About Qtrade
Qtrade Direct Investing is widely regarded as Canada’s premier broker for client experience, consistently dominating national rankings for customer service and platform reliability. It offers a pristine, award-winning interface equipped with institutional-grade portfolio analytics and extensive fundamental research tools. Qtrade distinguishes itself by offering over 100 commission-free ETFs and providing unparalleled support that actually answers the phone. It is the platform of choice for investors who demand a premium, highly supportive trading environment and are willing to pay standard commission rates for superior service.
The Good
- CIRO & CIPF Regulated Dealer
- $0 commissions on all Stocks & ETFs
- Low-cost options contracts compared to big banks
- Free institutional-grade Portfolio Score tools
The Bad
- Commissions still apply to fixed income and debentures
- No native crypto or fractional share support
- Per-contract fees can be high for high-volume options traders
Fee Structure
Updated 2026| Fee Type | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
|
Mutual Fund Commission
|
Commission-free Mutual Fund trades. (Note: 1% fee / $45 min applies if sold within 90 days).
|
Free |
|
Options Commission
|
$0 base + $0.75 per options contract.
|
$0.75 |
|
Transfer Out Fee
|
$150 fee for account transfer out.
|
$150.00 |
|
Registered Account Fee (Annual)
|
US $15/quarter fee for U.S. Dollar registered accounts (excludes FHSA).
|
$15.00 |
|
Broker-Assisted Trade Commission
|
$45 minimum charge for broker-assisted phone trades, scaling based on stock/option price.
|
$45.00 |
|
Stock Trade Commission
|
FREE
|
Free |
|
ETF Trade Commission
|
FREE
|
Free |
|
ETF Buy Commission
|
FREE
|
Free |
|
ETF Sell Commission
|
FREE
|
Free |
|
Inactivity / Low Balance Fee
|
No inactivity fees
|
Free |
Key Features
U.S. Dollar (USD) Accounts
Hold US dollars natively in your account to avoid paying punishing currency conversion fees every time you trade US stocks.
Options Trading
Trade options contracts to hedge your portfolio, generate income, or speculate on future price movements.
Mutual Fund Trading
Access thousands of professionally managed mutual funds from leading financial institutions.
Dividend Reinvestment (DRIP)
Automatically reinvest your cash dividends to buy more shares, accelerating your portfolio's compound growth over time.
Practice Account / Demo Mode
Test your trading strategies and learn the platform interface using virtual money with absolutely zero financial risk.
24/7 Customer Support
Get help anytime, day or night, via phone, live chat, or email from dedicated support representatives.
CIPF Protected
Your account is safeguarded by the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF) against the insolvency of the brokerage.
Discount Broker
A highly cost-effective platform that significantly undercuts traditional bank fees, keeping your trading expenses to a minimum.
Free Stock Trading
Pay absolutely $0 in base commission fees when buying or selling eligible stocks.
Free ETF Buy
Purchase Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) with zero commission fees (standard fees may still apply when selling).
Extended Hours Trading
Trade before the market opens and after it closes, allowing you to react instantly to breaking news and earnings reports.
Margin Trading
Borrow money against your existing portfolio to increase your buying power and potentially amplify your returns.
Free ETF Sell
Sell your Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) with absolutely zero commission fees.
No Inactivity Fee
You will not be charged any recurring penalties or maintenance fees for simply holding your investments without trading.
CIRO Member
RateBuddy Verdict
undefined stands out for its accessibility to new investors. With competitive pricing and a solid reputation backed by Qtrade, it remains a top contender in the Canadian market.