Cobra Trading or TradeZero – which is better for UK traders 2024? Compare Cobra Trading and TradeZero in this detailed breakdown of their platforms, features and fees.
Established in 2003, Cobra Trading is a US-based brokerage specializing in equities and options contracts. The firm offers 3 powerful platforms and is aimed at professional clients or those looking for retirement accounts. Cobra Trading is regulated by the NFA and SIPC and is a member of FINRA.
TradeZero is a stock and ETF broker established in the Bahamas in 2015. Though the global entity is regulated offshore, the US subsidiary is overseen by FINRA with SIPC registration. The powerful proprietary trading software makes it a popular choice for active traders.
Pros
I’m happy with the broker’s regulatory status in the US, with oversight from reputable bodies including the SIPC, NFA and FINRA. This, coupled, with the broker’s strong reputation since 2003 is a great sign of a trustworthy firm
I think the choice of 3 platforms means all strategies and trading styles are catered to. All platforms offer comprehensive charting packages, with sophisticated analysis tools and advanced order types
I found some reasonably low fees at Cobra Trading, including shares from $0.0015, options from $0.30 and margin rates as low as 8%
Cobra Trading offers a good range of account types, including traditional and Roth IRA’s, plus joint, corporate and trust accounts
I like that Cobra Trading doesn’t enforce any minimums on trades and there are also no locate fees
ZeroPro provides access to advanced charting features, instant alerts, customizable hotkeys and, for an extra monthly fee, OTC Level 2 markets
High intraday leverage up to 1:6 for global accounts with balances of $2,499+ and up to 1:4 for US clients
Four in-house platforms including a proprietary mobile app with real-time data streaming
Simple pricing structure; free or paid stock and options orders (eligibility requirements apply)
On-demand tutorial videos and live stream market insights
The US entity is registered with the FINRA and SIPC
Innovative solution to mark unused locates for credit
Pre-market and post-market trading hours
Cons
Despite the low trading fees, this broker does charge several other platform and admin fees which will soon add up, including monthly software fees from $100 and market data packages from $18 per month
Unfortunately, Cobra Trading isn’t going to be suitable for novices, as the minimum deposit to open an account is $30,000. I think it’s a shame that there are no beginner-friendly accounts at this broker
I did find that pattern trading (PDT) restrictions will apply, though this is expected from a US brokerage
TradeZero only facilitates trading US stocks, with UK, EU and other international markets unavailable
High deposit and withdrawal fees; $50 for outgoing and $25 for incoming (waived if over $500)
The TradeZero global entity has weaker regulatory oversight from the SCB of the Bahamas
A $59 monthly fee applies to the ZeroPro and ZeroWeb terminals
Customer support is available 24/7 with a responsive live chat
