Want to start buying and selling stocks? You could score free trades, low fees or other rewards by signing up for an account with a stock broker that offers a special bonus for first-time clients. We’ve done the research and put together a list of the best brokerage account bonuses in Canada—and other promotional offers you may want to check out.
Wealthsimple is a self-directed brokerage that lets you trade stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) with zero commissions, zero account fees and no minimum balance. You can sign up for an account within minutes and start buying and selling stocks on Wealthsimple's user-friendly online platform or its highly-rated mobile app.
| Stock Trading Fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Account Fee | $0 |
| FX Fee | 0% - 1.50% |
| Min. Deposit | $0 |
Questrade offers both self-directed and professionally-managed investment portfolios. Established in 1999, this online investment platform and mobile app lets you invest in stocks, bonds, ETFs, GICs, forex, mutual funds, precious metals and more. ETF trades are free, and there are no account fees.
| Stock Trading Fee | $4.95-$9.95 |
|---|---|
| Account Fee | $0 |
| FX Fee | 1.5% |
| Min. Deposit | $1,000 |
Get 1% cashback or more, a $150 sign-up bonus & unlimited free trades until April 30th, 2025.
Another established online Canadian brokerage on our list, Qtrade lets you buy and sell Canadian and US stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds and GICs. Take advantage of Qtrade's solid market research and screening tools to find good investment opportunities. The quarterly account fee is waived if you hold a minimum balance of $25,000, and there are discounted fees for active traders.
| Stock Trading Fee | $6.95 - $8.75 |
|---|---|
| Account Fee | $0 - $25/quarter |
| Min. Deposit | $0 |
Here’s a list of signup bonuses and promotional deals offered by popular Canadian stock brokers including the ones above. Before creating an account, read the terms carefully to make sure you meet any eligibility requirements (for example, you may need to make a minimum deposit to qualify for a bonus).
| Provider | Highest signup bonus | Requirements | Lowest signup bonus | Requirements | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AvaTrade | $250 | Deposit $20,001+ USD (contact broker for larger deposits) | $50 | Minimum deposit is $300 | Read more |
| BMO InvestorLine adviceDirect | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Read more |
| CIBC Investor’s Edge | 100 free trades | Must be between 18 and 24 years old | N/A | N/A | Read more |
| Interactive Brokers | Read more | ||||
| National Bank Direct Brokerage | Waived $100 annual fee (ongoing benefit) | Must be an eligible professional or newcomer to Canada | N/A | N/A | Read more |
| Qtrade | $150 signup bonus + 1% cashback or more | Get 1% cashback or more, plus a $150 sign-up bonus. New clients also get unlimited free trades until April 30th, 2025. | N/A | N/A | Read more |
| Questrade | 5 free trades | N/A | N/A | Read more | |
| Scotia iTRADE | 10 free trades | Deposit at least $1,000. Must be a newcomer to Canada. | N/A | N/A | Read more |
| Wealthsimple | N/A | N/A | Read more |
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