Invest Smarter with the best investing apps Canada zero commission

Picture this: you open an account, make your first trade and notice the fees quietly eating into your returns. A friend who switched to a $0 option laughed when they showed you how much they saved in a year.

Today, the Canadian market has several platforms that offer $0 trades on stock and etfs. Names you’ll recognise include Qtrade, Questrade, Wealthsimple Trade, NBDB, TD Easy Trade and Desjardins.

What matters is not just the headline but the fine print: ECN charges, FX conversion and option contract fees can change the true cost of trading.

As you compare services, weigh fees against user experience, available accounts (TFSA, RRSP) and customer support. That way, you keep more of your money and shape a portfolio that suits your style.

Why zero-commission trading matters in Canada right now

Brokerages across the country have slashed visible trading costs as they fight for customers.

That competition has reshaped the market quickly. Questrade, Wealthsimple Trade and NBDB now advertise $0 stock and ETF trades, while Qtrade and others run promo lists and cash-back offers.

Be clear on what “free” actually means. Some platforms add ECN fees, FX spreads on U.S. trades, or route orders in ways that affect execution. Cash balances may earn little while the platform earns more.

The present landscape: competition, promos and lower fees

• Platforms cut visible commissions to win customers and run short-term promos.
• Promotions like free ETF lists or trade credits help, but they end.
• Read reviews and compare data on FX rates, ECN and per-contract option charges.

What “free” really means for your portfolio and returns

Lower visible fees can help if you trade often. But long-term investors often gain more from low-cost, disciplined investment than from frequent trading.

The best investing apps in Canada for zero-commission trading: our top picks

You’ll see real differences once you compare fees, tools and customer service side by side. Below are concise notes to help you pick a trading platform that matches your goals.

• Qtrade — 100+ commission-free etfs for buy/sell, polished platform, strong customer service. Stock trades cost $8.75 (discounts available) and options start at $6.95 + $1/contract. No annual fee.
• Questrade — $0 stock and ETF trades on headline, but ECN fees can appear. Excellent research tools; options start at $9.95 + $1/contract. Good for data-driven investors.
• Wealthsimple Trade — truly $0 stock and ETF trades, sleek mobile app and basic features. No options on Trade; crypto has fees. Great for new, mobile-first users.
• NBDB — bank-backed stability with $0 online stock/etf trades and low per-contract pricing. Watch for an annual fee if your account is small or inactive.
• TD Easy Trade — goal-focused app, 50 free stock trades yearly then $9.99. Limited product scope (TD ETFs mainly) but friendly for goal-based saving.
• Disnat (Desjardins) — $0 stock/ETF trades but check inactivity and platform costs; advanced tools can add monthly charges.

best investing apps Canada zero commission

We screen platforms by practical costs and everyday usability to find what works for real investors.

How we select: you should know the clear factors we track. We prioritise ongoing fees over fleeting promos because recurring costs shape your long-term returns.

We test each trading platform on desktop and mobile for reliable execution and simple order workflows. Account options matter too TFSA, RRSP and non‑registered accounts must be easy to open and fund.

• We flag real fees beyond headlines: ECN charges, FX conversion and per‑contract option costs.
• Data quality, research tools and educational resources earn higher marks.
• Customer service response and transfer costs are part of our evaluation.
• Security checks include IIROC membership and CIPF coverage as minimums.

Quick note: our reviews blend data, hands‑on testing and public reviews so you can pick a platform that fits your goals.

Beyond “free”: the hidden fees and trade-offs you should expect

Hidden costs often turn a headline 'no-fee' promise into a higher all-in cost for your trades.

ECN and per-contract charges

If you trade frequently, small fees add up. ECN charges appear on some orders even when commissions are zero Questrade is one example where this can occur.

Options usually carry per-contract fees. Qtrade charges about $1/contract and NBDB around $1.25/contract. That matters for multi-leg strategies.

FX conversions for U.S. stock and etfs

Buying U.S. stock or ETFs often triggers an FX conversion. The spread between buy and sell rates is a real fee that can erode returns if you swap currencies often.

Order handling, execution quality and cash spreads

How your orders are routed affects fills and price improvement. Some venues use payment for order flow; focus on execution quality rather than the label alone.

Platforms may also earn on your idle funds by paying lower interest than they receive. Move excess cash into short-term funds if you want better returns on that money.

Comparing fees and commissions across Canadian trading platforms

A platform's advertised rate rarely tells the whole story about what you will pay.

Look at all costs not just the headline. You should total trade charges, FX spreads, per-contract option fees and any account-level charges before deciding where to open an account.

Stock and ETF trades: $0 claims vs real costs

Questrade, Wealthsimple Trade, NBDB and Disnat advertise $0 stock and etfs trades but they can still add ECN fees or FX spreads on U.S. orders.

Qtrade offers 100+ free ETFs but charges $8.75 for many stock trades. TD Easy Trade gives 50 free stock trades a year, then $9.99.

Options pricing: base fees plus per-contract charges

Options costs combine a base fee and a per-contract charge. NBDB lists $0 base + $1.25/contract; Disnat often adds $1.25/contract with an $8.75 minimum.

Account fees: inactivity, annual, and transfer-out

• Watch waivable inactivity or annual fees at NBDB and Disnat.
• Transfer-out charges can erode value if you move your portfolio later.
• Active traders should optimise for all-in cost per order, not just zero commission claims.

"Check monthly totals small per-trade fees compound faster than you think."

Features that matter for Canadian investors

Your everyday experience with an app from login speed to order tickets shapes how well you trade.

Mobile app experience for trading on the go

If you live on your phone, choose a mobile app with intuitive order tickets and fast portfolio views.

Wealthsimple Trade is built for simplicity. Questrade and bank-owned platforms offer deeper menus but can feel heavier.

Research tools, data, and educational resources

Research depth helps you make smarter decisions. Look for screeners, analyst ratings and near real-time quotes.

Platforms like Questrade and Qtrade provide advanced charting and simulators. That kind of resources speed up learning.

Customer service quality and response times

Fast, knowledgeable support matters when markets move. Slow help can cost you a trade or create stress.

Check recent user feedback for patterns on outages, slowness or delays before you commit.

"Prioritise the features that match how you trade simplicity for quick orders or depth for advanced strategies."

Safety and regulation: keeping your money secure

Before you fund an account, confirm that oversight and protections are in place.

IIROC oversight and CIPF protection

Canadian brokers are usually regulated by IIROC and participate in CIPF. CIPF can cover up to $1 million per account category if a firm becomes insolvent. Major names like Questrade, Wealthsimple, Interactive Brokers Canada, TD Direct Investing, RBC Direct Investing, NBDB and Desjardins are IIROC members and CIPF participants.

Security on the platform matters too. Look for strong encryption and two‑factor authentication. Check device authorisations and whether the bank-owned or independent provider offers quick customer service during incidents.

Practical checks before you trade:

• Verify IIROC membership and CIPF participation so your accounts are covered.
• Confirm two‑factor authentication, trade confirmations and withdrawal locks.
• Read privacy and data policies to know how your information is stored and shared.
• Understand that market losses are not insured; CIPF covers custodial failures and missing assets only.

Account types to match your goals

Your choice of account shapes how taxes, fees and flexibility affect returns.

TFSA: tax-free growth for long-term investing

A TFSA helps your gains grow tax-free. Use it for long-term savings and compounding without tax on withdrawals.

Many platforms Qtrade, Questrade, Wealthsimple Trade and NBDB support TFSA and may waive annual charges with minimum balances or activity.

RRSP: retirement-focused contributions and deferrals

An RRSP is built for retirement. Contributions can lower your taxable income now, while taxes are deferred until withdrawal.

Check each provider for eligible funds, limits and how transfers or transfers-in fees apply when you move an investment between firms.

Non-registered accounts: flexibility for active traders

Non-registered accounts offer fewer restrictions and let you trade freely. Capital gains and losses are taxed normally.

Confirm FX conversion policies for U.S. trades, ease of automatic deposit setup, and how the platform lists supported funds and ETFs.

"Choose the mix that matches your timeline: TFSA for flexible tax-free growth, RRSP for retirement, and non‑registered for extra flexibility."

Who each platform is best for

Pick a trading platform that matches how you actually trade. Some platforms prioritise simplicity and a smooth mobile experience. Others focus on research, order types and advanced tools.

New investors and mobile-first users

Wealthsimple Trade suits you if you want a clean app and simple stock and ETF trades without clutter.

TD Easy Trade works well when you prefer goal tracking and guided features. It gives a structured path for saving and learning.

Qtrade is a strong choice if you value friendly customer service and a large free ETF list for long-term portfolio building.

Active traders and options-focused investors

Questrade appeals to active traders who need robust research and solid options support. Remember ECN fees can apply.

NBDB fits cost-conscious traders who want big-bank backing, $0 online trades and clear per-contract options pricing.

Compare per-contract charges, platform features and user reviews before you commit execution and support matter when timing trades.

• If fast support matters, prioritise platforms with strong customer service reputations.
• Options-focused investors should test order entry and pricing on demo or low-stakes trades first.
• Read recent reviews to confirm app reliability, outages and execution speed for your chosen platform.

How to start investing today with low fees

Ready to move from planning to action? Pick a trading platform that matches your style, then open and fund an account with a small deposit. Many providers let you verify ID and link your bank in minutes.

Open and fund your account with a low minimum deposit

Choose a trading platform with low fees and clear terms on inactivity or transfer charges. Some firms offer $0 stock and ETF trades but still add ECN or FX costs, while Qtrade lists 100+ free ETFs and easy onboarding tools.

Make a modest first deposit and set up automatic deposits so your money works steadily toward your goals.

Build a diversified portfolio with stock and ETF trades

Start trading with a mix of stocks and etfs for broad exposure. If you want instant diversification, consider an all-in-one ETF instead of several tickers.

• Practice small trades first to learn the app and order types.
• Track total fees: ECN, FX on U.S. shares, per-contract option costs and any account charges.
• Use watchlists, alerts and basic research to keep decisions repeatable.

"Set a simple process, stick to regular deposits, and review fees regularly."

For a quick primer on budgeting and funding goals, see this helpful funding guide to pair with your new account.

Ready to start trading and keep more of your returns

Start by choosing a platform that suits your goals, open an account with a small deposit, and place a modest trade to learn the flow.

Use low-fee stock etf trades where available, but watch for ECN, FX and per-contract options charges so you really keep more of your money.

Pick from known names Qtrade (100+ free ETFs), Questrade, Wealthsimple Trade, NBDB, TD Easy Trade or Disnat all IIROC members with CIPF protection. Check reviews, customer service and product access before you commit.

Automate regular contributions into a core ETF or funds, practise with small orders, and review fees and performance monthly. With a clear plan and tight security, you can start investing and start trading on terms that protect your returns.

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