Top Canadian Brokers (2025) – Compare Stock & ETF Platforms
Introduction
Nearly half of Canadian investors now manage at least part of their portfolios through self-directed platforms – a trend that’s accelerating as younger Canadians seek more control and lower fees.
If you’re investing in stocks or ETFs in Canada, picking the right broker in 2025 could mean the difference between building wealth efficiently—or losing thousands to hidden fees and poor execution.
The Canadian brokerage market is more competitive than ever, with new platforms offering commission-free trades, expanded account options like the FHSA, and better access to U.S. markets. But not all brokers are created equal.
In this guide, we’ll cut through the noise and show you the best stock and ETF brokers for Canadians in 2025. Whether you’re a first-time investor or an experienced trader, you’ll find the right platform to fit your goals—and your wallet
What broker features matter in 2025?
- Low commissions or commission-free trades
- Availability of TFSA, RRSP, FHSA and other registered accounts
- USD account availability (for U.S. stock investors)
- Mobile app quality and ease of use
- Advanced tools for research, charting, and order types
- Currency conversion costs (important for USD trading)
- Customer service and platform reliability
Promotions and Bonus Offers In 2025
Getting started with a new brokerage often comes with extra incentives. In 2025, many Canadian brokers are offering cash bonuses or discounted fees for new accounts. These promotions can be a great way to maximize your initial investment—especially when combined with low-fee trading.
Looking for a little cash boost to get you’re investing started? Don’t miss out on these limited time offers:
- Questrade – $50 in cash rewards with this link
- Wealthsimple – $25 cash bonus when you open and fund an account with at least $1 with this link
- Webull – $100 cash bonus after depositing your first $100 with this link
- Moomoo – $50 cash bonus after depositing your first $100 with this link
Some offers may include affiliate links. See disclaimers below for details
How to Choose the Right Broker For You
As individual investors, each person’s needs may vary with what they are looking for out of an investing platform. Here are some questions to consider when choosing a broker that will best serve you.
-Are you mainly buying Canadian ETFs and stocks? (Low fees, Canadian dollar account)
-Are you planning to trade U.S. stocks? (USD account matters)
-Do you want access to margin or advanced trading tools?
-Are you okay with app-only, or do you want a full web platform?
Best Stock and ETF brokers by Category
Best Overall For Canadian Investors: Questrade
Why? With zero-dollar commissions, advanced platforms, and a wide range of registered accounts, Questrade offers many perks that cover most investors needs.
Best For Beginner Investors: Wealthsimple
Why? Wealthsimple offers the easiest to use mobile and desktop apps with zero trading fees
Best for Active or Professional Traders: Interactive Brokers
Why? IBKR offers the most technically advanced platforms such as their Trader Workstation, which is used by professional traders across the globe.
Best For Learning Daytrading: Webull
Why? With their easy to easy paper trading feature, cheap market data, and customizable trading platforms, Webull allows you to test the waters without risking your own capital.
Best Big Bank Option: National Bank Direct Brokerage
Why? Being the sixth largest bank in Canada, National Bank provides the security and ease of access, incorporating your banking and investing all with one bank.
Best For International Investing: Interactive Brokers
Why? You can trade in markets of 160 countries with IBKR and fund your account with 28 different currencies!
Broker Quick Comparison Table
Individual broker summaries
Wealthsimple
Pros
-$25 cash bonus after funding your account
-Easy to use mobile and desktop platforms
-Additional features such as Cash, Tax and WS Credit Card
Cons
-Lacks advanced order types and platform features
-High currency conversion fees (1.5%)
Who Is Wealthsimple Best For?
Wealthsimple is meant for the passive or beginner investor looking for an easy to use platform for basic investing needs.
Webull
Pros
-$100 cash bonus after depositing your first $100
-Intuitive mobile and desktop platforms with advanced trading tools
-Paper trading features to learn and develop strategies without risking real capital
Cons
-Trading fees can eat into returns for active traders
Who Is Webull Best For?
Webull is best suited for the aspiring trader who wants to experiment with advanced trading strategies without risking their real capital.
Questrade
Pros
-$50 cash rewards after opening and funding your code with this link
-Zero-dollar commissions on stock and ETF trades
-Access to higher level features on Questrade desktop app
Cons
-High currency conversion fees (1.5%)
Who Is Questrade Best For?
Questrade is an excellent option for both the casual, passive investor and the active trader wanting to save costs with $0 commissions.
Moomoo
Pros
– $50 cash bonus after depositing your first $100 with this link
-Advanced yet easy to use mobile and desktop apps (E.x No code strategy building)
Cons
-Trade commissions are something to consider for active traders
Who Is Moomoo Best For?
Moomoo is best for traders who are looking to take advantage of innovative trading and research tools.
Interactive Brokers
Pros
-The widest variety and most advanced trading platforms available on this list
-Great access to international markets and a wide variety of currencies’s
-Best broker for low cost currency conversions
Cons
-Although trading commissions are low, they are something to consider for the active trader
Who Is IBKR Best For?
Interactive Brokers is great for the serious active trader who wants access to advanced trading tools such as API access while simultaneously offering straightforward platforms for the passive investor.
National Bank Direct Brokerage
Pros
-Zero-commission stock and ETF trading
-Security of backing from a big 6 bank
-Wide range of registered account options
Cons
-High currency conversion fees
Conclusion
Choosing the right stock and ETF broker is a crucial step toward building a strong financial future. Whether you’re looking for commission-free trading, access to registered accounts like a TFSA or FHSA, or advanced tools for active trading, there’s a platform in Canada that fits your investing style and goals.
The best broker for you will depend on what you value most—whether it’s minimizing fees, maximizing convenience, or accessing powerful research tools. Take the time to compare your top options, and don’t be afraid to start small as you build experience.
Ready to get started?
Open an account with one of the brokers we’ve recommended today and take your next step toward financial growth. Most platforms offer quick online sign-ups, and some even include bonuses for new investors.
- Questrade – $50 in cash rewards with this link
- Wealthsimple – $25 cash bonus when you open and fund an account with at least $1 with this link
- Webull – $100 cash bonus after depositing your first $100 with this link
- Moomoo – $50 cash bonus after depositing your first $100 with this link
Start investing today—your future self will thank you.
Disclaimers
The content in this article is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or tax advice. Always do your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to sign up through them—at no additional cost to you. These partnerships help support the site and allow me to continue creating free content. I only recommend services I genuinely believe provide value to Canadian investors.
All information in this article is accurate to the best of my knowledge at the time of publication. However, brokerage features, fees, promotions, and platform offerings may change over time. Please visit the official broker websites for the most up-to-date details before making a decision