Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Questrade vs BDSwiss, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 51% and 89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Questrade, founded in 2000, holds a strong position in the online brokerage market with a Trust Score of 86, categorizing it as a trusted service according to ForexBrokers.com. It is neither publicly traded nor a bank, but it holds two highly trusted Tier-1 licenses. These aspects contribute to its reputation as a reliable broker, offering confidence to its users.
On the other hand, BDSwiss, established in 2012, has a Trust Score of 73, marking it as presenting average risk. Like Questrade, BDSwiss is neither publicly traded nor operates as a bank, and it holds one highly trusted Tier-1 license. While its score indicates a higher risk compared to Questrade, it remains a recognized trading platform with a solid regulatory foundation.
| Feature |
Questrade
|
BDSwiss
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2000 | 2012 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | ||
| Bank | ||
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 2 |
When it comes to commissions and fees, Questrade offers a target spread on the EUR/USD at 1.9 pips, which is considered high compared to the industry average. This can influence trading costs for those frequently engaged in the EUR/USD market. Questrade is rated 3 stars out of 5 for commissions and fees and is ranked #58 out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com.
In contrast, BDSwiss provides various account options with different cost structures. The Classic account features a spread of 1.5 pips on the EUR/USD, which is costly compared to some competitors. However, the Raw account offers a more attractive spread of 0.3 pips paired with a $5 commission per side, effectively making it 1.3 pips, while the VIP account offers a spread of 1.2 pips. BDSwiss earns a 4-star rating for its commissions and fees and is ranked #30 out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com.
| Feature |
Questrade
|
BDSwiss
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $250 | $10-$5000 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | N/A | 1.6 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | 1.3 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | ||
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
Comparing Questrade and BDSwiss in terms of their investment offerings reveals some notable differences for investors looking for a versatile trading platform. Questrade boasts an impressive lineup with 641 tradeable symbols, including the ability to invest in U.S. and international exchange-traded securities like Apple and Vodafone. This range includes 110 forex pairs available for trading as contracts for difference (CFDs) or spot contracts. While Questrade does not offer features such as copy trading, it does provide options for trading cryptocurrency derivatives, appealing to users seeking a comprehensive selection tailored to diverse investing needs.
BDSwiss, in contrast, offers a greater number of tradeable symbols at 1081, albeit fewer forex pairs at 53. Unlike Questrade, BDSwiss supports copy trading, which can be an attractive feature for investors looking to mirror the strategies of successful traders. Both platforms offer CFDs for forex trading and cryptocurrency derivatives but do not provide options to buy actual cryptocurrencies. Despite its fewer ratings in terms of investment range, BDSwiss is still a solid contender, rated 4 stars compared to Questrade's 5 stars in this category. Thus, Questrade ranks higher, positioned 11th out of 63 brokers, whereas BDSwiss holds the 34th spot, reflecting a broader range of investment opportunities with Questrade.
| Feature |
Questrade
|
BDSwiss
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 641 | 1081 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 110 | 53 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | ||
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.
Both Questrade and BDSwiss cater to traders seeking diverse and user-friendly online trading platforms. Each offers a suite of features tailored to enhance trading experiences. Notably, both brokers provide simulated trading with virtual demo accounts, allowing users to practice trades risk-free. They also have their own proprietary platforms and support Windows-based desktop downloads and web-based trading platforms, making it easy for traders to engage from multiple devices. However, BDSwiss has an edge for those interested in copy trading and using advanced platforms like MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, which are not available with Questrade. Meanwhile, Questrade boasts a more extensive range of drawing tools, 20 compared to BDSwiss's 15, for charting enthusiasts who value technical analysis.
Regarding customization and control, Questrade stands out with 52 columns available for watchlists, sharply contrasting with the 7 offered by BDSwiss. Both platforms enable direct trading from stock charts, streamlining the process for users. Despite these differences, both Questrade and BDSwiss receive a commendable rating of 4 stars for their trading platforms and tools. In terms of ranking by ForexBrokers.com, BDSwiss is positioned slightly higher at #24, while Questrade is at #34 out of 63 brokers. This nuanced comparison highlights varying strengths, positioning each broker to cater to different aspects of trading preferences.
| Feature |
Questrade
|
BDSwiss
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | |
| DupliTrade | Yes | |
| ZuluTrade | ||
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 64 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 52 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When comparing the mobile trading apps offered by Questrade and BDSwiss, both brokers provide apps for iPhone and Android users, ensuring a versatile trading experience on various devices. Traders can set stock and forex price alerts on both platforms. Additionally, the apps allow for creating watchlists with real-time quotes and enable the drawing of trendlines on charts, along with viewing multiple time frames for detailed market analysis. Auto-saving of drawings on stock and forex charts is another feature that both apps share. However, Questrade offers more extensive technical studies, with 64 options compared to BDSwiss's 30. While both apps are rated four stars, there is a slight edge in broker rankings; BDSwiss is ranked #24 among 63 brokers for mobile trading apps according to ForexBrokers.com, while Questrade holds the #34 spot.
One standout feature of Questrade's app is its watchlist symbol syncing capability, which allows changes made on the mobile app to reflect on the user’s online account, providing a seamless experience across platforms. Both platforms have similarities in foundational features, such as the ability to receive price alerts and the presence of drawing tools. However, the differences in ranking and the number of technical studies offered may influence traders looking for more comprehensive charting tools and established app performance. Whether prioritizing syncing capabilities or seeking higher broker rankings, both apps cater to different trader preferences in a competitive mobile trading environment.
| Feature |
Questrade
|
BDSwiss
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 64 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When comparing the market research tools offered by Questrade and BDSwiss, several key differences and similarities emerge. BDSwiss stands out by providing daily market commentary, which is an everyday guide to the latest market happenings, helping traders to stay informed. In contrast, Questrade does not offer this feature. While neither broker provides direct forex news from leading sources like Bloomberg or Reuters, both platforms enhance trading analysis by integrating technical and fundamental research tools from renowned services such as Autochartist and Trading Central. Additionally, Questrade enriches its market insights with research from TipRanks, a service that BDSwiss lacks. Both brokers provide an economic calendar, giving users access to vital global news events that can affect trading decisions.
In terms of ratings and rankings, BDSwiss edges ahead with a research rating of 4 stars, compared to Questrade's 3.5 stars. According to ForexBrokers.com, BDSwiss is placed significantly higher at #24 out of 63 brokers in the Research category, reflecting its broader appeal and effective offerings for users seeking market insights. Meanwhile, Questrade finds itself at #51, indicating room for improvement in providing comprehensive research tools and commentary. For traders who prioritize market commentary and a higher-rated research experience, BDSwiss may present a more attractive option. In contrast, Questrade's research capabilities, bolstered by TipRanks, may cater to those who value a unique perspective on market analytics.
| Feature |
Questrade
|
BDSwiss
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | ||
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | Yes |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | ||
| TipRanks | Yes | |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | ||
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When comparing the educational resources offered to beginners by Questrade and BDSwiss, it's evident that both platforms cater to novice traders with a substantial selection of learning materials. Both provide more than ten educational pieces centered on Forex or CFDs, ensuring beginners have foundational content to start their trading journey. Additionally, they both offer a comprehensive archive of previously recorded webinars, which can be a helpful tool for learners seeking to understand complex trading concepts at their own pace.
However, BDSwiss takes a slight lead in overall educational offerings. They provide monthly live webinars alongside a broader array of advanced educational videos suitable for experienced traders, which Questrade currently does not match. BDSwiss also includes a dictionary with over 50 investing terms, an area where Questrade is lacking. Reflecting these differences, BDSwiss is rated 4 stars for education compared to Questrade's 3.5 stars. Consequently, BDSwiss ranks 19th out of 63 brokers in the education category, whereas Questrade ranks 36th, indicating a broader and slightly more comprehensive educational suite for new traders.
| Feature |
Questrade
|
BDSwiss
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that Questrade is better than BDSwiss. Questrade finished with an overall rank of #32, while BDSwiss finished with an overall rank of #36.
Regulated in both the U.S. and Canada, Questrade is a trusted full-service multi-asset broker now offering forex and CFDs alongside its stock trading services for active and passive investors. While its scope of educational resources and in-house research is limited, Questrade has an impressive platform lineup.
| Feature |
Questrade
|
BDSwiss
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 73 |
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Both Questrade and BDSwiss do not offer the ability to buy actual, delivered cryptocurrency; however, they both provide options for purchasing cryptocurrency derivatives instead.
Questrade and BDSwiss offer Visa, Mastercard, and bank wire options for both depositing and withdrawing account funds, but only BDSwiss provides additional flexibility with ACH or SEPA transfers and Skrill, whereas neither supports PayPal transactions.
Please note:
We review each broker’s overall global offering – a “Yes” checkmark in our Compare Tool does not guarantee the availability of any specific features in your country of residence. To verify the availability of any features within your country of residence, please contact the broker directly.
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0 of 5| Overall Rating | Questrade | BDSwiss | |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Questrade Review | BDSwiss Review |
| Broker Screenshots | Questrade | BDSwiss | |
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| Regulation | Questrade | BDSwiss | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 86 | 73 | |
| Year Founded | 2000 | 2012 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | |||
| Bank | |||
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | ||
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 1 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 2 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | Questrade | BDSwiss | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | |||
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | Yes | ||
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | |||
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | |||
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | |||
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | |||
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | ||
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | |||
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | |||
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | Questrade | BDSwiss | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | |||
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | |||
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | |||
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | |||
| India (SEBI Authorised) | |||
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) |
| Investments | Questrade | BDSwiss | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 641 | 1081 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 110 | 53 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | ||
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | ||
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | ||
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | |||
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes | |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
| Cost | Questrade | BDSwiss | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | N/A | 1.6 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | 1.3 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | ||
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | ||
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker |
| Funding | Questrade | BDSwiss | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $250 | $10-$5000 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | |||
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | ||
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes |
| Trading Platforms | Questrade | BDSwiss | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | ||
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | ||
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | ||
| cTrader | |||
| DupliTrade | Yes | ||
| ZuluTrade |
| Trading Tools | Questrade | BDSwiss | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 52 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 64 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | Questrade | BDSwiss | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | ||
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 64 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | Questrade | BDSwiss | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | ||
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | |||
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | Yes | |
| TipRanks | Yes | ||
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | |||
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Questrade | BDSwiss | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | ||
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | ||
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | Questrade | BDSwiss | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/JPY | Yes | Yes | |
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CAD | Yes | Yes | |
| NZD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| AUD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| Review | Questrade Review | BDSwiss Review |
| Overall | Questrade | BDSwiss | |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Questrade Review | BDSwiss Review |
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