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 recognised for the quality of its regulation, its well-designed 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 analysing Swissquote, and I’ve sought to compare the platform to other regulated and popular online brokers in New Zealand.

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

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

What to think of Swissquote?

My overall opinion of Swissquote

After several weeks of testing, I can say that Swissquote clearly distinguishes itself from the majority of online brokers, notably by 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.

In terms of assets, 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.

In terms of tools, the proprietary Swissquote platform is well-designed, ergonomic and accessible via browser and mobile application. More technical traders can switch to MetaTrader 4 or 5 depending on their profile. I appreciated the screening tools, fundamental analysis and integrated news feeds. On the other hand, there is no native copy trading solution, which may be lacking for some.

The fees are higher than at purely CFD or low-cost brokers. For example, commissions on shares can reach $10 per order, and conversion fees up to 1%. On the other hand, spreads are quite competitive on Forex, especially with the Prime account. Tariff transparency is good, with very few hidden fees.

Finally, in terms of security, I believe Swissquote is irreproachable: regulated by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) in New Zealand, client funds are segregated, 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.

Which Trader Profiles Does Swissquote Cater To?

=> 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 access to over 60 global exchanges, and allows for true long-term investment with real ownership of shares and ETFs, which is rare for a trading-oriented platform.

=> For professional or active traders who are looking for stable execution and powerful trading tools such as 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 optimised fees for frequent orders.

=> Aux traders Forex et CFD qui veulent trader avec effet de levier dans un environnement sécurisé. Swissquote offre un levier jusqu’à 1:30 pour les particuliers et jusqu’à 1:100 pour les professionnels, avec un choix varié de devises, indices et matières premières. La gestion du risque est facilitée par des outils complets de stop loss et de suivi des marges.

Conversely, Swissquote may be less suitable for small investors or novice traders looking for low entry fees. The high minimum deposit ($1,000) and fixed brokerage fees per order may deter those who wish to start with small positions or test without committing too much financially.

Swissquote in a few seconds, it's:

My Opinion on the Security and Reliability of the Swissquote Broker

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

Swissquote enjoys a solid reputation in the banking and online brokerage world, notably thanks to its unique status as an online bank. For a trader based in New Zealand, it is a reassuring choice both from a regulatory and operational point of view. The tools provided also allow 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 on Swissquote

What I observed at Swissquote was a rather high-end fee structure, reflecting its position as a Swiss online bank. The fees are clearly displayed, but higher than those of many low-cost CFD brokers, especially for stocks and withdrawals. However, the quality of service, security, and range of instruments offered, in my opinion, justify some 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 decent 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 prioritise 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 generally transparent but a bit high on certain 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 need 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 who wants access to banking services in addition to a multi-asset trading account.

Trader Tip

To limit 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 in to 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 specialising in CFD trading. The fixed fees are clearly higher than at neo-brokers such as 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 small amounts, these fees can however 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 leverage by default, and crypto-assets are held by Swissquote in partnership with cold storage solutions. For staking or very frequent operations, it's 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 some assets like Forex and indices, but a little higher on stocks and crypto CFDs. The interface nevertheless allows a good visualization of the cost of a position before opening it, which limits unpleasant surprises. Overnight fees are standard but can quickly weigh on long positions. It is therefore better to favour short-term strategies.

Trader Tip

If you trade crypto CFDs, keep a close eye on the overnight fee schedule. Swissquote charges for positions open after 11:00 PM (New Zealand 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

When testing Swissquote, I was impressed by the breadth of its offering. It is 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 true international diversification.

The range of cryptocurrencies is a little more limited than at specialist exchanges, but it covers the main market caps. 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 centralise their wealth management.

My review of the platform

As a trader, I've found the Swissquote platform to be 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 research is fast, fluid, and reliable.

I also appreciated the ability to invest 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 follow 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 you don’t always have your eye on your charts.

Customers' reviews: What Do Users Think of Swissquote?

Swissquote has an average Trustpilot rating of 3.9/5, based on 1,941 reviews. This is a solid score that reflects users' overall confidence in this trading-oriented online bank. Many customers appreciate the Swiss reliability and transparency of its services, although there are a few frustrations about fees and customer service.

Among the most frequently cited positive points: 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 also reassure many users.

On the critical side, several users complain of sometimes high fees, particularly on withdrawals or shares. Others point to slow response times from customer support, particularly during peak periods. A few comments also mention a lack of clarity in the pricing structure.

Examples of customer reviews:

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

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

C.R (7 March 2024) : « Swissquote remains one of the safest platforms to invest in, but pay attention to 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 user-friendly interface for submitting documents. Validation was quick, taking 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 details 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
• Electronically sign the contract
• 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 little more rigid than other brokers. Bank transfer is the only method allowed, which can lengthen the delays (1 to 3 working days on average). On the other hand, the funds are clearly 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 range of account types suitable for various profiles, from long-term investors to active traders. What distinguishes it is the possibility of investing both in direct markets and via CFDs, with a high level of security and a professional interface.

✅ Note
Swissquote allows you to open several 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 serious platform, designed for autonomous and demanding investors. What struck me was the stability of the interface, the richness of the accessible markets (equities, ETFs, currencies, CFDs, bonds) and the New Zealand regulatory framework, which reinforces confidence.

I particularly appreciated the possibility of combining 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 the regulation and deposit protection.

In summary, Swissquote caters to traders who want a reliable, multi-platform service 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.