Looking to invest but not sure where to start? Opening a brokerage account is a key step, and choosing the right brokerage account can make all the difference.
With so many options out there, figuring out which one suits your needs best can be overwhelming.
Whether you’re after low fees, a user-friendly platform or a wide range of investment options, we’ve put together a list of some of the best brokerage accounts available to help you pick the right one for your needs.
And because trading fees are for the birds, we’ve only selected brokers for our list that charge no commissions for trading stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
15+ online brokers reviewed and rated by our team of experts
Evaluated under our unbiased rating system covering eight categories
20+ years of combined experience covering financial topics
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.
SoFi Invest®
4.2
★★★★★
Finder score
For full promotion terms please visit: https://www.sofi.com/acatoffer. SoFi does not accept cryptocurrencies and has limitations on some mutual funds and OTC stocks. Brokerage and Active Investing Products offered by SoFi Securities, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.
SoFi Invest offers a user-friendly trading experience with low-cost, straightforward market access. It's one of the few brokers in the industry that offers unlimited, complimentary access to financial planners, a no-advisory-fee robo-advisor for automated investing and matching IRA contributions.
Alongside commission-free trading of stocks, options, ETFs, mutual funds and alternative asset interval funds on a beginner-friendly interface, SoFi® members benefit from a suite of financial services, allowing them to invest, bank and borrow all within a single, integrated platform. This makes SoFi an attractive option for those seeking simplicity and comprehensive financial management.
Best for: Commission-free trading; IRA match; user experience; beginning investors; all-in-one financial services; automated investing.
Stock trade fee
$0
Minimum deposit
$0
Signup bonus
Get up to $10,000 cash
SoFi Invest offers a user-friendly trading experience with low-cost, straightforward market access. It's one of the few brokers in the industry that offers unlimited, complimentary access to financial planners, a no-advisory-fee robo-advisor for automated investing and matching IRA contributions.
Alongside commission-free trading of stocks, options, ETFs, mutual funds and alternative asset interval funds on a beginner-friendly interface, SoFi® members benefit from a suite of financial services, allowing them to invest, bank and borrow all within a single, integrated platform. This makes SoFi an attractive option for those seeking simplicity and comprehensive financial management.
Best for: Commission-free trading; IRA match; user experience; beginning investors; all-in-one financial services; automated investing.
Pros
$0 commission investing
No options contract fees
1% IRA contribution match
Access banking, lending, investing and other financial products from one platform
Public's expanding list of tradable assets allows investors to build diversified portfolios from a single platform. Beyond traditional assets like stocks, options, ETFs, bonds and treasuries, Public also offers access to crypto, music royalties and a high-yield cash account, providing a unique and comprehensive investment experience.
Public offers commission-free trading for stocks, ETFs and options, with rebates on options trades and no per-contract fees. Unlike many brokers, Public does not use payment for order flow on stocks and ETFs, prioritizing optimal order execution.
Best for: Traditional and alternative assets; user experience; commission-free trading; options rebates; no payment for order flow; high interest rates on uninvested cash
Stock trade fee
$0
Minimum deposit
$0
Signup bonus
Get up to $10,000 and transfer fees covered
Public's expanding list of tradable assets allows investors to build diversified portfolios from a single platform. Beyond traditional assets like stocks, options, ETFs, bonds and treasuries, Public also offers access to crypto, music royalties and a high-yield cash account, providing a unique and comprehensive investment experience.
Public offers commission-free trading for stocks, ETFs and options, with rebates on options trades and no per-contract fees. Unlike many brokers, Public does not use payment for order flow on stocks and ETFs, prioritizing optimal order execution.
Best for: Traditional and alternative assets; user experience; commission-free trading; options rebates; no payment for order flow; high interest rates on uninvested cash
Pros
Commission-free stocks, options and ETFs
No per-contract fees
Earn rebates on options
Access to alternative assets
High-yield cash account
No payment for order flow
Cons
Best tools and features are reserved for Public Premium members for $8 a month
Interactive Brokers caters to investors of all experience levels with a broad range of investment options and versatile trading platforms. For beginners, the IBKR GlobalTrader and IMPACT mobile platforms offer a straightforward investing experience. In contrast, advanced traders benefit from the powerful tools in IBKR and Trader Workstation, including interactive charts with over 90 indicators, analyst ratings, price targets and detailed company financials.
Trade commission-free stocks, options and ETFs, with additional access to precious metals, futures, cryptocurrencies and more. Interactive Brokers also provides a robo-advisor with professionally managed portfolios, ensuring a comprehensive investing experience.
Best for: Active trading; global market access; wide range of investment options; robust trading platforms; alternative investments.
Stock trade fee
$0
Minimum deposit
$0
Signup bonus
N/A
Interactive Brokers caters to investors of all experience levels with a broad range of investment options and versatile trading platforms. For beginners, the IBKR GlobalTrader and IMPACT mobile platforms offer a straightforward investing experience. In contrast, advanced traders benefit from the powerful tools in IBKR and Trader Workstation, including interactive charts with over 90 indicators, analyst ratings, price targets and detailed company financials.
Trade commission-free stocks, options and ETFs, with additional access to precious metals, futures, cryptocurrencies and more. Interactive Brokers also provides a robo-advisor with professionally managed portfolios, ensuring a comprehensive investing experience.
Best for: Active trading; global market access; wide range of investment options; robust trading platforms; alternative investments.
Robinhood offers a uniquely engaging platform for commission-free trading of stocks, ETFs, options and crypto, with no per-contract fees for options. Its IRAs provide up to 3% matching contributions for Robinhood Gold subscribers, or 1% without Gold. All customers, regardless of account level, get a 1% match on IRA transfers and 401(k) rollovers. Additionally, Gold members can earn up to 5% APY on uninvested cash.
Beyond these benefits, Robinhood offers 24/7 customer support, 24/5 market access, IPO access and the ability to transfer crypto into and out of your Robinhood Crypto account.
Best for: Commission-free trading; user experience; mobile trading; cryptocurrency investing; IRA match; high interest rates on uninvested cash; 24/5 market access.
Stock trade fee
$0
Minimum deposit
$0
Signup bonus
Get a free stock
Robinhood offers a uniquely engaging platform for commission-free trading of stocks, ETFs, options and crypto, with no per-contract fees for options. Its IRAs provide up to 3% matching contributions for Robinhood Gold subscribers, or 1% without Gold. All customers, regardless of account level, get a 1% match on IRA transfers and 401(k) rollovers. Additionally, Gold members can earn up to 5% APY on uninvested cash.
Beyond these benefits, Robinhood offers 24/7 customer support, 24/5 market access, IPO access and the ability to transfer crypto into and out of your Robinhood Crypto account.
Best for: Commission-free trading; user experience; mobile trading; cryptocurrency investing; IRA match; high interest rates on uninvested cash; 24/5 market access.
Pros
Commission-free stock, options, ETF and crypto trading
Designed primarily for derivatives trading, Tastytrade boasts competitive pricing on options and futures contracts. With commission-free trading on stocks and ETFs, no closing commissions on options and powerful platforms featuring advanced tools like profit and loss visualizations and a quick roll feature, it's built for serious traders.
Additionally, Tastytrade provides a robust learning center with videos and live demos, making it an excellent resource for those looking to enhance their trading skills.
Best for: Options trading; futures trading; active trading; educational content, live programming and webinars.
Stock trade fee
$0
Minimum deposit
$0
Signup bonus
Get $50-$5,000
Designed primarily for derivatives trading, Tastytrade boasts competitive pricing on options and futures contracts. With commission-free trading on stocks and ETFs, no closing commissions on options and powerful platforms featuring advanced tools like profit and loss visualizations and a quick roll feature, it's built for serious traders.
Additionally, Tastytrade provides a robust learning center with videos and live demos, making it an excellent resource for those looking to enhance their trading skills.
Best for: Options trading; futures trading; active trading; educational content, live programming and webinars.
Pros
Highly customizable trading platform
Extensive lineup of tradable derivative assets
Competitive options fee structure
Helpful educational resources and live programming
eToro's user-friendly platform offers commission-free trading of stocks, options and ETFs, with no per-contract fees for options. The platform provides advanced trading tools like TipRanks-powered analyst ratings, price targets, hedge fund activity, insider transactions and comprehensive charts, all within an intuitive interface.
Additionally, eToro allows you to trade cryptocurrencies, earn competitive interest on your options trading account cash balance and connect with a community of over 25 million users to exchange insights and discover new investment ideas.
Best for: Commission-free trading; social trading and investing; cryptocurrency investing; mobile trading.
Stock trade fee
$0
Minimum deposit
$0
Signup bonus
FINDER EXCLUSIVE: Get a guaranteed $15 bonus
eToro's user-friendly platform offers commission-free trading of stocks, options and ETFs, with no per-contract fees for options. The platform provides advanced trading tools like TipRanks-powered analyst ratings, price targets, hedge fund activity, insider transactions and comprehensive charts, all within an intuitive interface.
Additionally, eToro allows you to trade cryptocurrencies, earn competitive interest on your options trading account cash balance and connect with a community of over 25 million users to exchange insights and discover new investment ideas.
Best for: Commission-free trading; social trading and investing; cryptocurrency investing; mobile trading.
Pioneer of online trading, E*TRADE offers a wide range of investment options and account types, including custodial brokerage accounts, custodial IRAs and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts.
Trade commission-free stocks, ETFs, mutual funds and options, along with futures, bonds and CDs. E*TRADE also offers a robo-advisor for a straightforward, automated portfolio option, making it an ideal platform for both novice and experienced investors seeking diverse investing tools and services.
Best for: Active trading; investing for kids; robust trading platforms; research and analysis; automated investing.
Stock trade fee
$0
Minimum deposit
$0
Signup bonus
Get up to $1,000 terms apply
Pioneer of online trading, E*TRADE offers a wide range of investment options and account types, including custodial brokerage accounts, custodial IRAs and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts.
Trade commission-free stocks, ETFs, mutual funds and options, along with futures, bonds and CDs. E*TRADE also offers a robo-advisor for a straightforward, automated portfolio option, making it an ideal platform for both novice and experienced investors seeking diverse investing tools and services.
Best for: Active trading; investing for kids; robust trading platforms; research and analysis; automated investing.
Pros
Commission-free stocks, options, ETFs and mutual funds
Earn up to 75 fractional shares and an extra 2% APY for 30 days when you open an account and make an initial deposit of the qualified amount. T&C apply.
Webull's versatile yet user-friendly trading app offers an impressive array of powerful tools for on-the-go traders, without overcomplicating the experience. It includes customizable filters, over 10 order types and advanced charts with drawing tools, more than 50 indicators and 60+ on-chart technical signals. Traders can quickly assess stocks using analyst ratings, price targets, quant ratings and technical summary scores.
Trade futures and commission-free stocks, options and ETFs, with no per-contract fees on options. Additionally, Webull's learning center features over 500 courses, and its paper trading feature lets you practice with virtual money.
Best for: Commission-free trading; mobile trading; research and analysis; high interest on uninvested cash; automated investing.
Stock trade fee
$0
Minimum deposit
$0
Signup bonus
Earn up to 75 fractional shares and an extra 2% APY for 30 days
Webull's versatile yet user-friendly trading app offers an impressive array of powerful tools for on-the-go traders, without overcomplicating the experience. It includes customizable filters, over 10 order types and advanced charts with drawing tools, more than 50 indicators and 60+ on-chart technical signals. Traders can quickly assess stocks using analyst ratings, price targets, quant ratings and technical summary scores.
Trade futures and commission-free stocks, options and ETFs, with no per-contract fees on options. Additionally, Webull's learning center features over 500 courses, and its paper trading feature lets you practice with virtual money.
Best for: Commission-free trading; mobile trading; research and analysis; high interest on uninvested cash; automated investing.
Pros
Commission-free stock, options and ETF trades
No per-contract fees on options
Cryptocurrency available on Webull Pay
Cons
$2.99 per month for Level 2 data access
0.20% annual advisory fee for its robo-advisor
Available asset types
Stocks, Options, ETFs, Cryptocurrency
Account types
Brokerage, IRA
Annual fee
$0 per month
Minimum deposit
$0
Signup bonus
Earn up to 75 fractional shares and an extra 2% APY for 30 days
Cash sweep APY
5%
Stock trade fee
$0
Minimum deposit
$0
Signup bonus
Earn up to 75 fractional shares and an extra 2% APY for 30 days
Trade commission-free stocks, options, ETFs and Schwab mutual funds while accessing an extensive lineup of investment options and account types, global markets and top-tier research and analysis tools. Beginner investors will find comprehensive educational content, financial planning resources and 24/7 customer support. Meanwhile, Schwab's renowned thinkorswim platform empowers advanced traders with elite tools and resources for a sophisticated trading experience.
Schwab also offers direct indexing, a robo-advisor for automated investing and personalized financial advisory services. This combination of advanced trading capabilities and personalized investment options makes Schwab a comprehensive choice for both novice and seasoned investors
Best for: Active trading; robust trading platforms; range of investment options and account types; research and planning tools; automated investing; mutual funds.
Stock trade fee
$0
Minimum deposit
$0
Signup bonus
Get a $101 bonus
Trade commission-free stocks, options, ETFs and Schwab mutual funds while accessing an extensive lineup of investment options and account types, global markets and top-tier research and analysis tools. Beginner investors will find comprehensive educational content, financial planning resources and 24/7 customer support. Meanwhile, Schwab's renowned thinkorswim platform empowers advanced traders with elite tools and resources for a sophisticated trading experience.
Schwab also offers direct indexing, a robo-advisor for automated investing and personalized financial advisory services. This combination of advanced trading capabilities and personalized investment options makes Schwab a comprehensive choice for both novice and seasoned investors
Best for: Active trading; robust trading platforms; range of investment options and account types; research and planning tools; automated investing; mutual funds.
Pros
Commission-free stocks, option, ETFs and Schwab mutual funds
Fidelity stands out by offering a wide range of investment options — including bitcoin and ether — top-tier research and trading tools and beginner-friendly resources, including educational content and 24/7 customer support.
Notably, Fidelity boasts some of the lowest fees in the industry, with commission-free trading on stocks, ETFs, options and Fidelity mutual funds. The broker also avoids many common account fees, such as outgoing account transfer fees and statement fees.
Additionally, Fidelity offers industry-leading financial planning and advice, including human and robo-advisor portfolio management, free financial plans and investing accounts for minors.
Best for: Range of investment options and account types; low costs; research and planning tools; crypto access; automated investing.
Stock trade fee
$0
Minimum deposit
$0
Signup bonus
N/A
Fidelity stands out by offering a wide range of investment options — including bitcoin and ether — top-tier research and trading tools and beginner-friendly resources, including educational content and 24/7 customer support.
Notably, Fidelity boasts some of the lowest fees in the industry, with commission-free trading on stocks, ETFs, options and Fidelity mutual funds. The broker also avoids many common account fees, such as outgoing account transfer fees and statement fees.
Additionally, Fidelity offers industry-leading financial planning and advice, including human and robo-advisor portfolio management, free financial plans and investing accounts for minors.
Best for: Range of investment options and account types; low costs; research and planning tools; crypto access; automated investing.
Pros
Commission-free stocks, options, ETFs and Fidelity funds
Mobile, web-based and desktop trading platforms
Trade bitcoin and ether
Robo-advisor with no advisory fees under $25,000
24/7 customer support
Investing accounts for kids
Cons
$25,000 minimum to access a Fidelity financial advisor
While the top ten brokerage accounts highlighted in our list offer exceptional features and benefits, several other brokers worth considering narrowly missed making the cut. These “honorable mentions” still provide strong platforms, competitive fees and unique offerings that may suit your specific investing needs.
OPTO
3.1
★★★★★
Finder score
Earn up to $300 when you deposit between $500–$3,000
Opto's user-friendly mobile app, commission-free stock and ETF trading, minimal account fees and thematic investing options make it an excellent choice for beginners seeking a low-cost platform to start investing.
For those interested in cutting-edge technologies and trends, Opto's thematic investing approach offers a unique opportunity to tap into innovations driving future economic growth. With over 50 themes to choose from, including Robotics, AI, Blockchain, Pet Care and Clean Energy, investors can easily identify and capitalize on emerging trends.
Best for: Beginning investors; themed investing; commission-free trading; user experience.
Stock trade fee
$0
Minimum deposit
$0
Signup bonus
Earn up to $300
Opto's user-friendly mobile app, commission-free stock and ETF trading, minimal account fees and thematic investing options make it an excellent choice for beginners seeking a low-cost platform to start investing.
For those interested in cutting-edge technologies and trends, Opto's thematic investing approach offers a unique opportunity to tap into innovations driving future economic growth. With over 50 themes to choose from, including Robotics, AI, Blockchain, Pet Care and Clean Energy, investors can easily identify and capitalize on emerging trends.
Best for: Beginning investors; themed investing; commission-free trading; user experience.
Moomoo's capable trading app offers advanced, customizable charting and free access to pro-grade tools such as analyst ratings, real-time Level 2 market data and short sale analysis. Track market capital flow to help time transactions, view position cost distribution and other technical indicators and use Moomoo's Indicator Sentiment for a quick view of the overall status of all technical indicators.
Trade commission-free stocks, options and ETFs, with no per-contract fees for options. You'll also find a dedicated desktop trading platform, a high-yield cash sweep program and paper trading so you can practice and test your strategies before going live.
Best for: Active trading; commission-free trading; paper trading; research and analysis; high interest on uninvested cash.
Stock trade fee
$0
Minimum deposit
$0
Signup bonus
Get up to 15 free stocks
Moomoo's capable trading app offers advanced, customizable charting and free access to pro-grade tools such as analyst ratings, real-time Level 2 market data and short sale analysis. Track market capital flow to help time transactions, view position cost distribution and other technical indicators and use Moomoo's Indicator Sentiment for a quick view of the overall status of all technical indicators.
Trade commission-free stocks, options and ETFs, with no per-contract fees for options. You'll also find a dedicated desktop trading platform, a high-yield cash sweep program and paper trading so you can practice and test your strategies before going live.
Best for: Active trading; commission-free trading; paper trading; research and analysis; high interest on uninvested cash.
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Finder is not an advisor or brokerage service. Information on this page is for educational purposes only and not a recommendation to invest with any one company, trade specific stocks or fund specific investments. All editorial opinions are our own.
Methodology: How we choose the best brokerage accounts
Finder’s investments experts reviewed 18 brokers available on the market to narrow down the best brokerage accounts for trading and investing.
We analyzed each platform based on 147 key metrics we collected directly from brokers and assessed each provider’s performance based on eight different categories, weighing each metric based on the expertise and insights of Finder’s investment experts. We then scored and ranked each provider to determine the 10 best brokerage accounts and the best overall.
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.
How we weigh the overall rating
Category
Weighting
Investment options
20%
Trading platforms and technology
15%
Trading costs
15%
Account fees
10%
Account types and minimums
10%
Customer support
10%
Mobile app
5%
Features and amenities
15%
How do I open a brokerage account?
Choose a broker or robo-advisor, and complete a brief application by providing personal information such as your name, address, date of birth and Social Security number.
Completed applications are typically approved instantly, though the broker may take a couple of days to verify your information. Then, connect a bank account to fund your account.
What to look for when choosing the best brokerage account
Finder’s picks for the best brokerage accounts are meant to provide a starting point for finding the right broker for your investing style and goals.
Consider the following factors when comparing your options:
Fees. From trading fees to miscellaneous fees, it’s important to understand the cost to trade and invest. Consider which investment products you plan to trade and the fees that apply, but also be mindful of any back-end fees, such as inactivity or transfer fees, that can also eat into your profit.
Tradable assets. Not every broker offers the same investment options. Stocks, options and ETFs are standard, but some brokers will offer mutual funds, bonds, futures, forex, crypto and more.
Account types. What other account types, in addition to a brokerage account, does the broker offer? If you’re interested in saving for retirement, then compare brokers that offer IRAs. Consider your other investment needs and how important it is to maintain all your accounts under one roof.
Research and data tools. In-house research and tools simplify investing, as you don’t have to venture elsewhere to make an informed decision about an investment. If you’re a passive index investor, extensive research and analysis tools may not matter all that much. Active stock pickers may feel otherwise.
Mobile app reviews. Mobile trading is more popular than ever, allowing you to trade and invest from anywhere. Check out what current or previous customers say about the platform’s functionality.
Signup bonus. While it may not make sense to choose a broker solely based on whether or not it offers a signup bonus, a new customer incentive such as a free stock may be enough to help you choose one over another if all else is equal.
What a personal finance expert thinks about brokerage fees:
Online brokers have gone a long way in reducing fees, such as expense ratios for exchange-traded funds. However, there can still be significant fees, especially if you are trading actively. Even the best brokers can have high fees when making certain trades, such as when making stock/bond trades over the phone or when making rep-assisted trades. Be sure to pay attention to these fees when choosing a broker.
— Bob Haegele, Personal finance writer and expert
Compare and find the broker that's right for you
Match your experience level with your trading and investing goals to find the right broker for you.
If you're a
And want to
Consider this
Beginner investor
Do most or all of your trading on your mobile device
The best overall stock broker is Fidelity Investments, according to Finder’s analysis, for it offers the best combination of low costs, features, platform functionality and investments options. But, ultimately, you need to decide which broker is best for you.
Which brokerage account offers fractional shares?
Many brokerage accounts allow you to buy a portion of a share, known as fractional share investing. Happily, it’s now a common feature on many of the best brokerage accounts. All the online trading platforms featured above support fractional share trading in some way, but some terms and conditions may apply. For example, E*TRADE doesn’t support fractional share purchases but does allow you to reinvest dividends in fractional shares.
How much does it cost to open a brokerage account?
Most platforms don’t charge fees to open an account. However, you’ll need to fund your account before you can begin trading, and brokerage and account admin fees may also apply.
Matt Miczulski is an investments editor at Finder. With over 450 bylines, Matt dissects and reviews brokers and investing platforms to expose perks and pain points, explores investment products and concepts and covers market news, making investing more accessible and helping readers to make informed financial decisions.
Before joining Finder in 2021, Matt covered everything from finance news and banking to debt and travel for FinanceBuzz. His expertise and analysis on investing and other financial topics has been featured on CBS, MSN, Best Company and Consolidated Credit, among others. Matt holds a BA in history from William Paterson University. See full bio
Matt's expertise
Matt has written 204 Finder guides across topics including:
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Advertiser Disclosure
finder.com is an independent comparison platform and information service that aims to provide you with the tools you need to make better decisions. While we are independent, the offers that appear on this site are from companies from which finder.com receives compensation. We may receive compensation from our partners for placement of their products or services. We may also receive compensation if you click on certain links posted on our site. While compensation arrangements may affect the order, position or placement of product information, it doesn't influence our assessment of those products. Please don't interpret the order in which products appear on our Site as any endorsement or recommendation from us. finder.com compares a wide range of products, providers and services but we don't provide information on all available products, providers or services. Please appreciate that there may be other options available to you than the products, providers or services covered by our service.
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
