Do you want to manage your own investment portfolio? If so, you might benefit from comparing Qtrade Direct InvestingTM and Questrade. These are two of Canada’s most reputable and affordable trading platforms. It’s easy to sign up for an account and you can start executing trades as soon as you load money into your wallet.
Learn which trading platform might be the best choice for your unique set of financial needs. Once you decide on a platform, and sign up today to get started.
There isn’t a wrong or right platform when it comes to trading, although many Canadians contemplate between Questrade and Qtrade. Below is an overview of which is better for what purpose.
Both Qtrade and Questrade were launched in Canada over 20 years ago, and both have head offices located in the country.
Feature | Qtrade | Questrade |
|---|---|---|
Launch date | 2001 | 1999 |
Assets | $15 billion | $8 billion |
Headquarters | Vancouver | Toronto |
Investment types | Stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds, bonds, GICs | Stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds, bonds, GICs, international equity derivatives, precious metals |
Commissions | $0 | $0 per trade (but free to buy ETFs) |
Minimum balance | $0 | No minimum account balance |
Qtrade and Questrade are both well-known self-directed trading platforms in Canada. They offer streamlined technology that lets you manage a number of different investment types at one time. This means you’ll have full control over all of the trades you make. (You won’t get specialized advice from a financial advisor, but if that’s what you’re looking for, both providers offer a robo-advice platform. To read about each platform’s robo-advisors, read our review of Virtual Wealth vs Questwealth Portfolios here.)
You’ll typically pay a much lower commission to make trades with this type of platform when compared to a dedicated advisor. You’ll just need to rebalance your investments manually when they fall out of line with your risk profile, which requires a certain level of expertise.
Questrade and Qtrade are on par in terms of the commissions they charge to execute trades.
Commission type | Qtrade | Questrade |
|---|---|---|
Quarterly fee | $0 | $0 |
Stocks | $0 | $0 |
Exchange traded funds (ETFs) | $0 | $0 (but free to buy) |
Options | $0 (+$0.75 per contract) | $0 plus $0.99 per contract |
Mutual funds | Free | $9.95 |
International equities | Not available | Derivatives: 1% of trade value with a minimum of $195 |
Precious metals | Not available | Varies |
Bonds, IPOs and GICs | Varies | Varies |
Dividend reinvestment plan (DRIP) fees | $0 (for both Canada and US) | Usually $0, unless the balance is below $5,000 where a $20 fee per quarter will apply |
Forex spread fees | Varies | Varies (15% higher than Qtrade, roughly) |
Institutional account transfer fees | Reimburse up to $150 to transfer from another broker account | Reimburse up to $150 to transfer from another broker account |
You can open a couple of different registered and cash accounts with both Qtrade and Questrade. Cash accounts will allow you to hold more flexible investments that you can withdraw from at any time without penalty. Keep in mind that your gains may be subject to taxes.
Registered accounts, like RRSPs, TFSAs and RESPs, allow you to earn investment income tax-free. The drawback is contribution and withdrawal limitations apply as they are regulated by the government. It’s up to you to decide which type of account is the best match for your savings goals. Most Canadians prefer to open an RRSP and TFSA first. Once they’ve maxed out the contributions, they open a cash account and continue to save. However, everyone’s financial needs are unique.
Questrade and Qtrade offer US dollar account options in addition to Canadian dollar options. They are available in registered accounts and cash accounts. If you’d like a corporate account for your business, Questrade and Qtrade have account options for that as well.
Both Qtrade and Questrade offer a wealth of educational resources for clients. These include finance blogs, webinars and special courses to help you get familiar with the building blocks of self-directed investing. Both sites also have extensive FAQ sections to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about their services.
Once you start trading, you can also take advantage of a number of different research tools with each service. The tools offered are similar and include up-to-the-minute news and market data. They also include more advanced options like specialized watchlists and screening tools.
Yes. Both Qtrade and Questrade offer a mobile app for easy access to your investments. Qtrade updated their mobile app in mid-2024, improving user interface and adding features such as biometric sign-in, advanced account view, options trading, portfolio allocation and more. The Questrade mobile app has received a high number of negative reviews from customers and is considered fairly unreliable, with customers noting that the app is glitchy and difficult to access at times. They also complain that charting and research tools aren’t as developed as they are on the Questrade desktop interface.
Both Qtrade and Questrade are regulated by the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC). They are also both members of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF), which insures a portion of any money you have invested in the unlikely case that either company becomes insolvent.
You can also take advantage of a number of safety features with both services. For example, Questrade uses facial recognition software and instant alerts if there’s any suspicious activity on your account. Qtrade encrypts all of your personal and financial information and adheres to strict regulatory standards for all of its services.
To make comparing even easier we came up with the Finder Score. Trading costs, account fees and features across 10+ stock trading platforms and apps are all weighted and scaled to produce a score out of 10. The higher the score, the better the platform—it's that simple.
Qtrade and Questrade share a number of the same features. They are both popular choices for Canadians that are interested in self-directed investing. Individuals interested in international equities and precious metals tend to choose Questrade. On the other hand, Qtrade is better suited for frequent ETFs and mutual funds trades. If you’re ready to open an account with either Questrade or Qtrade, you can easily complete an application online.
Online brokerage services are offered through Qtrade Direct Investing, a division of Credential Qtrade Securities Inc. Qtrade, Qtrade Direct Investing, and Write your own future are trade names and/or trademarks of Aviso Wealth Inc.
We break down which companies hold Ethereum, why they’re doing it and what ETH treasuries mean for markets and investors.
Want to invest in the Euro Stoxx 50 in Canada? Explore investment platforms and popular Euro Stoxx 50 index funds.
What are the best stocks for beginners with little money to invest?
Want to dive into investing but don’t have much to spend? Take a look at these types of stocks.
Looking to invest in AI stocks? Here are some of the best artificial intelligence stocks available, along with tips to better understand AI investments.
Compare six brokerage platforms to find the best platform for day trading in Canada.
Want to invest in medical supplies companies? We’ve put together a list of medical supplies stocks you should keep your eye on.
Want to invest in nursing home companies? We’ve put together a list of nursing home stocks you should keep your eye on.
Want to invest in luxury goods companies? We’ve put together a list of luxury goods stocks you should keep your eye on.
Want to invest in paper product companies? We’ve put together a list of toilet paper stocks you should keep your eye on.
Want to invest in private construction companies? We’ve put together a list of homebuilding stocks you should keep your eye on.
These are the best renewable energy stocks to buy now in Canada.
Buying US stocks in Canada is easier than you think. Find out how to buy US stocks in 4 simple steps.
Your guide to the pros, cons, benefits and risks of investing in Canadian penny stocks.