners should prioritize this category when choosing between the two.

Swissquote
7.5
Deriv
6.5
Swissquote: 4 Deriv: 0
🎧

Customer Support

🏅 Section Winner: Swissquote (7.5 vs 7.0)

Swissquote offers 24/5 Email, Phone and scores 7.5/10, while Deriv provides 24/7 Live Chat, Email with a score of 7/10. Reliable support becomes critical during market volatility or when you encounter account issues. Look for brokers with 24/5 or 24/7 availability, multiple contact channels, and support in your preferred language.

Swissquote
7.5
Deriv
7.0
Swissquote: 4 Deriv: 0
💳

Deposit & Withdrawal

Swissquote scores 7.5/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while Deriv scores 7.5/10. Swissquote accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, and Deriv supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Crypto, E-wallets. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. Swissquote requires a minimum deposit of $1000 versus $5 for Deriv. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.

Swissquote
7.5
Deriv
7.5

Which Broker Is Right for You?

Swissquote

Choose Swissquote if you...

  • You're a beginner who values learning resources
  • You need advanced trading platforms and tools
  • Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
  • Responsive customer support matters to you
Visit Swissquote
Deriv

Choose Deriv if you...

  • You prefer a low minimum deposit ($5)
  • You prefer Deriv's trading environment overall
Visit Deriv

🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?

Cast your vote — see what other traders think

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Swissquote better than Deriv?

Swissquote scores higher overall (8.6/10 vs 7/10), winning 6 of 8 categories. However, Deriv remains competitive. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.

Which has lower fees, Swissquote or Deriv?

Swissquote scores higher for trading costs. Swissquote offers spreads from 1.1 pips with a $1000 minimum deposit, while Deriv starts from 0.5 pips with $5 minimum. Actual trading costs depend on your instrument, volume, and account type.

Is Swissquote safe to trade with?

Swissquote is regulated by FINMA and scores 10/10 for regulation. Deriv is regulated by VFSC, FSC, LFSA with a score of 5.5/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.

Which has better trading platforms, Swissquote or Deriv?

Swissquote scores 8/10 for platforms. Swissquote offers MT4, MT5, Advanced Trader, while Deriv provides DTrader, DBot, DMT5, Deriv X. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.

What's the minimum deposit for Swissquote vs Deriv?

Swissquote requires a minimum deposit of $1000, while Deriv requires $5. Deriv has the lower entry barrier, making it more accessible for beginners or those testing with smaller amounts.

Ready to Start Trading?

Open a free account with either broker and start trading today.

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