Comparing brokerage firms
We are consistently looking at the best online brokerage firms for you. I've tried out every firm listed below, and we have created reviews for many of them. If you're looking for the best online stock broker to meet your needs, check out our comparison tool. We work hard to find the best brokers - from comparing commissions and fees, to account minimums, to the promotions they are currently offering. Check it out below or check out our Broker Comparison Partner. We are also consistently reviewing these firms to make sure that you're able to find the best information on these companies.
Best Online Brokers
At NerdWallet, we strive to help you make financial decisions with confidence. To do this, many or all of the products featured here are from our partners.
Our opinions are our own. The first step in choosing an investment account is understanding your investing strategy. Investors who trade individual stocks and advanced securities like options are looking for exposure to specific companies or trading strategies.
Mutual funds and ETFs are typically best suited to investing for long-term goals that are at least 5 years away, like retirement, a far-off home purchase or college. Beginners and long term investors often look to get exposure to whole markets and don't have a preference on which type of securities to trade. Some brokers have minimum deposit requirements, while others may require a minimum balance to access certain advanced features or trading platforms.
If a broker is offering a new account promotion, there may be a minimum initial deposit requirement to qualify. Like most things, when it comes to stock brokers, you often get what you pay for — which means there may be a trade off between price and quality. Some brokers charge more per trade but offer access to a high-quality platform and premium research for free.
Others have lower commissions, but offer fewer tools and services or charge to access certain tools. If you're trading frequently — more than weekly — you'll want an advanced broker that has powerful platforms, innovative tools, high-quality research and low commissions.
Those who trade monthly or yearly will want a well-rounded broker with a user-friendly interface, helpful customer support and competitive pricing. Yes, it's true — you don't have to manage your own investments. In fact, these days it's not only possible, but inexpensive to get the kind of management that was previously only available to investors with very high balances read: mostly millionaires.
Thank the robo-advisor : These services use algorithms to build and manage investor portfolios. For a very low fee, they'll create a portfolio of ETFs based on your investing goals and risk tolerance, then rebalance it as needed.
Many also offer tax-loss harvesting for taxable accounts. If that sounds too hands-off for you and you want to manage your own investments , choose a self-directed account at an online broker. Low Cost: Mutual fund and ETF investors want access to funds without commissions or transaction fees; stock or options traders want low commissions and no added fees for inactivity, tools or research.
Platform and tools: If you plan to trade frequently, you likely know what kind of tools you'll use most and what you want out of a platform. User interface: Website and tools should be intuitive and easy to navigate.
Premium research: Investing, particularly frequent trading, requires analysis. The broker should provide extensive information to help you select the investments for your portfolio.
Promotions: This shouldn't be your primary concern, but it might be a tie breaker if you're stuck between two options. Offers access to human advisors for additional fee. Professional-level trading platform and tool. Tiers apply. Morgan's secure website. SoFi Active Investing: Cryptocurrency trading; fractional shares. SoFi Automated Investing: Low costs across the board, free access to certified financial planners.
Sophisticated platform; exceptional research and analytical tools. Customized portfolios; access to financial advisors. Per-share pricing; strong trading platform. Dedicated financial advisors; customized portfolios. Advertiser disclosure. Online Brokerage Comparison Use our online brokerage comparison tool to find the right stock broker for your needs.
Our team has spent more than hours comparing leading online brokers. Our selections include top online brokers , which offer DIY investors low costs and convenience, and the top robo-advisors , which offer portfolio management at a fraction of the cost of human advisors. What do you want to invest in? How much will you deposit to open the account? How often will you trade?
At least once a week Every month or so A few times a year. Who will manage your investments? You An advisor. What is most important to you?
Recommended stock brokers for you. Show Details. Account Minimum. Current Offers. Open account. Up to 1 year. Interactive Brokers. You Invest by J. Free trades; app-based. SoFi Invest. Zacks Trade. Personal Capital. Wealthfront Show Details. Commissions 0. Open account on Wealthfront's secure website. Betterment Show Details. Current Offers Up to 1 year of free management with a qualifying deposit. Open account on Betterment's secure website.
Interactive Brokers Show Details. Current Offers Exclusive! Open account on Interactive Brokers's secure website. Ellevest Show Details. Current Offers 1 month free of Ellevest Digital. Open account on Ellevest's secure website.
Morgan Show Details. Open account on You Invest by J. SoFi Invest Show Details. Current Offers Free career counseling plus loan discounts with qualifying deposit. Open account on SoFi Invest's secure website. TradeStation Show Details. Open account on TradeStation's secure website.
Vanguard Show Details. Current Offers None no promotion currently offered. Open account on Vanguard's secure website. Zacks Trade Show Details. Current Offers None no promotion at this time. Open account on Zacks Trade's secure website. Personal Capital Show Details. Open account on Personal Capital's secure website.
Use our online brokerage comparison tool to find the right stock broker for your needs. Our team has spent more than hours comparing leading online. Find and compare the best online brokers that offer the best in user experience, The firm also makes it easy for clients to earn interest by sweeping uninvested.
There are lots of brokerage firms out there. Each of them will likely tell you that they can offer more for your investing dollar than any of their competitors can. But when you get right down to it and you're ready to start investing, what should you look for in a broker and what do you need to do to get set up? One of the first questions you'll want to ask yourself when you start your search for a broker is, "Which brokers will let me open an account?
Each firm's information reflects the standard online margin loan rates obtained from their respective websites.
With so many different types of online stock brokers available to investors, it can be tough to choose one that works best for you. When we started our online broker reviews in the fall of , no one knew how the world would change. We recognize that we all are living through a particularly volatile time as we deal with this global crisis, and financial markets have also seen unprecedented change, impacting all investors.
Online Stock Brokerage Comparison Tool
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You can use time as a huge ally when planning your investments. These play-it-safe investments are a good fit for you. Though similar in name, these accounts have major differences you should know. Investors may want to consider these top exchange-traded funds ETFs in The year bond is back. Have some extra cash you want to invest? Brokerages are rewarding new clients. These apps can help get your finances organized and invested. Want to make ETFs a part of your investment portfolio? These top accounts may appeal to you.
Generally, individual investors require the services of a stockbroker to buy and sell shares of stocks and other investment products.
We are an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. Our goal is to help you make smarter financial decisions by providing you with interactive tools and financial calculators, publishing original and objective content, by enabling you to conduct research and compare information for free - so that you can make financial decisions with confidence.
How to Compare Investment Brokerage Firms
At NerdWallet, we strive to help you make financial decisions with confidence. To do this, many or all of the products featured here are from our partners. Our opinions are our own. The first step in choosing an investment account is understanding your investing strategy. Investors who trade individual stocks and advanced securities like options are looking for exposure to specific companies or trading strategies. Mutual funds and ETFs are typically best suited to investing for long-term goals that are at least 5 years away, like retirement, a far-off home purchase or college. Beginners and long term investors often look to get exposure to whole markets and don't have a preference on which type of securities to trade. Some brokers have minimum deposit requirements, while others may require a minimum balance to access certain advanced features or trading platforms. If a broker is offering a new account promotion, there may be a minimum initial deposit requirement to qualify. Like most things, when it comes to stock brokers, you often get what you pay for — which means there may be a trade off between price and quality. Some brokers charge more per trade but offer access to a high-quality platform and premium research for free. Others have lower commissions, but offer fewer tools and services or charge to access certain tools. If you're trading frequently — more than weekly — you'll want an advanced broker that has powerful platforms, innovative tools, high-quality research and low commissions. Those who trade monthly or yearly will want a well-rounded broker with a user-friendly interface, helpful customer support and competitive pricing.
Broker Comparison – Compare all Stock Broking Firms in India
Select discount brokerages to compare:. Best online brokers in Canada comparison. Image by dawnfu from Pixabay. Additional data access proprietary BMO Capital Markets research Reduced commissions MarketQ platform access provides additional data access, streaming quotes, charts and watchlists Reduced commissions preferred margin rates Active traders can select from our fixed or tiered pricing, which could provide savings on commissions. If so, what are the hours and days? Is it possible a client could be charged an Electronic Communication Network ECN or additional fee on top of specified commissions in certain situations? Are Series D funds offered? Can you purchase international stocks online, including ADRs? Does the firm offer a mobile app or a mobile-adaptive design for mobile clients?
