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The 11 Best Stock Trading Apps in Canada in 2024

Updated:

Fact Checked

The best stock trading apps in Canada simplify the process of buying, selling, and holding individual stocks in your investment portfolio.

While I don’t encourage investors to purchase stocks on a whim, it is great to see that increased access to discount brokerages has given Canadians a choice on the securities they hold in their portfolios.

You can easily jump online to purchase a stock or ETF, and when you use a commission-free broker, you can even trade for free.

Best Stock Trading App of March 2024

Questrade is the overall best stock trading app in Canada for beginners and experienced investors.

Questrade

questrade logo

Trade stocks, ETFs, options, etc.

Get $50 trade credit with $1,000 funding

Low and competitive trading fees

Top platform for advanced traders

Transfer fees waived

Stock Trading Platforms in Canada

Stock trading platforms in Canada are software programs you can access online to buy and sell stocks and other financial securities.

Instead of walking into a broker’s office, a stock app or brokerage account connects you directly to an online broker and real-time prices from a stock exchange,

Canadians looking to cut their investment fees can open a trading account at one of Canada’s independent discount brokerages, including:

  • Questrade
  • Qtrade
  • Wealthsimple
  • Interactive Brokers

You can also open a brokerage account at your bank, with options including;

  • BMO InvestorLine
  • CIBC Investor’s Edge
  • TD Direct Investing
  • RBC Direct Investing
  • Scotia iTrade
  • National Bank Direct Brokerage
  • HSBC InvestDirect

Best Stock Trading Apps in Canada

Below I cover five of the best trading apps you can use in Canada, including Questrade and Wealthsimple Trade which allows you to buy stocks online for free.

I also look at their pros and cons as each has its benefits and areas where it can improve.

Lastly, I list six additional investment apps you can check out for a total of 11 investing platforms.

1. Questrade: Overall Best Stock Trading App

Questrade

questrade logo transparent

On Questrade’s Website

  • Fees: Buy ETFs commission-free and stocks at $0.01 per share
  • Account minimum: $1,000 to start trading
  • Promotions: Get $50 in free trades
SNC Rating
4.7
  • Choose from thousands of stocks and ETFs with commission-free ETF purchases and low-commission stock trading.
  • Supports multiple investment products, including stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, GICs, options, foreign currencies, and precious metals.
  • No minimum balance to open a new account and only $1,000 to start trading.
  • No quarterly inactivity fees for all accounts. Transfer fees are waived up to $150 when you transfer your accounts at other brokerages to Questrade. Annual fees for TFSA or RRSP accounts and no account transfer fees either.
  • Unlimited snap quotes for stocks and ETFs with the option to upgrade to real-time quotes through a monthly subscription starting at $19.95/month.
  • Real-time customer support via talk, email, or live chat.
  • Enjoy extended hours trading on U.S. Markets from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM EST.
  • QuestMobile allows you to manage your investments from any mobile device.
  • You can open a Questwealth portfolio to invest in a pre-built portfolio with 0.20% to 0.25% management fees.
  • Gain access to other Questrade financial tools, including QuestMortgage.
  • Trust in one of Canada’s top brokerages with over $30 billion in assets under administration.

Our Verdict

Questrade is Canada’s largest and oldest discount brokerage. It offers accounts and financial tools for investors of all experience levels. Commission-free ETFs allow you to generate long-term wealth through diversified exposure to global equities while saving on trading fees.

Access to multiple investment assets

Offers real-time market data for day traders

No commissions on ETF purchases

Highly-rated mobile app

Advanced charting and analytical tools are available

Minimum $1,000 balance to trade

Advanced data packages have a monthly fee

Trading fees apply to all stock trades

Questrade is great for experienced and beginner investors alike. It is “Canada’s fastest-growing online brokerage” and has been around since 1999. It is also one of the best investing apps in Canada.

This platform gives you access to a broader selection of investment products and various accounts, including corporate investment accounts.

It is also available on multiple platforms with a desktop app, mobile app, and web interface that works on all devices.

  • Account minimum: $1,000
  • Trading commission: $4.95 minimum to $9.99 maximum per trade (1 cent per stock)
  • Securities offered: Stocks, ETFs, options, bonds, FX, GICs, mutual funds, CFDs, and precious metals
  • Accounts offered: TFSA, RRSP, RESP, RRIF, margin, corporate, trusts
  • Promotion: Get $50 in free trades when you open an account and deposit at least $1,000

Questrade clients can access advanced trading tools, order types, and market data. You can also create watchlists and alerts for your favourite stocks.

Also, ETF purchases are commission-free on the platform.

Cons: You need a minimum of $1,000 to trade on Questrade.

Open a Questrade Account.

2. Qtrade: Best Stock Trading App for Customer Support

Qtrade

qtradelogo2

On QTrade’s Website

  • Fees: $8.75 per trade, commission-free on 100+ ETFs
  • Account minimum: Fees on balances under $25,000
  • Promotion: Get up to $150 bonus
SNC Rating
4.2
  • Qtrade is one of Canada’s largest independent discount brokerages and is a part of Aviso Wealth, which has over $95 billion in assets under management/administration.
  • Trade a wide range of assets, including stocks, mutual funds, ETFs, bonds, and GICs.
  • Open a registered or non-registered account, including TFSAs, RRSPs, and Margin trading.
  • Trade from anywhere with a highly-rated mobile app.
  • Enjoy no commission trading on over 105 Canadian and US-listed ETFs.
  • Investing tools available include Morningstar research reports and a built-in stock screener.
  • The Portfolio Simulator allows you to practice trades before making them with your real money.
  • Contact customer support during business hours by email, live chat or phone.
  • The Portfolio Creator analyzes your investing goals and creates a diversified ETF portfolio.
  • Discounted fees for investors under the age of 30.

Our Verdict

Qtrade has long been a popular Canadian discount brokerage. It offers lower commission fees than most big banks but falls short of zero-commission brokerages like Wealthsimple. The platform offers plenty of tools to help new and experienced investors, and free ETF trades for over 105 ETFs encourage diversified portfolio building.

Lower commission fees than most big bank brokerages

Build an ETF portfolio with the help of the Portfolio Creator

Free trades on more than 105 ETFs

Highly-rated mobile app

Plenty of research tools and market analysis

The ability to trade options contracts for advanced traders

Fees are not the lowest

Maintenance fees for balances below $25,000

Qtrade is a stock trading app that’s quite popular among credit unions.

While its standard trading fees are high compared to Wealthsimple Trade, active traders get a discount, and there’s free trading on 100 ETFs.

Qtrade is available on computers and smartphones.

  • Account minimum: $0
  • Trading commission: $8.75/trade
  • Securities offered: Stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds, bonds, and GICs
  • Accounts offered: TFSA, RRSP, RRIF, RESP, margin account
  • Promotion: Get up to a $150 cash bonus when you fund your new account (more cash back with higher deposits)

Qtrade has been well-ranked over the years for its excellent customer service, and it is a top Canadian online broker.

Cons: A $25 quarterly maintenance fee applies if your balance is less than $25,000.

Learn more about Qtrade in the review.

Open a Qtrade Account.

3. Wealthsimple Trade: Top Free Stock Trading App

Wealthsimple Trade

On Wealthsimple’s Website

  • Fees: $0 per trade for Stocks and ETFs
  • Account minimum: $0
  • Promotions: $25 bonus when you deposit $150+
SNC Rating
4.5
  • Buy and sell thousands of stocks and ETFs without paying trading commissions.
  • No account minimums or inactivity fees.
  • It supports fractional shares, so you can buy less than one share of expensive stocks, starting at $1.
  • Can open registered accounts (RRSP and TFSA) and personal non-registered accounts.
  • Unlimited price alerts.
  • 15-minute delayed market data for a basic Wealthsimple account.
  • USD trades incur a 1.5% currency conversion fee when converting CAD to USD.
  • $10 monthly fee for Wealthsimple Trade Plus for access to extra perks, including no FX fees on US trades and real-time data.
  • Instantly deposit up to $5,000.
  • You can also trade cryptocurrency on the Wealthsimple Trade app.
  • Access to other financial products, including robo-advisor, tax-filing software, savings, and a prepaid card.

Our Verdict

Wealthsimple Trade is the best free stock trading app in Canada. It offers a versatile mobile app that works well for beginners, and there’s no minimum investment. This trading platform does not support options and may not be ideal for day trading.

$0 commissions for stock and ETF trades

No minimum investment

Beginner-friendly platform

Supports fractional shares

$10 monthly fee to get USD account

Does not offer options, bonds or mutual funds

Basic market data and limited charting tools

Wealthsimple Trade is one of only a few stock trading apps in Canada to offer commission-free trading for both stocks and ETFs. This makes it a top choice for beginners who want to try their hands at self-directed investing.

The fee savings (up to $9.99/trade) mean you won’t have to worry about making multiple small trades and paying a hefty fee each time you buy a stock.

And if you are investing small sums to buy penny stocks, this is one of the best penny stock apps in Canada.

You can use the platform on your laptop or phone via its mobile application.

Wealthsimple Trade is owned by Wealthsimple, Canada’s most popular online wealth manager, with over $30 billion in assets under management.

  • Account minimum: $0
  • Trading commission: $0
  • Securities offered: Stocks and ETFs
  • Accounts offered: TFSA, RRSP, personal non-registered
  • Promotion: Get a $25 cash bonus when you deposit $200 or more in your new account

If you are interested in trading cryptocurrencies, the Wealthsimple Trade app also hosts a crypto platform you can use.

Cons: It does not offer a margin account or DRIP. Access to real-time market quotes and a USD account will cost you $10 monthly.

Open a Wealthsimple Trade Account.

4. CIBC Investor’s Edge: Best Low Fee Bank Stock Trading App

cIBC Investor’s Edge

cibcinvestorsedge logo transparent-img

On CIBC’s Website

  • Fees: Fees of $6.95 per trade for stocks and ETFs
  • Account minimum: Fees on accounts under $10,000
  • Promotions: Sometimes available
SNC Rating
4.1
  • Lowest commission fees amongst the big banks with stock, ETF, and mutual fund commissions of just $6.95 per trade.
  • Enjoy a full range of registered and non-registered accounts, including RRSPs, TFSAs, and RESPs.
  • Invest in assets like stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, GICs, and precious metals.
  • Discounted commissions for students and investors below the age of 25.
  • Active investors with more than 150 traders per quarter pay fees of just $4.95 per trade.
  • Offers cutting-edge tools and market analysis directly in the platform.
  • A highly-rated mobile app allows you to trade from wherever you are.
  • Research reports directly from Morningstar.
  • No minimum balance is required, but annual maintenance fees of $100 apply to balances below $10,000.
  • No annual account fees for TFSAs or RESPs, regardless of balance. RRSPs require a minimum balance of $25,000, or maintenance fees of $100 annually will be charged.

Our Verdict

CIBC Investor’s Edge is leading the way for big bank brokerages in Canada. It offers the lowest commission fees, an excellent desktop and mobile app, and full research and analytical tools for investors. The added discounts for younger investors and students are great for encouraging investing from a young age with minimal fees.

Excellent commission prices for a big bank brokerage

Discounted fees for students and young investors

Full suite of research and analytical tools for advanced traders

A highly-rated mobile app

No annual fees for TFSAs or RESPs

No inactivity fees

Fees are still higher than some discount brokerages in Canada

High annual maintenance fees for balances less than $10,000

Noted reputation for less-than-stellar customer service

This bank stock trading app is a division of CIBC Investor Services Inc., a subsidiary of CIBC.

Compared to trading platforms offered by other big banks such as TD and RBC, CIBC Investor’s Edge fees are lower, and students get a further discount.

  • Account minimum: $0
  • Trading commission: $6.95/trade ($5.95 for students)
  • Securities offered: Stocks, ETFs, options, GICs, fixed income, precious metals, and mutual funds
  • Accounts offered: TFSA, RRSP, RESP, RRIF, margin, corporate, and trust accounts

Cons: A $100 account annual maintenance fee applies to accounts below $10,000 or $25,000 (registered/non-registered).

5. TD Direct Investing: Best Stock Trading App for Options

TD Direct Investing

td-logo

On TD’s Website

  • Fees: Trade stocks and ETFs at $9.99 per trade
  • Account minimum: $15,000 to avoid account maintenance fees
  • Promotions: Sometimes available
SNC Rating
4.2
  • TD Direct Investing is an all-access brokerage that offers stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, options, and fixed-income assets.
  • Two tiers of accounts are available: Standard Trading for $9.99 per trade or Active Trading for $7.00 per trade, which requires a minimum of 150 trades per quarter.
  • No minimum account balance, but to avoid maintenance fees, a minimum of $15,000 is required or a minimum of three traders per quarter.
  • Invest your money across registered and non-registered accounts, including RRSP, TFSA, and RESPs. 
  • Experienced traders can apply for a margin account and trade in options and derivatives.
  • Enjoy monitoring your portfolio and trading on the go with TD’s highly-rated mobile app.
  • Active traders can access Level II data and powerful charting via the thinkorswim platform.

Our Verdict

TD Direct Investing is one of the largest investment platforms in Canada due to its high exposure to TD Canada Trust banking customers. With a full range of investment products and advanced trading technology, TD Direct Investing is one of the most complete brokerages, albeit with higher commission fees than discount brokerages.

Full access to both Canadian and U.S. markets

Highly-rated mobile and desktop apps

Open a number of self-directed accounts including RRSPs and TFSAs.

Advanced charting and analytical tools available via thinkorswim

Lower commission fees available for active traders

A high minimum account balance is needed to avoid maintenance fees

Higher commission fees for trades

Accounts are self-direct with no Robo-investing for less-active traders

TD Direct Investing was one of the first trading platforms to open shop in Canada.

It offers an array of market research, data, and investment tools that experienced traders would love, including advanced order types.

  • Account minimum: $0
  • Trading commission: $9.99/trade
  • Securities offered: Stocks, options, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, precious metals
  • Accounts offered: TFSA, RRSP, RESP, RRIF, RDSP, margin accounts

TD also recently introduced its TD Easy Trade app, which offers 50 commission-free trades each year.

Cons: the trading fees on this platform are some of the most expensive in Canada. If your balance is lower than $15,000, a $25 quarterly maintenance fee applies. It does not offer any free ETFs.

Other Top Canadian Stock Trading Apps

For insight into what is offered by other bank trading apps and Canadian investment apps, check out the ones listed below:

On BMO’s Website

  • Fees: Up to $9.95, with free trades for selected ETFs.
  • Account minimum: Fees apply on accounts under $15,000
  • Promotions: Sometimes available
SNC Rating
4.0

BMO InvestorLine

  • BMO InvestorLine offers a full brokerage offering several investment assets, including stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, options, and fixed-income assets.
  • Choose from several registered and non-registered accounts, including TFSAs, RRSPs, and RESPs.
  • Flat commission fees of $9.95 per trade plus $1.25 per contract for options.
  • Zero-commission fees for mutual funds and select Canadian ETFs.
  • A highly-rated mobile app allows you to track your investments from anywhere.
  • Users can reach customer support via phone, virtual live chat, or video call.
  • BMO SmartFolio allows BMO portfolio managers to manage your investments for you with fees from 0.4% to 0.7%.
  • No account minimum balance, but quarterly maintenance fees can apply to balances of less than $15,000 unless 2 or more commissionable trades are made within six months.
  • A full range of educational products to help you on your investing journey.

Our Verdict

BMO InvestorLine is yet another brokerage offering from a major Canadian bank. While it offers some great features, like commission-free ETF trades for some Canadian ETFs and the BMO SmartFolio Robo-investing, the high commission fees make it more expensive than most Canadian discount brokerages.

A wide range of asset and account offerings

A highly rated desktop app with a mobile app

Great customer service options for clients

BMO SmartFolio has managed portfolios for less-active investors

Commissions are higher than competitors

High account minimum to avoid fees

The mobile app has had some bad reviews from users.

RBC Direct Investing

On RBC’s Website

  • Fees: Fees of $9.95 per trade or $6.95 for active traders
  • Account minimum: $15,000 minimum to avoid fees
  • Promotions: Sometimes available
SNC Rating
4.0
  • Enjoy access to a full range of investment assets for both the U.S. and Canadian markets.
  • Trade all asset types, including stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, options, GICs, and even precious metals.
  • RBC Direct Investing offers a full list of registered and non-registered accounts, including TFSAs and RRSPs.
  • No minimum deposit amount, but a quarterly maintenance fee is applied for balances below $15,000.
  • Enjoy trading and account management on the go with RBC’s excellent mobile app.
  • No commission fees on mutual funds.
  • RBC will cover up to $200 in transfer fees for transfers exceeding $15,000.
  • Test your trading strategies first with a fully accessible practice account.
  • Active traders pay lower commission fees after making a minimum of 150 trades per quarter.

Our Verdict

RBC Direct Investing is one of the largest brokerages in Canada due to its major consumer banking presence. Users can enjoy full access to many assets and account types. Higher commission fees and a minimum balance of $15,000 before maintenance fees will make discount brokerages more attractive to smaller investors.

Large amount of assets and account types

A highly-rated mobile app

Easy integration for RBC banking customers

Real-time streaming quotes for stocks and ETFs

An excellent practice experience and education options

High commission fees compared to discount brokerages

Quarterly maintenance fees for balances below $15,000

Non-RBC clients have high-withdrawal fees

Scotia iTrade

scotiabank logo2

On Scotiabank’s Website

  • Fees: Up to $9.99 per trade or $4.99 for active traders
  • Account minimum: Fees on accounts under $10,000
  • Promotions: Sometimes available
SNC Rating
4.0
  • Scotia iTrade is a full big bank brokerage that allows you to invest in stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, options, and GICs.
  • Open several registered and non-registered accounts, including TFSAs, RRSPs, and RESPs.
  • Use Scotia iTrade’s highly-rated mobile app for iOS or Android.
  • It is the first major bank brokerage to offer access to sustainable and ESG investing tools.
  • A quarterly maintenance fee of $25.00 applies to balances under $10,000 but is waived for those under 26.
  • Scotia iTrade offers commission-free ETF trading for over 100 select ETFs.
  • Scotia iTrade provides many investing tools, including Reuters reports, ValuEngine, and Sabrient.
  • It also offers the Scotia iTrade Flight Desk platform for active traders that provides Level II market data and in-depth market analysis.
  • A strong referral program that rewards referrers with up to $100 or 50 free trades.

Our Verdict

Scotia iTrade is similar to most other big bank brokerages like RBC Direct Investing and BMO InvestorLine. With high commission prices, the cost of investing with Scotia iTrade is much higher than using a discount brokerage in Canada.

Wide selection of assets and account types

Lots of investing tools, educational material, and market analysis

Maintenance fees are waived for investors younger than 26

A highly-rated mobile app

Focus on sustainable investing

Over 100 commission-free ETFs to trade

High commission fees for non-active traders

Quarterly maintenance fees can be steep for new investors

National Bank Direct Brokerage

national bank direct brokerage logo

On National Bank’s Website

  • Fees: Commission-free trading for stocks and ETFs
  • Account minimum: Fees on accounts under $20,000
  • Promotions: Sometimes available
SNC Rating
4.1
  • A brokerage owned by a large bank that offers a wide range of investment assets, including stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and GICs.
  • Full range of registered and non-registered accounts.
  • An annual maintenance fee of $100 applies for balances below $20,000.
  • Will cover up to $150 in transfer fees from another institution.
  • State-of-the-art market analysis and educational tools.
  • Mutual funds are commission-free but require a minimum of $1,000 per trade.

Our Verdict

The allure of zero-commission fees is rare for Canadian big bank brokerages. National Bank Direct Brokerage offers this but does fall short in other places. Notably, this brokerage has annual maintenance fees for a high balance threshold of $20,000. Another glaring weakness is that it does not yet have a mobile app for trading.

Zero-commission trading fees for stocks and ETFs

Will cover transfer fees up to $150

Wide range of investment assets and accounts

Highly-rated educational tools and customer support

No mobile app for trading

Must keep a balance of $20,000 to avoid maintenance fees

Interactive Brokers

interactive brokers logo

On Interactive Brokers’ Website

  • Fees: Range from 0.5 cents to 1 cent per share
  • Account minimum: No minimum balance or inactivity fees
  • Promotion: May be available
SNC Rating
4.4
  • Full brokerage with a wide range of assets to trade, including stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and options.
  • Low commission trading fees, including $0.01 per share of Canadian equities. This is based on a monthly trading volume.
  • Interactive Brokers offers a desktop app, a mobile app, and a web-based platform.
  • You can use IBKR APIs to build a custom trading solution.
  • Free market data that is slightly delayed. Real-time data is an additional cost.
  • Trade stocks in as many as 135 international markets and use 23 different international spot currencies.
  • More than 40,000 mutual funds are available to trade.

Our Verdict

Interactive Brokers is an international brokerage company that appeals to high-volume and active traders. The platform can be difficult to use, and the mobile app is poorly rated. The commission fees are competitive but trail those of discount brokerages like Wealthsimple.

Wide range of assets and accounts

Apps for mobile, desktop, and the web are easily accessible

Competitive commission fees for stocks and ETFs

Earn interest on uninvested cash in your account.

No zero-commission fees in Canada for stocks or ETFs

A complicated platform and poorly rated mobile app

Platform is built more for active traders

Complicated fee schedule

HSBC InvestDirect

hsbccanada logo-img
Learn more

On HSBC’s Website

  • Fees: $6.88 per trade or $4.88 for active traders
  • Account minimum: Maintenance fees for accounts under $10,000
  • Promotions: May be available
SNC Rating
4.0
Read review
  • A full brokerage offered by a bank. Invest in assets like stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, options, bonds, and GICs.
  • Open registered or non-registered accounts.
  • Enjoy lower trading fees from $6.88 per trade or $4.88 for active traders who make 150 trades or more per quarter.
  • Choose from more than 4,000 commission-free mutual funds.
  • Quarterly maintenance fees apply for balances below $10,000 for unregistered accounts and $25,000 for registered accounts.
  • Highly rated desktop trading platform with a dedicated learning center, real-time price quotes, and market analysis tools.
  • HSBC allows you to settle in up to 10 different international currencies.
  • Dedicated customer service in English, French, Cantonese, and Mandarin.

Our Verdict

HSBC InvestDirect provided lower commission fees than other big banks in Canada. It offers a complete brokerage experience for Canadian investors and has multi-lingual customer support. One shortcoming is a lack of a mobile app which may not appeal to younger investors.

Full access to a wide range of assets and account types

Speak to helpful customer support in four different languages

A well-designed desktop app with full market analysis tools

Users can settle their trades in up to 10 different currencies

Owned by a major global bank

No mobile app

High maintenance fees for small accounts

No promotions or referral bonuses

You can also look at MogoTrade.

Methodology:

Savvy New Canadians ranks the best stock trading apps in Canada based on their mobile application and ratings, user-friendly interface, securities and investment accounts offered, trading and transaction fees, access to advanced trading tools, customer service, account minimum, and other features. While these stock trading platforms are some of the best on the market, you should compare what they offer and their pros and cons. Visit the company’s websites using the links to read their current terms and conditions before applying.

Best Stock Trading Apps in Canada Compared

PlatformSecuritiesAccountsTrading FeeLearn More
QuestradeStocks, ETFs, options, bonds, mutual funds, GICs, FX, precious metals,RRSP, TFSA, RESP, RRIF, LIF, LIRA, non-registered (personal cash, margin, corporate, investment clubs, partnerships, etc.)$0 for ETF purchases; $0.01/share ($4.95 min./trade)Visit Questrade
Wealthsimple TradeStocks and ETFsRRSP, TFSA, personal cash$0 ($10 monthly fee to save on USD trades and access real-time quotes)Visit
QtradeStocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds, GICsTFSA, RRSP, RESP, RRIF, personal and corporate margin accounts$8.75/trade; 100+ ETFs commission-freeVisit
CIBC Investor’s EdgeStocks, ETFs, options, bonds, GICsTFSA, RRSP, RESP, RRIF, personal and corporate margin accounts$6.95/tradeRead review
TD Direct InvestingStocks, ETFs, options, GICs, etc.TFSA, RRSP, RDSP, RESP, RRIF, personal and corporate margin accounts$9.99/tradeRead review
BMO InvestorLinestocks, ETFs, mutual funds, options, and fixed-income assetsRRSP, TFSA, RESP, RRIF, personal and corporate accounts $9.95/tradeRead review
RBC Direct InvestingStocks, ETFs, options, GICs, bonds, etc.RRSP, RESP, TFSA, RRIF, personal cash and corporate margin accounts $9.95/tradeRead review
 Scotia iTradeETFs, bonds, options, GICs. etc.Non-registered and registered accounts like RRSP, TFSA, RESP, etc. $9.99/tradeRead review
National Bank Direct BrokerageStocks, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, and GICsRRSP, TFSA, RESP, and other reg & non-reg accountsCommission-free for stocks & ETFs; $100 annual fee for balances below $20,000Read review
HSBC InvestDirectStocks, ETFs, options, bonds, and GICsMain registered & non-registered accounts$6.88/tradeRead review
Interactive BrokersStocks, ETF, options, bonds, futures, currenciesMain registered & non-registered accounts0.5 cents to 1 cent per shareRead review

How To Choose The Best Stock Trading App

When choosing a stock trading app or platform, you want to ensure they meet these basic requirements, depending on your needs.

Mobile app: The platform should offer user-friendly mobile apps for iPhone and Android. Check the user reviews on the App Stores to see what others are saying. In addition, they should be accessible using a web interface, when you need to use a laptop for better viewability or to use advanced trading tools.

Fees and commissions: Trading fees cut into your portfolio returns over time. You should consider how much you will be paying per transaction when placing trades, as well as administrative and other fees that apply. Watch out for inactivity fees that penalize you when you have a smaller account or trade infrequently. The top stock trading apps on this list give you a break on fees or waive trading commissions altogether.

Investment products: There are so many securities you can invest in apart from stocks. If you buy ETFs, bonds, mutual funds, GICs, options, precious metals, etc., ensure the trading platform offers them. Otherwise, you may need to open multiple trading accounts to access your preferred securities.

Investment accounts: Some trading apps only support popular registered accounts like RRSPs and TFSAs and personal non-registered accounts. And may not support other accounts like LIRA, LIF, RRIF, RESP, or corporate investments. Ensure your preferred accounts are supported.

Trading tools: The downside of a free stock trading platform is that it may not offer advanced trading tools, research, or charts. For the best combination of fees and available tools, Questrade is the best option. If you need real-time stock market quotes and technical and fundamental information to support your trades, check that the platform provides it.

Customer service: Can you access customer support easily? Confirm that you can reach a customer agent to ask questions by email, chat, and phone.

Account minimum: Most trading apps allow you to begin trading with $1,000 or less, so this is no longer an issue like it used to be.

Security: What security measures are in place to protect your account? Trading apps with 2-factor authentication (2FA) and bank-level encryption are better. Confirm that the financial institution is a member of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) and the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF). CIPF membership means your assets are protected against firm insolvency by up to $1 million.

Are Stock Trading Apps Safe?

All the stock trading firms on this list are members of IIROC and are required to meet high industry standards. They are also CIPF members, so you are protected to a limited extent (up to $1 million) if the investment firm becomes bankrupt.

Using a stock app comes with risks: your information could leak and your account accessed by unauthorized individuals. Therefore, you should take precautions, such as setting strong passwords and enabling 2FA.

Best Stock Tracking Apps

As a self-directed investor, you may find it easier to stay on top of your investments by combining your portfolio with one of these stock tracking apps below.

Passiv

Passiv is a rebalancing software that makes it easy to keep your portfolio in line with your risk tolerance.

It syncs with your brokerage account, identifies when your asset allocation is off-target and helps you rebalance your portfolio with one click.

Passiv offers a free account (community user) and a premium account (Elite Member – $99/year). If you are a Questrade client, you get the Elite subscription for free.

Passiv is currently able to sync with investment accounts on Questrade, Interactive Brokers, Ameritrade, Alpaca, and Tradier.

You can learn more about the platform in this review.

Get Passiv.

Wealthica

Wealthica is a portfolio tracker that consolidates all your investment accounts in one place.

As of this writing, it works with over 200 financial institutions, including RBC, Wealthsimple, Questrade, Tangerine, National Bank, Desjardins, and more.

To get started, create an account and link your accounts.

Wealthica syncs your holdings daily and gives you a snapshot of your investments, fees, performance, and net worth in one place. You can also use it to track your expenses and create monthly budgets.

Wealthica users can extend their account using several add-ons, including:

  • Export and Sync to Google Sheets
  • Export and Sync to Excel
  • Wealthscope plugin, a tool that helps with portfolio rebalancing, evaluation, comparisons, and retirement planning

Wealthica is available as a subscription plan. I cover its offerings in more detail in this Wealthica review.

Get Wealthica.

How To Buy Stocks in Canada

To buy stocks in Canada, you will need to open a brokerage account at one of Canada’s discount broker firms. This can be a registered or non-registered account, depending on your needs.

Link a bank account to your brokerage account and transfer funds, so you can place orders for your preferred stocks and other assets.

Research stocks by checking their fundamental (financial) and technical information. When you have decided on the stocks to buy, you can place various types of orders. The most common trade types are market and limit orders.

After buying a stock, you can choose to hold on to it long-term while enjoying dividend payments and unrealized capital gains as it increases in price. If you are day trading, you may hold onto stocks for less than a day before selling them.

Stock Trading Apps FAQs

What is the best free stock trading app?

Questrade and Wealthsimpe Trade offer free ETF purchases, so you can buy ETFs such as VGRO, XBAL, and VEQT without paying trading commissions. With Wealthsimple Trade, you can also buy stocks online for free in Canada.

Which online broker is best for experienced traders?

Questrade and TD Direct Investing offer advanced trading tools, charting, and order types. You can also pay for Level 2 data and access stock screeners. While TD has a $9.99 flat fee, you pay a minimum of $4.95 per trade on Questrade, and ETF purchases are free.

How do I open a brokerage account in Canada?

After you have identified the brokerage firm that meets your needs, proceed to visit their website and create an account. You will need to provide your personal details, Social Insurance Number (SIN), a copy of your government-issued ID, and some financial details. When your brokerage is set up, link your bank account to add funds, and you can start trading stocks.

What is the best stock trading app for beginners?

I consider Wealthsimple Trade to be the best broker for beginners. It has a user-friendly stock trading app, no trading fees, and you can start investing with as little as $1.

What is the best day trading app?

If you are looking to day trade stocks, the best day trading app in Canada is Questrade, followed by TD Direct Investing.

What is the best Canadian stock trading app?

The overall best Canadian stock trading platform is Questrade. For beginners, the best Canadian stock trading app is Wealthsimple Trade.

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Editorial Disclaimer: The investing information provided here is for informational purposes only and is not intended as individual investment advice or recommendation to invest in any specific security or investment product. Investors should always conduct their own independent research before making investment decisions or executing investment strategies. Savvy New Canadians does not offer advisory or brokerage services. Note that past investment performance does not guarantee future returns.

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Author

Gravatar for Enoch Omololu, MSc (Econ)
Enoch Omololu, MSc (Econ)

Enoch Omololu, personal finance expert, author, and founder of Savvy New Canadians, has written about money matters for over 10 years. Enoch has an MSc (Econ) degree in Finance and Investment Management from the University of Aberdeen Business School and has completed the Canadian Securities Course. His expertise has been highlighted in major publications like Forbes, Globe and Mail, Business Insider, CBC News, Toronto Star, Financial Post, CTV News, TD Direct Investing, Canadian Securities Exchange, and many others. Enoch is passionate about helping others win with their finances and recently created a practical investing course for beginners. You can read his full author bio.

About Savvy New Canadians

Savvy New Canadians is one of Canada's top personal finance platforms. Millions of Canadians use our site each year to learn how to save for retirement, invest smartly, maximize rewards, and earn extra cash. We have been featured in prominent finance media, including Forbes, Globe and Mail, Business Insider, CBC, MSN, Wealthsimple, and TD Direct Investing. Learn more about Savvy New Canadians.

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1 thought on “The 11 Best Stock Trading Apps in Canada in 2024”

  1. Gravatar for Roberto Mauro

    Thank you

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