In this article, we will list the top brokerage firms in Canada.
With RRSP season in the rearview mirror and potential trade tensions looming on the horizon, summer is the perfect time to evaluate your investing toolkit. DIY investors have never had more options—or better value—when it comes to choosing an online brokerage in Canada.
Having spent nearly two decades tracking the evolution of Canada’s online brokers, I’ve witnessed dramatic improvements across the board. Trading fees have dropped to nearly zero, user interfaces are more intuitive than ever, and intense competition has raised the bar for both features and customer service. Through my own hands-on experience with nearly every major brokerage platform—and the continuous feedback I receive from Million Dollar Journey readers—I’ve developed a strong sense of which platforms are excelling in 2025, and which still have room for improvement.
Whether you’re weighing Qtrade against Questrade, or deciding between the big bank brokerages like TD Direct Investing, RBC, or BMO, this updated guide will help you choose the platform that suits your investing style. From free ETF trades to robust mobile apps and welcome bonuses, we’ve broken down all the key factors: pricing, user experience, account flexibility, and customer support—still the biggest differentiator in the space.
Top Brokerage Firms in Canada (2025 Edition)
Qtrade
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Strengths: Commission-free ETF trades, industry-leading platform design, exceptional customer support
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Why it stands out: Consistently ranked #1 by The Globe and Mail and Surviscor
Questrade
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Strengths: Excellent for options trading, advanced market data tools
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Why it stands out: Great for active investors looking for low fees and powerful tools
TD Direct Investing
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Strengths: Clean and reliable platform, strong institutional backing
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Why it stands out: Top-rated by The Globe and Mail, great for those who want seamless integration with other TD services
BMO InvestorLine
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Strengths: Over 80 free ETF trades, established big-bank support
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Why it stands out: Ideal for ETF-focused investors looking for stability and convenience
RBC Direct Investing
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Strengths: Reliable mobile platform, access to extensive RBC research
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Why it stands out: Solid all-around experience backed by Canada’s largest bank
Scotia iTRADE
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Strengths: Convenient integration with other Scotiabank services
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Why it stands out: Higher ETF trading fees, but decent overall functionality and support
National Bank Direct Brokerage and CIBC Investor’s Edge also deserve honorable mentions for their growing value propositions, especially in terms of competitive pricing and improving digital tools.
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