Guide to online trading in Canada

Learn how to buy stocks online with the best online trading platforms in Canada.

It’s cheaper and easier than ever before to buy stocks online in Canada. And if you’re ready to start investing, choosing the best online trading platform for your needs is crucial.

But with so many options to choose from, which is the best online trading platform in Canada? Keep reading for our top picks.

What is an online broker?

An online broker is a platform where you can buy and sell investments. You can use an online broker to trade stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds and more over the internet.

Brokers give traders access to financial markets in Canada and around the world, like the Toronto Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange. They also provide tools you can use to research trades, choose investments and track your portfolio.

And in return, brokers charge trading commissions as well as other fees.

The best online trading platforms in Canada

Keep reading for our top picks of the best online trading platforms in Canada.

Why trust Finder

  • 14+ online brokers reviewed and rated by our team of experts
  • Evaluated under our unbiased rating system covering five categories

We're big on editorial independence. That means our content, reviews and ratings are fair, accurate and trustworthy. We don't let advertisers or partners sway our opinions. Our financial experts put in the hard work, spending hours researching and analyzing hundreds of products based on data-driven methodologies to find the best accounts and providers for you. Explore our editorial guidelines to see how we work.


Best overall online trading platform: Questrade

Questrade

9.1 Excellent

Get free contracts, no commissions and a 30 day free trial of Questrade Plus. Use offer code FREEOPTIONS. T&Cs apply.
Questrade is our top pick as the overall best online trading platform for most people — and for several reasons. Its biggest selling point is of course zero-commission trading of stocks and ETFs, so you don't need to worry about brokerage fees eating into your investments. But Questrade also provides access to a wide range of other assets, supports fractional shares, and offers a wide range of research tools to help you choose the right investments. And with a choice of trading platforms designed for beginners as well as active traders, Questrade offers a comprehensive solution to suit most people.

Questrade online trading tools

Questrade Trading is the broker’s main web-based trading platform. Designed for use with any web browser, it offers a user-friendly interface for buying and selling stocks and ETFs, checking account balances and monitoring your portfolio. It also provides access to real-time data, the latest market news and customizable watchlists.

Questrade’s advanced trading platform, Questrade Edge, is also available in a web-based version for experienced investors. It features a customizable trading interface, advanced order types and access to market research and analysis from providers like Morningstar and TipRanks.


Best for low-cost online trading: Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers

8.8 Great

Interactive Brokers combines a feature-packed online trading platform with competitive commissions across a wide range of assets. You can also trade across 160 global markets and access stocks, ETFs, options, futures, currencies and bonds. And with a choice of desktop and mobile trading platforms to suit beginners as well as experienced traders, there are lots of good reasons why Interactive Brokers is a top choice for Canadian investors.

Interactive Brokers online trading tools

Interactive Brokers’ Client Portal is a web platform that offers everything you need to place trades and manage your account. You can place quick trades and easily check your portfolio, but the platform also offers more advanced features like customizable charts and detailed quotes. You can also use the Client Portal to trade the vast majority of assets that Interactive Brokers provides access to.


Best beginner account for online trading: CIBC Investor’s Edge

CIBC Investor's Edge

7.6 Great

Get 100 free online stock and ETF trades when you open a new account & get up to $15,000 in cashback when you transfer funds from outside CIBC to your new or existing account. Valid until March 31, 2026. T&Cs apply.
If you're new to the world of online trading and you're still wrapping your head around how to buy stocks online, CIBC Investor's Edge is well worth a look. This big bank trading platform lets you trade stocks, ETFs, options, bonds and much more in a registered or non-registered account. It provides an intuitive trading interface that makes it easy to place buy and sell orders, and Investor Edge's extensive range of research tools and educational resources makes it a great option for new investors.

CIBC Investor’s Edge online trading tools

Investor’s Edge offers a variety of tools to help you research your trades and investments. You can use the Trade Ideas stock screener to find investments based on different themes or criteria, access expert analysis, set up watchlists and alerts, and use stock charting tools to help inform your trading decisions. The platform also provides a range of convenient online courses and tutorials to help new investors navigate the Investor’s Edge platform and also improve their trading knowledge.


Best online and mobile brokerage: Moomoo

Moomoo Financial Canada

7.4 Great

Get up to $4,600 in trading perks. T&Cs apply.
If you're searching for a broker that offers a seamless online and mobile trading experience, it's hard to go past Moomoo. This discount brokerage platform offers slick mobile and desktop apps and lets you trade US and Canadian stocks and ETFs as well as US options. It's quick and easy to sign up for an account and start trading, while handy features like free real-time Level 2 market data and advanced charting tools ensure that you have a range of important trading resources at your fingertips.

Moomoo online trading tools

Moomoo provides investors with a suite of tools and resources to help inform trading decisions. You can take advantage of advanced charting tools and stock screeners, research different investment themes, and use Moomoo’s AI tool for trend analysis and to get answers to trading-related questions. Moomoo also offers a demo account so you can practice trading before committing any real money, giving you a taste of how its online trading platform works.


Best online trading for extra features: RBC Direct Investing

RBC Direct Investing

7.9 Great

RBC Direct Investing is well known as a major player in the online trading game. This Big Five broker lets you trade stocks, ETFs, options, bonds and more through a wide variety of account types, and its feature-packed trading platform provides you with a toolkit full of resources to help you choose and track your investments. You can trade online, via mobile or using the customizable Trading Dashboard, while real-time streaming quotes and the Portfolio Analyzer tool are just some of the many convenient features on offer for Canadian traders.

RBC Direct Investing online trading tools

Open an RBC Direct Investing account and you can access research and analysis from trusted providers like Morningstar, Refinitiv, Trading Central and RBC. You can use stock screeners to research suitable investments, get analyst-built investment lists, check your portfolio diversity and risk level with the Portfolio Analyzer, and access a variety of educational resources in the Investing Academy. You also have the flexibility of testing out RBC Direct Investing’s online trading tools first with a Practice Account.


Best well-rounded online brokerage: Qtrade Direct Investing

Qtrade Direct Investing

8.1 Great

Get 5% cash back on every dollar you invest up to $15,000 and 1% cash back on any amount above that. Plus, new clients receive unlimited free trades. Use code QTRADE2025. Valid until January 5, 2026. T&Cs apply.
Qtrade is a Canadian online brokerage that offers a complete package of tools and resources for new and more experienced investors. Sign up online and you can take advantage of features like fast market access, stock screening tools, and the ability to trade a wide variety of assets. You also get real-time quotes so you can stay up to date with price movements, and there are plenty of advanced research tools and educational guides to help you boost your investing knowledge.

Qtrade Direct Investing online trading tools

There’s a long list of trading tools and resources to take advantage of with Qtrade. Log in to your account and you can access screeners and technical research, use planning tools to create your investment strategy, and check Morningstar analyst recommendations. There’s also a 30-day Trial Account available if you want to test out Qtrade’s suite of online trading tools, plus a handy range of portfolio analytics tools to help you assess the health of your portfolio.


Best for online commodity trading: Scotia iTRADE

Scotia iTRADE

7.9 Great

Get up to 20 free stock and ETF trades by opening a Scotia iTRADE and a select Scotiabank account. T&Cs apply.
Scotia iTRADE is another popular choice for investors who want to trade with a Big Bank broker. If you want to gain exposure to commodities markets, you can invest in individual stocks, commodity ETFs and gold, silver and platinum certificates. You can also choose from a wide range of other investment and account types, while a series of free webinars provide info and resources to help you boost your trading skills.

Scotia iTRADE online trading tools

When you log in to your account, you can access all your Scotia iTRADE and Scotiabank accounts in the same place. You can create personalized watchlists, check research reports and analysis, use stock screeners to find your next investments, and access technical analysis features designed for more advanced traders. Detailed research reports and stock ratings are also available.


Best online interface: BMO InvestorLine

BMO InvestorLine

7.9 Great

Get 0.5% cash back when you deposit $5,000 or more with promo code SDCASH. T&Cs apply.
If you're looking for a streamlined trading experience on a user-friendly platform, BMO InvestorLine is worth a closer look. This online trading platform is designed to make it simple and straightforward to invest in stocks, ETFs, mutual funds and more. There's a wide range of account types available, while you can also trade a selection of popular ETFs commission-free. And if you're an experienced trader, you can take advantage of the advanced tools offered by the BMO Active Trader platform.

BMO InvestorLine online trading tools

With an InvestorLine account, you can access a host of research and analysis tools online. There are investment screeners, personalized watchlists, fundamental analysis tools and portfolio performance trackers. You can also take advantage of analyst ratings as well as research from BMO Capital Markets and third-party providers like Morningstar and S&P Global Ratings.


Best platform to buy Canadian stocks online: Wealthsimple

Wealthsimple

7.7 Great

If you want to invest in Canadian stocks, or US stocks for that matter, Wealthsimple is well worth checking out. This popular online broker offers a user-friendly trading platform and a host of features that make it easy for new investors to get started. It lets you trade commission-free, supports fractional share trading, and provides real-time streaming quotes so you can trade based on up-to-date information. But if you'd rather let someone else do the hard work of picking stocks, managed investing services are available too.

Wealthsimple online trading tools

Wealthsimple’s online trading tools are designed to simplify the investing process. You can fund your account with instant transfers, and Wealthsimple is partnered with five Canadian brokers and three US market makers to ensure fast trade execution. It also makes it easy to set up recurring investments, reinvest any dividends you receive, and automatically invest a portion of every paycheque.


Methodology: How we chose the best online trading platforms

Finder’s investments experts reviewed 14+ brokerages available on the market to narrow down the best brokerage accounts and stock trading apps for trading and investing.

We analyzed each platform based on 40 key metrics we collected directly from brokerages and assessed each provider’s performance based on five different categories, weighing each metric based on the expertise and insights of Finder’s investment experts. We then scored and ranked each provider depending on how it performed in each category.

See how we weigh the overall rating

Investment optionsTrading costs, rates and feesFeatures and amenitiesUser experience and supportRegulatory compliance
30%30%20%10%10%

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.

Can I buy stocks online?

Yes, you can buy stocks online in Canada. There’s a long list of brokerage firms that allow you to buy and sell stocks online.

You’ll need to compare online trading platforms to find the right one for you, then create an account and deposit funds. It’s then a matter of choosing the stock you want to buy, entering your purchase amount and price, and placing a buy order.

How to buy stocks online

Ready to start investing? Keep reading for a step-by-step guide on how to trade stocks online in Canada.

Step 1: Choose an online trading platform

Compare online brokers to find the best trading platform for your needs. Look for low or no fees, user-friendly online and mobile platforms, and a broker that offers access to all the assets and markets you want to trade.

Step 2: Sign up for an account

Registering for an account is usually free, but some providers may charge subscription or ongoing fees for features like market research. You can sign up online by providing:

  • Your name, address, date of birth and contact details
  • Your Social Insurance Number
  • Proof of ID
  • Linked bank account details
  • Details of your trading experience

Step 3: Deposit funds

Once you’ve created an account, you can deposit money to trade with. Payment methods vary between brokers, but you may be able to deposit funds via bank transfer, e-Transfer, wire transfer or bill payment.

Step 4: Choose the stock you want to buy

Research stocks that match your investment goals. To help you make informed decisions, access market research, analysis and even trading recommendations through your platform.
Also consider the number of shares you want to buy. Many trading platforms now support fractional shares, so you can invest only $10 or $100 in that $1,000 stock.

Step 5: Place your order

This is where trading can get confusing for novice investors. You have two main options when placing a trade to buy shares — trade “at market” or “at limit”.

  • Market orders. When you want to buy a share immediately at the best price currently available. Though you risk paying more than you expected if shares are difficult to trade or prices are volatile.
  • Limit orders. Set a maximum purchase price for your buy order. If that price becomes available within your specified time period, your trade is executed. However, you risk not trading at all if the price changes too much. You can generally set your order for the day or until you decide to cancel it.

Step 6: Pay for the transaction

Review all the details of your transaction including the number of stocks you’re buying, at what price and the total cost of the purchase. You need sufficient funds in your online trading account to cover the cost of the transaction, including any brokerage fees that apply.

When you’re happy with all the details, submit your buy order.

How to choose the best online trading platform

Consider the following factors when comparing brokers to find the best online trading platform in Canada for your needs.

Supported assets and markets

If you just want to trade Canadian stocks, every Canadian broker has got you covered. But if you want to trade on international markets or trade other assets like options, futures and forex, you’ll need to shop around for a platform that supports all investment types you want to trade.

Brokerage fees

Many brokers will charge a commission each time you place a buy or sell order, but there are also some commission-free stock trading platforms in Canada. Some platforms also offer fee discounts for frequent traders, so consider your trading volume when finding the most cost-effective broker.

Other fees

Other than brokerage fees, you’ll also need to check for a variety of other charges that may apply. Watch out for:

  • Currency conversion fees
  • Monthly subscription fees for real-time market data
  • An annual or quarterly account fee if you don’t meet a minimum asset requirement
  • Account inactivity fees
  • Deposit or withdrawal fees

Ease of use

The best online stock broker will offer easy-to-use trading platforms. Consider whether you will be trading on desktop or mobile when choosing a broker. Some providers also offer multiple trading platforms, including options designed for beginners as well as for more experienced investors.

Market data

Check whether you can access real-time market data so you can trade based on current market information, or whether data is delayed. You’ll also need to find out whether you need to pay a fee to get real-time data.

Research and analysis

What research tools does the broker provide to help you choose investments? Does it offer market news from reliable sources? Does it offer access to expert stock recommendations and market analysis from trusted third-party providers?

Account types

Does the platform offer cash accounts only, or can you also borrow money with a margin trading account? Depending on your needs, you may also want to check whether the broker offers registered accounts such as TFSAs, RRSPs and RESPs.

Demo account

Many of the best online trading platforms in Canada offer demo or paper trading accounts. These allow you to trade with a virtual account balance in real market conditions, allowing you to test out the platform and your trading strategies before investing any real money.

Learn more in our guide to the best paper trading platforms in Canada

Customer support

Find out how you can get in touch with the broker’s support team when needed, and during which hours support is available. It’s also a good idea to check what educational resources the broker offers to help you navigate its trading platform and boost your investing knowledge.

How to trade stocks online

Use the tips below to help inform your investing decisions when trading online.

Set your investment goals and strategy

Before you can place your first trade, you’ll need to decide on your investment goals and timeframe. For many new investors, the simplest approach is to adopt a long-term buy-and-hold strategy. Advanced and complicated strategies like day trading are best left to experienced investors.

Take advantage of your broker’s research and analysis tools

No matter which online trading platform you choose, it will provide a host of research and analysis tools. For example, you might be able to view stock ratings and analyst recommendations, as well as a range of fundamental and technical analysis tools. Make the most of these resources to help you choose the right investments.

Use stock screeners

Online brokers and independent platforms also offer stock screeners. These allow you to filter thousands of stocks and ETFs based on the features you’re looking for in an investment. Use these screeners to find stocks and funds that match your investment goals.

Stay up to date with the economy

Understand the health of the economy, interest rate decisions, government policy changes, levels of investor confidence, exchange rates and the performance of stock markets in other countries. All of these can influence when to invest.

Start with blue-chip companies

One of the safest options for anyone starting out in the stock market is to invest in blue-chip companies. These are Canada’s biggest, most established companies, many included in the Dow Jones Industrial Average. They usually offer the best chance for minimizing your risk and providing steady returns.

Diversify

To minimize your exposure to risk, diversify your portfolio across a range of different industries. If you buy stocks across five or six industries instead of only one or two, you can be better protected against losses if one particular industry experiences a sharp downturn. ETFs also offer a simple way to diversify your portfolio.

Monitor your investments

Monitor the performance of your shares against your investment plan. Do they still align with your investment goals? Remember that your goals are most likely long-term, so don’t let short-term volatility lead you to panic-sell.

The basics of selling stocks

If you decide to sell your stocks, you can choose to sell via a market or a limit order. Market orders mean the shares are sold immediately at the best available price, while limit orders allow you to set the minimum sale price you’re willing to accept.

Advanced orders like stop-loss and trailing stop-loss orders are more complex and are for more experienced traders, but they can be very useful for managing your risk.

Yes, online trading is legal in Canada. You can trade stocks, ETFs, options and much more with online brokerages, and you can buy and sell these assets using your computer or mobile device.

However, you’ll need to make sure you trade with a reputable broker that is properly regulated in Canada.

Are online trading platforms safe?

Yes — provided you deal with a reputable broker. Make sure you deal with a provider that is regulated by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO). You can also check if they are a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF), ensuring that you’ll be protected if the broker becomes insolvent.

But it’s also essential to be aware that even though legit trading platforms are safe, there are always risks associated with investing. Returns are not guaranteed, and there’s a chance that you could end up losing money. Be sure that you understand the risks of online trading before investing any of your hard-earned money.

List of online trading platforms in Canada

BrokerageAccount feesTrading options
BMO InvestorLine
  • Annual fee: $0 if conditions met, otherwise $50 - $100 per year
  • Stock trading fees: $9.95 per trade (or $3.95 per trade if you make 150+ trades per quarter)
Stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds, bonds, GICs
CIBC Investor’s Edge
  • Annual fee: $0 if conditions met, or $100
  • Stock trading fees: $6.95 per trade ($4.95 for active investors, $5.95 for students or $0 for account holders under the age of 25)
Stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds, bonds, GICs, precious metals
Interactive Brokers
  • Stock trading fees: $0.01 - $0.003 per share (minimum $1 per order)
Stocks, ETFs, options, bonds, futures, forex
Moomoo
  • Annual fee: $0
  • Stock trading fees: $0.0149 per share (minimum $1.49 per trade)
Stocks, ETFs, options
MogoTrade
  • Annual fee: $0
  • Stock trading fees: $0
Stocks, ETFs
National Bank Direct Brokerage
  • Annual fee: $0 if conditions met, otherwise $100/yr
  • Stock trading fees: $0
Stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds, bonds, GICs
Qtrade
  • Annual fee: $0
  • Stock trading fees: $0 per trade
Stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds, bonds, GICs
Questrade
  • Annual fee: $0
  • Stock trading fees: $0
Stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds, bonds, GICs, precious metals, CFDs, forex
RBC Direct Investing
  • Annual fee: $0
  • Stock trading fees: $9.95 per trade (or $6.95 per trade for active traders)
Stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds, bonds, GICs, precious metals
Scotia iTRADE
  • Annual fee: $0 if conditions met, otherwise $100/yr
  • Stock trading fees: $9.99 per trade (or $4.99 per trade for active traders)
Stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds, bonds, GICs
TD Direct Investing
  • Annual fee: $0 if conditions met, otherwise $100/year
  • Stock trading fees: $9.99 per trade (or $7 per trade for active traders)
Stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds, bonds, GICs
TD Easy Trade
  • Annual fee: $0
  • Stock trading fees: $9.99, but all account holders get 50 free stock trades per year
Stocks, ETFs
Wealthsimple
  • Annual fee: $0
  • Stock trading fees: $0
Stocks, ETFs, options, crypto
Webull
  • Annual fee: $10
  • Stock trading fees: $2.99 (CAD or USD depending on the trade currency)
Stocks, ETFs, options

Bottom line

There are plenty of brokers worth checking out when choosing an online trading platform. Compare fees, features and ease of use before deciding which is the best online trading platform for you. Then work out your investment strategy and goals before placing your first trade.

FAQs about online trading in Canada

Sources

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Tim Falk is a freelance writer for Finder. Over the course of his 15-year writing career, he has reported on a wide range of personal finance topics. Whether you're investing in stocks and ETFs, comparing savings accounts or choosing a credit card, Tim wants to make it easier for you to understand. When he’s not staring at his computer, you can usually find him exploring the great outdoors. See full bio

Tim's expertise
Tim has written 501 Finder guides across topics including:
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