Compare Canada’s Top Online Brokerages
Build Your Own Comparison · Updated June 2026
Compare the brokers you care about.
Pick the brokerages and the categories that matter to you, and we will build a clean side-by-side table on the spot. No sponsored rankings. No bank partnerships pulling ratings upward.
Last reviewed
June 16, 2026
June 16, 2026
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The Definitive Comparison · Updated June 2026
Every broker in Canada,
side by side.
Self-directed brokerages, compared across fees, platform quality, account access, and regulatory protection. No sponsored rankings. No bank partnerships pulling ratings upward.
Last reviewed
June 16, 2026
June 16, 2026
| Comparison Category | 01 · IndependentInteractive BrokersIBKR Canada (Pro) | 02 · IndependentQuestradeEst. 1999 | 03 · IndependentWealthsimpleSelf-Directed | 04 · IndependentQtradeDirect Investing | 05 · InternationalMoomooFutu Holdings (HK) · Chinese-owned | 06 · InternationalWebullWebull Corp (US/HK) · Chinese-owned | 07 · Big BankTDDirect Investing | 08 · Big BankBMOInvestorLine | 09 · Big BankRBCDirect Investing | 10 · Big BankCIBCInvestor's Edge | 11 · Big BankScotiaiTRADE | 12 · Big BankNBDBNational Bank | 13 · Co-opDesjardinsDisnat · Online Brokerage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Fees & Commissions | |||||||||||||
| Stock & ETF TradingStandard online commission | $0.005-0.01/shCAD fixed: $0.01/sh, min $1. USD fixed: $0.005/sh, min $1. Tiered pricing also available. | $0Commission-free since Feb 2025. ECN fees may apply. | $0Canada's first commission-free platform. | $0Canadian and US stocks/ETFs/REITs commission-free since Oct 2025. | $1.49-1.99/tradeCAD $1.49/trade. US $1.99/trade. Per-share pricing ($0.0099-0.0149/sh). Not commission-free. | $0Commission-free since Apr 2026. Regulatory/exchange fees may apply. | $9.99$7.00 if 150+ trades/qtr. $1.99 partial shares. Free select ETFs. | $9.95$3.95 via 5 Star Program (150+ trades/qtr or $250K balance). 80+ free ETFs. | $9.95$6.95 for active traders (150+ trades/qtr). Free select ETFs. | $6.95Lowest Big Bank fee. $4.95 active. $0 for under 25. $5.95 students. | $9.99$4.99 if 150+ trades/qtr. Free select ETFs (24hr hold). | $0First Big Bank to go commission-free (2021). | $0Commission-free on stocks & ETFs since 2024. |
| Options TradingBase fee + per contract | $0.15-0.65/ctVolume tiered. No base fee. | $0 + $0.99/ctNo base fee. US options: tiered refund program reduces fee at higher monthly volumes. | $0 + $0/ctOnly broker in Canada with zero options fees (Jan 2026). | $0 + $0.75/ctNo base fee. $0.75/ct confirmed effective Oct 28, 2025 (down from $8.75 base + $1.25/ct). Options assignment: $30 flat fee. | $0 + $0.65/ctUS options only. Min $1/order. No base fee. | $0 + $0.99/ctUS options only. Min $1/order. First 3 months free for new activations (Apr 2026). | $9.99 + $1.25Standard Big Bank pricing. | $9.95 + $1.25$3.95 + $1.25 for 5 Star members. | $9.95 + $1.25$6.95 + $1.25 active. | $6.95 + $1.25$4.95 + $1.25 active. Lowest among Big Banks. | $9.99 + $1.25$4.99 + $1.25 for 150+ trades/qtr. | $0 + $1.25/ctZero base fee. | $8.75 + $1.25/ct$1.25 per contract, $8.75 minimum. Higher than commission-free peers. |
| Currency Conversion (FX)CAD ↔ USD spread/markup | ~0.002% + $2Industry-leading. Best-in-class FX rates. | 1.5%USD registered accounts available. Norbert's Gambit supported. | 1.5%Free USD account at Premium/Generation ($100K+) avoids per-trade conversion; USD account $10/mo below threshold. The 0.05% reduced spread applies only to U.S. Index holdings. Automated Norbert's Gambit (2026), flat $9.95. | ~1.5-2%USD registered accounts available. | No explicit feeUses the Moomoo Preferred Rate (MMPR), a live corporate rate with a built-in, unpublished spread. Marketed as 0% FX fee. | 1.5%Exchange rate + 1.5% markup. Refreshes every 10 minutes. | ~1.5-2%USD accounts in most registered types. | ~1.5-2%USD accounts available. Norbert's Gambit supported. | ~1.5-2%USD accounts now available (added 2024). | ~1.5-2%USD accounts available. | ~1.5-2%USD accounts available. | ~1.5-2%$10 journaling fee added for Norbert's Gambit. | 0.15-1.90%Income margin on conversion, scaled by amount (larger conversions get tighter rates). USD registered accounts available. |
| Account & Inactivity FeesAdmin / maintenance charges | $0No account fees or inactivity charges. | $0No admin fees. No inactivity fees. | $0Except $10/mo USD account fee if under $100K. | $0Quarterly admin fee eliminated Oct 2025. USD registered accounts: US$15/qtr unless Investor Plus ($100K+ margin balance). | $0No account, inactivity, or deposit fees. | $0No account, inactivity, or deposit fees. | $25/qtrWaived with $15K+ balance or other conditions. | $25/qtr$100/yr reg accts. Waived at $25K registered / $15K non-reg. | $25/qtrWaived with $15K+ balance or recurring contributions. | $100/yrWaived with $25K RRSP or $10K non-reg. Free for under 25. | $25/qtrWaived at standard thresholds. | $100/yrWaived at $20K assets, 5+ trades/yr, or age 30 and under. | $30/qtrInactivity fee. Waived at $15K balance, 6+ trades/yr, registered accounts, or age 18-30. |
| Margin Interest RateApprox. rate for borrowing | ~3.2-3.7% CADBenchmark plus 0.5-1.5%. Among the lowest in Canada. ~5.1% USD. | ~11.5% USDHigh vs. IBKR. Lower rates unlocked at higher volume. | Prime + 0.5% / 0% / -0.5%Tiered: Core (prime + 0.5%), Premium $100K+ (prime + 0%), Generation $500K+ (prime - 0.5%). | Prime + 1.0-1.55%Prime + 1.55% under $100K, Prime + 1.0% at $100K+. Lower Investor Plus tiers. CAD Prime 4.45%, USD Prime 6.75%. | From ~3.85% CADBenchmark-based: CAD benchmark 3.687% plus a tier spread. The 3.85% floor applies to large balances; smaller balances pay more (roughly 7%). USD benchmark 4.58%. | ~Prime + 3%USD: Prime + 3% (<$100K). High vs. peers. | ~Prime + 1.25-2.5%Standard Big Bank range. | ~Prime + 1.25-2.5%Tiered by balance. | ~Prime + 1.25-2.5%Tiered by balance. | ~Prime + 1.5-2.5%Tiered by balance. | ~Prime + 1.25-2.5%Tiered by balance. | ~Prime + 1.5-2.5%Tiered by balance. | Prime + 0-1.25%CAD: Prime + 1.25% under $100K, Prime + 0.5% to $499K, Prime at $500K+. |
| 2. Accounts, Setup & Support | |||||||||||||
| Account TypesRegistered & non-registered (of 13) | 9/13No RESP, LIRA, LIF, RDSP. Corporate via Small Business account. RRIF added Feb 2026. Limited in-kind transfer support. | 12/13Full suite except RDSP. | 12/13Full suite except RDSP. Trust accounts not offered. | 12/13Full suite except RDSP. LIF, Corporate, Trust, Joint and Investment Club all supported. | 5/13Cash, Margin, TFSA, RRSP, Spousal RRSP only. No FHSA, RESP, RRIF, LIRA, LIF, Joint, Corporate, RDSP. | 4/13Cash, Margin, TFSA, RRSP only. No Spousal RRSP, FHSA, RESP, RRIF, LIRA, LIF, Joint, Corporate, RDSP. | Full suiteAll 13 types + Trust accounts. | Full suiteAll 13 types + AdviceDirect hybrid option. | Full suiteAll 13 types including RDSP. | Full suiteAll 13 types including RDSP. | Full suiteAll 13 types including RDSP. | Full suiteAll 13 types including RDSP. | 11/13Cash, Margin, TFSA, RRSP, Spousal, FHSA, RESP, RRIF, LIRA, LIF, plus Corporate & Trust (non-personal). No RDSP. No standalone Joint. |
| Minimum DepositTo open and trade | $0Reduced from $10K in recent years. | $0Removed $1,000 minimum in 2025. | $1Effectively zero. | $0No minimum. | $0No minimum. | $0No minimum. | $0No minimum. | $5,000Required to open a Self-Directed account. | $0No minimum. | $0No minimum. | $0No minimum. | $0No minimum. | $1,000Waived for ages 18-30 and for registered accounts. |
| Account Opening SpeedFrom signup to first trade | 1-3 daysMore steps than most. Global suitability checks. | 24 hoursFully online. Can be near-instant. | < 10 minutesFastest in Canada. Instant deposits up to $50K. | 2-3 daysInstant for some. Fully digital. | Same dayFast digital onboarding. Verification typically same day. | 1-2 daysFully online. May take up to 2 business days. | 1-3 daysEasier if existing TD client. | 1-3 daysEasier for existing BMO clients. | 1-3 daysSmoother for existing RBC clients. | 1-3 daysMay require branch visit for some. | 1-3 daysFaster for existing Scotia clients. | 2-7 daysSlowest of the group per user reports. | 1-3 daysFully online. Faster for existing Desjardins members. |
| Customer SupportChannels & quality | GoodPhone, chat, email. Complexity slows resolution. | Excellent#1 in Surviscor 2026 service review. | GoodM-F 9-6 ET. Capable AI chatbot after hours. | ExcellentIndustry-best reputation. Dedicated phone support. | Good24/7 online chat. Phone and email on trading days. No independent CA service ranking yet. | PoorPhone, email. Limited hours. Consistent complaints about response times. | GoodPhone, chat, branch access. | GoodPhone, chat, branch access. | GoodPhone, chat, branch. | PoorRanked worst among Big Banks (Surviscor). | PoorConsistent complaints re: response times. | PoorLong hold times. Slow processing. | GoodJD Power #2 in self-directed satisfaction. Phone + secure messaging, business hours. |
| Sign-up PromoNew account offers as of June 2026 | VariesThird-party offers available.View offer → | Up to $300 cash backCode GET300, tiered to $300. Open and fund by Jun 22, 2026; qualifying actions by Aug 5, 2026. Transfer-fee rebate also available.View offer → | $25 cash bonus$25 for a $100 deposit via referral link. 1% Match also available (May 2026) for larger transfers.View offer → | Up to $5,000Cash back plus unlimited free trades (tiered). Public code SPRING26: $100 cash back on a $1,000 investment.View offer → | Up to $250WeVouchers for deposits. Plus options fee rebates and transfer rewards.View offer → | Up to $250 + $150WeVouchers for deposits + $150 transfer rebate. Plus free L2 data.View offer → | Aeroplan pointsUp to 300K points tiered by deposit.View offer → | VariesTransfer rebate available.View offer → | Avion pointsPeriodic offers for RBC clients.View offer → | LimitedOccasional transfer rebates.View offer → | VariesPeriodic cash-back promos.View offer → | LimitedSmall promos for specific professions.View offer → | No standing offerNo sign-up bonus or referral program. Commission-free trading is the standing draw.View offer → |
| 3. Platform & Experience | |||||||||||||
| User-FriendlinessLearning curve & design | PoorPowerful but steep learning curve. Built for pros. | GoodClean standard platform. Questrade Pro for advanced users. | ExcellentBest in class for beginners. Genuinely polished app. | ExcellentModern, intuitive web + mobile. Wins design awards. | GoodFeature-rich app. Can overwhelm beginners with data density. | GoodClean, modern interface. Solid charting tools. | GoodWebBroker is feature-rich. TD Easy Trade for simplicity. | GoodSolid platform. Mobile app highly rated. | GoodFunctional but dated. Decent mobile experience. | GoodRecently revamped. Mediocre mobile app. | GoodFlightDesk for advanced users. Platform feels dated. | PoorInterface lags behind competitors despite recent updates. | GoodDisnat Classic is clean and simple; Disnat Direct for active traders. |
| Mobile AppiOS + Android | YesIBKR Mobile. Highly functional. | YesQuestMobile + Edge Mobile. | YesCombines trading, banking, crypto, managed. | YesAward-winning mobile app. | YesiOS + Android. Polished design with AI tools. | YesiOS + Android. Desktop also available. | YesTD App integrated with banking. | YesBMO InvestorLine app. | YesRBC Mobile integrated. | YesCIBC Mobile Wealth. Uninspiring design. | YesScotia iTRADE app. Underperforms. | YesRecently improved. | YesDisnat mobile app. Functional. |
| Research & AnalyticsScreeners, data, analyst tools | ExcellentGlobalAnalyst, PortfolioAnalyst, institutional-grade data. | GoodTipRanks, Seeking Alpha, Trading Central integrated. | PoorMinimal charting. No advanced screeners. | ExcellentPortfolio Score, Portfolio Simulator, Trading Central. | ExcellentFree Level 2 data, 100+ indicators, AI insights, Morningstar ETF ratings. | GoodAdvanced charting. Free Nasdaq L2 for limited time. | ExcellentWebBroker ranks among Canada's best for research. | GoodStrong research for 5 Star members. | GoodSolid research suite. | GoodImproved recently. Limited mobile tools. | GoodStrong for Gold/Platinum tier members. | GoodAdequate. Fewer third-party integrations. | GoodTrading Central, Morningstar, Desjardins research. Level 2 for active traders. |
| Global Market AccessMarkets with native trading (not ETFs) | 150 marketsDirect native access to global exchanges. The only Canadian broker with true worldwide reach. | Canada + USTSX, TSXV, CSE, NYSE, Nasdaq plus OTC. Other markets only as CFDs, not native shares. | Canada + USNorth American exchanges only. | Canada + USNorth American exchanges only. | Canada + USUS and Canadian markets only. | Canada + USUS and Canadian markets only. | Canada, US + 10 globalNative online trading on 10 international markets (London, Frankfurt, Hong Kong and seven more) through Global Trading on WebBroker, plus Canada and the US. | Canada + USNorth American exchanges only. | Canada, US + 4 globalOnline trading on 4 international exchanges (London, Hong Kong, Frankfurt, Euronext Paris) since Dec 2024, plus Canada and the US. More markets by phone. | Canada + USNorth American exchanges only. | Canada + USNorth American exchanges only. | Canada + USNorth American exchanges only. | Canada + USNorth American exchanges only. |
| Fractional SharesBuy less than 1 share | PartialUS stocks & ETFs only. | PartialUS stocks & ETFs only. Not CAD yet. | YesCAD & US stocks. No fees. $1 minimum. | NoNot supported. | NoNot available to Canadian clients (US-entity feature only). | PartialUS stocks only. | PartialAvailable. $1.99 for partial trades. | NoNot supported. | NoNot supported. | PartialVia CDRs only. | NoNot supported. | NoNot supported. | NoNot supported. |
| USD in Registered AccountsHold USD in TFSA/RRSP | YesFull multi-currency support. | YesSignature feature. Dual-currency in all registered. | PartialYes via USD account upgrade ($10/mo for Core). | YesUSD registered accounts available. | YesDual-currency accounts hold CAD and USD, including in TFSA and RRSP. Registered deposits in CAD. | PartialAuto-converts at 1.5% markup. No true USD sub-accounts. | YesMost registered types support USD. | YesUSD accounts in registered plans. | YesAdded more recently than peers. | YesSupported in registered accounts. | YesSupported. | YesSupported. | YesUSD plans for RRSP, RRIF, LIRA, LIF and more. |
| DRIP SupportDividend reinvestment | Yes | Yes | SyntheticAccount-level only. No discount, no per-stock control. | Yes | NoNot currently offered in Canada. | NoNot currently offered in Canada. | YesMust call to activate for some securities. | YesClear eligible-company list. | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Extended Hours TradingPre-market & after-hours | YesNearly 24/6 for US stocks, 10-min break at 3:50-4:00am ET only. Most extensive window in Canada. | YesOvernight trading added recently. | Yes24/5 US equity trading. Among Canada's broadest windows, but IBKR's ~24/6 is longer. | YesUS pre-market and after-hours. | Yes~16 hours. US pre-market and after-hours. | Yes4 AM - 8 PM ET for US stocks. | YesAvailable on Advanced Dashboard / Active Trader. | PartialLimited to Active Trader tier. | NoRegular hours only. | NoRegular hours only. | PartialLimited availability. | NoRegular hours only. | YesExtended US equity hours available. |
| Crypto TradingDirect crypto, not ETFs | NoUS residents only. Crypto ETFs available. | NoCrypto ETFs only. | YesDirect crypto via separate Wealthsimple Crypto account. Only Canadian broker with this. | NoCrypto ETFs only. | NoCrypto ETFs only. | NoCrypto ETFs only. | NoCrypto ETFs only. | NoCrypto ETFs only. | NoCrypto ETFs only. | NoCrypto ETFs only. CDRs available. | NoCrypto ETFs only. | NoCrypto ETFs only. | NoCrypto ETFs only. |
| 4. Regulation & Reputation | |||||||||||||
| Regulation & ProtectionRegulator & investor insurance | CIROCIPF $1M per account. US parent is SEC/FINRA regulated, but Canadian clients are covered by CIPF, not SIPC. | CIROCIPF $1M per account. | CIROCIPF $1M per account. | CIROCIPF $1M per account. | CIROCIPF $1M. Parent: Futu Holdings (NASDAQ: FUTU), HK-based. | CIROCIPF $1M. Parent: Webull Corp (NASDAQ: BULL), US/HK-based. | CIROCIPF $1M per account. | CIROCIPF $1M per account. | CIROCIPF $1M per account. | CIROCIPF $1M per account. | CIROCIPF $1M per account. | CIROCIPF $1M per account. | CIROCIPF $1M. Desjardins Group co-op. |
| App Store RatingiOS / Google Play avg. | 4.5/4.2Mobile app well-regarded. | 4.7/4.3QuestMobile (iOS). Edge Mobile (Android). Surviscor #1 mobile experience 2025. | 4.7/4.3One of Canada's highest-rated finance apps. | 4.5/4.0Award-winning app. | 4.6/4.5Feature-rich app with AI tools. | 4.5/4.0Clean interface. Newer in Canada. | 4.6/4.4Integrated TD banking app. | 4.3/3.9 | 4.5/4.2RBC Mobile. | 4.2/3.6 | 3.9/3.5 | 4.1/3.7 | - |
| Trustpilot RatingTake with skepticism, see note | 3.6/5 | 1.4/5 | 2.3/5 | 1.6/5 | 2.1/5 | 1.4/5 | 1.5/5 | 1.7/5 | 1.4/5 | 1.3/5 | 1.4/5 | 1.5/5 | - |
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Notes & Methodology
1.Data sources. Fees and features verified against each broker's official website and fee schedules as of June 2026. 3rd party data sources also consulted where appropriate. Promotional offers change frequently, verify current offers directly with each brokerage before linking.
2.Best and weakest highlights. Green and red shading reflects each broker's standing across the full Canadian market, not only the brokers selected in the interactive tool above. A category can therefore show no green or red if the strongest or weakest provider for it is not in the current selection.
3.Account-type denominator. The "X/13" rating counts: Cash, Margin, TFSA, RRSP, Spousal RRSP, FHSA, RESP, RRIF, LIRA, LIF, Corporate, Joint, RDSP. Trust accounts are noted separately where applicable.
4.Margin rates shown are approximate and tier-dependent. All rates fluctuate with Bank of Canada and Fed benchmark rates.
5.Global market access. Counts markets with native, in-platform trading of actual securities, not exposure through ETFs or derivatives. TD Direct Investing offers native online trading on 10 international markets (the United Kingdom, Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, the Netherlands, Singapore, and Spain) through its Global Trading service on WebBroker, which is counted here. RBC Direct Investing offers native online trading on 4 international markets (the London, Hong Kong, Frankfurt, and Euronext Paris exchanges), launched December 2024, also counted here. Markets reached only through broker-assisted phone trading, at TD, RBC, or other bank-owned brokers, are not counted as native access.
6.Interactive Brokers caveat. IBKR Canada offers IBKR Pro only. IBKR Lite (commission-free US trades) is not available to Canadian residents. US estate-tax exposure on assets held directly with IBKR may apply for Canadian residents, consult a cross-border tax advisor.
7.Regulation & Protection. All brokers shown are CIRO-regulated and CIPF-insured up to $1 million per account category. IBKR's US parent is SEC and FINRA regulated, but Canadian clients are covered by CIPF, not US SIPC. Moomoo and Webull are CIRO-regulated but foreign-owned (Futu Holdings and Webull Corp); ownership is noted for transparency, not as a protection difference.