Qtrade or Wealthsimple Trade? Which of these two Canadian brokerage platforms best meets your needs?
Qtrade and Wealthsimple both offer access to an online discount brokerage where you can buy and sell investment securities you are interested in as a self-directed investor.
While their underlying value proposition is similar, the two platforms differ significantly in many ways.
In this Qtrade vs. Wealthsimple comparison, I dig into the products and accounts they offer, their fees, trading platforms, pros, cons, and promotional offers.
What is Qtrade?
Qtrade is an online brokerage platform backed by Aviso Wealth, one of the largest independent wealth management firms in Canada.
This award-winning platform has been voted the best online brokerage multiple times over the years by The Globe & Mail and has also received recognition for its customer service.
Qtrade has partnerships with over 150 credit unions and manages billions of dollars in assets under administration.
You can learn more about what it offers in my detailed Qtrade review.
What is Wealthsimple Trade?
Wealthsimple Trade was established in 2019 as Canada’s first commission-free brokerage trading platform.
It is offered by Canadian ShareOwner Investments Inc., a Wealthsimple-affiliated company and investment dealer that is registered to operate across Canada.
In addition to self-directed trading, Wealthsimple also offers a robo-advisor service and boasts over $15 billion in assets under administration.
The company is backed by some of the largest financial institutions in the world, including Power Financial Group and Allianz X.
Learn more about Wealthsimple here and in this Wealthsimple Trade review.
Qtrade vs. Wealthsimple
Below, I compare the brokerage services offered by Qtrade and Wealthsimple Trade.
Qtrade vs. Wealthsimple Trade: Investment Accounts
Qtrade offers a lot more options for investment accounts. While both platforms support RRSP, TFSA, and personal non-registered accounts, Qtrade also provides the following:
- Margin account
- Locked-in Retirement account (LIRA)
- Locked-in Retirement Savings Plan (LRSP)
- Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP)
- Retirement Income Fund (RIF)
- Life Income Fund (LIF)
Cash accounts on Qtrade can be opened on behalf of a company, trust, estate, investment club, religious organization, or society. Joint investment accounts are also available.
Winner: Qtrade.
Qtrade vs. Wealthsimple Trade: Investment Products
You can use Qtrade and Wealthsimple Trade to buy and sell thousands of stocks and ETFs.
In addition, Qtrade also offers several other investment choices, including:
- Options
- Mutual funds
- GICs
- Bonds
- Initial public offerings (new issues)
Winner: Qtrade.
Qtrade vs. Wealthsimple Trade: Trading Fees
Wealthsimple Trade wins this round with its no-commission offering.
Using the platform, you can trade thousands of Canada and U.S.-listed stocks and ETFs without paying trading commissions ($0/transaction). This makes it easy for beginner investors to get started without worrying about fees eroding their capital.
Qtrade also offers 100+ commission-free ETFs; however, the following fees apply to other trades:
| Investment Products | Fee |
| Stocks | $8.75 |
| Options | $8.75 + $1.25 per contract |
| ETFs (excluding the free ones) | $8.75 |
| Bonds | $1 per $1,000 face value |
Active investors who place more than 150 trades per quarter on Qtrade (or have $500,000+ in assets) get a $1.80 discount per transaction for equities, ETFs, and options trades.
Winner: Wealthsimple Trade.
Qtrade vs. Wealthsimple Trade: Other Fees
Trading commissions are just one of many fees you may have to pay your brokerage.
For Wealthsimple, many of the standard fees are waived, including account inactivity fees, transfer fees, account closure fees, statement fees, and more.
If you buy a U.S.-listed asset, a 1.5% currency conversion fee applies when CAD is converted to USD.
Although FX fees are the norm for the industry, some brokerage platforms allow you to hold USD funds to avoid paying currency conversion fees.
Also, you can opt for the Wealthsimple Trade Premium service for $3/month and get additional benefits, including snap quotes and instant deposits up to $5,000.
Qtrade users may have to pay the following admin fees when applicable:
- Inactivity fee: $25/quarter if you hold less than $25,000 and don’t place a minimum number of trades within the period.
- Account transfer out: $150
- U.S. Dollar reg. accounts: $US15/quarter/account.
- Paper trade confirmation: $2.50/trade.
Winner: Wealthsimple Trade.
Qtrade vs. Wealthsimple Trade: Trading Platform
Both Qtrade and Wealthsimple Trade are accessible using the web and mobile phone apps.
Qtrade has advanced trading tools, including stock screeners, charting, advanced market orders, and access to fundamental research.
You can also use its portfolio score, portfolio simulator, and portfolio creator tools to evaluate your trading strategies.
Winner: Qtrade
Qtrade vs Wealthsimple Trade: Other Products
Aviso Wealth, the parent company of Qtrade, also provides wealth management services via VirtualWealth, a robo-advisor firm.
Wealthsimple Invest is the robo-advisor arm of Wealthsimple Technologies Inc. This company offers several other products, including:
Wealthsimple Crypto: This is a platform for buying and selling crypto assets. It is offered via the Wealthsimple Trade app.
Wealthsimple Cash: This is a free peer-to-peer money transfer service that also includes a Visa prepaid card.
Wealthsimple Save: This is its high-interest savings account.
Wealthsimple Tax: Formerly known as Simple Tax, this product is useful for filing your annual tax return.
Winner: Wealthsimple.
Qtrade vs. Wealthsimple Trade: Security
Both Qtrade and Wealthsimple Trade are reputable companies.
They are members of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC), and client accounts are protected by the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF) against insolvency (up to $1 million).
Both platforms use encryption to protect your account information.
Qtrade vs. Wealthsimple Trade: Promotions
New Qtrade clients get $50 to $150 cashback when they open an account and fund it.
New Wealthsimple Trade clients get a $25 bonus after they deposit at least $150 within 30 days of opening their account. This offer has no end date.
Pros and Cons of Qtrade
The benefits you enjoy as a Qtrade client include:
- Access to multiple investment accounts and products
- Excellent customer service
- 100+ free ETFs
- Available on multiple devices
- No minimum investment
- Access to advanced trading tools
Cons:
- $25 quarterly fee for small accounts and inactive traders
- No commission-free stocks
- Does not offer fractional shares
Pros and Cons of Wealthsimple Trade
Wealthsimple Trade clients enjoy the following benefits:
- Commission-free stocks and ETF trading
- Available on all devices
- No minimum balance
- No inactivity fees
- Offers fractional shares
- Beginner-friendly platform
Cons
- Does not offer options
- Limited to RRSP, TFSA, and individual non-registered investment accounts
- Limited trading tools and technical analysis
- Does not support USD deposits or DRIPs
Qtrade vs Wealthsimple vs Questrade
This is how the top-three independent brokerage platforms in Canada compare:
| Qtrade | Wealthsimple Trade | Questrade | |
| Stock trading | $8.75 | $0 | $4.95 – $9.95 |
| ETFs | 100+ free ETFs; $8.75 for rest | $0 | $4.95 – $9.95; free ETF purchases |
| Options | $8.75 + $1.25/contract | N/A | $9.95 + $1/contract |
| Active trader pricing | $6.95 | N/A | $4.95 |
| Account types | RRPS, TFSA, RESP, RIF, LIRA, LIF, margin, corporate | RRSP, TFSA, individual non-reg. | RRSP, TFSA, RESP, LIRA, LRSP, RRIF, corporate, margin |
| Products | Stocks, ETFs, options, GICs, mutual funds, bonds | Stocks and ETFs | Stocks, ETFs, IPOs, GICs, mutual funds, options, FX |
| Minimum investment | None | None | $1,000 |
| Inactivity fee | $25/quarter if assets < $25k | $0 | $0 |
| Platforms | Mobile and Web | Mobile and Web | Mobile, web, and desktop app |
| Promo offer | Up to $150 cash bonus | $25 cash bonus | $50 trading fee rebate |
| Apply | Visit Qtrade | Visit Wealthsimple | Visit Questrade |
Conclusion
Both Qtrade and Wealthsimple Trade are exceptional trading platforms.
Wealthsimple Trade is my top choice for beginners based on its zero-commission offering and super easy-to-use mobile trading app.
If you want an uncluttered interface that allows you to place trades with only a few clicks, Wealthsimple Trade works well.
Qtrade is designed for more seasoned self-directed investors. It offers many more options product and account-wise, and you get access to advanced trading tools and order types.
While the trading fees on Qtrade are not cheap, they are competitive compared to big bank brokerages like TD Direct Investing and RBC Direct Investing.
FAQs
No, they are two different brokerage platforms.
Wealthsimple Trade does not currently support dividend reinvestment plans (DRIPs).
Yes, Qtrade is a member of IIROC and CIPF, and it is safe.
Wealthsimple Trade is better for beginners as it helps them save on fees. Qtrade offers more trading tools and options for experienced traders.
Yes, Wealthsimple Trade is safe. It is a member of IIROC and CIPF, and your assets are protected for up to $1 million if it becomes bankrupt.
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