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6 best brokerage accounts of 2023

Compare stock trading platforms to find the six best brokerage accounts.

With so many brokerage accounts available in the US, it can be hard to decide which one best suits your investment goals. However, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced investor, an easy-to-use and trustworthy brokerage account is essential. We compared stock trading platforms across 35 categories to find six of the best brokerage accounts.

The 6 best online brokers of 2023

How we choose the best brokerage accounts in the US

These picks are based on the Finder Stock Trading Platform Awards. In 2022, our editors analyzed 40 brokers across 35 categories as part of the Finder Awards. Our aim: find the best stock trading platforms for US investors.


1. Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers logo

Pros

  • Trade international stocks in 150 markets
  • Wide range of tradable assets
  • Paper trading account available

Cons

  • Confusing fee structure
  • Unreliable live chat support

Why we like Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers took out the top prize as the Best Overall Broker in the 2022 Finder Stock Trading Platform Awards for a number of reasons. Not only does it provide convenient access to US stocks, but it also allows you to trade stocks in over 30 countries worldwide.

Interactive Brokers also offers two types of accounts to suit the needs of different investors — IBKR Lite for beginners and IBKR Pro for experienced traders seeking more advanced features. And with a wide range of research resources and trading tools available, there’s a lot to like about Interactive Brokers’ trading platforms.

Interactive Brokers app store reviews

Google Play app reviewsIBKR GlobalTrader: 3.9/5 stars based on 224 reviews
IBKR Mobile: 4.4/5 stars based on over 9,300 reviews
Apple App Store app reviewsIBKR GlobalTrader: 3.7/5 stars based on 37 reviews
IBKR Mobile: 3.9/5 stars based on over 2,900 reviews

Or read our full review.


2. Charles Schwab

Charles Schwab logo

Pros

  • $0 commission on stocks and ETFs
  • No investment minimum
  • Good range of research and analysis tools available

Cons

  • Some complaints about app user interface
  • Can’t trade forex or crypto

Why we like Charles Schwab

Charles Schwab is a well-known name in the investment world and offers an impressive online brokerage package. Commission-free stock trading is a drawcard for many investors, but you can also use a Charles Schwab account to trade a wide range of other financial instruments.

Detailed research is available for traders who rely on fundamental analysis, with managed portfolios and financial advice available for investors who prefer a hands-off approach. Web, mobile and desktop trading platforms are offered to suit all your trading needs.

Charles Schwab app store reviews

Google Play app reviews3.7/5 based on over 23,000 reviews
Apple App Store app reviews4.8/5 stars based on over 619,000 reviews

Read our full review.


3. Robinhood

Robinhood logo

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Supports fractional share trading
  • Earn interest on uninvested cash

Cons

  • Limited advanced tools unless you upgrade to Robinhood Gold
  • Not as many tradable assets as some other platforms

Why we like Robinhood

The arrival of low-cost broker Robinhood gave the online brokerage industry a big shake-up. And while its competitors have since responded with a range of enhanced features, there are still plenty of good reasons why Robinhood features among the best brokerage accounts.

With commission-free trades, fractional share trading, instant deposits and a user-friendly platform, Robinhood has lots to offer for beginner investors. Experienced traders, however, may be better suited to other platforms.

Robinhood app store reviews

Google Play app reviews4/5 stars based on over 468,000 reviews
Apple App Store app reviews4.2/5 stars based on over 4.1 million reviews

Or read our full review.


4. Fidelity Investments

Fidelity Investments logo

Pros

  • $0 commissions and free account transfers
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Highly-rated mobile app

Cons

  • No futures, forex or crypto
  • High fees for portfolio management services

Why we like Fidelity Investments

Fidelity Investments online brokerage services are worth checking out for beginners as well as more advanced investors. You can trade stocks, ETFs and options with zero commissions, while tools like stock and ETF screeners help you choose the right investments.

Human and robo-advisor portfolio management services are also available, while stock ratings and real-time analytics help you make informed trading decisions.

Fidelity Investments app store reviews

Google Play app reviews4.2/5 stars based on over 118,000 reviews
Apple App Store app reviews4.8/5 stars based on over 1.9 million reviews

Read our full review.


5. eToro stocks

eToro stocks logo

Pros

  • Social trading features
  • Commission-free trades on stocks, ETFs and options
  • User-friendly platform

Cons

  • No stock or crypto trading in New York, Nevada, Minnesota and Hawaii
  • Limited account types

Why we like eToro stocks

Next on our list of the best brokerage accounts, eToro offers user-friendly web and mobile trading platforms for US investors. Commission-free trading is available, while customizable charts and research tools help you choose and analyze your investment options.

The social trading features eToro offers also give it a unique point of difference from many other brokers, while its mobile app has generally received positive reviews from users.

eToro stocks app store reviews

Google Play app reviews4.1/5 stars based on over 128,000 reviews
Apple App Store app reviews4.2/5 stars based on over 5,400 reviews

Or read our full review.


6. E*TRADE

E*TRADE< logo

Pros

  • Commission-free stock, ETF and option trading.
  • Paper trading account
  • Robo-advisor available

Cons

  • No fractional share purchases
  • Some customers report that customer service could be better

Why we like E*TRADE

E*TRADE is another online broker that provides access to commission-free trading. There’s a paper trading account so you can experiment with virtual money first, and plenty of educational resources to help novice investors.

Robo-advice portfolio management is available if you like to take a hands-off approach to investing, while experienced investors will appreciate the dynamic charting tools and risk-reward analysis of the Power E*TRADE platform.

E*TRADE app store reviews

Google Play app reviews3.9/5 stars based on over 40,000 reviews
Apple App Store app reviews4.6/5 stars based on over 139,000 reviews

Or read our full review.


How to compare online brokers?

The best online stock broker won’t necessarily be the same for two people. Compare the following key features:

Brokerage fees

Many (but not all) of the best stock trading platforms offer $0 commissions on stocks and ETFs. However, brokerage fees apply when you buy and sell international stocks and ETFs on foreign exchanges.

Check out what fees apply to the type of trades you plan on making. Remember that tiered fee structures sometimes apply, so commissions may be lower if you make a specified minimum number of trades per month or maintain your account balance at a certain level.

Read the fine print to find out about any other fees that may apply. These can include:

  • Monthly account fees
  • Subscription fees to access specific features (such as real-time data or market analysis)
  • Account inactivity fees
  • Currency conversion fees when you buy international stocks

Signup bonuses

Some brokerages have minimum deposit requirements while others offer a bonus just for opening an account. While a signup bonus may not make or break your decision to open an account, it’s worthwhile to know which platforms offer the best signup perks in the industry.

ProviderSignup bonusFinder ratingLearn moreSign up now
SoFiGet up to $1,000 when you fund a new account within 30 days.★★★★★Read reviewGo to site
eToroFINDER EXCLUSIVE: Get a guaranteed $15 bonus when you sign up and deposit $100★★★★★Read reviewGo to site
Public.comGet up to $300 in either stocks or crypto when you use code FINDERUS to sign up and fund a new account.★★★★★Read review
RobinhoodGet a free stock when you successfully sign up and link your bank account.★★★★★Read reviewGo to site
J.P. MorganGet $50 - $700 when you open and fund an account with $10,000 - $250,000+★★★★★Read reviewGo to site
E*TRADEGet up to $600 or more when you open and fund a new account.★★★★★Read reviewGo to site
tastytradeGet $100 - $2,000 when you you open and fund an account with $5,000 to $100,000+★★★★★Read reviewGo to site
Acorns$10 bonus investment when you open an account with at least $5★★★★★Read reviewGo to site
WebullGet up to 12 free stocks valued up to $30,600 when you open an account and make a deposit. T&Cs apply.★★★★★Read review
Interactive BrokersNo signup bonus★★★★★Read reviewGo to site

Ease of use

Saving money makes no sense if a platform is difficult to use. You should look for a platform that allows you to make trades quickly and accurately with minimal hassle.

Think about how you will be placing your trades — online via your computer, via a mobile app or using desktop software — and make sure your chosen platform offers a user-friendly interface.

Available markets

The best online trading platforms allow you to trade more than just US markets. Check whether you can trade on other major exchanges like the London and Tokyo Stock Exchanges, plus access other markets in Europe, Asia and developing economies worldwide.

Tradable assets

Check whether the brokerage account allows you to trade all the assets you want, such as:

  • Stocks
  • ETFs
  • Bonds
  • Options
  • Futures
  • Mutual funds
  • Cryptocurrencies
  • Forex

Access to data

Does the platform offer dynamic, real-time or delayed market updates? Having access to up-to-date data can help you take advantage of market movements as they happen.

Research and analysis

Some platforms also offer research and broker analysis on individual stocks that can be useful. Check what information you can access and whether you’ll need to pay an additional fee to do so.

Order types

As well as market and limit orders, are other order types, such as stop/loss orders, an option to add more flexibility to your trading? These should be considered when choosing a brokerage account.

Other features

Consider any other important features you want in a stock trading platform, such as:

  • Stock screeners to help you filter potential investments based on your investment strategy and goals
  • A robo-advisor that can automatically manage your investments on your behalf
  • Portfolio management and tracking tools so you can monitor the performance of your investments
  • Advanced charting and technical analysis tools for experienced traders
  • Social trading features that allow you to see and copy the trades of other investors.

Reporting

Check the reporting tools on each platform to help you track how your trades are performing. Also check what tax reporting features are included to help make it easier to fulfill your obligations to the IRS.

Customer support

Look for phone, email and live online chat support. Does it offer 24/7 customer service if you have problems placing a transaction?

Education

Some platforms also have a range of educational tools and resources, such as how-to guides and webinars, to help you get more out of your trading account. If you don’t have access to the education you need through your broker, there may be additional costs, so keep that in mind.

User reviews

Check customer reviews for the broker on independent sites like the Better Business Bureau. If you’ll be trading via a mobile app, see what sort of reviews it has in the app store.

A photo of timfalk

What Tim thinks about the best brokerage accounts

Choosing a brokerage account is one decision you definitely want to get right. The best online brokers can make your trading experience much easier and more affordable, so don't rush it. Take your time to compare a range of options first.

— Tim Falk, Writer

Compare all brokerage accounts

Finder rating Asset types Stock trade fee Minimum deposit Signup bonus
FINDER AWARD
★★★★★ Stocks
Options
ETFs
Cryptocurrency
$0 $0 Get up to $1,000 when you fund a new account within 30 days. Go to site Read review
FINDER AWARD
★★★★★ Stocks
Options
ETFs
Cryptocurrency
$0 $0 FINDER EXCLUSIVE: Get a guaranteed $15 bonus when you sign up and deposit $100 Go to site Read review
★★★★★ Stocks
Options
ETFs
Cryptocurrency
Futures
$0 $0 Get $100 - $2,000 when you you open and fund an account with $5,000 to $100,000+ Go to site Read review
★★★★★ Stocks
Options
ETFs
Cryptocurrency
$0 $0 Get a free stock when you successfully sign up and link your bank account. Go to site Read review
★★★★★ Stocks
Bonds
Options
Mutual funds
ETFs
Treasury Bills
$0 $0 Get $50 - $700 when you open and fund an account with $10,000 - $250,000+ Go to site Read review
★★★★★ Stocks
Bonds
Options
Mutual funds
ETFs
Futures
$0 $0 Get up to $600 or more when you open and fund a new account. Go to site Read review

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Finder is not an adviser or brokerage service. Information on this page is for educational purposes only and not a recommendation to invest with any one company, trade specific stocks or fund specific investments. All editorial opinions are our own.

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