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Broker Comparison

Alpaca Trading vs Axos Invest

Compare Alpaca Trading and Axos Invest 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
Axos Invest

Axos Invest

Robo-advisor and self-directed investors

Axos Invest is a US robo-advisor and self-directed brokerage offering managed portfolios and commission-free …

Head-to-head comparison

Alpaca Trading vs Axos Invest
Feature Alpaca Trading Axos Invest
Minimum deposit - -
Stock trading fee Commission: Free for self-directed retail API accounts; SEC fee and FINRA TAF pass-through on sell transactions Commission-free for self-directed trading
Regulators FINRA, SIPC, FinCEN SEC, FINRA, SIPC
Best for API-driven and algorithmic traders Robo-advisor and self-directed investors
Markets & account
Stocks
ETFs
Crypto
-
Options
Fractional Shares
-
Margin
Demo Account
-
Funds
-
Ready Made Portfolios
-

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
Axos Invest

Axos Invest

Pros

  • Low 0.24% annual fee for Managed Portfolios
  • Commission-free stocks and ETFs in self-directed accounts
  • No withdrawal or inactivity fees
  • Portfolio customization across up to 32 investment types
  • Tax-loss harvesting available for eligible accounts
  • Automatic portfolio rebalancing included
  • Integration with Axos Bank accounts
  • Individual, joint, and IRA account types supported

Cons

  • $500 minimum balance required for Managed Portfolios advisory fee rate
  • Tax-loss harvesting requires $25,000 minimum and costs an additional 0.20%
  • No standalone mobile trading app - brokerage accessed via general Axos Bank app
  • Options cost $1.00 per contract (standard); Axos Elite reduces this to $0.80 but requires a $10/month subscription
  • Advanced features require $10/month Axos Elite subscription
  • No crypto trading offered
  • No demo account available
  • BBB-rated D- (not accredited)
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.

Axos Invest

Axos Invest

Axos Invest is a US robo-advisor and self-directed brokerage offering managed portfolios and commission-free trading, backed by Axos Financial.

Visit Axos Invest Read review

Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply.

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