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 user-friendly 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 deeply analysing Swissquote, and I’ve looked to compare the platform to other regulated and popular online brokers in South Africa.

In short, I was trying to answer questions like: can you trust Swissquote? Is the platform easy to pick up 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've scrutinised everything: 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 Swissquote broker (compared to other platforms tested).

What to think about Swissquote?

My overall opinion on 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.

On the assets side, the offering is among the broadest I've been able to test: more than 60 accessible global markets, 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 may be lacking for some.

The fees are higher than those of purely CFD or low-cost brokers. For example, stock commissions can reach 10 CHF 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, Swissquote is, in my opinion, irreproachable: regulated by the FSCA, 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 for?

=> For experienced investors who want access to a wide range of instruments while benefiting from a robust regulatory framework. Swissquote offers an impressive diversity of markets, with access to over 60 global exchanges, and allows for genuine 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 like MetaTrader 5 or the in-house eTrading platform. The Prime account, for example, allows you to benefit from reduced rates from R10 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 tracking tools.

Conversely, Swissquote may be less suitable for small investors or beginner traders looking for low entry fees. The high minimum deposit (R1000) and fixed brokerage fees per order may deter those who wish to start with small positions or test without too much financial commitment.

Swissquote in a few seconds is:

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 on the market. Its status as a Swiss bank, its supervision by FINMA and its strict regulatory obligations make it a safe bet for trading with confidence, especially from South Africa where it is fully authorized to offer its services.

Swissquote enjoys a solid reputation in the banking and online brokerage world, particularly due to its unique status as an online bank. For a trader based in South Africa, this is a reassuring choice both in terms of regulatory compliance and operations. 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 noticed with Swissquote is a rather high-end fee structure, reflecting its positioning 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 justify, in my opinion, 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. For me, 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 little high on some transactions, such as currency conversions or withdrawals. There are no management fees, which slightly compensates, and the account remains accessible without any volume requirements. For demanding investors, this is acceptable, but you need to be aware of it.

The minimum deposit of R16 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 set a monthly alert to log into the account, even if I don't trade.

What are the fees on stocks and ETFs?

Swissquote offers a genuine long-term investment option, with the purchase of shares and ETFs in cash, which remains rare for a platform also specialising in CFD trading. The fixed fees are clearly higher than with neo-brokers such as Trade Republic or Boursorama, but in exchange you benefit from multi-market access, a high-quality interface and Swiss banking support. For more frequent investments or small amounts, these fees may however affect 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 looking for a regulated and secure framework to buy cryptos. The purchase is 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 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 some assets like Forex and indices, but a little higher on stocks and crypto CFDs. However, the interface allows you to clearly see 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're trading crypto CFDs, keep a close eye on the overnight fee schedule. Swissquote charges for positions open after 23:00 (South African 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 shares, ETFs and bonds. You can access over 60 global markets, which opens the door to true international diversification.

The cryptocurrency catalog is a bit more limited than at specialized exchanges, but it covers the main 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'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 search 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

Activate smart notifications in the Swissquote app to track your alert levels on the assets you monitor in real time. This allows you to react quickly, especially if you are working in parallel or do not 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 user confidence in this trading-oriented online 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 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 shares. Others point out slow response times from customer support, especially during peak activity. Some comments also mention a lack of clarity in the fee structure.

Examples of client 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 with, but pay attention to withdrawal fees. »

Opening an account, deposits and withdrawals on Swissquote

Opening an account

Opening an account with Swissquote was straightforward. I found the process 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 details and choose the account type (eTrading, Forex/CFD, Robo-Advisor)
• Answer the regulatory financial assessment questionnaire
• Upload your identification document 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 highly secure deposit and withdrawal system, although it is a bit more rigid than some other brokers. Bank transfer is the only authorized method, which can extend the processing time (1 to 3 business days on average). However, funds are clearly identified, traceable, and fees are transparent.

Trader's Tip

To avoid unnecessary exchange fees, open your account in the same currency as your primary bank if possible. This allows for deposits without conversion, especially if you trade in ZAR.

Account Types Available on Swissquote

Swissquote offers a structured range of account types tailored to various profiles, from long-term investors to active traders. What sets it apart is the ability to invest both directly in the 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 centralised, 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 (shares, ETFs, currencies, CFDs, bonds) and the South African 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 by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) and the protection of deposits.

In summary, Swissquote is aimed at 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.