In the context of modern investors paying increasing attention to low-cost and high-efficiency trading platforms, two major platforms, Futu and Webull, have become financial platforms of great interest to global investors, especially those who wish to invest in US and Hong Kong stocks, due to their innovative service models, strong technical support, and flexible trading options. This article will conduct a detailed comparison of these two platforms from multiple dimensions to help investors gain an in-depth understanding of their respective characteristics and advantages.

I. Overview of Futu and Webull Platforms

Introduction to Futu

Futu Securities, established in 2012 and headquartered in Hong Kong, is a fintech company that promotes the opening of the capital market through innovative technologies. Futu is committed to providing convenient securities trading services to global investors, especially having significant competitive advantages in the Hong Kong and US stock markets. Through its Futu Securities and Futu Niuniu platforms, Futu provides one-stop trading, information, and social functions, covering various asset classes such as stocks, options, funds, and futures.

Since Futu successfully listed on the NASDAQ in the United States in 2019, its brand influence has been continuously expanding. Futu's innovative features include real-time market quotes, in-depth analysis tools, community social functions (allowing investors to discuss and share investment experiences with each other), and educational resources. With its low trading commissions, user-friendly interface, and strong technical background, Futu has attracted a large number of young investors and active traders.

• Established in 2012, headquartered in Hong Kong;

• Listed on NASDAQ, with a steadily growing market value;

• Regulated by multiple financial regulatory authorities such as the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).

Introduction to Webull

Webull, established in 2017 and headquartered in the United States, is a technology-driven financial platform that focuses on providing zero-commission stock and option trading services to investors. Webull is committed to breaking the high-commission barriers of traditional securities firms and has attracted a large number of individual and institutional investors through its strategy of free trading. Through its professional trading tools and functions, Webull provides an efficient and flexible trading experience.

The Webull platform supports the trading of various financial products such as US stocks, Hong Kong stocks, and options, and provides users with functions such as real-time market data, advanced chart analysis tools, and simulated trading. Webull's trading interface is simple and easy to use, suitable for different types of investors, and both beginners and professional traders can find functions suitable for them on the platform.

Since Webull launched free stock trading in 2020, its market share has gradually expanded, especially its influence in the US stock market has been increasing. To further expand its business, Webull has also launched more financial tools through continuous innovation, including ETF trading, cryptocurrency trading, etc.

• Established in 2017, headquartered in New York, the United States;

• Regulated by the U.S. SEC and FINRA, and regulated by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong;

• Customer assets are protected by SIPC (up to $500,000).

II. Quick Overview of Core Differences in 2025

• For Hong Kong stock investors: Futu (full licenses, strong dark pool trading);

• For high-frequency trading of US stocks: Webull (zero commission + lightning execution);

• For beginners: Webull (simpler account opening process).

III. Comparison of Account Opening Processes

Whether the account opening process is convenient and whether the account can be opened quickly are often the first threshold that novice users care about; and the friendliness of the APP interface and the clarity of the function division directly affect the subsequent investment efficiency and user satisfaction. The following will comprehensively compare the actual performance of Futu and Webull from the account opening steps to the user experience, helping readers to quickly get started and select the platform that best suits their habits.

Account Opening Process of Futu Securities

• Material Requirements:

  • Hong Kong identity card/passport + proof of address (within 3 months);

  • Initial deposit: Must be ≥ HK$10,000 (supports FPS/eDDA instant arrival).

• Hidden Pain Points:

  • Non-Hong Kong residents need a third-party witness (taking 3-5 working days);

  • Hong Kong and US stock accounts need to be opened separately.

Account Opening Advantages of Webull Securities

• Extremely Fast Experience:

  • The whole process is operated through the APP, and the AI review can be passed in the fastest 5 minutes;

  • Supports Hong Kong/Macao/overseas documents (W-8BEN tax form can be filled online).

• Points to Note:

  • The US dollar account needs to be transferred and verified by a Hong Kong bank card with the same name.

📌 Horizontal Scoring:

• Speed: Webull wins (suitable for those who need to trade urgently);

• Flexibility: Futu supports more types of documents.

IV. A Complete Breakdown of Handling Fees (2025 Latest)

When choosing a securities trading platform, the trading cost is undoubtedly one of the most concerned factors for investors. The fee structures and charging standards of different platforms may affect the trading costs and investment returns of investors. This article will conduct a detailed breakdown of the trading fees of Futu and Webull, helping investors understand the fee differences between the two platforms in Hong Kong and US stock trading, so as to make a more suitable choice.

1. Comparison of Hong Kong Stock Trading Costs

💡 Scenario Suggestions:

• Less than 20 trades per month: Webull has lower costs (platform fees are waived during the event period)

• Large - scale Hong Kong stock trading: Futu's tiered package is more cost - effective (as low as HK$10 per transaction after the 21st trade)

2. Comparison of US Stock Trading Costs

Key Differences:

• US Stock Option Fees: Webull's US stock option fees are lower, at only $0.3 per contract, while Futu's is $0.65 per contract.
• Odd - Lot Trading: Futu supports odd - lot trading of US stocks, while Webull requires whole - lot trading, which is very friendly to small - scale investors.

V. Comparison of May 2025 Activities

In the current situation where securities firms are intensifying their subsidy wars, promotional activities such as account opening gifts, transfer rewards, and trading fees have become an important part that investors cannot ignore when choosing a platform. Especially during market fluctuations, the attractiveness of low - cost trials and obtaining additional returns is more prominent. Below, we have sorted out the latest activity highlights of Futu and Webull in May 2025, and provided more targeted selection suggestions based on different investment styles.

Futu Securities Activities

• Account Opening Bonus: Up to $1,600 in cash vouchers (subject to completing specified transactions)

• Cash Management: 4.8% annualized return on US dollar funds + an additional 5% return for new customers

• Transfer Benefits: $7,000 in rewards upon meeting transfer requirements

Webull Securities Activities

• Account Opening Bonus: Deposit HK$10,000 net and get $76 worth of Apple stocks, and deposit HK$80,000 net to get an additional $139

• Trading Discounts: 90 - day exemption from platform fees for Hong Kong and US stocks

• Limited - time 0 Commission: 0 commission for US stocks, options, Hong Kong stocks, and A - shares

🔥 Action Suggestions:

• Short - term Traders: Give priority to Webull (with combined 0 commission + platform fee exemption)

• Long - term Investors: Futu's cash management + free fund subscription and redemption fees are more cost - effective

VI. Fund Security and Supervision

🔒 Expert Tips:

• For large - scale funds, choose Futu (more mature Hong Kong stock custody)

• For pure US stock investment, choose Webull (more direct SIPC insurance coverage)

VII. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the account opening thresholds for Futu and Webull?

Neither Futu nor Webull has a minimum deposit requirement, and the account opening threshold is relatively low.

2. Which platform has lower handling fees?

If you mainly invest in US stocks, Webull's zero commission is very attractive; if you mainly invest in Hong Kong stocks, Futu's fees are more advantageous.

3. Which markets do Futu and Webull support?

Futu supports multiple markets such as US stocks, Hong Kong stocks, and A - shares; Webull mainly supports US stocks and Hong Kong stocks.

4. Which is more suitable for small - scale investors?

A: Webull (0 commission for US stocks + low - threshold account opening), but Futu's cash management is suitable for the appreciation of idle funds.

5. How to avoid hidden costs?

• Futu: Switch to the tiered package (fees drop sharply after high - frequency trading)

• Webull: Use ACH deposits to avoid wire transfer fees

6. What are the conditions for claiming activity rewards?

• Futu: Need to complete 3 trades + hold positions for 30 days

• Webull: The net deposit needs to be maintained for 60 days

VIII. Ultimate Selection Guide

Choose Futu if:

• You need dark pool trading for Hong Kong stocks or multi - market investment

• You rely on in - depth information and community

• Your capital exceeds $50,000

Choose Webull if:

• You focus on high - frequency trading of US stocks or options trading

• You pursue an extremely simple interface

• You want to try the waters at a low cost (with a minimum deposit of HK$10,000)

🎯 2025 Combination Strategy: Futu (main for Hong Kong stocks) + Webull (auxiliary for US stocks), balancing costs and variety coverage!

Conclusion: Which is more suitable for you, Futu or Webull?

Futu and Webull each have their own strengths. There is no absolute standard for choosing a platform. The key lies in investment habits and stage goals:

• Users who value the operation experience, long - term financial management, and are keen on the allocation of Hong Kong and US stocks and funds, Futu has a richer product line and more complete supporting services, and is suitable for creating an "almost - bank" - style investment account;

• Users who pursue low costs, frequent short - term trading, and pay attention to account opening rewards and activity return rates, Webull is more suitable as a flexible and efficient trading portal.

It is recommended that investors flexibly choose according to their current capital scale, trading frequency, and investment focus. They can even open accounts on both platforms simultaneously and make use of the different advantages of the two platforms in activities, fees, and products to maximize the combination of tools.

What's next? You might as well register and experience it while the current activities are still ongoing. Practical testing is more persuasive than a thousand words.