About Scotiabank
Scotia iTRADE bridges the gap between traditional banking security and advanced trader functionality. It distinguishes itself with 'FlightDesk,' a highly customizable, premium desktop trading platform built for active market participants. iTRADE also appeals to passive investors with a curated list of over 100 commission-free ETFs, alongside comprehensive practice accounts for risk-free strategy testing. While standard execution fees are on the higher end of the spectrum, the depth of technical tools and seamless Scotiabank integration make it a formidable hub for established wealth.
The Good
- CIRO & CIPF Regulated Dealer
- Commission-free ETF list (approx 100 funds)
- FlightDesk platform is powerful for active traders
- Good integration for Scotia clients
The Bad
- $9.99 standard fee is high
- Phone support can be expensive ($65+ for broker trades)
Fee Structure
Updated 2026| Fee Type | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
|
Stock Trade Commission
|
Standard stock trades are $9.99. Drops to $4.99 for Active Traders (150+ trades/qtr).
|
$9.99 |
|
ETF Buy Commission
|
Standard ETF purchases are $9.99. A select list of commission-free ETFs is available.
|
$9.99 |
|
ETF Sell Commission
|
Standard ETF sales are $9.99.
|
$9.99 |
|
Options Commission
|
Options are $9.99 base + $1.25/contract (Active Traders: $4.99 base + $1.25/contract).
|
$1.25 |
|
Mutual Fund Commission
|
$9.99 commission for most mutual fund online trades (HISA/Money Market funds are $0).
|
$9.99 |
|
Inactivity / Low Balance Fee
|
$25/quarter Low Activity Account Admin Fee (multiple exemptions apply).
|
$25.00 |
|
Registered Account Fee (Annual)
|
$100/year for registered accounts (RRSP/RRIF/LIRA) if aggregate balance is under $25,000.
|
$100.00 |
|
Transfer Out Fee
|
$150 fee for full or partial account transfers out.
|
$150.00 |
|
Broker-Assisted Trade Commission
|
$65 additional surcharge for representative-assisted telephone trades.
|
$65.00 |
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.
Advanced Charting & Research Tools
Access institutional-grade technical indicators, Level 2 market data, and deep fundamental analysis tools.
Mobile App (iOS & Android)
Manage your portfolio, execute trades, and monitor the markets on the go with a fully-featured mobile application.
CIPF Protected
Your account is safeguarded by the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF) against the insolvency of the brokerage.
No Minimum Balance
Start investing immediately with $0. There are no mandatory minimum deposits required to open or maintain your account.
Bank-Owned / Big 6
Backed by the financial stability, security, and integrated banking convenience of one of Canada's major banks.
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.
CIRO Member
RateBuddy Verdict
undefined stands out for its accessibility to new investors. With competitive pricing and a solid reputation backed by Scotiabank, it remains a top contender in the Canadian market.