Written by StockBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Saxo vs Charles Stanley Direct, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, investment options, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
Alongside the cost per trade, most UK online brokers also charge a monthly, quarterly, or annual management fee, which varies based on the account type and balance. Based on our thorough review, Saxo offers better pricing than Charles Stanley Direct for share dealing.
Assuming a £30,000 portfolio size, here are the total annual costs for share dealing with both brokers, given different monthly activity scenarios.
5 trades per year - Saxo would cost 0.12% + 0.08% (or £3) per trade: a minimum of £51 per year, while Charles Stanley Direct would cost £57.50 per year.
12 trades per year - Saxo would cost 0.12% + 0.08% (or £3) per trade: a minimum of £72 per year, while Charles Stanley Direct would cost £138 per year.
36 trades per year - Saxo would cost 0.12% + 0.08% (or £3) per trade: a minimum of £144 per year, while Charles Stanley Direct would cost £414 per year.
120 trades per year - Saxo would cost 0.12% + 0.08% (or £3) per trade: a minimum of £396 per year, while Charles Stanley Direct would cost £1,380 per year.
3 fund trades per year - Saxo would cost £0 per year, while Charles Stanley Direct would cost £0 per year.
What type of trader are you?
New to the world of investing? See our picks for the Best UK Trading Platforms for Beginners. More experienced traders should read our guide to the Best UK Trading Platforms for Active Traders.
Saxo and Charles Stanley Direct both offer robust options for individuals looking to invest across various asset classes. Both platforms provide share trading, ETFs, funds, corporate bonds, government bonds, and investment trusts to cater to a wide range of financial interests. However, while Saxo stands out with its addition of CFD trading, Charles Stanley Direct distinguishes itself by offering advisor services, which can guide investors through their financial decisions. Neither Saxo nor Charles Stanley Direct currently provides options in crypto trading or spread betting.
For investment choices, Saxo is highly regarded, securing a top five-star rating and ranking as the number one choice out of 18 brokers according to UK.StockBrokers.com. Charles Stanley Direct also enjoys a commendable five-star rating for its investment offerings, highlighting both platforms as formidable competitors in the online brokerage space. Investors will find both platforms equipped with essential tools and assets to support diverse investment strategies.
| Feature |
Saxo
|
Charles Stanley Direct
|
|---|---|---|
| Share Trading | Yes | Yes |
| CFD Trading | Yes | No |
| ETFs | Yes | Yes |
| Funds | Yes | Yes |
| Bonds - Government (Gilts) | Yes | Yes |
| Investment Trusts | Yes | Yes |
| Spread Betting | No | No |
| Crypto Trading | No | No |
| Advisor Services | No | Yes |
| Investment Choices |
|
|
Professional’s Gateway to the World’s Markets.
Low-cost US and UK shares.
When comparing the trading tools of Saxo and Charles Stanley Direct, there are several notable differences. Both platforms fall short in displaying corporate events like earnings and dividends on charts. However, Saxo stands out by offering 20 charting drawing tools compared to just one from Charles Stanley Direct. In addition, Saxo provides an extensive range of 64 technical indicators, while Charles Stanley Direct offers only 14. Saxo also allows users to add notes directly to charts, a feature not available with Charles Stanley Direct.
Both Saxo and Charles Stanley Direct support browser-based trading platforms. Each also allows users to overlay indexes and stocks on charts, and both provide real-time market data and the option to create stock price alerts. While both brokers cater to various trading needs, Saxo offers more comprehensive features for those who require a multitude of charting options and customization. Overall, Saxo's trading tools offer greater depth and versatility, making it a more robust choice for active traders seeking detailed market analysis tools.
| Feature |
Saxo
|
Charles Stanley Direct
|
|---|---|---|
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Stock Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies | 64 | 14 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools | 20 | 1 |
| Charting - Notes | Yes | No |
| Charting - Display Corporate Events | No | No |
| Charting - Stock Overlays | Yes | Yes |
| Charting - Index Overlays | Yes | Yes |
When choosing between Saxo and Charles Stanley Direct for your retirement investing, both platforms offer robust options such as ISA and SIPP accounts, providing flexibility and tax-efficient ways to invest for the future. Saxo's edge lies in its comprehensive trading platform, ideal for those who seek a dynamic investing environment, while Charles Stanley Direct is appreciated for its user-friendly interface, making it a great choice for those who prefer a straightforward approach to managing their retirement funds. Whether you want the advanced tools Saxo offers or the simplicity of Charles Stanley Direct, both online brokers accommodate your ISA and SIPP needs for effective retirement planning.
Dive deeper: Best SIPP Providers, Best Stocks and Shares ISA Providers.
Saxo and Charles Stanley Direct both provide robust mobile app options for iPhone and Android users, catering to the needs of traders on-the-go. However, when comparing their performance, Saxo stands out with a stellar 5-star rating from UK.StockBrokers.com, making it the top choice among 18 brokers for mobile apps. In contrast, Charles Stanley Direct's app holds a 3.5-star rating and was not ranked among the top in the same review. For users prioritizing a high-rated, universally accessible trading app, Saxo clearly takes the lead with its recognized excellence in the mobile trading app market.
Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Apps UK.
When comparing the beginner investor educational resources of Saxo and Charles Stanley Direct, Saxo clearly stands out with its comprehensive offerings. Saxo provides live educational webinars along with archived sessions for on-demand viewing, granting flexibility to beginners seeking to learn at their own pace. On the other hand, Charles Stanley Direct also archives webinars for later viewing but lacks live educational webinars. In terms of educational content, Charles Stanley Direct offers guidance on share trading, funds, and retirement—areas where Saxo doesn't provide specific education. Despite these differences, Saxo secures an impressive 5-star rating from UK.StockBrokers.com and holds the #2 rank among 18 brokers for its beginner educational resources, surpassing Charles Stanley Direct's 4.5-star rating and no specific ranking. Both platforms cater to different aspects of beginner learning, but Saxo’s higher ranking and flexibility make it a more robust choice for newcomers looking for well-rounded financial education.
| Feature |
Saxo
|
Charles Stanley Direct
|
|---|---|---|
| Client Webinars | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes |
| Education (Share Trading) | No | Yes |
| Education (Funds) | No | Yes |
| Education (Retirement) | No | Yes |
| Education |
|
|
Dive deeper: Best UK Trading Platforms for Beginners.
When comparing the market research features of Saxo and Charles Stanley Direct, both platforms provide substantial research capabilities for investors, making it easier to make informed decisions. Saxo stands out by offering a wider range of research options, including CFDs and Bonds, which are not available with Charles Stanley Direct. Both brokers provide research reports for funds and share insights on portfolio allocation by asset class, alongside comprehensive research for shares, ETFs, and Funds, ensuring that investors have access to detailed market analysis. However, for those specifically interested in CFDs and Bonds, Saxo presents a more robust option.
| Feature |
Saxo
|
Charles Stanley Direct
|
|---|---|---|
| Research - Shares | Yes | Yes |
| Research - CFDs | Yes | No |
| Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes |
| Research - Bonds | Yes | No |
| Research - Funds | Yes | Yes |
| Fund Research - Research Reports | Yes | Yes |
| Portfolio Allocation Breakdown | Yes | Yes |
Which broker is better overall, Saxo or Charles Stanley Direct? After collecting more than 900 data points over a 10-week period, we found Saxo to be a better trading platform overall.
Saxo Markets’ trading platform is highly sophisticated and offers a huge range of international shares and funds. The biggest downside is the cost, as its charges are higher than its U.K. competitors. It's best suited for experienced investors rather than beginners.
| Feature |
Saxo
|
Charles Stanley Direct
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
|
| Charges & Fees |
|
|
| Investment Choices |
|
|
| Mobile App |
|
|
| Website |
|
|
| Ease of Use |
|
|
| Education |
|
|
When comparing online brokers Saxo and Charles Stanley Direct, neither platform offers crypto trading options, presenting a neutral ground for investors primarily interested in digital assets.
Select Brokers
↓×Compare
0 of 5| Overall Rating | Saxo | Charles Stanley Direct | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
| |
| Charges & Fees |
|
| |
| Investment Choices |
|
| |
| Mobile App |
|
| |
| Website |
|
| |
| Ease of Use |
|
| |
| Education |
|
| |
| Review | Saxo Review | Charles Stanley Direct Review | |
| Winner | check_circle |
| Investments | Saxo | Charles Stanley Direct | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISA | Yes | Yes | |
| SIPP | Yes | Yes | |
| Share Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| CFD Trading | Yes | No | |
| Funds | Yes | Yes | |
| ETFs | Yes | Yes | |
| Bonds - Corporate | Yes | Yes | |
| Bonds - Government (Gilts) | Yes | Yes | |
| Investment Trusts | Yes | Yes | |
| Spread Betting | No | No | |
| Crypto Trading | No | No | |
| Advisor Services | No | Yes |
| Trading Fees | Saxo | Charles Stanley Direct | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £0 | £0 | |
| Share Trading: 0-9 Deals/ Month | From £3 or 0.08% | £0 - £10 | |
| Share Trading: 10-19 Deals/ Month | From £3 or 0.08% | £10 | |
| Share Trading: 20+ Deals/ Month | From £3 or 0.08% | £10 | |
| 5 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | 0.12% + 0.08% (or £3) per trade: a minimum of £51 | £57.50 | |
| 12 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | 0.12% + 0.08% (or £3) per trade: a minimum of £72 | £138 | |
| 36 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | 0.12% + 0.08% (or £3) per trade: a minimum of £144 | £414 | |
| 120 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | 0.12% + 0.08% (or £3) per trade: a minimum of £396 | £1,380 | |
| 3 fund trades per year (£30k portfolio) | 0.4% + 0% commission: £120 | £90 - £102 | |
| Annual Custody Fee: £0 - £250,000 | Up to £800 | £60 - £600 | |
| Annual Custody Fee: £250K-£500K | £500 to £1,000 | £600 | |
| Annual Custody Fee: £500,000 - £1m | Up to £1,998 | £600 | |
| Annual Custody Fee: £1m and over | £1,000 | £600 | |
| Bonds - Corporate - Fee | €20 minimum | £25 | |
| Bonds - Government (Gilts) - Fee | €20 minimum | £25 | |
| ETFs - Fee | From $1 | £10 | |
| Investment Trusts - Fee | From $1 / £3 / €10 | £10 | |
| Telephone Dealing Fee | £50 | £25 minimum |
| Broker Screenshots | Saxo | Charles Stanley Direct | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Website Gallery (click to expand) |
| ||
| Mobile Trading Apps Gallery (click to expand) |
| ||
| Education Gallery (click to expand) |
|
| Platforms & Tools | Saxo | Charles Stanley Direct | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| iPhone App | Yes | Yes | |
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Stock Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies | 64 | 14 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools | 20 | 1 | |
| Charting - Notes | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Display Corporate Events | No | No | |
| Charting - Stock Overlays | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Index Overlays | Yes | Yes |
| Research | Saxo | Charles Stanley Direct | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research - Shares | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - CFDs | Yes | No | |
| Research - Funds | Yes | Yes | |
| Fund Research - Research Reports | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - Bonds | Yes | No | |
| Portfolio Allocation Breakdown | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Saxo | Charles Stanley Direct | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Share Trading) | No | Yes | |
| Education (Funds) | No | Yes | |
| Education (Retirement) | No | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes |
| Overall Summary | Saxo | Charles Stanley Direct | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
| |
| Charges & Fees |
|
| |
| Investment Choices |
|
| |
| Mobile App |
|
| |
| Website |
|
| |
| Ease of Use |
|
| |
| Education |
|
| |
| Review | Saxo Review | Charles Stanley Direct Review | |
| Winner | check_circle |
IG Group Review
Saxo Review
eToro Review
Interactive Brokers Review
Trading 212 Review
XTB Review
CMC Invest Review
Vanguard Review
Hargreaves Lansdown Review
Halifax Review
Freetrade Review