Brokstock vs Easy Equities South Africa: Which Platform Is Better?
If you are choosing between Brokstock and Easy Equities in South Africa, you are already asking the right question. Both platforms are designed to make investing accessible to everyday South Africans, both are regulated by the FSCA, and both allow you to buy shares and ETFs with relatively small amounts of money.
But they are not the same platform, and depending on your goals, one will suit you far better than the other.
This comparison breaks down everything you need to know, from regulation and fees to ease of use and withdrawals, so you can make a confident and informed decision.
What Is Brokstock?
Brokstock is a South African CFD trading and investment platform operated by BCS Markets SA (Pty) Ltd. It was built around the idea of making investing simple and accessible for everyday South Africans, particularly those who are new to financial markets.
The platform offers CFD trading on JSE and US market stocks, ETFs, currency pairs, metals, and 59 cryptocurrencies. It is regulated by the FSCA under FSP number 51404 and has grown to over 100,000 paying customers by 2025.
For a full breakdown of the platform, read the complete Brokstock Review.
What Is Easy Equities?
Easy Equities is a South African investment platform launched in 2014 by First World Trader, now part of Purple Group Limited, a JSE-listed company. It is one of the most established and widely trusted retail investment platforms in the country, with over 2 million registered users.
Easy Equities allows users to buy whole shares and fractional shares across JSE, US, and Australian markets, with additional account types including a Tax-Free Savings Account and Retirement Annuity. It is regulated by the FSCA under FSP number 22588 and is a registered JSE member.
For a full breakdown of the platform, read the complete Easy Equities Review.
Brokstock vs Easy Equities: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Brokstock | Easy Equities |
|---|---|---|
| Established | 2021 | 2014 |
| FSCA Regulated | Yes (FSP 51401) | Yes (FSP 22588) |
| JSE Member | No | Yes |
| Minimum Deposit | R100 | From R5 |
| Trading Fees | 0.1% to 0.3% | 0.25% + 0.31% clearing fee |
| Withdrawal Fees | None | None |
| Monthly Platform Fee | None | None |
| Fractional Shares | Limited | Yes |
| TFSA Account | No | Yes |
| Retirement Annuity | No | Yes |
| Crypto Trading | Yes (59 assets) | Limited |
| Forex Trading | Yes | No |
| Demo Account | No | Yes |
| Capitec Integration | No | Yes |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes |
| User Base | 100,000+ customers | 2 million+ users |
Regulation and Safety
Regulation is the most important factor to consider when choosing any investment platform. Both Brokstock and Easy Equities are regulated by the South African Financial Sector Conduct Authority, but there are meaningful differences in their regulatory standing and track records.
Brokstock Regulation
Brokstock SA (Pty) Ltd is a licensed Financial Service Provider under FSCA FSP number 51404. Its services, terms and conditions, risk policies, and money management policies are sanctioned and overseen by the FSCA. Brokstock acts as an intermediary in terms of the FAIS Act, rendering intermediary services in relation to CFD products offered by its liquidity providers. It does not act as the principal or counterparty to any of its transactions.
Easy Equities Regulation
Easy Equities is the brand of First World Trader (Pty) Ltd, which holds FSCA FSP license number 22588. In addition to its FSCA licensing, Easy Equities is a registered member of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, which adds a further layer of oversight and accountability. Shares are held in client names through segregated accounts, meaning your assets are protected separately from the company’s own funds.
Safety Verdict
| Criteria | Brokstock | Easy Equities |
|---|---|---|
| FSCA Licensed | Yes | Yes |
| JSE Membership | No | Yes |
| Segregated Client Accounts | Yes | Yes |
| Years in Operation | Since 2021 | Since 2014 |
| Users | 100,000+ | 2 million+ |
Both platforms are regulated and legitimate. Easy Equities has a longer operating history and JSE membership, which gives it a slight edge in terms of institutional credibility. Brokstock is newer but fully licensed and growing rapidly.
Fees and Costs Comparison
Both platforms are considered low-cost options in the South African market, but their fee structures differ depending on how you trade.
Trading Fees
| Fee Type | Brokstock | Easy Equities |
|---|---|---|
| Commission | 0.1% to 0.3% | 0.25% per trade |
| Clearing Fee | Not applicable | 0.31% per trade |
| VAT | Applied to costs | Applied to costs |
| Crypto Fee | Included in spread | 0.25% + 0.075% + VAT |
| Monthly Platform Fee | None | None |
| Inactivity Fee | None | None |
| Withdrawal Fee | None | None |
| Deposit Fee | None | None |
Fee Analysis
For equity trading, Easy Equities charges a 0.25% commission plus a 0.31% clearing fee, which adds up to roughly 0.56% per trade before VAT. Brokstock charges between 0.1% and 0.3% commission, which is lower for smaller trades but can vary depending on the asset class.
For long-term investors who trade infrequently, the difference between the two platforms is minimal in terms of total cost. For frequent traders, Brokstock’s lower commission range may result in slightly lower overall costs.
Neither platform charges monthly fees or withdrawal fees, which is an advantage both share over traditional South African brokers.
Minimum Deposit Comparison
| Platform | Minimum Deposit | Practical Starting Point |
|---|---|---|
| Brokstock | R100 | Suitable for most beginners |
| Easy Equities | No minimum (from R5) | Most accessible entry point |
Easy Equities wins on this front. You can technically start investing in a JSE stock or ETF with as little as R5, which is one of the lowest entry points of any regulated investment platform in South Africa.
Brokstock requires a minimum of R100, which is still accessible for most South Africans but is a higher barrier than Easy Equities.
For complete beginners with very limited starting capital, Easy Equities is the more practical choice.
Ease of Use and Beginner Experience
Both platforms are marketed as beginner-friendly, but they approach user experience in different ways.
Brokstock
- Streamlined onboarding process with a median verification time of 9 seconds and a 92% approval rate by 2025
- Clean, mobile-first interface designed for new investors
- Market news and forecasts built into the platform
- Personal welcome call from the team after registration
- No demo account available, meaning beginners must start with real money
Easy Equities
- Fully digital account opening with FICA verification
- Free educational materials available in the Learn section
- Demo account available with R100,000 in practice funds (ZAR) and $10,000 (USD)
- Direct integration with the Capitec banking app
- Price alerts and recurring investment tools for automated investing
Ease of Use Verdict
| Feature | Brokstock | Easy Equities |
|---|---|---|
| Demo Account | No | Yes |
| Educational Resources | Basic | Comprehensive |
| Onboarding Speed | Very fast | Fast |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes |
| Capitec Integration | No | Yes |
| Recurring Investments | No | Yes |
Easy Equities has a more complete beginner support system thanks to its demo account and educational content. Brokstock’s onboarding is faster, but the absence of a demo account means new investors are exposed to real risk from day one.
Investment Options
The range of assets available on each platform reflects the different investing philosophies behind them.
Brokstock Investment Options
| Asset Class | Details |
|---|---|
| JSE Stocks (CFDs) | South African listed shares via CFD |
| US Stocks (CFDs) | NYSE and NASDAQ listed companies |
| ETFs | Exchange-traded funds |
| Forex | ZAR-focused currency pairs |
| Metals | Available on platform |
| Cryptocurrencies | 59 crypto assets available |
Easy Equities Investment Options
| Asset Class | Details |
|---|---|
| JSE Shares | Whole and fractional shares in South African stocks |
| US Shares | Fractional shares in over 1,000 US-listed companies |
| Australian Shares | Access to Australian market stocks |
| ETFs | Local and international exchange-traded funds |
| ETNs | Exchange-traded notes |
| Mutual Funds | Available through the platform |
| IPOs | Access to new listings |
| Crypto | Limited crypto exposure via ETFs |
Key Difference: CFDs vs Direct Ownership
This is an important distinction that many beginners overlook.
Brokstock trades CFDs (Contracts for Difference), which means you are trading on the price movement of an asset without actually owning the underlying shares. Easy Equities offers actual share ownership, meaning you are a registered shareholder entitled to dividends and corporate actions.
For long-term investors who want to build genuine wealth through share ownership, Easy Equities is the more appropriate structure. For traders who want exposure to crypto, forex, and short-term price movements, Brokstock offers more flexibility.
Withdrawals and Processing Speed
| Withdrawal Feature | Brokstock | Easy Equities |
|---|---|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | None | None |
| Processing Time | A few business days | 2 to 3 business days after settlement |
| Settlement Period | Varies | 5-day standard settlement |
| Early Settlement | Not mentioned | Available for a small fee |
| Withdrawal Method | Direct to bank account | Direct to verified bank account |
Easy Equities has a clearly documented 5-day settlement period for funds from a recent sale, after which withdrawals are processed within 2 to 3 business days. The option to request Early Settlement for a small fee provides flexibility for investors who need faster access to their funds.
Brokstock processes withdrawals directly to your bank account within a few business days. Users should test withdrawals with a small amount early in their experience to confirm the process works smoothly before committing larger sums.
Pros and Cons
Brokstock
Pros
- Low commission range of 0.1% to 0.3%
- Access to 59 cryptocurrencies and forex pairs not available on Easy Equities
- Fast onboarding with near-instant verification
- No withdrawal fees or monthly platform fees
- Suitable for investors who want CFD exposure to multiple asset classes
Cons
- No demo account for practicing before risking real money
- CFD trading means no actual share ownership
- No TFSA or Retirement Annuity account options
- No Capitec banking integration
- Shorter track record compared to Easy Equities
Easy Equities
Pros
- Longer track record with over 2 million users since 2014
- JSE membership adds an additional layer of regulatory oversight
- Fractional shares allow investment in premium stocks from R5
- TFSA and Retirement Annuity accounts available for tax-efficient investing
- Demo account available for beginners
- Comprehensive educational resources in the Learn section
- Direct Capitec banking integration with 20% commission discount
Cons
- No crypto CFD or forex trading options
- Combined commission and clearing fee of 0.56% before VAT is slightly higher than Brokstock for some trade types
- Customer support is limited with no live chat and slow phone response
- Basic charting tools may frustrate advanced traders
Who Should Use Brokstock?
Brokstock is best suited for:
- South African investors who want exposure to cryptocurrency, forex, or metals alongside stocks and ETFs
- Traders who prefer CFD structures for short-term price movement strategies
- Users who want fast onboarding and a streamlined mobile experience
- Beginners who are comfortable starting with real money and a low R100 entry point
- Investors who want to explore a newer platform with competitive commission rates
Read the full Brokstock Review to decide if it fits your goals.
Who Should Use Easy Equities?
Easy Equities is best suited for:
- Long-term investors who want actual ownership of shares and ETFs
- South Africans looking to open a Tax-Free Savings Account or Retirement Annuity
- Beginners who want a demo account and free educational resources before investing real money
- Capitec banking clients who want to invest directly through their existing banking app
- Investors focused on building a diversified JSE and US stock portfolio over time
- Anyone who values a platform with a long established track record and 2 million users
Read the full Easy Equities Review to see if it is the right fit for you.
Final Verdict: Brokstock vs Easy Equities
Neither platform is objectively better than the other. They serve different investor types and investment styles.
| Investor Type | Recommended Platform |
|---|---|
| Long-term share investor | Easy Equities |
| TFSA or retirement investor | Easy Equities |
| Crypto and forex trader | Brokstock |
| Capitec banking client | Easy Equities |
| Short-term CFD trader | Brokstock |
| Complete beginner with under R100 | Easy Equities |
| Beginner wanting crypto exposure | Brokstock |
If your goal is to build long-term wealth through shares, ETFs, and tax-efficient accounts, Easy Equities is the stronger choice. It has more account types, a longer track record, JSE membership, and actual share ownership.
If you want access to a wider range of tradable assets including cryptocurrencies, forex, and metals through a simple and low-cost platform, Brokstock offers something Easy Equities does not.
The wisest approach for many South African investors might actually be using both platforms for different purposes: Easy Equities for long-term share and ETF investing, and Brokstock for shorter-term exposure to crypto and forex markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Brokstock better than Easy Equities?
Neither platform is universally better. Easy Equities is stronger for long-term investors who want actual share ownership, TFSA accounts, and a well-established platform. Brokstock is better for investors who want access to cryptocurrencies, forex, and CFD trading. The right choice depends entirely on your investment goals.
2. Are both Brokstock and Easy Equities regulated in South Africa?
Yes. Brokstock is licensed by the FSCA under FSP number 51404, and Easy Equities is licensed under FSP number 22588. Both are authorised Financial Service Providers. Easy Equities additionally holds JSE membership, which provides an extra layer of regulatory oversight.
3. What is the minimum deposit for Brokstock vs Easy Equities?
Brokstock requires a minimum deposit of R100. Easy Equities has no minimum deposit requirement and allows you to start investing from as little as R5 through fractional shares.
4. Can I use both Brokstock and Easy Equities at the same time?
Yes. There is no restriction preventing you from using both platforms simultaneously. Many South African investors use Easy Equities for long-term share and ETF portfolios while using Brokstock for crypto, forex, or short-term CFD trades.
5. Does Easy Equities offer crypto trading?
Easy Equities has limited cryptocurrency exposure available through certain ETF products but does not offer direct crypto CFD trading. Brokstock offers access to 59 cryptocurrencies, making it the better choice for investors specifically interested in crypto markets.
6. Which platform is better for beginners in South Africa?
Easy Equities has a stronger beginner support system overall, with a demo account preloaded with practice funds, free educational resources in its Learn section, and no minimum investment requirement. Brokstock is also beginner-friendly but does not offer a demo account, meaning new users must invest real money from the start.
7. Does Brokstock offer a TFSA account?
No. Brokstock does not currently offer a Tax-Free Savings Account. Easy Equities offers a TFSA that allows you to invest up to R36,000 per year with no tax on dividends or capital gains, which is one of its strongest advantages for long-term wealth building in South Africa.
8. How do the withdrawal processes compare?
Both platforms process withdrawals directly to your South African bank account with no withdrawal fees. Easy Equities operates on a standard 5-day settlement period for funds from recent sales, after which withdrawals take 2 to 3 business days. Early Settlement is available for a small fee. Brokstock processes withdrawals within a few business days. Both platforms recommend testing a small withdrawal early in your experience to confirm the process.