Our Methodology
Every broker rating on BetterBroker is the result of rigorous research, hands-on testing, and continuous monitoring. Here's exactly how we evaluate brokers.
Our Research Process
Five pillars ensure every broker review is thorough, unbiased, and current.
Regulatory Verification
We verify each broker's regulatory status directly with licensing authorities. We check registration numbers, enforcement actions, and compliance history.
Hands-On Testing
Our team opens real accounts and tests the actual trading experience. We evaluate platforms, execution speed, and the account opening process.
Fee Analysis
We document all trading costs including spreads, commissions, overnight fees, and hidden charges. Our fee data is updated monthly.
User Feedback Integration
We analyze verified user reviews and community feedback to understand real-world experiences beyond our own testing.
Continuous Monitoring
Broker conditions change. We re-evaluate ratings quarterly and immediately upon significant regulatory or fee changes.
Rating Criteria
Our weighted scoring system ensures consistent, comparable ratings across all brokers.
Regulation & Safety
25%Licensed by reputable regulators (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.), fund protection, and compliance history.
Fees & Costs
25%Trading commissions, spreads, overnight fees, deposit/withdrawal charges, and hidden costs.
Trading Experience
20%Platform quality, execution speed, available instruments, and mobile trading capabilities.
Customer Support
15%Response times, support channels, quality of assistance, and educational resources.
Account Features
15%Account types, minimum deposits, leverage options, and additional tools or research.
Data Sources
Our information comes from authoritative, verifiable sources.
| Source Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Bodies | FCA, ASIC, CySEC, SEC, FINRA, BaFin, MAS |
| Official Broker Documents | Fee schedules, terms of service, risk disclosures |
| Trading Platforms | Real spreads, execution data, platform testing |
| Industry Databases | Enforcement actions, company registrations |
| User Reviews | Verified customer feedback from multiple platforms |
Update Frequency
- Monthly: Fee data and spread comparisons
- Quarterly: Full rating re-evaluation
- Immediately: Regulatory changes, major incidents
Editorial Independence
Our ratings are never for sale. While we may earn affiliate commissions from some brokers, this never influences our ratings or reviews.
- Editorial team operates independently
- Brokers cannot pay for higher ratings
- Full disclosure of affiliate relationships
Questions About Our Process?
We're committed to transparency. If you have questions about how we review brokers or want to report an error, we want to hear from you.