Every trader wants to keep as much of their returns as possible. One way to do this is to minimize trading commissions.
However, many low-commission platforms aren’t transparent about other fees that can eat into returns, including currency conversion, account inactivity, custody, deposits and withdrawals, and more.
Thus, traders are better off with platforms that offer low commissions while minimizing other relevant fees and providing features that make life easier.
Below, we’ll identify five stock trading apps in the UAE that score well on these points.
1. Interactive Brokers: Best for advanced trading tools
Overview
Interactive Brokers is a global brokerage firm popular among experienced traders for its advanced trading tools.
Commissions and fees
- Commission (US stocks): $0.0035 per share for monthly volumes up to 300,000 shares for IBKR Pro-Tiered, $0.005 per share for IBKR Pro-Fixed, and $0 for IBKR Lite.
- FX conversion: 0.20 basis points of the traded value.
- Withdrawals: Two free withdrawals per month. AED 18 per transfer subsequently
Other details
- Account minimum: $0
- Fractional shares: Available
2. Saxo Bank: Best for international market access
Overview
Saxo Bank provides access to thousands of financial instruments across multiple global markets. It also offers professional-grade trading tools for advanced traders.
Commissions and fees
- Commission (US stocks): Starts from 0.03% of traded value, with a $1 minimum.
- FX conversion: Up to 0.50%
- Custody fee: 0.15% annually for Classic accounts
- Inactivity fee: NA
- Platform fee: N
Other details
- Minimum account: No minimum funding requirement
- Fractional shares: Available
3. Sarwa Trade: Best for beginners and local access
Overview
Sarwa Trade is a trading platform licensed by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FRSA) in Abu Dhabi Global Market. It offers a mobile-first platform that supports beginners and provides educational resources to help them improve at trading.
Commissions and fees
- Commission: Greater of $1 or 0.25% of the traded value.
- FX conversion: Competitive rates
- Deposits: Free local UAE bank transfers
- Withdrawals: Free
- Custody fee: NA
- Inactivity fee: NA
Other details
- Fractional shares: Available
- Minimum account requirement: $500
4. eToro: Best for social or copy trading
Overview
eToro is a leading social and copy trading platform that lets users copy other traders’ trades.
Commissions and fees
- Commission: $1 for US stocks
- FX conversion: Varies based on location and payment method
- Withdrawal fee: $5 for USD investment accounts
- Custody fee: NA
- Account inactivity fee: NA
Other details
- Fractional shares: Available
- Minimum deposit: $100
5. Baraka: Best for swing and position trading
Overview
Baraka is a mobile-first trading platform that appeals to new and younger UAE traders and investors.
Commissions and fees
- Commission: $1 per trade. A number of free monthly trades, depending on the subscription tier.
- FX conversion: No fixed percentage stated
- Deposit fee: Only intermediary bank charges
- Withdrawal fee: $25 charged by the broker’s bank
Other details
- Fractional shares: Available
- Minimum account requirement: None
If you are just learning how to trade US stocks in the UAE, Sarwa is a beginner-friendly platform with seamless onboarding. If you are an experienced trader, Interactive Brokers might better match your trading sophistication.
The most important takeaway, however, is to choose a platform that lets you keep more of your earnings through low commissions and overall trading costs.