Analysis of Preferred Platforms for Chinese Users Trading Hong Kong Stocks: Tiger Brokers vs. Futu Securities

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When you want to trade Hong Kong stocks, Tiger Brokers is suitable for you if you seek low entry barriers and diverse investment tools. Futu Securities is better for you if you value community interaction and the experience of subscribing to new Hong Kong stock offerings. Tiger Brokers has advantages in fee structures and options products. Futu Securities excels in user community engagement and new stock subscriptions. Both platforms have distinct features, catering to different investment needs and operational preferences.

Key Points

• Both Tiger Brokers and Futu Securities are legally compliant Hong Kong trading platforms, ensuring fund safety.
• Futu Securities offers lower trading fees with no additional platform fees, ideal for cost-conscious investors.
• Tiger Brokers supports Hong Kong stock options trading, while Futu Securities supports new stock subscriptions, each with distinct functional focuses.
• Futu Securities has an active investment community and rich educational resources, suitable for beginners and users who enjoy interaction.
• Account opening for Chinese users is restricted; it’s recommended to prepare Hong Kong or other regional identity documents and stay updated on the latest policies.

Platform Comparison Overview

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Key Differences

When choosing a Hong Kong stock trading platform, Tiger Brokers and Futu Securities have several core differences.

• Fee Structure: Tiger Brokers charges a 0.03% commission, with a minimum of 3 HKD (approximately $0.38, based on 1 HKD = 0.127 USD), plus a 15 HKD (approximately $1.91) platform fee. Futu Securities has the same 0.03% commission with a 3 HKD minimum but no additional platform fee.
• Product Features: Tiger Brokers supports Hong Kong stock options trading. Futu Securities offers new stock subscription services.
• Service Experience: Futu Securities has an active user community and rich investment education content. Tiger Brokers focuses on a streamlined, efficient interface.
• Compliance and Regulation: Both platforms hold Hong Kong brokerage licenses, with segregated funds to ensure your fund safety.
• Fund Deposits and Withdrawals: You can deposit funds via Hong Kong bank transfers, with similar deposit speeds for both platforms, and withdrawal processes are relatively convenient.

Tip: When opening an account, note that both platforms have restrictions for new Chinese users; it’s advisable to check the latest policies in advance.

Advantages at a Glance

You can choose the Hong Kong trading platform that better suits your investment needs and operational preferences. Both support stocks, ETFs, and other products, meeting your diverse investment choices.

Hong Kong Stock Trading Fees

Commission and Platform Fees

When choosing a Hong Kong stock trading platform, trading costs are a primary concern. Both Tiger Brokers and Futu Securities charge a 0.03% commission for Hong Kong stock trading, with a minimum of 3 HKD (approximately $0.38, based on 1 HKD = 0.127 USD). Tiger Brokers also charges an additional 15 HKD (approximately $1.91) platform fee, while Futu Securities does not. Each time you trade Hong Kong stocks, Tiger Brokers’ total fees are slightly higher.

Tip: When trading Hong Kong stocks, if the transaction amount is small, the platform fee’s impact is more significant. For larger transactions, the commission becomes the dominant cost, reducing the platform fee’s relative impact.

Other Costs

During Hong Kong stock trading, you’ll encounter additional fees. Tiger Brokers supports Hong Kong stock options trading, with options fees at 15 HKD (approximately $1.91) per contract. Futu Securities does not currently support Hong Kong options. If you have options trading needs, Tiger Brokers is more suitable.

Futu Securities excels in Hong Kong new stock subscriptions (IPO). You can participate in new stock subscriptions through Futu Securities, with a handling fee typically at 50 HKD (approximately $6.35) per application. Tiger Brokers does not currently support Hong Kong new stock subscriptions. If you’re interested in IPOs, Futu Securities is more convenient.

You also need to consider official fees like stamp duty, transaction levies, and trading system fees, which both platforms charge at the same rates. For example, Hong Kong stamp duty is 0.13% of the transaction amount, transaction levies are 0.005%, and trading system fees are 0.005 HKD (approximately $0.0006) per share.

• When trading Hong Kong stocks, you must bear the following official fees:
  • Stamp Duty: 0.13%
  • Transaction Levy: 0.005%
  • Trading System Fee: $0.0006/share

These fees are automatically deducted from your transaction amount, requiring no separate action.

Summary: When choosing a platform, consider not only commissions and platform fees but also your investment habits. If you focus on Hong Kong stock options, Tiger Brokers is more suitable. If you’re keen on new stock subscriptions, Futu Securities is more convenient. Consider all fees for each trade to better manage investment costs.

Hong Kong Stock Trading Experience

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Operational Interface

When choosing a Hong Kong stock trading platform, the user-friendliness of the interface directly impacts your experience. Tiger Brokers’ app and web platform adopt a streamlined design with clear menus and easily accessible core functions. You can quickly locate trading, market data, and asset management sections. Futu Securities emphasizes information display, offering a rich interface with customizable modules. You can adjust the homepage layout to suit your preferences. Both platforms provide full Chinese interfaces, suitable for Chinese users. Tiger Brokers’ interface is better for those who prefer efficient operations. Futu Securities suits those who enjoy rich information displays and personalized settings.

Tip: You can download both apps and try their demo trading features to find the operational style that suits you best.

Order Execution

When trading Hong Kong stocks, order execution speed and stability are critical. Both Tiger Brokers and Futu Securities use direct connections to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. After you place an order, the system automatically matches the best price. Typically, orders are executed within seconds. Both platforms support various order types, including market and limit orders, allowing you to choose flexibly based on your needs. In practice, Tiger Brokers offers faster order execution, ideal for those prioritizing efficiency. Futu Securities maintains high stability during peak trading periods, suitable for frequent traders.

During actual Hong Kong stock trading, you can choose the platform that best matches your operational habits and speed requirements.

Products and Features

Product Coverage

When selecting an investment platform, product variety is crucial. Both Tiger Brokers and Futu Securities support multi-market trading. You can trade Hong Kong stocks, U.S. stocks, A-shares, and ETFs on both platforms. Tiger Brokers also supports Hong Kong stock options trading. If you’re interested in options, Tiger Brokers is more suitable. Futu Securities offers Hong Kong new stock subscription services. You can participate in IPOs directly in the app, which is convenient. Both platforms allow trading in USD. You can choose different product types based on your investment goals.

Tip: Before choosing a platform, clarify which products you prioritize. Both platforms meet diverse investment needs.

Unique Features

When using Tiger Brokers, you’ll find its interface highly streamlined. You can quickly access market data, trading, and asset management functions. Tiger Brokers also provides real-time market updates and smart conditional order features. You can set price alerts to seize market opportunities. Futu Securities offers an active investment community. You can interact with other investors in the community to share experiences. Futu Securities also provides rich educational content. You can watch video courses to learn investment knowledge. Both platforms support multi-device operations. You can manage your account via phone, computer, or tablet anytime.

You can choose the platform that best aligns with your learning needs and investment habits. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced investor, both platforms offer suitable features.

Customer Service

Customer Support Response

When using a Hong Kong stock trading platform, customer support response speed directly affects your experience. Futu Securities provides 24/7 Chinese-language customer support, ensuring help is available anytime you encounter issues. The platform’s interface is intuitive and clear, suitable for both beginners and experienced investors. Tiger Brokers’ customer service is also relatively prompt, particularly for account opening and fund transfers. However, you may notice that Tiger Brokers does not offer 24/7 Chinese support. Some users experience longer response times during peak periods, and overall service quality is slightly lower than Futu Securities.

If you prioritize customer support speed and service quality, Futu Securities is more suitable. 24/7 Chinese support ensures peace of mind when issues arise.

User Support

When learning investment knowledge, a platform’s educational resources and community support are vital. Futu Securities offers extensive educational content, including video courses, articles, and live webinars. You can interact with other investors in the community to gain practical advice. Tiger Brokers provides a basic help center and FAQ section, but its educational resources and community engagement are less robust. If you enjoy learning and interacting through a community, Futu Securities offers more support.

You can choose the platform that best meets your needs. If you value learning and interaction, Futu Securities provides a better user support experience.

Safety and Compliance

Fund Safety

When choosing a Hong Kong stock trading platform, fund safety is a top consideration. Both Tiger Brokers and Futu Securities implement strict fund segregation policies. Your investment funds are stored separately from the platform’s own funds, typically held in third-party institutions like Hong Kong banks. For example, your funds may be custodied in accounts at HSBC Hong Kong or Standard Chartered Hong Kong. This effectively prevents platform operational risks from affecting your funds.

Both platforms also use multi-factor authentication and data encryption to protect your account information and transaction privacy. When logging in or transferring funds, you need to verify via SMS codes or dynamic tokens, enhancing account security. The platforms conduct regular security audits to ensure system stability and reliability.

Tip: When using the platform, regularly update your password and enable two-factor authentication to secure your account.

Regulatory Credentials

Both Tiger Brokers and Futu Securities hold brokerage licenses from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), ensuring legal and compliant operations. When trading Hong Kong stocks on these platforms, you are protected by Hong Kong’s relevant laws and regulations. The platforms must submit financial reports and compliance materials to regulators periodically, undergoing strict oversight.

The table below compares their main regulatory credentials:

You can verify the platforms’ license information on regulatory body websites to confirm compliance. Choosing licensed brokers helps protect your investment rights and fund safety.

Fund Deposits and Withdrawals

Deposit Methods

After opening an account with Tiger Brokers or Futu Securities, you need to transfer funds into your trading account. Both platforms support deposits via Hong Kong bank wire transfers. You can use banks like HSBC Hong Kong or Standard Chartered Hong Kong for transfers. Tiger Brokers also supports some third-party payment platforms but recommends bank wires for faster processing. Futu Securities supports multiple Hong Kong bank transfers and, in some cases, FPS (Fast Payment System) deposits.
Typically, deposits via Hong Kong bank wire transfers arrive within 1-2 business days. If using third-party payments, processing may take longer. When depositing, note that banks may charge wire transfer fees, usually $10-$20 (based on 1 HKD = 0.127 USD).

Tip: When depositing, prioritize Hong Kong bank accounts for fund safety and faster processing.

Withdrawal Process

When you need to withdraw funds, you can initiate a withdrawal request through the platform. Both Tiger Brokers and Futu Securities support withdrawals to your Hong Kong bank account. After submitting a request, the platform typically processes it within 1-2 business days. Total processing time, including bank handling, is generally 2-3 business days.
Withdrawal fees for Tiger Brokers are approximately $10 per transaction. Futu Securities’ fees range from $10-$15, depending on the bank. You should check relevant fees before withdrawing to avoid unnecessary losses.

You can choose deposit and withdrawal methods based on your fund transfer needs when selecting a platform.

Account Opening Policies

Restrictions for Mainland Users

If you’re a Chinese user looking to open an account with Tiger Brokers or Futu Securities, you need to pay attention to the latest policies. Since late 2022, both platforms have significantly tightened account opening policies for new Chinese users. If you hold only a mainland Chinese ID, you’ll face restrictions when applying for a new account. Currently, the platforms allow account opening for:

• Existing platform users, who can continue using their accounts.
• Users with Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, or overseas identity documents, who can open accounts normally.
• Users with Hong Kong bank accounts, which may serve as supplementary documents in some cases but cannot be used alone for account opening.

If you only have a mainland Chinese ID, the platform will reject your new account application. During the account opening process, the system automatically verifies your identity information. Attempting to bypass verification may lead to account freezes or service denials.

Tip: If you plan to trade Hong Kong stocks, prepare a Hong Kong ID or other compliant documents in advance. You can also monitor platforms for future policy updates to stay informed.

Promotional Offers

When choosing a Hong Kong stock trading platform, promotional offers and activities can help you save costs. Both Tiger Brokers and Futu Securities periodically launch exclusive offers for new users. You can access the latest promotions through:

• Checking the platform’s official website or app homepage for announcements.
• Subscribing to the platform’s official WeChat account or email notifications.
• Contacting customer service for real-time promotion details.

The table below summarizes common account opening promotions for both platforms (based on June 2024 market information, subject to platform announcements):

When participating in promotions, note the following:

• Platforms set eligibility thresholds, such as minimum deposit amounts or trading volumes.
• Rewards have time limits, typically requiring completion within 30 days of account opening.
• Commission vouchers or trial funds are limited to specific platform products and cannot be withdrawn directly.

Recommendation: Before opening an account, compare the latest promotional content and reward rules of both platforms. Choose the platform with richer rewards and lower thresholds to enhance your investment experience.

User Type Recommendations

Beginner Choice

If you’re new to Hong Kong stock trading, Futu Securities is recommended. Its interface is intuitive with clear functional sections. You can find detailed beginner guides and tutorials in the app. The platform also offers a demo trading feature, allowing you to practice trading in a risk-free environment. Futu Securities’ active community lets you ask other investors for advice, gaining practical insights quickly. If you encounter issues during account opening or deposits, you can contact 24/7 Chinese customer support for prompt assistance.

Tip: Start with Futu Securities’ demo account to familiarize yourself with Hong Kong stock trading before investing real funds.

Cost-Sensitive Users

If you’re highly cost-conscious, Futu Securities is the better choice. Its Hong Kong stock trading commission is 0.03%, with a minimum of $0.38 (based on 1 HKD = 0.127 USD), and no additional platform fee. Tiger Brokers has the same commission rate but charges a $1.91 platform fee per trade. For small transactions, this fee significantly increases total costs. If you trade frequently, Futu Securities can save you more over time.

Feature-Driven Users

If you seek diverse investment tools, choose based on your specific needs. Tiger Brokers supports Hong Kong stock options trading, ideal if you’re interested in options. Futu Securities supports new stock subscriptions, suitable if you focus on IPO opportunities. Both platforms support multi-market trading, including Hong Kong stocks, U.S. stocks, ETFs, and more. Select the platform whose features align with your investment goals.

Recommendation: List your investment goals and compare platform features to choose the best Hong Kong trading platform for you.

When choosing a Hong Kong stock trading platform, consider your investment habits, capital size, and feature needs. Tiger Brokers suits those seeking low entry barriers and diverse tools. Futu Securities is ideal for those valuing community interaction and new stock subscription experiences. Select the platform that best matches your needs to enhance trading efficiency.

FAQ

Which is better for new Chinese users, Tiger Brokers or Futu Securities?

If you hold only a mainland Chinese ID, both platforms currently restrict new account openings. You can use existing accounts or prepare Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, or overseas identity documents.

What’s the minimum deposit for Hong Kong stock trading?

For both Tiger Brokers and Futu Securities, the minimum deposit is typically $1,000 (based on 1 HKD = 0.127 USD). You can deposit via Hong Kong bank wire transfers.

How long does it take to withdraw to a Hong Kong bank account?

After submitting a withdrawal request, both platforms process it within 1-2 business days. Funds typically arrive in 2-3 business days, depending on the bank’s processing speed.

What official fees apply to Hong Kong stock trading?

For each Hong Kong stock trade, you pay official fees, including stamp duty (0.13%), transaction levy (0.005%), and trading system fee ($0.0006/share), with consistent standards for both platforms.

How can I access the latest account opening promotions?

You can check the platform’s official website, app homepage, or WeChat account. You can also contact customer service for the latest reward and promotion details.

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