| Feature | Pocket Option | Questrade |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Type | Binary options trading | Full-service online brokerage |
| Regulation | Not specified | Regulated by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) |
| Available Instruments | Binary options on forex, commodities, stocks, cryptocurrencies | Stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds, bonds, CFDs, forex |
| Minimum Deposit | Not specified | $1,000 |
| Trading Fees | Not specified | Stocks: $0.01 per share, min $4.95, max $9.95; ETFs: Free to buy, $0.01 per share to sell; Options: $9.95 + $1 per contract |
| Account Types | Not specified | Margin accounts, Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSA), Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSP), Registered Education Savings Plans (RESP), and more |
| Trading Platforms | Web-based platform | Questrade Trading, Questrade IQ Edge, Mobile apps |
| Research Tools | Limited | Advanced research tools, including chart pattern tools |
| Customer Support | Not specified | Great customer service, providing relevant information quickly on all available channels |
| Educational Resources | Limited | Comprehensive learning center with goal-tracking advice, platform tutorials, and investment webinars |
| Demo Account | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Deposit and Withdrawal Options | Not specified | Electronic fund transfer, wire transfer, electronic wallets (Interac Online), Visa debit card |
| Inactivity Fee | Not specified | No inactivity fee |
| Additional Features | Social trading, tournaments | Robo-advisory service (Questwealth Portfolios) |
| Order Execution Speed | Instant execution for binary options trades | Market, limit, stop-loss, and trailing stop orders with execution based on market conditions |
| Leverage Options | Typically high for binary options trading | Up to 1:3 for stocks, higher leverage available for forex and CFD trading |
| Trade Expiry Times | Short-term trades ranging from 5 seconds to a few hours | No fixed expiry; trades depend on market strategy |
| Market Access | Mainly OTC markets for binary options | Direct access to major North American stock exchanges (NYSE, NASDAQ, TSX, TSXV) and international forex/CFD markets |
| Customization Options | Basic charting tools and trade settings | Customizable watchlists, advanced order types, and strategy automation |
| Algorithmic Trading Support | Limited, mainly via copy trading | API access for automated trading and integration with third-party platforms |
| News & Market Updates | Basic in-platform updates | Real-time market data, company earnings reports, and economic news |
| Risk Management Tools | Limited stop-loss and trade multiplier features | Advanced risk management, including trailing stops, margin requirements, and stop-limit orders |
| Spread & Commission Model | Fixed payouts for winning trades | Competitive spreads with commission-based pricing for some assets |
| Hedging & Scalping | Hedging possible through simultaneous trades | Scalping and hedging allowed within regulatory limits |
| Tax Reporting Tools | Basic trade history export | Detailed tax reports, capital gains tracking, and downloadable statements |
| Regulatory Protection for Investors | Operates in offshore jurisdictions with limited oversight | Investor protection under CIRO and Canadian regulatory laws |
| Social Trading & Copy Trading | Integrated social trading features with leaderboards | No built-in copy trading, but access to research reports and portfolio management tools |
| User Interface & Experience | Simplistic and focused on binary trading | Feature-rich platform with in-depth analysis and trading tools |
| Margin Trading Features | Not applicable due to binary options model | Margin trading available with various collateral requirements |
| Withdrawal Processing Time | Varies based on payment method, sometimes slower due to offshore regulations | Fast withdrawals through bank transfers and online payment options |
| Support for Advanced Traders | Designed for quick speculative trades | Extensive tools for technical and fundamental analysis, professional-grade platforms |
| Account Verification Requirements | Minimal verification for deposits and trading, full verification required for withdrawals | Full KYC (Know Your Customer) verification required before trading, including ID and proof of address |
| Account Base Currencies | Supports multiple currencies, including USD, EUR, and cryptocurrencies | Primarily CAD and USD, currency conversion fees apply for non-CAD accounts |
| Deposit Processing Time | Instant for most payment methods, delays possible for some options | Varies by method, bank transfers may take 1–2 business days |
| Withdrawal Limits | May have daily or monthly withdrawal caps depending on account type | No specific withdrawal limits, but bank restrictions may apply |
| Trading Volume Requirements | No volume-based incentives, but higher trade activity can unlock VIP features | Active traders may qualify for reduced fees or rebates |
| Slippage Protection | Market volatility may lead to execution delays or different strike prices | Advanced slippage controls and order execution transparency |
| Charting Tools | Basic candlestick, bar, and line charts with common indicators | Professional-grade charting with customizable layouts, indicators, and historical data analysis |
| Integration with External Tools | Limited third-party integrations | Compatible with trading software like TradingView and third-party research tools |
| Economic Calendar Access | Basic calendar with event listings | Detailed economic calendar with filters for global financial events |
| Interest on Uninvested Cash | No interest on idle funds | Interest may be earned on uninvested cash in select accounts |
| Regulatory Restrictions by Region | Limited availability in some countries due to binary trading regulations | Only available to Canadian residents, not accessible for U.S. or international clients |
| Payout Structure | Fixed payout percentage for winning trades, determined by asset and market conditions | Profit based on asset appreciation, dividends, or leveraged positions |
| Weekend Trading Availability | Some OTC and cryptocurrency trading available | Market trading limited to standard exchange hours, forex operates on global market hours |
| Mobile App Features | Basic order execution and trade management | Full-featured mobile app with research, trading, and portfolio management |
| Corporate & Institutional Accounts | Primarily retail-focused, no specialized accounts for businesses | Corporate and institutional account options available |
| Funds Segregation Policy | Unclear, as some offshore brokers do not guarantee segregated funds | Client funds are held in segregated accounts for added security |
| Community and Forum Support | Active community with social trading and leaderboards | Official support forum and investor communities for market discussions |
| Promotional Bonuses | Frequently offers deposit bonuses and cashback rewards | No promotional bonuses due to regulatory restrictions |
| Tax-Advantaged Account Options | No tax benefits, standard trading accounts only | TFSA, RRSP, and other tax-advantaged account options for Canadian investors |
| Custodial & Retirement Accounts | No dedicated custodial or retirement accounts | Offers retirement accounts with tax benefits and portfolio management options |
| Customer Service Accessibility | Online chat, email, and social media-based support | Phone, email, and live chat with dedicated account specialists |
Pocket Option specializes in high-risk binary options trading with minimal regulation, while Questrade is a full-service online brokerage offering diversified investments, strong regulatory protection, and advanced trading tools.