Best Online Brokers in Canada
Discover 10 deals available this month.
1.Qtrade Direct Investing
Qtrade Direct Investing is a full-service Canadian broker offering very low fees, no inactivity charges, and strong research tools. It is repeatedly rated the top overall online broker in Canada for 2026 with highly rated customer service.
View Deal →Qtrade stands out for combining low fees with comprehensive research tools and excellent customer support, making it a top choice in Canada. Investors seeking a reliable, full-service brokerage with no hidden inactivity charges will find this offering compelling.
Pros:
- Very low fees with no account inactivity charges
- Strong research tools available to clients
- Highly rated customer service consistently recognized
- Repeatedly ranked as the top overall online broker in Canada for 2026
Cons:
- Not specified in the research, but full-service brokers may have slightly higher fees than discount-only platforms
- May not offer the lowest commissions for highly frequent traders compared to specialized discount brokers
- Platform complexity could be more than beginner-friendly apps
2.Questrade
Questrade is an independent Canadian broker offering low-cost ETF and stock trading with a modern platform and various account options. It is favored by active investors seeking lower fees than big banks.
View Deal →Active investors will appreciate Questrade's combination of competitive pricing and a user-friendly platform that supports diverse account types. It stands out for keeping costs lower than major bank brokers while providing a solid trading experience.
Pros:
- Low-cost ETF and stock trading fees
- Modern, intuitive trading platform
- Wide range of account options catering to different investor needs
Cons:
- May lack some advanced research tools found in full-service brokers
- Not the best choice for beginners seeking a simplified, mobile-first experience
- Customer service and additional features may be less comprehensive than bank-owned brokers
3.Interactive Brokers Canada
Interactive Brokers Canada is a global broker regulated in Canada offering extremely low commissions, advanced trading platforms, and access to a wide range of international markets and instruments. It caters to active traders seeking diverse investment options at competitive pricing.
View Deal →Active traders who need global market access will find Interactive Brokers Canada hard to beat due to its low fees and sophisticated trading tools. Its extensive international reach makes it a strong choice for experienced investors.
Pros:
- Extremely low commissions on trades
- Advanced and feature-rich trading platforms
- Access to a very wide range of international markets and instruments
Cons:
- Platform may be complex for beginners
- Less focused on casual or beginner investors
- No mention of promotional deals or incentives
4.TD Direct Investing
TD Direct Investing is a big-bank brokerage offering one of Canada's best desktop trading platforms with strong research tools and seamless integration with TD banking services.
View Deal →Investors who value a robust trading platform combined with the convenience of linking their brokerage and banking accounts will find TD Direct Investing a solid choice.
Pros:
- One of the best desktop trading platforms in Canada
- Strong research and investment tools
- Convenient integration with TD banking services
Cons:
- Higher fees compared to discount or independent brokers
- Less competitive pricing for active traders
- No mention of commission-free trades or promotional deals
5.National Bank Direct Brokerage
National Bank Direct Brokerage offers very competitive or zero commissions on many trades and features pricing tailored for active traders. It is a Canadian bank-owned platform with solid trading tools.
View Deal →Active traders looking for low-cost trading options will find National Bank Direct Brokerage appealing thanks to its competitive commission structure and reliable platform features. It strikes a balance between affordability and solid banking integration.
Pros:
- Very competitive or zero commissions on many trades
- Appealing pricing structure for active traders
- Owned by a major Canadian bank, ensuring reliability
- Solid platform features suitable for frequent trading
Cons:
- Limited information on advanced research tools compared to some competitors
- May not offer as many international market options as global brokers
- Platform features, while solid, might not be as advanced as specialized brokers
6.Wealthsimple Trade
Wealthsimple Trade is a mobile-first Canadian platform offering commission-free trading on many Canadian and U.S. stocks and ETFs. It is designed for beginner and casual investors seeking a simple, low-cost trading experience.
View Deal →Perfect for novice investors, Wealthsimple Trade makes it easy to start trading without commission fees on a variety of stocks and ETFs. Its straightforward mobile app appeals to those who want to keep investing simple and affordable.
Pros:
- Commission-free trading on many Canadian and U.S. stocks and ETFs
- Mobile-first platform optimized for ease of use
- No account minimums or inactivity fees
Cons:
- Limited advanced trading tools compared to other brokers
- Less suitable for active or professional investors
- Fewer research and educational resources available
7.RBC Direct Investing
RBC Direct Investing is a major Canadian bank brokerage offering integrated banking and investing services with robust research and educational tools. It is suited for long-term investors seeking a comprehensive platform under one roof.
View Deal →Long-term investors will find RBC Direct Investing appealing for its seamless integration with RBC banking and strong educational resources. It provides a reliable, all-in-one solution that simplifies managing finances and investments.
Pros:
- Integrated experience with RBC banking services
- Robust research and educational tools
- Suitable for long-term investors wanting comprehensive support
Cons:
- No specific mention of competitive pricing or commission discounts
- May lack some advanced features preferred by active traders
- Less focused on low-cost or commission-free trading compared to some competitors
8.BMO InvestorLine
BMO InvestorLine is a bank-owned brokerage offering a well-established trading platform with solid research tools and a variety of registered and non-registered account options for Canadian investors. It integrates banking convenience with investing features under one roof.
View Deal →BMO InvestorLine delivers a reliable platform with comprehensive research resources, appealing to investors who value a broad selection of account types backed by a major Canadian bank.
Pros:
- Well-established and user-friendly trading platform
- Good research resources available for investors
- Wide range of registered and non-registered account types
Cons:
- No mention of discounted commissions or pricing advantages compared to competitors
- Lacks standout features that differentiate it from other big-bank brokers
- May not be as cost-effective for very active traders
9.Scotia iTRADE
Scotia iTRADE is an online brokerage from Scotiabank offering a range of investment products, educational resources, and promotional deals. It suits investors who want to keep their banking and brokerage services integrated.
View Deal →Investors valuing convenience will appreciate Scotia iTRADE’s seamless integration with Scotiabank banking along with access to diverse investment options and learning materials.
Pros:
- Wide selection of investment products
- Educational content available for investors
- Promotional offers for new clients
- Integration with Scotiabank banking services
Cons:
- No specific pricing or fee advantages highlighted
- Less emphasis on advanced trading platforms or tools
- Fewer details available about commission rates compared to competitors
10.CIBC Investor’s Edge
CIBC Investor’s Edge is a discount brokerage offering relatively low commissions compared to other big banks and a straightforward platform for Canadian buy-and-hold investors. It focuses on simplicity and cost-effectiveness for long-term investing.
View Deal →Buy-and-hold investors looking for a simple, bank-backed brokerage will find CIBC Investor’s Edge appealing due to its competitive fees and easy-to-use platform. While it may not have the most advanced tools, it offers a solid balance of cost and convenience within Canada’s big bank brokers.
Pros:
- Relatively low commissions compared to other big bank brokerages
- Straightforward and user-friendly platform
- Backed by a major Canadian bank for added security and integration
Cons:
- Limited advanced trading tools for active investors
- Less competitive on pricing compared to independent discount brokers
- Primarily geared toward buy-and-hold strategies, not active trading
Final Words
To make the most of your investments, take time to compare the top online brokers in Canada this January 2026 and carefully review their current fees, platforms, and promotions. You can explore these options to find the best fit for your trading style and financial goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Qtrade Direct Investing is rated the top overall online broker in Canada due to its very low fees, no account inactivity charges, strong research tools, and highly rated customer service. It offers a full-service experience appealing to a wide range of investors.
No, Qtrade Direct Investing does not charge any inactivity fees, which makes it a cost-effective choice for investors who may trade less frequently.
Qtrade Direct Investing provides strong research tools that help investors make informed decisions. These tools are part of why it consistently ranks highly among Canadian online brokers.
Canadian brokers vary widely; for example, Questrade offers low-cost ETF and stock trading with a modern platform, while Interactive Brokers Canada is known for extremely low commissions and advanced trading tools. Big banks like TD Direct Investing provide strong platforms and integrated banking services but may have higher fees.
Yes, all recommended online brokers in Canada are regulated by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) and provide investor protection through the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF), ensuring a secure investing environment.
Wealthsimple Trade is often recommended for beginners because it offers commission-free trading on many Canadian and U.S. stocks and ETFs, with a simple, mobile-first platform designed for casual investors.
