My Review of the Swissquote Platform (April 2025)

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Swissquote is one of the leading online trading platforms in Switzerland, and also positions itself as a complete digital bank. The platform, rated 3.9/5 on over 1,900 reviews on Trustpilot, is particularly recognized for the quality of its regulation, its sleek proprietary interface, and the diversity of its instruments accessible for real purchase or via CFD.

I’ve spent the last 6 months signing up, testing, and thoroughly analyzing Swissquote, and I've sought to compare the platform to other regulated and popular online brokers in Canada.

In short, I was trying to answer questions like: can Swissquote be trusted? Is the platform easy to learn and intuitive for beginners? How much does it cost to trade with Swissquote, and can you build a diversified portfolio of assets? What features does the trader offer vs. other online brokers?

So I put everything under the microscope: account opening process, management and trading fees, available financial instruments, features, simplicity of the platform (desktop and mobile) and trading tools, etc. Below, I present my in-depth analysis of the broker Swissquote (compared to other platforms tested).

What to think of Swissquote?

My overall opinion on Swissquote

After several weeks of testing, I can say that Swissquote clearly stands out from the majority of online brokers, particularly due to its banking regulation in Switzerland and its hybrid positioning between an investment bank and a trading platform. The platform is solid, reliable, and allows access to both traditional markets (stocks, bonds, ETF) and more dynamic products such as CFDs, Forex, or cryptocurrencies.

On the asset side, the offering is among the broadest I've tested: over 60 global markets accessible, 3,000 stocks, about fifty currency pairs, ETFs, indices, commodities, structured products, and even direct cryptos. The possibility of investing both directly (excluding CFDs) and with leverage is a real plus for mixing long-term and short-term approaches.

Regarding tools, the Swissquote proprietary platform is well-designed, ergonomic, and accessible via browser and mobile app. More technical traders can switch to MetaTrader 4 or 5 depending on their profile. I appreciated the screening tools, fundamental analyses, and integrated news feeds. However, there is no native copy trading solution, which some may miss.

Fees are higher than with purely CFD or low-cost brokers. For example, stock commissions can reach $10 CAD per order, and conversion fees up to 1%. However, spreads are quite competitive on Forex, especially with the Prime account. Fee transparency is good, with very few hidden fees.

Finally, in terms of security, I believe Swissquote is beyond reproach: regulated by Canadian regulatory bodies, segregated client funds, additional protection thanks to its status as a bank, and secure access via strong authentication. It's a platform in which I have complete confidence to house a significant portion of my trading capital.

Who is Swissquote for?

=> For experienced investors who want access to a wide range of instruments while benefiting from a rigorous regulatory framework. Swissquote offers an impressive diversity of markets, with over 60 global exchanges accessible, and allows for true long-term investing with actual holding of stocks and ETFs, which is rare for a trading-oriented platform.

=> For professional or active traders looking for stable execution and powerful trading tools like MetaTrader 5 or the in-house eTrading platform. The Prime account, for example, allows you to benefit from reduced pricing conditions from $10,000 deposit, with competitive spreads on Forex and optimized fees for frequent orders.

=> For Forex and CFD traders who want to trade with leverage in a secure environment. Swissquote offers leverage up to 1:30 for retail clients and up to 1:100 for professionals, with a varied choice of currencies, indices and commodities. Risk management is facilitated by comprehensive stop loss and margin monitoring tools.

On the other hand, Swissquote may be less suitable for small investors or beginner traders looking for low entry fees. The high minimum deposit ($1,000) and fixed brokerage fees per order may discourage those who want to start with small positions or test without too much financial commitment.

Swissquote in a few seconds:

My Opinion on the Security and Reliability of the Swissquote Broker

As a trader, I consider Swissquote to be one of the most reliable brokers in the market. Its status as a Swiss bank, its oversight by FINMA, and its strict regulatory obligations make it a safe bet for trading with confidence, especially from Canada where it is fully authorized to offer its services.

Swissquote enjoys a solid reputation in the banking and online brokerage world, particularly thanks to its unique status as an online bank. For a trader based in Canada, it's a reassuring choice from both a regulatory and operational standpoint. The tools provided also allow for good control of market risks.

=> In my opinion, Swissquote is one of the few brokers that combines the security of a bank, access to global markets, and robust tools for active trading. It's a player that inspires confidence.

My opinion on the fees, spreads and commissions applied to Swissquote

What I found at Swissquote was a rather high-end pricing structure, reflecting its positioning as a Swiss online bank. Fees are clearly displayed, but higher than those of many low-cost CFD brokers, especially for shares and withdrawals. On the other hand, the quality of service, security and range of instruments offered justify, in my opinion, part of these costs.

The basic account allows you to trade a very wide range of assets, but it is clearly not the most economical platform for ultra-frequent trading. Spreads are fair on Forex (from 0.6 pips), and fixed fees are mainly visible on stocks, ETFs or withdrawals. In my opinion, Swissquote is primarily aimed at investors who prioritize a secure framework and reliable tools rather than an aggressive pricing policy.

Let's now look in detail at the broker's fee schedule.

What are the account fees?

I found Swissquote's pricing policy to be generally transparent but a bit high on some operations, such as currency conversions or withdrawals. There are no management fees, which compensates slightly, and the account remains accessible without volume conditions. For demanding investors, this is acceptable, but you have to be aware of it.

The minimum deposit of $1,000 is relatively high compared to other online brokers. This confirms that Swissquote targets a more engaged user profile that wants access to banking services in addition to a multi-asset trading account.

Trader Tip

To minimize conversion fees, I use Revolut or Wise to transfer my funds in CHF or EUR before depositing them. And to avoid inactivity fees, I've set a monthly alert to log into the account, even if I'm not trading.

What are the fees on stocks and ETFs?

Swissquote offers a genuine long-term investment option, with the purchase of stocks and ETFs on the spot market, which remains rare for a platform also specializing in CFD trading. The fixed fees are clearly higher than with neo-brokers like Trade Republic or Boursorama, but in exchange, you benefit from multi-market access, a quality interface, and Swiss banking support. For more frequent investments or smaller amounts, these fees may weigh on profitability.

What are the fees on cryptocurrencies?

Swissquote remains more expensive than crypto exchanges like Binance, Bybit, or Kraken, but the broker caters to investors seeking a regulated and secure framework for buying cryptos. Purchases are made directly, without default leverage, and crypto-assets are held by Swissquote in partnership with cold storage solutions. For staking or very frequent operations, it is better to go through a specialized platform. For long-term holding, Swissquote is a safe alternative.

What are the CFD fees?

I found Swissquote's CFD pricing to be quite competitive on certain assets like Forex and indices, but a bit higher on stocks and crypto CFDs. The interface allows you to clearly visualize the cost of a position before opening it, which limits unpleasant surprises. Overnight fees are standard but can quickly weigh on long positions. It's therefore better to favour short-term strategies.

Trader Tip

If you're trading crypto CFDs, keep a close eye on the overnight fee schedule. Swissquote charges for positions held open after 11:00 PM (Eastern Time), so it's best to close them before this time to avoid accumulating fees over several days.

My opinion on the assets & markets available on Swissquote

While testing Swissquote, I was impressed by the breadth of their offerings. It's one of the few brokers to offer both CFD trading and direct investment in stocks, ETFs, and bonds. You can access over 60 global markets, opening the door to real international diversification.

The cryptocurrency catalog is a bit more restricted than specialized exchanges, but it covers the main market capitalizations. What makes the difference in my opinion is the possibility of having direct exposure to all these assets from a single secure banking interface, without multiplying accounts or platforms. This is a real plus for those who want to centralize their wealth management.

My Opinion on the Platform

As a trader, I found the Swissquote platform particularly well-designed for managing a diversified portfolio. The mobile app allows you to track your positions in real time, the Web and MetaTrader interfaces offer advanced technical tools, and asset searching is fast, smooth and reliable.

I also appreciated the possibility of investing directly in stocks, ETFs and even bonds, which is not common among online brokers. The platform is aimed at both technical traders and long-term investors, with a truly professional navigation structure.

Trader Tip

Enable smart notifications in the Swissquote app to track your alert levels on the assets you are monitoring in real-time. This allows you to react quickly, especially if you are working in parallel or don't always have your eye on your charts.

Client Reviews: What Users Think of Swissquote

Swissquote has an average rating of 3.9/5 on Trustpilot, based on 1,941 reviews. This is a solid score that generally reflects users' confidence in this online trading-oriented bank. Many clients appreciate the Swiss reliability and transparency of services, although some frustrations emerge regarding fees and customer service.

Among the most frequently cited positive points are: the quality of the web and mobile platform, the variety of instruments available, and the stability of the services. The security of funds and regulation in Switzerland are also elements that reassure many users.

On the criticism side, several users complain about sometimes high fees, especially on withdrawals or stocks. Others point out slow response times from customer support, particularly during peak activity. Some comments also mention a lack of clarity in the fee structure.

Examples of customer reviews:

D.B (February 12, 2024) : « Very good interface and Swiss reliability, but fees are too high for small portfolios. »

H.H (January 23, 2024) : « The mobile application is very well done, but customer service sometimes takes time to respond. »

C.R (March 7, 2024) : « Swissquote remains one of the safest platforms for investing, but beware of withdrawal fees. »

Account Opening, Deposits, and Withdrawals on Swissquote

Account Opening

Opening an account with Swissquote was straightforward. I found the procedure well-designed, with a secure and smooth interface for submitting documents. Validation was quick, in less than 24 hours in my case. Here are the steps to follow:

• Access the account opening form on the Swissquote website
• Fill in your personal data and choose the account type (eTrading, Forex/CFD, Robo-Advisor)
• Answer the regulatory financial assessment questionnaire
• Upload your proof of identity and a recent proof of address
• Sign the contract electronically
• Wait for the confirmation email and log in to your client area

Good to know

The demo account can be activated once the account opening is validated. It allows you to test the platform with virtual funds on the real Swissquote interface, which is ideal for getting your bearings before investing.

Swissquote Deposits and Withdrawals

Swissquote offers a very secure deposit and withdrawal system, but it is a bit more rigid than other brokers. Bank transfer is the only method allowed, which can extend the delays (1 to 3 business days on average). On the other hand, the funds are well identified, traceable, and the fees are transparent.

Trader tip

To avoid unnecessary exchange fees, open your account in the same currency as your primary bank if possible. This allows you to deposit without conversion, especially if you trade in EUR or in CHF.

Account types available on Swissquote

Swissquote offers a structured offer around several types of accounts adapted to various profiles, ranging from the long-term investor to the active trader. What distinguishes it is the possibility of investing both in the direct markets and via CFDs, with a high level of security and a professional interface.

✅ Please note
Swissquote allows you to open multiple accounts according to your needs: an eTrading account for spot equities, a CFD account for leveraged trading, or a dedicated Forex account. The interface is centralized, but each account is technically separate.

Conclusion: should you invest with Swissquote

After several weeks of testing, I can say that Swissquote is a reliable platform designed for autonomous and demanding investors. What struck me was the stability of the interface, the wealth of accessible markets (stocks, ETFs, currencies, CFDs, bonds) and the Canadian regulatory framework, which reinforces confidence.

I particularly appreciated the ability to combine a long-term portfolio with a CFD account for more dynamic strategies. The fees are transparent, the user experience is smooth, and the security of funds is at a very good level thanks to FINRA regulation and deposit protection up to $100,000.

In summary, Swissquote caters to traders who want a reliable, multi-platform experience capable of covering all needs, from classic investment to advanced analysis on MetaTrader 5.

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.