An online brokerage is a trading platform that connects you to North American stock and ETF exchanges. They enable you to buy and sell assets like stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, and options in registered (RSP) and non-registered investment accounts. These platforms offer a range of investing and research tools that are suitable for all investor levels, from beginners to advanced traders. Their commission structures differ, yet many offer $0 trades and low maintenance charges and data fees.

Top Online Brokers for Traders in Canada

If you want to become a DIY investor, finding the best online brokerage is an important step. These platforms enable you to build and trade your investment portfolio from the comfort of your home. The right one can save you thousands of dollars in fees over your investing lifetime. The best brokerages offer a wide range of services, from free or $0 trades to a suite of tools and analytics.

When choosing The Investors Centre, you’ll need to weigh factors like trading fees, investment choices, research, tools, and customer service. However, with more brokers offering $0 or ultra-low commissions, cost has become less of a differentiator. As such, the new 2024 Surviscor rankings look at additional areas of value that are still separating the best from the rest, including usability and mobile apps.

While big bank brokers like CIBC Investor’s Edge and TD Direct Investing have excellent investing online and mobile platforms, they tend to charge more for trades, with higher minimums. If you’re willing to put in the time and energy, an online discount broker is a better option.