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TradeUP Review 2026: A Global, Active-Trader Broker Taking Aim at US Giants

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Our verdict

TradeUP’s zero-fee options trading, professional-grade order types and global account access make it a compelling choice for active traders — especially those priced out or underserved by mainstream US brokers.

TradeUP is a modern online brokerage built for self-directed, active traders who care about execution quality, advanced tools and low trading costs. Commission-free trading on US stocks and ETFs, zero per-contract fees on both equity and index options, a powerful desktop platform and algorithmic order types put TradeUP closer to advanced trading platforms than beginner-only apps.


TradeUP offers a legitimate alternative to established US brokers — particularly for international traders and options-heavy strategies. However, limited asset coverage and the absence of long-term planning tools mean it won’t replace a full-service brokerage for everyone.


Best for: Active and options traders who want advanced execution tools, low ongoing costs and access to US markets from outside the US.

Pros

  • Zero-fee options trading
  • Professional-grade order types on a retail platform
  • Desktop platform built for serious trading
  • Strong cost structure beyond commissions
  • Global accessibility most US brokers don’t offer

Cons

  • No mutual funds, futures, crypto or managed portfolios
  • Headline Cash+ APY is largely promotional or gated behind very large balances

In this guide

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  • Your reviews
  • Ask a question

TradeUP at a glance

Feature

Rating

Details

Investment options

★★★★★

  • Stocks
  • ETFs
  • Equity options
  • Index options
  • OTC stocks
  • US Treasuries

Trading platforms and technology

★★★★★

  • Mobile (Lite & Pro modes)
  • Web platform
  • Advanced desktop trading platform
  • Algorithmic order types and advanced options tools

Trading costs

★★★★★

  • Zero-commission stock and ETF trades
  • No per-contract fees for equity or index options
  • Competitive margin rates starting at 5.99%

Account fees

★★★★★

  • No annual or inactivity fees
  • $50 outgoing ACATS transfer fee

Account types and minimums

★★★★★

  • Individual brokerage accounts
  • Traditional, Roth and rollover IRAs
  • Margin accounts
  • No minimum deposit

Features and amenities

★★★★★

  • Fractional shares from $1
  • IPO access
  • Fully paid securities lending
  • Demo trading account
  • OpenAPI access
  • 24/5 trading
  • Instant deposits

Customer support

★★★★★

  • Live chat during market hours
  • Email support: service@tradeup.com

Mobile app

★★★★★

Google Play app reviews: 4.2/5 based on over 550 reviews, as of February 2026

Apple App Store app reviews: 4.0/5 based on over 320 reviews, as of February 2026

Cash account or cash sweep program

★★★★★

Cash+ program pays up to 3.14% APY, as of February 2026, with promotional and balance-tier limitations

To learn how our star ratings are calculated, read our methodology.

Who should choose TradeUP?

TradeUP is best suited to traders who prioritize execution, flexibility and cost efficiency over breadth of assets or long-term planning tools. Typical users include:

  • Active stock and options traders who want advanced order types and genuinely low options costs
  • International traders seeking direct access to US markets
  • Desktop-first traders who rely on customization, charting and multi-leg options analysis
  • Cost-conscious traders who want low margin rates and minimal account fees beyond commissions

What we like about TradeUP

Zero-fee options trading that adds up over time

While many “commission-free” brokers still charge quietly on index options, TradeUP doesn’t. For active, multi-leg or frequent options traders, this can translate into meaningful savings year after year.

Institutional-style order types for retail traders

TradeUP’s algorithmic order suite — including TWAP, VWAP, POV, Fan and Covert — is rarely available on retail platforms. These tools help traders manage slippage and execution quality, particularly in volatile or illiquid markets.

Desktop platform signals serious intent

TradeUP’s desktop platform isn’t an afterthought. It offers advanced options tools, customizable layouts and a workflow designed for traders who spend real time in the market — not just casual investors placing occasional trades.

Global access to US markets

Accepting residents from more than 35 countries is one of TradeUP’s biggest differentiators. For non-US traders, alternatives with comparable tools and pricing are extremely limited.

Where TradeUP falls short

Not a one-stop financial platform

TradeUP doesn’t offer mutual funds, crypto, futures or managed portfolios. Investors looking to consolidate all finances under one roof will likely need another platform alongside it.

Cash yield is less competitive for smaller balances

While TradeUP advertises a Cash+ rate of up to 3.14% APY, as of February 2026, the highest yields are reserved for very large balances. Smaller accounts typically receive a short-term promotional rate before dropping sharply.

No phone support

Customer support is entirely digital. While live chat is available during market hours, traders who prefer phone access may find this limiting.

TradeUP’s trading tools

One of TradeUP’s strongest differentiators is the depth of its trading tools. While many commission-free brokers focus on simplicity and beginner friendliness, TradeUP goes a step further by offering features that appeal to active traders and technically inclined investors without overwhelming those newer to markets.

Across platforms, TradeUP delivers high-quality charting capabilities that rival what you’d expect from premium trading software:

  • Multiple chart styles
  • Dozens of technical indicators
  • Drawing tools and customizable time frames
  • Real-time market data and sentiment overlays
  • Valuation analysis
  • Analyst price targets
  • Analyst recommendations
  • Short data
  • Revenue and expense breakdown
  • Income statement, balance sheet, cash flow and business segments
  • Standard orders
  • Advanced algos
  • Options trading levels from 1 to 4
  • Strategy builders

Screenshots of TradeUP mobile app

TradeUP’s fees

Type of fee

Fee details

Minimum deposit

$0

Minimum investment

$1

Annual fee

$0

Stock trades

$0

Commission (Algo order)

$0.01/share

Options trades

$0

Options contract fees (equity and index)

$0

Margin annual interest rate

5.99%

Outgoing account transfer fee

$50

Inactivity fee

$0

Is TradeUP legit?

Yes. TradeUP is a legitimate US brokerage regulated by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). It was originally founded in 1986 and later acquired by Tiger Brokers in 2019. Customer assets are protected under US regulatory standards, and the platform operates as a fully compliant online broker.

TradeUP customer reviews and ratings

BBB accreditedNo
Apple App Store Score4 out of 5 stars, based on 325 customer reviews
Google Play Score4.2 out of 5 stars, based on 481 customer reviews
Customer reviews verified as of11 March 2026

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Finder Score Available asset types Stock trade fee Minimum deposit Cash sweep APY
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Important information
INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE Other fees, such as exchange fees, may apply. Please view our fee disclosure to view a full listing of fees. Investing in alternative investments and/or strategies may not be suitable for all investors and involves unique risks, including the risk of loss. An investor should consider their individual circumstances and any investment information, such as a prospectus, prior to investing. Interval Funds are illiquid instruments, the ability to trade on your timeline may be restricted. Brokerage and Active investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA (www.finra.org) /SIPC(www.sipc.org). There are limitations with fractional shares to consider before investing. During market hours fractional share orders are transmitted immediately in the order received. There may be system delays from receipt of your order until execution and market conditions may adversely impact execution prices. Outside of market hours orders are received on a not held basis and will be aggregated for each security then executed in the morning trade window of the next business day at market open. Share will be delivered at an average price received for executing the securities through a single batched order. Fractional shares may not be transferred to another firm. Fractional shares will be sold when a transfer or closure request is initiated. Please consider that selling securities is a taxable event. Options involve risks, including substantial risk of loss and the possibility an investor may lose the entire investment Before trading options please review the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options Utilizing a margin loan is generally considered more appropriate for experienced investors as there are additional costs and risks associated. It is possible to lose more than your initial investment when using margin. Please see https://www.sofi.com/wealth/assets/documents/brokerage-margin-disclosure-statement.pdf for detailed disclosure information SoFi Plus members can schedule an unlimited number of appointments with a financial planner during periods in which the SoFi Plus member meets the eligibility criteria set forth in section 10(a) of the SoFi Plus Terms and Conditions. SoFi members who are not members of SoFi Plus can schedule one (1) appointment with a financial planner. The ability to schedule appointments is subject to financial planner availability. SoFi reserves the right to change or terminate this benefit at any time with or without notice. Advisory services are offered by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Information about SoFi Wealth's advisory operations, services, and fees is set forth in SoFi Wealth's current Form ADV Part 2 (Brochure), a copy of which is available upon request and at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. Probability of Member receiving $3,000 is a probability of 0.026%; If you don’t make a selection in 45 days, you’ll no longer qualify for the promo. Customer must fund their account with a minimum of $50.00 to qualify. Probability percentage is subject to decrease. Terms and conditions apply*. For 401k rollovers, existing SoFi IRA members must complete 401k rollovers via this link See full terms and For SoFi members without a SoFi IRA, a SoFi IRA must first be opened, and 401k rollover must be completed utilizing Capitalize via this link. SoFi and Capitalize will charge no additional fees to process a 401(k) rollover to a SoFi IRA. SoFi is not liable for any costs incurred from the existing 401k provider for rollover. Please check with your 401k provider for any fees or costs associated with the rollover. For IRA contributions, only deposits made via ACH and cash transfer from SoFi Bank accounts are eligible for the match. Click here for the 1% Match terms and conditions. 1% ACAT Match Offer: Valid 02/17/26–03/31/26. Max match $1M. Applies to new/existing SoFi self-directed IRAs. Full terms: http://sofi.com/acatiraterms. Must be a SoFi Plus member at the time a recurring deposit is received into your SoFi Active or Automated investing account to qualify. Bonus calculated on net monthly recurring deposits made via ACH and paid out as Rewards Points. See Rewards Terms of Service. SoFi reserves the right to change or terminate this promotion at any time without notice. See terms and limitations. https://www.sofi.com/sofiplus/invest/#disclaimers
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