The best trading platforms are easy to use, have low or no fees and offer all the features you need to trade confidently. To help you compare options and find the best platform for your needs, we found the 10 best stock trading platforms and apps in Canada.
Our top picks for stock trading platforms
10 best trading platforms and apps in Canada for 2025
- Best overall trading platform: Questrade
- Best for low-cost online trading: Interactive Brokers
- Best platform for trading features: RBC Direct Investing
- Best for well-rounded trading experience: Qtrade Direct Investing
- Best trading platform for beginners: CIBC Investor’s Edge
- Best online and mobile trading app: Moomoo
- Best brokerage for commodity trading: Scotia iTRADE
- Best platform for an easy-to-use interface: BMO InvestorLine
- Best brokerage for trading Canadian stocks: Wealthsimple
- Best from a Big Six bank: National Bank Direct Brokerage
Why trust Finder
- 14+ online brokers reviewed and rated by our team of experts
- Evaluated under our unbiased rating system covering five categories
We're big on editorial independence. That means our content, reviews and ratings are fair, accurate and trustworthy. We don't let advertisers or partners sway our opinions. Our financial experts put in the hard work, spending hours researching and analyzing hundreds of products based on data-driven methodologies to find the best accounts and providers for you. Explore our editorial guidelines to see how we work.
1. Questrade—Best overall trading platform and app
Questrade
9.1 Excellent
Stock Trading Fee | $0 |
---|---|
Account Fee | $0 |
FX Fee | 1.5% |
Min. Deposit | $0 |
Questrade app store reviews
Google Play app reviews | QuestMobile: 3.9/5 stars based on 4,686 reviews Questrade Edge Mobile: 1.9/5 stars based on 438 reviews |
Apple App Store app reviews | QuestMobile: 4.6/5 stars based on around 7,900 reviews Questrade Edge Mobile: 2.5/5 stars based on 476 reviews |
2. Interactive Brokers—Best for low margin rates
Interactive Brokers
8.8 Great
Stock Trading Fee | Max. 0.5% |
---|---|
Account Fee | $0 |
FX Fee | 0.2 bps trade value, min $2.00 |
Min. Deposit | $0 |
Interactive Brokers app store reviews
Google Play app reviews | IBKR GlobalTrader: 4.0/5 stars based on 983 reviews IBKR Mobile: 4.5/5 stars based on 48,849 reviews |
Apple App Store app reviews | IBKR GlobalTrader: 2.7/5 stars based on 23 reviews IBKR Mobile: 4.5/5 stars based on 3,999 reviews |
3. RBC Direct Investing—Best platform for trading features
RBC Direct Investing
7.9 Great
Trade stocks, bonds, ETFs, mutual funds, GICs, IPO shares and more with RBC's robust online and mobile trading platforms. It's also one of the few trading platforms that offers extended trading hours, robo-advisory services, precious metals certificates and a demo practice trading account where you can trade with $100,000 in fake funds. Sign up and get real-time quotes for stocks and ETFs, and save on commissions when you make 150+ trades per quarter. View all your RBC banking and investment account balances on the same app.
Stock Trading Fee | $9.95 |
---|---|
Account Fee | $100 |
FX Fee | 0.10% - 1.60% |
Min. Deposit | $0 |
RBC Mobile app store reviews
Google Play app reviews | 2.3/5 stars based on around 44,800 reviews |
Apple App Store app reviews | 4.7/5 stars based on 209,433 reviews |
4. Qtrade Direct Investing—Best for a well-rounded trading experience
Qtrade Direct Investing
7.7 Great
Stock Trading Fee | $6.95 - $8.75 |
---|---|
Account Fee | $0 - $25/quarter |
Min. Deposit | $0 |
Qtrade Direct app store reviews
Google Play app reviews | 3.7/5 stars based on 209 reviews |
Apple App Store app reviews | 3.4/5 stars based on 234 reviews |
5. CIBC Investor’s Edge—Best trading platform for beginners
CIBC Investor's Edge
7.6 Great
Stock Trading Fee | $0–$6.95 |
---|---|
Account Fee | $100 |
FX Fee | Varies |
Min. Deposit | $0 |
CIBC Investor’s Edge app store reviews
Google Play app reviews | 3.5/5 stars based on 5,295 reviews |
Apple App Store app reviews | 3.7/5 stars based on 7,472 reviews |
6. Moomoo—Best online and mobile trading app
Moomoo Financial Canada
7.4 Great
Stock Trading Fee | $0.0099 - $$0.0149 |
---|---|
Account Fee | $0 |
FX Fee | 0.09% + USD$2 |
Min. Deposit | $0 |
Moomoo app store reviews
Google Play app reviews | 4.5/5 stars based on 36,999 reviews |
Apple App Store app reviews | 4.6/5 stars based on 1,631 reviews |
7. Scotia iTRADE—Best brokerage for commodity trading
Scotia iTRADE
7.9 Great
Stock Trading Fee | $4.99–$9.99 |
---|---|
Account Fee | $100 |
FX Fee | Varies |
Min. Deposit | $0 |
Scotia iTRADE app store reviews
Google Play app reviews | 3.6/5 stars based on 4,056 reviews |
Apple App Store app reviews | 4.2/5 stars based on 11,362 reviews |
8. BMO InvestorLine—Best platform for an easy-to-use interface
BMO InvestorLine
7.9 Great
Stock Trading Fee | $9.95 ($3.95 for active traders) |
---|---|
Account Fee | $0 - $100 |
Min. Deposit | $0 |
BMO Invest app store reviews
Google Play app reviews | 3.5/5 stars based on 1,085 reviews |
Apple App Store app reviews | 4.4/5 stars based on 3,006 reviews |
9. Wealthsimple—Best brokerage for trading Canadian stocks
Wealthsimple
7.3 Great
Stock Trading Fee | $0 |
---|---|
Account Fee | $0 |
FX Fee | 1.50% |
Min. Deposit | $0 |
Wealthsimple app store reviews
Google Play app reviews | 3.7/5 stars based on 79,284 reviews |
Apple App Store app reviews | 4.6/5 stars based on 125,631 reviews |
10. National Bank Direct Brokerage—Best trading platform by a Big Six Bank
National Bank Direct Brokerage
7.3 Great
Stock Trading Fee | $0 |
---|---|
Account Fee | $100 |
FX Fee | Varies |
Min. Deposit | $0 |
National Bank Direct Brokerage app store reviews
Google Play app reviews | 4.6/5 stars based on 656 reviews |
Apple App Store app reviews | 4.7/5 stars based on around 2,400 reviews |
Methodology: How we choose the best stock trading accounts
Finder’s investments experts reviewed 14+ brokerages available on the market to narrow down the best brokerage accounts and stock trading apps for trading and investing.
We analyzed each platform based on 40 key metrics we collected directly from brokerages and assessed each provider’s performance based on five different categories, weighing each metric based on the expertise and insights of Finder’s investment experts. We then scored and ranked each provider depending on how it performed in each category.
See how we weigh the overall rating
Investment options | Trading costs, rates and fees | Features and amenities | User experience and support | Regulatory compliance |
---|---|---|---|---|
30% | 30% | 20% | 10% | 10% |
We update our best picks as products change, disappear or emerge in the market. We also regularly review and revise our selections to ensure our best provider lists reflect the most competitive available.
Summary: Canada’s best stock trading platforms
Platform | Stock trading fee | ETF transaction fee | Account fee | Minimum deposit |
---|---|---|---|---|
Questrade | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Max. 0.5% | Min. $1.00, Max. 0.5% | $0 | $0 | |
$9.95 | $9.95 ($6.95 if you place 150+ trades per quarter) | $100 | $0 | |
$6.95 - $8.75 | $0 - $8.75 | $0 - $25/quarter | $0 | |
$0–$6.95 | $6.95 | $100 | $0 | |
$0.0099 - $$0.0149 | USD$0.0099/stock | $0 | $0 | |
Scotia iTRADE | $4.99–$9.99 | $9.99 ($4.99 if completed 150 trades or more a quarter) | $100 | $0 |
BMO InvestorLine | $9.95 ($3.95 for active traders) | $0 - $9.95 | $0 - $100 | $0 |
Wealthsimple | $0 | Free | $0 | $0 |
National Bank Direct Brokerage | $0 | $0 | $100 | $0 |
What is the best stock trading app in Canada for mobile?
Out of the apps we reviewed, the highest rated stock trading app overall is the National Bank Direct Brokerage app, followed by Moomoo and Interactive Brokers. These trading apps performed the best across both the Apple App store for iOS and the Google Play Store.
Here is a summary of stock trading app ratings in Canada for iPhones and Androids:
Google Play Store | Apple App Store | |
---|---|---|
Questrade | QuestMobile 4,680+ reviews Questrade Edge Mobile 430+ reviews | QuestMobile 7,900+ reviews Questrade Edge Mobile 470+ reviews |
Interactive Brokers | IBKR GlobalTrader 980+ reviews IBKR Mobile 48,840+ reviews | IBKR GlobalTrader 20+ reviews IBKR Mobile 3,990+ reviews |
RBC Mobile | 2.3 – ★★★★★ 44,800+ reviews | 4.7 – ★★★★★ 209,430+ reviews |
Qtrade | 3.7 – ★★★★★ 200+ reviews | 3.4 – ★★★★★ 230+ reviews |
CIBC Investor’s Edge | 3.5 – ★★★★★ 5,290+ reviews | 3.7 – ★★★★★ 7,470+ reviews |
Moomoo | 4.5 – ★★★★★ 36,990+ reviews | 4.6 – ★★★★★ 1,630+ reviews |
Scotia iTRADE | 3.6 – ★★★★★ 4,050+ reviews | 4.2 – ★★★★★ 11,360+ reviews |
BMO InvestorLine | 3.5 – ★★★★★ 1,080+ reviews | 4.4 – ★★★★★ 3,000+ reviews |
Wealthsimple | 3.7 – ★★★★★ 79,280+ reviews | 4.6 – ★★★★★ 125,630+ reviews |
National Bank Direct Brokerage | 4.6 – ★★★★★ 650+ reviews | 4.7 – ★★★★★ 2,400+ reviews |
What is the best free stock trading app in Canada?
Based on our top picks, the best free stock trading apps that don’t charge a trading fee and come with a $0 account fee are Questrade and Moomoo.
Most stock trading apps are free to download and free to sign up for an account. But there are fees you need to be aware of when you trade.
The most common fee is the brokerage’s commission. While some brokers charge $0 commissions on certain assets, many charge a flat fee per trade. Even if an app advertises fee-free trading, this typically only applies to a limited selection of assets (such as Canadian stocks and ETFs).
There are other fees to be aware of too. Many (but not all) brokerages charge a monthly fee if your account balance doesn’t exceed a minimum limit, while fees and currency conversion costs may apply if you trade foreign stocks and ETFs.
That’s why, even if a brokerage says it offers “$0 commissions” or “no fees,” it’s always important to check the fine print. Compare a range of apps to find the best free stock trading app for you.

"I opened a self directed investing account with Questrade after researching RESP trading accounts. Wealthsimple has an option for a robo account but I wanted to build my own portfolio. I love the interface on desktop and the app is good after you get the hang of it. ETF trades are free which is what I was looking for. The CESG match is automatically deposited into the trading account which is great. You do need to make an initial deposit of $1,000 when opening the account which might not be ideal for everyone."
What is the best bank-based trading platform in Canada?
The trading platforms offered by banks that made our list of the best trading brokerages are CIBC Investor’s Edge, RBC Direct Investing, Scotia iTRADE, BMO InvestorLine and National Bank Direct Brokerage. These banks offer well-rounded trading platforms with competitive features and fee structures.
TD Canada Trust also offers various online stock trading platforms, with its TD Direct Investing platform offering similar features to its Big Bank counterparts and narrowly falling short of a spot on our list of best trading platforms. Notably, TD additionally offers TD Easy Trade, which is its more scaled back, free trading platform.
What is the best trading platform for options trading?
The best trading platform for options trading is Questrade. Notably, Questrade also offers commission-free trades for stock and ETFs and the lowest overall options trading fees out of all of the trading platforms we researched, at $0 + $0.99 per contract.
What is the best trading platform for beginners?
Our pick for the best trading platform for beginners is CIBC Investor’s Edge, because it offers a user-friendly platform, educational resources and analysis/research tools to help you get started. As a new investor, you’ll also appreciate having access to analyst reports from CIBC Capital Markets, Thomson Reuters and more to help you decide when it’s best to buy, sell or hold.
Is there a difference between online trading platforms and trading apps?
The only real difference between online trading platforms and a trading app is the device—online trading is typically done on a computer, while mobile trading is done through an app.
That said, almost all trading platforms in Canada offer the exact same features on both their online platforms and mobile apps, so people tend to use the terms interchangeably.
If being able to manage your portfolio and make trades on the go is a top priority for you, than look for a platform that offers a well-developed mobile app. If you’re an active trader, having a more robust online trading platform will likely be more valuable to you.
What is the best online brokerage in Canada?
Our top pick for the best online brokerage is also our pick for the best overall trading platform—Questrade. It offers a wide range of trading options, including some less-common ones like fractional shares, precious metals, IPOs, mutual funds and forex trading. You can also access a paper trading account to practice different trading strategies with no risk. You can access all of these tools and resources through Questrade’s online brokerage platform and highly-rated mobile app.
How to choose the best trading app and platform
The best trading app for you might not be the same for someone else. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced investor, you have your own unique requirements for a trading app. That’s why it’s important to consider the following factors when comparing your options.
Brokerage fees
Even the best trading platforms will charge some fees. Some brokerages don’t charge any commissions on Canadian stock and ETF trades, while others charge a flat fee that’s typically $5–$10 per trade. Still others charge a fee based on the number of stocks you buy, for example $0.01 per share.
Other fees
There are a few other fees that may apply, such as:
- Subscription fees to access features like market news, real-time data and expert analysis
- Inactivity fees if you don’t make any trades for a specified period of time
- Minimum balance fees if your account balance is less than a specified minimum
- Currency conversion fees if you trade on foreign markets
Ease of use
The best stock trading apps are easy to use right from the moment you sign up. A user-friendly interface is particularly important if you’re a novice investor, so search for an app that’s simple and intuitive. Reading user reviews is a great way to work out if an app is well designed.
Market access
Do you only want to trade Canadian stocks and ETFs, or do you want to invest in US, European, Asian and emerging markets? If you want to trade international stocks, be aware that not all brokerages provide access to foreign stock exchanges. Check the list of exchanges you can access and what fees apply for overseas trading.
Tradable assets
Check which securities you can trade from each brokerage’s app. The best trading platforms will give you access to wide-range of trading options, such as:
- Stocks
- ETFs
- Options
- Bonds
- Futures
- Mutual funds
- Forex
- Cryptocurrencies
Research and analysis
Find out what sort of research and analysis you can access through the app. For example, you may be able to access in-depth market analysis from the brokerage’s in-house team or a third-party service plus be kept up to date with the latest market news.
Minimum investment amount
Check if the brokerage has a minimum account balance requirement. Some providers don’t have any minimum limits, but others will charge a monthly fee if your balance is less than a specified amount.
Customer support
If you ever have a problem with a trade or a question about your account, how can you get in touch with your brokerage’s customer support team? Check the contact methods available and the hours during which the support team is available. The best trading platforms will offer some type of online help center with useful resources like chat bots to help you find answers.
Other features
Put together a list of any other key features you want in a trading app, such as:
- Advanced charting tools and technical indicators
- Stock screeners that let you narrow down potential investments
- Automated investing with a robo-advisor
- Social trading that allows you to see and copy other people’s trades
- Educational resources to help you learn about trading and how to use the app’s features
Other platforms
If you’ll also be placing trades through your brokerage’s web-based or desktop platform, check if those platforms are user-friendly and offer all the key features you need. If there’s a free demo account, use it to put a platform through its paces with virtual, rather than real, money.
Is it regulated?
Make sure you only consider brokerages that are regulated by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO), and that the funds you deposit will be covered under the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF).
All of our picks for the best trading apps are members of CIRO and CIPF, meaning if a platform goes under, your money will be protected up to specified amounts. Some providers also offer two-factor authentication and high-level data encryption to keep your account safe.
User reviews
Beyond your phone’s app store where you can read user reviews, you can also explore customer feedback on sites like the Better Business Bureau and Reddit to find out what investors really think about the platform and what issues they run into. Are they happy with the app? Are there any major problems repeatedly mentioned in reviews? Is there a common theme about how the app could be improved?

"The best trading platforms are the ones that offer a combination of low fees, numerous investment options, a modern trading platform and plentiful resources that help you learn and grow as a trader. But at the end of the day, personal preference matters too."
What matters to Canadians when choosing a stock trading platform?
Unsurprisingly, the most important factor to Canadians when choosing the best trading platform is the platform’s fee and commission structure, according to the recent Finder: Consumer Sentiment Survey January 2025 where 34.97% selected that option.
The next two top priorities for Canadians choosing a trading platform were the range of tradable assets the platform offered (25.07%) and ensuring the platform had a user-friendly interface (23.98%).
What are the pros and cons of stock trading apps?
Before you download a stock trading app and sign up for an account, make sure you’re aware of the benefits and drawbacks of trading on the platform:
Pros
- User-friendly. The best stock trading apps in Canada provide a streamlined user experience, making it simple to start building your investment portfolio.
- Convenient. Stock trading apps make Canadian and global markets more accessible than ever before. You can buy and sell stocks with just a few taps, and make adjustments to your portfolio on the go.
- Feature-packed. The best stock trading platforms let you do more than just buy and sell stocks. They make it easy to track the performance of your portfolio, stay up to date with the latest market news and research potential investment opportunities.
- Low minimum investment. With many brokerages supporting fractional share trading, you don’t necessarily need a big savings balance to start trading.
Cons
- You need to understand the risks involved. The best stock trading apps make it quick and easy to invest in the stock market, so don’t fall into the trap of buying and selling on impulse. Research any potential investment carefully and understand the risks involved before you trade.
- Lack of advanced features. If you’re an experienced investor searching for advanced charting and technical analysis tools, you may prefer a desktop or web-based platform.
- Limited choice on some apps. Some trading apps only provide access to a limited range of tradable assets.
Bottom line
There are many things to consider when choosing a stock trading platform or app to buy and sell stocks and other securities. The right trading platform for you will match your needs, so if on-the-go trading is your number one concern, you’ll probably end up choosing a different app than someone who’s focused on commodity trading.
The key thing to remember is to do your research and compare a range of trading platforms first. Start with our range of trading platform reviews to get an idea of what’s available in Canada and the key features you need to consider.
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