With so many options out there, figuring out which one suits your needs best can be overwhelming.
Whether you’re after low fees, a user-friendly platform or a wide range of investment options, we’ve put together a list of some of the best brokerage accounts available to help you pick the right one for your needs.
And because trading fees are for the birds, we’ve only selected brokers for our list that charge no commissions for trading stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
Honorable mentions
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SoFi Invest®
Finder score
SoFi Invest offers a user-friendly trading experience with low-cost, straightforward market access. It's one of the few brokers in the industry that offers unlimited, complimentary access to financial planners, a no-advisory-fee robo-advisor for automated investing and matching IRA contributions.
Alongside commission-free trading of stocks, options, ETFs, mutual funds and alternative asset interval funds on a beginner-friendly interface, SoFi® members benefit from a suite of financial services, allowing them to invest, bank and borrow all within a single, integrated platform. This makes SoFi an attractive option for those seeking simplicity and comprehensive financial management.
Best for: Commission-free trading; IRA match; user experience; beginning investors; all-in-one financial services; automated investing.
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Signup bonus | Get up to $1,000 in stock |
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Signup bonus | Get up to $1,000 in stock |
Public.com
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Public's expanding list of tradable assets allows investors to build diversified portfolios from a single platform. Beyond traditional assets like stocks, options, ETFs, bonds and treasuries, Public also offers access to crypto, music royalties and a high-yield cash account, providing a unique and comprehensive investment experience.
Public offers commission-free trading for stocks, ETFs and options, with rebates on options trades and no per-contract fees. Unlike many brokers, Public does not use payment for order flow on stocks and ETFs, prioritizing optimal order execution.
Best for: Traditional and alternative assets; user experience; commission-free trading; options rebates; no payment for order flow; high interest rates on uninvested cash
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Signup bonus | Get up to $10,000 and transfer fees covered |
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Signup bonus | Get up to $10,000 and transfer fees covered |
Interactive Brokers
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Interactive Brokers caters to investors of all experience levels with a broad range of investment options and versatile trading platforms. For beginners, the IBKR GlobalTrader and IMPACT mobile platforms offer a straightforward investing experience. In contrast, advanced traders benefit from the powerful tools in IBKR and Trader Workstation, including interactive charts with over 90 indicators, analyst ratings, price targets and detailed company financials.
Trade commission-free stocks, options and ETFs, with additional access to precious metals, futures, cryptocurrencies and more. Interactive Brokers also provides a robo-advisor with professionally managed portfolios, ensuring a comprehensive investing experience.
Best for: Active trading; global market access; wide range of investment options; robust trading platforms; alternative investments.
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Signup bonus | N/A |
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Signup bonus | N/A |
Robinhood
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Robinhood offers a uniquely engaging platform for commission-free trading of stocks, ETFs, options and crypto, with no per-contract fees for options. Its IRAs provide up to 3% matching contributions for Robinhood Gold subscribers, or 1% without Gold. All customers, regardless of account level, get a 1% match on IRA transfers and 401(k) rollovers. Additionally, Gold members can earn up to 4.5% APY on uninvested cash.
Beyond these benefits, Robinhood offers 24/7 customer support, 24/5 market access, IPO access and the ability to transfer crypto into and out of your Robinhood Crypto account.
Best for: Commission-free trading; user experience; mobile trading; cryptocurrency investing; IRA match; high interest rates on uninvested cash; 24/5 market access.
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Signup bonus | Get a free stock |
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Signup bonus | Get a free stock |
Tastytrade
Finder score
Designed primarily for derivatives trading, Tastytrade boasts competitive pricing on options and futures contracts. With commission-free trading on stocks and ETFs, no closing commissions on options and powerful platforms featuring advanced tools like profit and loss visualizations and a quick roll feature, it's built for serious traders.
Additionally, Tastytrade provides a robust learning center with videos and live demos, making it an excellent resource for those looking to enhance their trading skills.
Best for: Options trading; futures trading; active trading; educational content, live programming and webinars.
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Signup bonus | Get $50-$5,000 |
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Signup bonus | Get $50-$5,000 |
eToro
Finder score
eToro's user-friendly platform offers commission-free trading of stocks, options and ETFs, with no per-contract fees for options. The platform provides advanced trading tools like TipRanks-powered analyst ratings, price targets, hedge fund activity, insider transactions and comprehensive charts, all within an intuitive interface.
Additionally, eToro allows you to trade cryptocurrencies, earn competitive interest on your options trading account cash balance and connect with a community of over 25 million users to exchange insights and discover new investment ideas.
Best for: Commission-free trading; social trading and investing; cryptocurrency investing; mobile trading.
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Signup bonus | FINDER EXCLUSIVE: Get a guaranteed $15 bonus |
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Signup bonus | FINDER EXCLUSIVE: Get a guaranteed $15 bonus |
E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley
Finder score
Pioneer of online trading, E*TRADE offers a wide range of investment options and account types, including custodial brokerage accounts, custodial IRAs and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts.
Trade commission-free stocks, ETFs, mutual funds and options, along with futures, bonds and CDs. E*TRADE also offers a robo-advisor for a straightforward, automated portfolio option, making it an ideal platform for both novice and experienced investors seeking diverse investing tools and services.
Best for: Active trading; investing for kids; robust trading platforms; research and analysis; automated investing.
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Signup bonus | Get up to $1,000 terms apply |
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Signup bonus | Get up to $1,000 terms apply |
Webull
Finder score
Webull's versatile yet user-friendly trading app offers an impressive array of powerful tools for on-the-go traders, without overcomplicating the experience. It includes customizable filters, over 10 order types and advanced charts with drawing tools, more than 50 indicators and 60+ on-chart technical signals. Traders can quickly assess stocks using analyst ratings, price targets, quant ratings and technical summary scores.
Trade futures and commission-free stocks, options and ETFs, with no per-contract fees on options. Additionally, Webull's learning center features over 500 courses, and its paper trading feature lets you practice with virtual money.
Best for: Commission-free trading; mobile trading; research and analysis; high interest on uninvested cash; automated investing.
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Signup bonus | Earn up to 75 fractional shares and an extra 2% APY for 30 days |
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Signup bonus | Earn up to 75 fractional shares and an extra 2% APY for 30 days |
Charles Schwab
Finder score
Trade commission-free stocks, options, ETFs and Schwab mutual funds while accessing an extensive lineup of investment options and account types, global markets and top-tier research and analysis tools. Beginner investors will find comprehensive educational content, financial planning resources and 24/7 customer support. Meanwhile, Schwab's renowned thinkorswim platform empowers advanced traders with elite tools and resources for a sophisticated trading experience.
Schwab also offers direct indexing, a robo-advisor for automated investing and personalized financial advisory services. This combination of advanced trading capabilities and personalized investment options makes Schwab a comprehensive choice for both novice and seasoned investors
Best for: Active trading; robust trading platforms; range of investment options and account types; research and planning tools; automated investing; mutual funds.
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Signup bonus | Get a $101 bonus |
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Signup bonus | Get a $101 bonus |
Fidelity Investments
Finder score
Fidelity stands out by offering a wide range of investment options — including bitcoin and ether — top-tier research and trading tools and beginner-friendly resources, including educational content and 24/7 customer support.
Notably, Fidelity boasts some of the lowest fees in the industry, with commission-free trading on stocks, ETFs, options and Fidelity mutual funds. The broker also avoids many common account fees, such as outgoing account transfer fees and statement fees.
Additionally, Fidelity offers industry-leading financial planning and advice, including human and robo-advisor portfolio management, free financial plans and investing accounts for minors.
Best for: Range of investment options and account types; low costs; research and planning tools; crypto access; automated investing.
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Signup bonus | N/A |
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Signup bonus | N/A |
While the top ten brokerage accounts highlighted in our list offer exceptional features and benefits, several other brokers worth considering narrowly missed making the cut. These “honorable mentions” still provide strong platforms, competitive fees and unique offerings that may suit your specific investing needs.
OPTO
Finder score
Opto's user-friendly mobile app, commission-free stock and ETF trading, minimal account fees and thematic investing options make it an excellent choice for beginners seeking a low-cost platform to start investing.
For those interested in cutting-edge technologies and trends, Opto's thematic investing approach offers a unique opportunity to tap into innovations driving future economic growth. With over 50 themes to choose from, including Robotics, AI, Blockchain, Pet Care and Clean Energy, investors can easily identify and capitalize on emerging trends.
Best for: Beginning investors; themed investing; commission-free trading; user experience.
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Signup bonus | Earn up to $300 |
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Signup bonus | Earn up to $300 |
Moomoo
Finder score
Moomoo's capable trading app offers advanced, customizable charting and free access to pro-grade tools such as analyst ratings, real-time Level 2 market data and short sale analysis. Track market capital flow to help time transactions, view position cost distribution and other technical indicators and use Moomoo's Indicator Sentiment for a quick view of the overall status of all technical indicators.
Trade commission-free stocks, options and ETFs, with no per-contract fees for options. You'll also find a dedicated desktop trading platform, a high-yield cash sweep program and paper trading so you can practice and test your strategies before going live.
Best for: Active trading; commission-free trading; paper trading; research and analysis; high interest on uninvested cash.
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Signup bonus | Get up to 15 free stocks |
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Signup bonus | Get up to 15 free stocks |
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Finder is not an advisor 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.
Finder’s investments experts reviewed 18 brokers available on the market to narrow down the best brokerage accounts for trading and investing.
We analyzed each platform based on 147 key metrics we collected directly from brokers and assessed each provider’s performance based on eight different categories, weighing each metric based on the expertise and insights of Finder’s investment experts. We then scored and ranked each provider to determine the 10 best brokerage accounts and the best overall.
We update our best picks as products change, disappear or emerge in the market. We also regularly review and revise our selections to ensure our best provider lists reflect the most competitive available.
How we weigh the overall rating
| Category | Weighting |
|---|---|
| Investment options | 20% |
| Trading platforms and technology | 15% |
| Trading costs | 15% |
| Account fees | 10% |
| Account types and minimums | 10% |
| Customer support | 10% |
| Mobile app | 5% |
| Features and amenities | 15% |
Choose a broker or robo-advisor, and complete a brief application by providing personal information such as your name, address, date of birth and Social Security number.
Completed applications are typically approved instantly, though the broker may take a couple of days to verify your information. Then, connect a bank account to fund your account.
Finder’s picks for the best brokerage accounts are meant to provide a starting point for finding the right broker for your investing style and goals.
Consider the following factors when comparing your options:
What a personal finance expert thinks about brokerage fees:
Online brokers have gone a long way in reducing fees, such as expense ratios for exchange-traded funds. However, there can still be significant fees, especially if you are trading actively. Even the best brokers can have high fees when making certain trades, such as when making stock/bond trades over the phone or when making rep-assisted trades. Be sure to pay attention to these fees when choosing a broker.
— Bob Haegele, Personal finance writer and expert
| If you're a | And want to | Consider this |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner investor | Do most or all of your trading on your mobile device | Best stock trading apps |
| Beginner investor | Trade and invest with as few fees as possible | Best discount stock brokers |
| Beginner investor | Outsource portfolio management automatically and at a low cost | Best robo-advisors |
| Beginner investor | Gain exposure to multiple assets like stocks, bonds or gold through a single fund | Best ETF brokers |
| Experienced investor | Get an overall idea of providers on the market and what they're best for | Best brokerage accounts |
| Experienced investor | Invest internationally in stocks, ETFs and other assets | Best international stock brokers |
| Retirement saver of any experience level | Save for retirement with upfront tax benefits | Best (traditional) IRA |
| Retirement saver of any experience level | Save for retirement and enjoy tax-free withdrawals | Best Roth IRA |
| Investor of any experience level | Diversify with low-cost index funds | Best brokerage accounts for index funds 2024 |
The best overall stock broker is Fidelity Investments, according to Finder’s analysis, for it offers the best combination of low costs, features, platform functionality and investments options. But, ultimately, you need to decide which broker is best for you.
Many brokerage accounts allow you to buy a portion of a share, known as fractional share investing. Happily, it’s now a common feature on many of the best brokerage accounts. All the online trading platforms featured above support fractional share trading in some way, but some terms and conditions may apply. For example, E*TRADE doesn’t support fractional share purchases but does allow you to reinvest dividends in fractional shares.
Most platforms don’t charge fees to open an account. However, you’ll need to fund your account before you can begin trading, and brokerage and account admin fees may also apply.
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