Best Online Brokers for Canadian Investors in 2025

Choosing the best online broker in Canada can make or break your investment journey. With the emergence of self-directed investing, Canadian investors now have more trading opportunities than ever before to trade stocks, ETFs, and other asset holdings at low cost. Whether you’re a beginner looking for an easy-to-use platform or an active trader seeking advanced tools, the right brokerage can save you money and enhance your portfolio’s growth. In 2025, platforms like Qtrade, WealthsimpleTrade, and Interactive Brokers are great because of their unique service offerings. This article explores the best online trading platforms in Canada, comparing fees, features, and more to help you make an informed choice. 

What to Look for in an Online Broker

To choose the proper online brokerage agency in Canada, you have to evaluate critical aspects with respect to your investment style. The following is what one should take into account: 

• Fees and Commissions: Low or zero commission trading may increase your trading returns significantly. Find a broker that provides ETFs (or stocks) that are commission-free, but beware of the hidden fees and monthly charges, such as bank account maintenance or fees levied on being inactive.
• Platform Usability: An interface that is user-friendly is essential, whether it is desktop or mobile, to trade seamlessly. New users should have user-friendly applications, and active traders should prioritize their preferences with fully featured or advanced charting tools.
• Investment Choices: Make sure that your brokerage allows working with the assets you prefer most, like stocks and ETFs, bonds or options, or even cryptocurrencies. The ability to tap the foreign market, such as the NYSE or NASDAQ, is an advantage for diversification.
• Regulation and Safety: Brokers regulated by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) and protected by the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF) offer peace of mind, covering up to $1 million in case of insolvency.
• Educational Resources: It is necessary to provide robust research instruments, webinars, and guidelines, particularly to beginners who want to learn how to navigate the Canadian stock market. For tips on automating your investments, see Automate Your Retirement Savings in Canada.  
• Customer Service: Responsive assistance by phone, email, or live chat is capable of solving problems fast, which saves you time and effort.

By considering these factors, you will be able to find a platform that will fit your needs regardless of whether you are creating a retirement portfolio or day trading.

Best Online Brokers in Canada in 2025

These are five of the best online brokers in Canada 2025, classified by fees, features, and user experience, as analyzed by experts in the industry and real-life testing.

1. Qtrade Direct Investing

Qtrade is Aviso Wealth-owned, and one of the best options due to the combination of low charges and robust investment products, and quality customer services. It is perfect for both long-term investors and novice investors.

Key Features

• More than 100 commission-free ETFs such as iShares and Vanguard.
• Risk analysis and performance measurement, portfolio analytics.
• Morningstar and FactSet research for making informed decisions.
• Mobile and desktop interface that is easy to use.

Best suited for Investors who are aiming at long-term investing and building wealth that is well diversified.

2. Wealthsimple Trade

Wealthsimple Trade is a hit among novices since it offers commission-free trading and a mobile-first approach. It is ideal in the case of hands-off investors. Curious about Wealthsimple’s robo-advisor option? Learn more about Wealthsimple Robo-Advisors.  

Key Features

• Commission-free trading in Canadian and U.S. stocks and exchange-traded funds.
• Fractional share support, which enables you to invest in small amounts.
• Trading in cryptocurrencies as well as other traditional assets.
• Basic, simple-to-use app containing basic tools.

Best suited to new investors who want low-cost cost simple trading.

3. Interactive Brokers (IBKR)

IBKR is a U.S.-based company with an office in Canada that is an active-traders juggernaut of traders who require access to the global market and advanced tools.

Key features

• Access to 150 world exchanges such as TSX, NYSE, and NASDAQ.
• Low ultra commissions ($0.008/share, min $1).
• Trader Workstation is an advanced charting and algorithmic trading.
• Fractional shares and more than 90 order types.

Best suited to pro traders and those traders who invest abroad.

4. TD Direct Investing

TD direct investing is a combination of easy-to-use platforms and robust resources making it an excellent inclusive option for Canadians.

Key Features

• WebBroker and TD Active Trader systems provide different levels of experience.
• Provides TD ETF trades and fractional shares that are commission-free.
• Morningstar and TD analysts conduct extensive research.
• Fully integrated TD bank services.

Best suited to the type of investor who attaches importance to research and banking convenience.

5. CIBC Investor edge

The discount brokerage of CIBC has a great platform and competitive pricing for mainstream investors.

Key Features:

• Commission of 6.95 on stock trading and ETF trades.
• 100 free equity trades by using promo code EDGE100 (available till September 30, 2025).
• Access to Trading Central’s technical analysis tools.
• TFSA, RRSP and FHSA support.

Most Appropriate for young investors and those who want the reliability of a bank. For retirement-focused accounts, explore Robo-Advisors for Retirement Savings.  

Selecting a Suitable Broker

Below are some of the ways to choose an excellent trading platform online in Canada.  

• Try out the Platform: Try out using demo accounts, provided by Questrade or IBKR, to evaluate
• usability.
• Check Promotions: Sometimes, there are sign-up bonuses such as the 100 free trades at CIBC or free trades at Qtrade. Up to $150 cashback on transfers (offer expires on October 31, 2025).
• Cover Your Objectives: Select Wealthsimple to be basic, IBKR to be advanced trading, or
• Qtrade for balanced features.
• Check regulation: CIRO regulation and CIPF safety guard for protection.
• Read Reviews: Look at what people say about companies on sites such as MoneySense or Million Dollar Journey.

For those considering automated investing, check out How to Pick the Best Robo-Advisor in Canada for a hands-off approach.

Fee and Features Comparison

The decision of selecting a broker usually depends on weighing off between fees and features. The following table lists some highlights of the best brokers.

Broker	Stock/ETF Commission	Account Fees	Standout Features
Qtrade	$8.75 (or $6.95 for active traders/young investors)	$25/quarter (waivable)	Portfolio analytics, 100+ commission-free ETFs, strong research tools
Wealthsimple Trade	$0 (CAD & USD stocks/ETFs)	None (USD account: $10/month under Core plan)	Fractional shares, crypto trading, commission-free USD trading (with USD account)
Interactive Brokers	$0.005/share (min $1.00 USD for fixed pricing)	None	Global market access (150+ exchanges), advanced trading tools (TWS), low margin rates
TD Direct Investing	$9.99 (or $7 for active traders)	$25/quarter (waivable)	Extensive research, robust platforms (WebBroker, Advanced Dashboard), integrated with TD banking
CIBC Investor’s Edge	$6.95	$100/year (waivable)	Competitive bank-broker fees, student/youth discounts, access to CIBC research

Lower fees can significantly impact long-term returns. For example, saving $5 per trade on 50 trades annually adds up to $250, which can compound over time. However, don’t sacrifice essential features like research or market access for lower costs alone. If you prefer sustainable investing, see Best SRI Robo-Advisors in Canada for socially responsible options. 

Final Thoughts

The top online brokers in Canada of 2025 fulfill the requirements of various audiences, including Wealthsimple, which offers commission-free simplicity to the global presence of IBKR. Through the assessment of charges, utility, and capabilities, you can definitely find a platform matching your investment objectives. Whether you are starting small or actively trading, these brokers provide facilities to increase your wealth. Check more resources on globalinvestor.com to perfect your financial journey.