Best Canadian Brokerages 2026
Side-by-side comparison of Canadian online brokerages — fees, account types, trading tools, and referral bonuses so you can choose the right platform for your situation.
Last updated July 2026
Full Comparison
| Brokerage | Referral Bonus | Min. Deposit | Commissions | Free Tax Returns | Cash Card | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🍁 Wealthsimple | $25 Free | $100 | $0 | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ⭐⭐⭐ Yes | Claim → |
| Questrade | $50 in trades | $1,000 | From $4.95 | ✗ No | ✗ No | ⭐⭐ Intermediate | See offer → |
| TD Direct Investing | None | $15,000 | $9.99 | ✗ No | ✗ No | Advanced | — |
| RBC Direct Investing | None | $15,000 | $9.95 | ✗ No | ✗ No | Advanced | — |
| CIBC Investor's Edge | None | $10,000 | $6.95 | ✗ No | ✗ No | Advanced | — |
Bonus amounts subject to change. Always verify current offers on each brokerage's website. Full comparison →
Best For Beginners
Wealthsimple is Canada's top pick for new investors — $0 commissions, a clean mobile-first interface, and the widest account selection (TFSA, RRSP, FHSA, non-registered, robo-advisor, and cash in one app).
Best For Active Traders
Questrade offers lower trading costs for active traders, free ETF purchases, and advanced charting tools. Best for investors who trade frequently or want more sophisticated order types.
Most Canadians: Start With Wealthsimple
No trading commissions, no minimum deposit, and the best FHSA + TFSA + RRSP experience in Canada. Use code NLX83A to claim your $25 bonus.
Open Account — Get $25 Free →Wealthsimple vs Questrade: The Verdict
The two platforms solve different problems. Wealthsimple is built for the investor who wants to set up a TFSA or RRSP, buy ETFs commission-free, and rarely think about it — the app handles everything from FHSA to tax filing. Questrade is built for the investor who checks positions weekly, wants Level 2 data and advanced order types, and trades enough that per-trade pricing beats a subscription.
Both are CIRO-regulated and CIPF-protected (see how your money is protected), so safety isn't the deciding factor — fit is. If you're still unsure, our Wealthsimple review and Questrade guide go deeper on each.