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Broker Comparison

Alpaca Trading vs SoFi Invest

Compare Alpaca Trading and SoFi 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
SoFi Invest

SoFi Invest

Beginners and all-in-one investors

SoFi Invest is a US brokerage offering commission-free stocks, ETFs, and options, a 0.25% robo-advisor, fract…

Head-to-head comparison

Alpaca Trading vs SoFi Invest
Feature Alpaca Trading SoFi 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
Regulators FINRA, SIPC, FinCEN FINRA, SIPC, SEC
Best for API-driven and algorithmic traders Beginners and all-in-one investors
Markets & account
Stocks
ETFs
Crypto
Options
Fractional Shares
Margin
Demo Account
-
Funds
-
Ready Made Portfolios
-
Money Market Funds
-

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
SoFi Invest

SoFi Invest

Pros

  • Commission-free stock, ETF, and options trading
  • No per-contract or exercise fee on options
  • Fractional shares from $5
  • IPO access at offering price
  • 1% IRA contribution match
  • Robo-advisor with no minimum beyond $50
  • Integrated banking, lending, and investing in one app
  • Access to Certified Financial Planners

Cons

  • Robo-advisor charges 0.25% annual fee (was free before November 2024)
  • Crypto trades carry a 1% spread on every buy and sell
  • Inactivity fee of $25 after 6 months without a login
  • $25 outgoing wire transfer fee and $100 ACAT transfer-out fee
  • No forex or futures trading
  • Limited research and charting tools compared to full-service brokers
  • No tax-loss harvesting in the robo-advisor
  • Crypto selection limited to around 25-30 coins with no advanced order types
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.

SoFi Invest

SoFi Invest

SoFi Invest is a US brokerage offering commission-free stocks, ETFs, and options, a 0.25% robo-advisor, fractional shares, IPO access, and crypto trading in one platform.

Visit SoFi Invest Read review

Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply.

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