BrokerCue

Broker Comparison

Alpaca Trading vs CFI

Compare Alpaca Trading and CFI side by side: fees, regulation, platforms.

Alpaca Trading

Alpaca Trading

API-driven and algorithmic traders

Alpaca Trading is a US API-first broker offering commission-free stocks, ETFs, options and crypto trading wit…

VS
CFI

CFI

Active traders and MENA region clients

CFI is a multi-asset broker offering 15,000+ instruments across forex, CFDs, equities, ETFs, crypto, and futu…

Head-to-head comparison

Alpaca Trading vs CFI
Feature Alpaca Trading CFI
Minimum deposit - -
Stock trading fee Commission: Free for self-directed retail API accounts; SEC fee and FINRA TAF pass-through on sell transactions Stock CFDs from $0.005 per share (minimum $1 per trade) on some entities
Regulators FINRA, SIPC, FinCEN FCA, CySEC, CMA, FSCA, FSC, FSA, JSC, FRA, BDL, VFSC
Best for API-driven and algorithmic traders Active traders and MENA region clients
Markets & account
Stocks
ETFs
Forex
-
CFDs
-
Crypto
Bonds
-
Options
Futures
-
Fractional Shares
-
Margin
Demo Account
Multi Currency
-

Pros & cons

Alpaca Trading

Alpaca Trading

Pros

  • Commission-free stocks, ETFs and options for self-directed retail API accounts
  • Paper trading environment available at no cost
  • Fractional shares supported
  • 24/5 extended trading hours on 100+ US stocks
  • Multi-leg options strategies supported
  • FINRA/SIPC member with up to $500,000 SIPC protection
  • Margin available at 4x intraday and 2x overnight
  • Securities lending program with potential income for shareholders

Cons

  • Platform is primarily API-driven; web and mobile apps are available but offer fewer features than conventional retail brokerage interfaces
  • Crypto accounts are not protected by FDIC or SIPC
  • Domestic wire withdrawals cost $25; international wires cost $50
  • Outbound ACATS transfer costs $100
  • Not suited for investors who prefer a full-featured retail brokerage app
  • Commission-free status may not apply to accounts opened through business partners
CFI

CFI

Pros

  • Regulated by FCA, CySEC, and CMA among 10+ entities
  • 15,000+ tradable instruments
  • No minimum deposit requirement
  • No deposit or withdrawal fees
  • MetaTrader 5, TradingView, and proprietary platform all available
  • Unlimited demo account with no time limit
  • Negative balance protection on regulated entities
  • AI-powered trading assistant (Kaiana) and Capitalise.ai algo trading

Cons

  • Inactivity fee of $10/month when commissions fall below threshold
  • Forex spreads on the Zero Commission account are average to above average (1.4-1.5 pips EUR/USD at peak hours)
  • Conditions and protections vary significantly by entity - offshore entities offer less protection
  • Crypto trading not available to UK clients
  • Limited payment processor options in some regions
  • No investor compensation fund coverage across all entities
Alpaca Trading

Alpaca Trading

Alpaca Trading is a US API-first broker offering commission-free stocks, ETFs, options and crypto trading with a paper trading environment and margin accounts.

Visit Alpaca Trading Read review

Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply.

CFI

CFI

CFI is a multi-asset broker offering 15,000+ instruments across forex, CFDs, equities, ETFs, crypto, and futures through MT5, TradingView, and a proprietary platform.

Visit CFI Read review

Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply.

Not the right match?

Line up any two brokers side by side, or browse the full list to find your next platform.

Compare another broker Browse all brokers