RateBuddyInvesting guide DIY TRADING

Compare Top Trading Platforms

  • Trading costs
  • Tools & accounts

RateBuddy Investing Insight Last updated

A good broker should fit how you invest.

Start with the trades you expect to make, the accounts you need and how much help you want along the way. Then look beyond the advertised commission: currency conversion, account charges and optional market data can all affect the cost.

What to check before you choose

Compare those details alongside the tools and support you would use, rather than paying for features that do little for your investing routine.

  • Check the order types and investment choices available in your intended account.
  • Compare funding methods, withdrawal processing and the cost of transferring out.
  • Look at the service behind the platform, including help when a transaction needs attention.

Further reading:OSC — Self-directed investing

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RateBuddy Top Pick
Earn Up to $5,000 when you open a new account and $0 commission trades on stocks, ETFs, mutual funds
Ratebuddy Cash Rebate
Qtrade
CIRO CIPF
Qtrade
Online Broker

Qtrade Direct Investing

RateBuddy 4.4/5
Google 4.0/5
Min. Deposit$0
FX Fee1.5%
Commissions & Fees
Stock Trading
$0 Stock Trade Commission
ETF Trading
$0 ETF Trade Commission
Options Trading
$0.75/contract
Get $50 Ratebuddy Cash Rebate
Welcome Bonus Up to $5,000
New clients can earn **up to $5,000 in cashback, plus a $100 quick-pay bonus**, when they open and fund a new Qtrade account using promo code **OFFER2026** between September 1, 2026 and January 5, 2027. Clients transferring $15,000 or more can also claim up to $150 per transfer request in transfer-fee rebates on top of the cashback, while all clients benefit from $0 commission trading on stocks, ETFs and mutual funds. Terms and conditions apply.
Transfer / Switch Offer Up to $150
Transfer your investments from another financial institution and Qtrade will reimburse your transfer-out fees up to $150. Conditions apply.
Key Highlights
Free Stock Trading Free ETF Buy Free ETF Sell Cover Transfer Fees CIRO Member
National Bank of Canada
CIRO CIPF
National Bank of Canada
Online Broker

National Bank Direct Brokerage

RateBuddy 4.8/5
Google 4.6/5
Min. Deposit$0
FX Fee1.5%
Commissions & Fees
Stock Trading
Free
ETF Trading
Free
Options Trading
$1.25
Key Highlights
Free Stock Trading Free ETF Buy Free ETF Sell CIRO Member Bank-Owned / Big 6
Interactive Brokers
CIRO CIPF
Interactive Brokers
Online Broker

Interactive Brokers

RateBuddy 4.7/5
Google 4.6/5
Min. Deposit$0
FX Fee0%
Commissions & Fees
Stock Trading
$1.00
Options Trading
$1.25
Key Highlights
CIRO Member Best for Active Traders U.S. Dollar (USD) Accounts Extended Hours Trading No FX Fee
Desjardins Group
CIRO CIPF
Desjardins Group
Online Broker

Desjardins Online Brokerage (Disnat)

RateBuddy 4.6/5
Google 4.6/5
Min. Deposit$1k
FX Fee1.5%
Commissions & Fees
Stock Trading
Free
ETF Trading
Free
Key Highlights
Free Stock Trading Free ETF Buy Free ETF Sell Cover Transfer Fees CIRO Member
RBC Royal Bank
CIRO CIPF
RBC Royal Bank
Online Broker

RBC Direct Investing

RateBuddy 4.4/5
Google 2.9/5
Min. Deposit$0
FX Fee1.5%
Commissions & Fees
Stock Trading
$9.95
Options Trading
$1.25
Key Highlights
CIRO Member Bank-Owned / Big 6 U.S. Dollar (USD) Accounts Margin Trading CIPF Protected
TD Canada Trust
CIRO CIPF
TD Canada Trust
Online Broker

TD Direct Investing

RateBuddy 4.3/5
Google 4.9/5
Min. Deposit$0
FX Fee1.5%
Commissions & Fees
Stock Trading
$9.99
ETF Trading
Free
Options Trading
$1.25
Key Highlights
Free ETF Buy CIRO Member Bank-Owned / Big 6 U.S. Dollar (USD) Accounts Fractional Shares
CI Financial
CIRO CIPF
CI Financial
Online Broker

CI Direct Trading

Google 1.9/5
Min. Deposit$0
FX Fee1.5%
Commissions & Fees
Stock Trading
$1.99
ETF Trading
Free
Options Trading
$7.99
Key Highlights
Free ETF Buy CIRO Member Best for ETFs Best for Active Traders U.S. Dollar (USD) Accounts
Featured
Questrade
CIRO CIPF
Questrade
Online Broker

Questrade

RateBuddy 4.8/5
Google 3.2/5
Min. Deposit$1k
FX Fee1.5%
Commissions & Fees
Stock Trading
Free
ETF Trading
Free
Options Trading
Base $0
Best for $0 Commission
Key Highlights
Free Stock Trading Free ETF Buy Free ETF Sell CIRO Member Best for Active Traders
Featured
Earn Up to 30 Free Stocks for New Accounts. And Trade U.S. Stocks, Options & ETFs with $0 FX Fees!
Moomoo Financial
CIRO CIPF
Moomoo Financial
Online Broker

Moomoo

RateBuddy 4.6/5
Google 4.5/5
Min. Deposit$0
FX Fee0%
Commissions & Fees
Stock Trading
US min. $1.99/trade; CAD min. $1.49/trade
ETF Trading
US min. $1.99/trade; CAD min. $1.49/trade
Options Trading
$0.65/contract; min. $1/order
Welcome Bonus
Earn Up to 30 Free Stocks for New Accounts. Trade U.S. Stocks, Options & ETFs with $0 FX Fees!
$0 account fees. $0 withdrawal fees.
Key Highlights
$0 CAD/USD FX Fees AI-Powered Insights Offline Store & Education Free US Level 2 Data Options Trading
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