VOL. XCIV, NO. 247

Firstrade Alternatives & Competitors

Checking

Replacement verdicts

Alternatives to Firstrade

Curated replacements grouped by fit, tradeoffs, pricing flexibility, and platform access. Use this list to decide which Firstrade competitor is worth testing first.

Looking for a Firstrade replacement? We've profiled 20 alternatives by workflow fit, pricing flexibility, caveats, and platform access. Whether you need a free option to trial, mobile-ready workflows, or API integrations, this list helps you choose what to test first.

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Disclosure: outbound links may include affiliate or sponsor links

Which Alternative Should You Use?

National Bank Direct Brokerage

Closest replacement

Best for: Canadian residents seeking $0 online Canadian and U.S. stock and ETF commissions.

National Bank Direct Brokerage best matches the base workflow on brokerage trading, options data, and portfolio tracking.
National Bank Direct Brokerage shares Free pricing with the base tool.

Watch for: Canada-only online opening: The online application requires Canadian residence and age 18 or older.

Details Compare

DEGIRO

Quality-checked pick

Best for: European investors looking for low-cost self-directed access to stocks, ETFs, bonds, funds, options, and futures.

DEGIRO best matches the base workflow on brokerage trading, portfolio tracking, and portfolio watchlists.
DEGIRO lists Other pricing, so compare the current plan against your existing setup.

Watch for: Execution-only broker: DEGIRO does not provide investment advice or portfolio management.

Open DEGIRO account

Details Compare

Qtrade Direct Investing

Strong runner-up

Best for: Canadian residents seeking $0 online equity, ETF and mutual-fund commissions.

Qtrade Direct Investing best matches the base workflow on brokerage trading, options data, and portfolio tracking.
Qtrade Direct Investing shares Free pricing with the base tool.

Watch for: Canada-only opening: New applicants must be Canadian residents and meet provincial or territorial age requirements.

Details Compare

TD Direct Investing

Strong runner-up

Best for: Canadian residents who need self-directed access to stocks, ETFs, options, funds, bonds, GICs, and research.

TD Direct Investing best matches the base workflow on brokerage trading, options data, and portfolio tracking.
TD Direct Investing lists Other pricing, so compare the current plan against your existing setup.

Watch for: Canada-only opening: Applicants must be Canadian residents and meet age and account-specific requirements.

Details Compare

Detailed Alternatives

I want to

Pay lessFill a gapUpgrade overall

Our ranked order by workflow overlap and quality.

1

Closest replacement

National Bank Direct Brokerage

Bottom line: Canadian residents seeking $0 online Canadian and U.S. stock and ETF commissions.

Keep

Brokerage
Portfolio
Watchlist
Options
Downloadable Tax Reports

Gain

Online Canadian and U.S. stocks and ETFs carry $0 stated commission.
A $100 annual administration fee is waived under published asset, age, InvestCube or offer conditions.
Uninvested brokerage credit balances currently pay 0% in the live pricing table.
CAD-USD conversion spreads fall from 1.70% to 0.60% across published transaction tiers.

Lose

Stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and listed options have $0 stated online commissions and $0 standard options contract fees.
International brokerage is available only for the current official matrix of 27 countries and regions.
Fractional trading covers selected equities and ETFs, but fractions cannot transfer and carry voting and liquidity limitations.
Firstrade currently posts 0.15% for brokerage credit interest and Apex FDIC-swept cash across all balance tiers.

Watch out

Verify your core workflow against the current feature set before switching.
Free-plan limits: Signup required, An approved Canadian-resident brokerage account is required, and The $100 annual administration fee requires a published waiver condition to avoid.
Canada-only online opening: The online application requires Canadian residence and age 18 or older.

Price: FirstradeTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction
National Bank Direct BrokerageTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction
Free tier: Paid only
Replacement: Drop-in replacement

Pricing checked 2026-09-02 via pricing.

Open NBDB Compare

Full review and details

2

Drop-in replacement

Qtrade Direct Investing

Bottom line: Canadian residents seeking $0 online equity, ETF and mutual-fund commissions.

Keep

Brokerage
Portfolio
Watchlist
Options
Downloadable Tax Reports

Gain

Online equities, ETFs and mutual funds carry $0 stated commission.
Online options cost $0 plus $0.75 per contract, with separate assignment and exercise fees.
Published cash-credit rates are 0% through C$2 million and 0.10% above in CAD, while USD remains 0%.
The official DRIP program purchases full shares only; direct fractional orders were not established.

Lose

Stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and listed options have $0 stated online commissions and $0 standard options contract fees.
International brokerage is available only for the current official matrix of 27 countries and regions.
Fractional trading covers selected equities and ETFs, but fractions cannot transfer and carry voting and liquidity limitations.
Firstrade currently posts 0.15% for brokerage credit interest and Apex FDIC-swept cash across all balance tiers.

Watch out

Verify your core workflow against the current feature set before switching.
Free-plan limits: Signup required, An approved Canadian brokerage account is required, and Transaction, product, service, FX and transfer fees can apply despite $0 equity and ETF commissions.
Canada-only opening: New applicants must be Canadian residents and meet provincial or territorial age requirements.

Price: FirstradeTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction
Qtrade Direct InvestingTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction
Free tier: Paid only
Replacement: Drop-in replacement

Pricing checked 2026-08-23 via pricing.

Open Qtrade Compare

Full review and details

3

Drop-in replacement

TD Direct Investing

Bottom line: Canadian residents who need self-directed access to stocks, ETFs, options, funds, bonds, GICs, and research.

Keep

Brokerage
Portfolio
Watchlist
Options
Downloadable Tax Reports

Gain

Whole-share Canadian and U.S. stocks cost $9.99 standard or $7 for Active Traders.
Eligible partial-share stock and ETF trades cost $1.99 and record holdings to five decimals.
Standard CAD, USD and registered brokerage credit balances currently pay 0%.
TD Easy Trade is a separate service with a narrower product set and different free-trade terms.

Lose

Stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and listed options have $0 stated online commissions and $0 standard options contract fees.
International brokerage is available only for the current official matrix of 27 countries and regions.
Fractional trading covers selected equities and ETFs, but fractions cannot transfer and carry voting and liquidity limitations.
Firstrade currently posts 0.15% for brokerage credit interest and Apex FDIC-swept cash across all balance tiers.

Watch out

Verify your core workflow against the current feature set before switching.
Free-plan limits: Signup required, An approved Canadian-resident brokerage account is required, and Most whole-share stock trades are paid; only select ETFs are commission-free.
Canada-only opening: Applicants must be Canadian residents and meet age and account-specific requirements.

Price: FirstradeTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction
TD Direct InvestingTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction
Free tier: Paid only
Replacement: Drop-in replacement

Pricing checked 2026-08-23 via pricing.

Open TD Direct Compare

Full review and details

4

Rakuten SecuritiesDrop-in replacementTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdictionPaid only

4

Drop-in replacement

Rakuten Securities

Bottom line: Japan residents who need Japanese and U.S. securities, funds, bonds, and derivatives in one account.

Keep

Brokerage
Portfolio
Watchlist
Options
Downloadable Tax Reports

Gain

Zero Course domestic cash-equity brokerage is ¥0 when its SOR/R-Cross conditions are accepted.
U.S. stock and ETF commissions are 0.495%, with a $0 minimum and $22 maximum before other charges.
Kabumini trades eligible Japanese shares below the standard lot from one share.
Segregated assets are backed by Japan Investor Protection Fund coverage up to ¥10 million if return fails.

Lose

Stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and listed options have $0 stated online commissions and $0 standard options contract fees.
International brokerage is available only for the current official matrix of 27 countries and regions.
Fractional trading covers selected equities and ETFs, but fractions cannot transfer and carry voting and liquidity limitations.
Firstrade currently posts 0.15% for brokerage credit interest and Apex FDIC-swept cash across all balance tiers.

Watch out

Avoid as a full replacement if you rely on dividend research.
Free-plan limits: Signup required, Applicants must be Japan residents and pass identity, tax and account screening, and Zero Course domestic pricing has SOR/R-Cross and electronic-service conditions.
Japan residents only: The modeled account is not open as a general overseas route, and non-resident customers face restrictions.

Price: FirstradeTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction
Rakuten SecuritiesTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction
Free tier: Paid only
Replacement: Drop-in replacement

Pricing checked 2026-08-23 via pricing.

Open Rakuten Securities Compare

Full review and details

5

SBI SecuritiesDrop-in replacementTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdictionPaid only

5

Drop-in replacement

SBI Securities

Bottom line: Japan residents who need domestic shares, U.S. securities, funds, bonds, and derivatives in one account.

Keep

Brokerage
Portfolio
Watchlist
Options
Downloadable Tax Reports

Gain

Zero Revolution lists ¥0 brokerage for eligible domestic cash, margin and S-share orders under its conditions.
U.S. security commissions are 0.495%, with a $0 minimum and $22 maximum before other charges.
S-shares provide eligible Japanese securities below the standard lot from one share.
Segregated assets have Japan Investor Protection Fund coverage up to ¥10 million if return fails.

Lose

Stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and listed options have $0 stated online commissions and $0 standard options contract fees.
International brokerage is available only for the current official matrix of 27 countries and regions.
Fractional trading covers selected equities and ETFs, but fractions cannot transfer and carry voting and liquidity limitations.
Firstrade currently posts 0.15% for brokerage credit interest and Apex FDIC-swept cash across all balance tiers.

Watch out

Avoid as a full replacement if you rely on dividend research.
Free-plan limits: Signup required, Applicants must be Japan residents and pass identity, My Number and bank-account checks, and Domestic zero brokerage requires electronic-delivery and course conditions.
Japan residents only: SBI limits opening to domestic residents and states it does not hold overseas securities-business licenses.

Price: FirstradeTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction
SBI SecuritiesTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction
Free tier: Paid only
Replacement: Drop-in replacement

Pricing checked 2026-08-23 via pricing.

Open SBI Securities Compare

Full review and details

6

Public.comDrop-in replacementTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdictionPaid only

6

Drop-in replacement

Public.com

Bottom line: Eligible U.S. investors looking for stocks, ETFs, bonds, and options in one self-directed interface.

Keep

Brokerage
Portfolio
Watchlist
Options
Downloadable Tax Reports

Gain

Regular-hours U.S.-listed stock and ETF commission is $0; extended-hours and OTC trading costs $2.99 without Premium.
Investment Plans cost $0.49 to $1.99 per recurring stock and ETF purchase unless Premium waives the charge.
Primary brokerage free cash earns 0%; the separate HYCA currently states a variable 3.30% APY.
The HYCA can provide up to $5 million in aggregate FDIC eligibility through partner banks, subject to per-bank aggregation.

Lose

Stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and listed options have $0 stated online commissions and $0 standard options contract fees.
International brokerage is available only for the current official matrix of 27 countries and regions.
Fractional trading covers selected equities and ETFs, but fractions cannot transfer and carry voting and liquidity limitations.
Firstrade currently posts 0.15% for brokerage credit interest and Apex FDIC-swept cash across all balance tiers.

Watch out

Useful when you want to add API and market data and advisor and client reporting instead of mirroring the current workflow.
Free-plan limits: Signup required, An approved eligible U.S. brokerage account is required, and Regular-hours U.S.-listed equity trades are free, but extended-hours, OTC, plan, transfer, and regulatory fees can apply.
U.S.-only onboarding: Opening requires a U.S. residential address, valid SSN, and supported citizenship, residency, or visa status.

Price: FirstradeTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction
Public.comTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction
Free tier: Paid only
Replacement: Drop-in replacement

Pricing checked 2026-08-23 via pricing.

Open Public Compare

Full review and details

7

Merrill EdgeDrop-in replacementTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdictionPaid only

7

Drop-in replacement

Merrill Edge

Bottom line: U.S. Bank of America customers valuing linked banking, immediate eligible transfers, and relationship-level visibility.

Keep

Brokerage
Portfolio
Watchlist
Options
Downloadable Tax Reports

Gain

Advanced Order Types
$0 online stock and ETF commissions and $0 option base commission plus $0.65 per contract.
Linked eligible Bank of America transfers can be real time; external bank, wire, check, and account-transfer funding are supported.
Standard bank-sweep rates are currently 0.01%, 0.05%, or 0.15% by balance tier.

Lose

Stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and listed options have $0 stated online commissions and $0 standard options contract fees.
International brokerage is available only for the current official matrix of 27 countries and regions.
Fractional trading covers selected equities and ETFs, but fractions cannot transfer and carry voting and liquidity limitations.
Firstrade currently posts 0.15% for brokerage credit interest and Apex FDIC-swept cash across all balance tiers.

Watch out

Avoid as a full replacement if you rely on portfolio watchlists and dividend research.
Free-plan limits: Signup required, Brokerage use requires an approved Merrill account, and Options, margin, trust, estate and business accounts have additional rules.
Low standard cash rate: The standard bank sweep pays 0.01% below $1 million under the current rate sheet.

Price: FirstradeTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction
Merrill EdgeTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction
Free tier: Paid only
Replacement: Drop-in replacement

Pricing checked 2026-08-23 via pricing.

Open Merrill Edge Compare

Full review and details

8

BMO InvestorLineDrop-in replacementTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdictionPaid only

8

Drop-in replacement

BMO InvestorLine

Bottom line: Canadian residents who want self-directed investing through a BMO brokerage.

Keep

Brokerage
Portfolio
Watchlist
Options
Downloadable Tax Reports

Gain

Standard online stock and ETF trades cost $9.95, or $3.95 for qualifying active traders.
More than 100 selected ETFs can qualify for commission-free trading.
Standard ordinary CAD, USD and registered brokerage cash currently earns 0%.
Allocated bullion and precious-metal certificates are available with product-specific commissions.

Lose

Stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and listed options have $0 stated online commissions and $0 standard options contract fees.
International brokerage is available only for the current official matrix of 27 countries and regions.
Fractional trading covers selected equities and ETFs, but fractions cannot transfer and carry voting and liquidity limitations.
Firstrade currently posts 0.15% for brokerage credit interest and Apex FDIC-swept cash across all balance tiers.

Watch out

Avoid as a full replacement if you rely on dividend research.
Free-plan limits: Signup required, An approved Canadian self-directed brokerage account is required, and Standard equity and options trades are paid.
Canada-only opening: The reviewed individual opening flow is for eligible Canadian residents.

Price: FirstradeTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction
BMO InvestorLineTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction
Free tier: Paid only
Replacement: Drop-in replacement

Pricing checked 2026-08-23 via pricing.

Open BMO InvestorLine Compare

Full review and details

9

E*TRADE from Morgan StanleyPartial replacementTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdictionPaid only

9

Partial replacement

E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Bottom line: U.S. self-directed investors who need several account types, research, retirement administration, and multiple trading platforms.

Keep

Brokerage
Portfolio
Watchlist
Options
Downloadable Tax Reports

Gain

Advanced Order Types
$0 online U.S. exchange-listed stock and ETF commissions; options cost $0.65 or $0.50 per contract by activity tier.
Eligible listed Reg-NMS fractions start at $5 and support quantities to three decimal places during the rollout.
The default Bank Deposit Program pays 0.01%, 0.05%, or 0.15% APY by current balance tier.

Lose

Stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and listed options have $0 stated online commissions and $0 standard options contract fees.
International brokerage is available only for the current official matrix of 27 countries and regions.
Fractional trading covers selected equities and ETFs, but fractions cannot transfer and carry voting and liquidity limitations.
Firstrade currently posts 0.15% for brokerage credit interest and Apex FDIC-swept cash across all balance tiers.

Watch out

Avoid as a full replacement if you rely on portfolio watchlists and dividend research.
Free-plan limits: Signup required, Brokerage features require an approved account and cleared funding, and Options, margin, futures, crypto and specialized registrations require separate eligibility.
Low default cash rate: The standard Bank Deposit Program pays 0.01% below $500,000 under the current tier schedule.

Price: FirstradeTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction
E*TRADE from Morgan StanleyTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction
Free tier: Paid only
Replacement: Partial replacement

Pricing checked 2026-08-23 via pricing.

Open E*TRADE Compare

Full review and details

10

RBC Direct InvestingDrop-in replacementTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdictionPaid only

10

Drop-in replacement

RBC Direct Investing

Bottom line: Canadian residents who want self-directed investing through an RBC brokerage.

Keep

Brokerage
Portfolio
Watchlist
Options
Downloadable Tax Reports

Gain

Standard online stock and ETF trades cost $9.95, or $6.95 under Active Trader pricing.
Selected ETFs and online mutual-fund trades can carry a $0 RBC commission.
Gold and silver certificates have a 100-ounce minimum and a $43 minimum commission.
Ordinary CAD, USD and registered brokerage credit balances currently pay 0%.

Lose

Stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and listed options have $0 stated online commissions and $0 standard options contract fees.
International brokerage is available only for the current official matrix of 27 countries and regions.
Fractional trading covers selected equities and ETFs, but fractions cannot transfer and carry voting and liquidity limitations.
Firstrade currently posts 0.15% for brokerage credit interest and Apex FDIC-swept cash across all balance tiers.

Watch out

Avoid as a full replacement if you rely on dividend research.
Free-plan limits: Signup required, An approved self-directed brokerage account is required, and Standard equity and options trades are paid.
Canada-only public opening: The reviewed public account-opening offer establishes eligibility for Canadian residents only.

Price: FirstradeTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction
RBC Direct InvestingTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction
Free tier: Paid only
Replacement: Drop-in replacement

Pricing checked 2026-08-23 via pricing.

Open RBC Direct Compare

Full review and details

11

CIBC Investor's EdgeDrop-in replacementTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdictionPaid only

11

Drop-in replacement

CIBC Investor's Edge

Bottom line: Canadian residents who want self-directed brokerage linked to CIBC banking.

Keep

Brokerage
Portfolio
Watchlist
Options
Downloadable Tax Reports

Gain

Standard online stock and ETF trades cost $6.95, or $4.95 under Active Trader pricing.
Over 180 selected ETFs can trade commission-free when the live list and holding rules are met.
All ordinary CAD and USD brokerage credit balances currently pay 0%.
CDRs are separate securities and do not prove direct fractional-share order support.

Lose

Stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and listed options have $0 stated online commissions and $0 standard options contract fees.
International brokerage is available only for the current official matrix of 27 countries and regions.
Fractional trading covers selected equities and ETFs, but fractions cannot transfer and carry voting and liquidity limitations.
Firstrade currently posts 0.15% for brokerage credit interest and Apex FDIC-swept cash across all balance tiers.

Watch out

Avoid as a full replacement if you rely on dividend research.
Free-plan limits: Signup required, An approved Canadian-resident brokerage account is required, and Standard equity and options trades are paid.
Canada-only opening: Individual opening is limited to eligible Canadian residents.

Price: FirstradeTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction
CIBC Investor's EdgeTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction
Free tier: Paid only
Replacement: Drop-in replacement

Pricing checked 2026-08-23 via pricing.

Open CIBC Edge Compare

Full review and details

12

Monex SecuritiesDrop-in replacementTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdictionPaid only

12

Drop-in replacement

Monex Securities

Bottom line: Japan residents who need Japanese and U.S. securities in one self-directed account.

Keep

Brokerage
Portfolio
Watchlist
Options
Downloadable Tax Reports

Gain

Domestic per-order commissions start at ¥55 and top out at ¥1,070 under the published online tiers.
U.S. security commissions are 0.495%, with a $0 minimum and $22 maximum before other charges.
One Share buys eligible Japanese securities below the standard lot from one share.
Segregated assets have Japan Investor Protection Fund coverage up to ¥10 million if return fails.

Lose

Stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and listed options have $0 stated online commissions and $0 standard options contract fees.
International brokerage is available only for the current official matrix of 27 countries and regions.
Fractional trading covers selected equities and ETFs, but fractions cannot transfer and carry voting and liquidity limitations.
Firstrade currently posts 0.15% for brokerage credit interest and Apex FDIC-swept cash across all balance tiers.

Watch out

Avoid as a full replacement if you rely on dividend research.
Free-plan limits: Signup required, Applicants must be Japan residents and pass identity, My Number and linked-bank checks, and Domestic, U.S., odd-lot, currency and derivative transactions use different schedules.
Japan residents only: The ordinary account is limited to Japan residents and is restricted when a customer becomes non-resident.

Price: FirstradeTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction
Monex SecuritiesTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction
Free tier: Paid only
Replacement: Drop-in replacement

Pricing checked 2026-08-23 via pricing.

Open Monex Securities Compare

Full review and details

13

GrowwDrop-in replacementTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdictionPaid only

13

Drop-in replacement

Groww

Bottom line: Resident Indian investors who want stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, IPOs, and derivatives in one web and mobile account.

Keep

Brokerage
Portfolio
Watchlist
Options
Downloadable Tax Reports

Gain

One resident-India platform spans NSE/BSE cash equities, ETFs, direct mutual funds, F&O and MCX commodity derivatives.
Groww Invest Tech is a SEBI-registered broker and CDSL/NSDL depository participant.
Trading and demat opening and maintenance are listed at ₹0, with transaction and depository charges disclosed separately.
UPI, net banking and Indian bank transfers fund the trading balance, with eligible instant withdrawals under ₹1 lakh.

Lose

Stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and listed options have $0 stated online commissions and $0 standard options contract fees.
International brokerage is available only for the current official matrix of 27 countries and regions.
Fractional trading covers selected equities and ETFs, but fractions cannot transfer and carry voting and liquidity limitations.
Firstrade currently posts 0.15% for brokerage credit interest and Apex FDIC-swept cash across all balance tiers.

Watch out

Avoid as a full replacement if you rely on dividend research.
Free-plan limits: Signup required, The current opening route is for resident Indian applicants and eligible Indian entities, not NRIs, and Trades incur brokerage, depository, exchange, tax and regulatory charges according to product and order type.
No NRI accounts: Groww expressly says NRIs cannot currently invest in mutual funds, stocks or F&O through the platform.

Price: FirstradeTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction
GrowwTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction
Free tier: Paid only
Replacement: Drop-in replacement

Pricing checked 2026-08-23 via pricing.

Open Groww Compare

Full review and details

14

WealthsimpleDrop-in replacementTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdictionPaid only

14

Drop-in replacement

Wealthsimple

Bottom line: Canadian residents seeking $0 online commissions for listed Canadian and U.S. stocks and ETFs.

Keep

Brokerage
Portfolio
Watchlist
Options
Downloadable Tax Reports

Gain

Canadian and U.S. listed stock and ETF trades have $0 stated online commission.
Fractional stock and ETF market orders start at $1.
Core clients pay $10 CAD plus tax monthly for USD accounts after a 30-day trial; Premium and Generation include them.
Self-directed investment accounts use CIPF protection within applicable account-category limits.

Lose

Stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and listed options have $0 stated online commissions and $0 standard options contract fees.
International brokerage is available only for the current official matrix of 27 countries and regions.
Fractional trading covers selected equities and ETFs, but fractions cannot transfer and carry voting and liquidity limitations.
Firstrade currently posts 0.15% for brokerage credit interest and Apex FDIC-swept cash across all balance tiers.

Watch out

Avoid as a full replacement if you rely on dividend research.
Free-plan limits: Signup required, An approved Canadian-resident brokerage account is required, and Currency conversion, index-option, exercise, instant-withdrawal and product costs can apply.
Canada-only eligibility: Individual applicants must reside in Canada and meet provincial or territorial age-of-majority requirements.

Price: FirstradeTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction
WealthsimpleTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction
Free tier: Paid only
Replacement: Drop-in replacement

Pricing checked 2026-08-23 via pricing.

Open Wealthsimple Compare

Full review and details

15

SoFi InvestDrop-in replacementTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdictionPaid only

15

Drop-in replacement

SoFi Invest

Bottom line: Eligible U.S. investors who want self-directed investing in the SoFi app.

Keep

Brokerage
Portfolio
Watchlist
Options
Downloadable Tax Reports

Gain

$0 stated online commissions for U.S. stocks, ETFs, and listed options, with other charges possible.
Eligible fractional stock and ETF purchases start at $5 and support quantities to five decimals.
The optional bank sweep changes eligible cash protection from SIPC to FDIC after funds reach program banks.
SoFi Securities LLC is FINRA-registered under CRD 151717 and is a SIPC member.

Lose

Stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and listed options have $0 stated online commissions and $0 standard options contract fees.
International brokerage is available only for the current official matrix of 27 countries and regions.
Fractional trading covers selected equities and ETFs, but fractions cannot transfer and carry voting and liquidity limitations.
Firstrade currently posts 0.15% for brokerage credit interest and Apex FDIC-swept cash across all balance tiers.

Watch out

Avoid as a full replacement if you rely on dividend research.
Free-plan limits: Signup required, Trading requires an approved eligible brokerage account, and The self-directed investing minimum is $5.
U.S.-resident eligibility: Residents abroad and in U.S. territories are excluded. U.S. address, taxpayer ID, and qualifying status are required.

Price: FirstradeTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction
SoFi InvestTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction
Free tier: Paid only
Replacement: Drop-in replacement

Pricing checked 2026-08-23 via pricing.

Open SoFi Invest Compare

Full review and details

16

WebullPartial replacementTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdictionPaid only

16

Partial replacement

Webull

Bottom line: Eligible U.S. traders looking for mobile, web, and desktop execution with $0 online commissions for U.S.-listed stocks and ETFs.

Keep

Brokerage
Portfolio
Watchlist
Options
Downloadable Tax Reports

Gain

Advanced Order Types
$0 online commissions for U.S.-listed stocks and ETFs, subject to disclosed exceptions and regulatory charges.
Selected U.S. stock and ETF fractional purchases start at $1.
Cash Management sweeps eligible settled cash to program banks and supports up to $5 million total FDIC eligibility under program limits.

Lose

Stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and listed options have $0 stated online commissions and $0 standard options contract fees.
International brokerage is available only for the current official matrix of 27 countries and regions.
Fractional trading covers selected equities and ETFs, but fractions cannot transfer and carry voting and liquidity limitations.
Firstrade currently posts 0.15% for brokerage credit interest and Apex FDIC-swept cash across all balance tiers.

Watch out

Avoid as a full replacement if you rely on portfolio watchlists and dividend research.
Free-plan limits: Signup required, Trading requires an approved eligible brokerage account, and Options, margin, entity and IRA access have additional rules.
U.S. eligibility rules: Applicants need a U.S. address, SSN or ITIN, and permanent-resident or accepted-visa status.

Price: FirstradeTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction
WebullTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction
Free tier: Paid only
Replacement: Partial replacement

Pricing checked 2026-08-23 via pricing.

Open Webull Compare

Full review and details

17

Charles SchwabPartial replacementTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdictionPaid only

17

Partial replacement

Charles Schwab

Bottom line: U.S. investors who want brokerage, trading platforms, research, tax workflows, and several asset classes in one account.

Keep

Brokerage
Portfolio
Watchlist
Options

Gain

Paper Trading
Advanced Order Types
Smart/Direct Routing
News

Lose

Downloadable Tax Reports
Stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and listed options have $0 stated online commissions and $0 standard options contract fees.
International brokerage is available only for the current official matrix of 27 countries and regions.
Fractional trading covers selected equities and ETFs, but fractions cannot transfer and carry voting and liquidity limitations.
Firstrade currently posts 0.15% for brokerage credit interest and Apex FDIC-swept cash across all balance tiers.

Watch out

Avoid as a full replacement if you rely on options data and portfolio watchlists.
Free-plan limits: Signup required, Brokerage use requires an approved Schwab account, and Options, futures, forex, margin, and API workflows require separate approval or authorization.
Advanced products need approval: Options, futures, forex, margin, and crypto access have separate approval, risk, and eligibility requirements.

Price: FirstradeTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction
Charles SchwabTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction
Free tier: Paid only
Replacement: Partial replacement

Pricing checked 2026-08-23 via pricing.

Open Schwab account Compare

Full review and details

18

Fidelity (Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC)Partial replacementTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdictionPaid only

18

Partial replacement

Fidelity (Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC)

Bottom line: U.S. investors looking for $0 online stock and most ETF trades, research, tax documents, and several account types.

Keep

Brokerage
Portfolio
Watchlist
Options

Gain

Advanced Order Types
Smart/Direct Routing
Order Book / Level II
News

Lose

Downloadable Tax Reports
Stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and listed options have $0 stated online commissions and $0 standard options contract fees.
International brokerage is available only for the current official matrix of 27 countries and regions.
Fractional trading covers selected equities and ETFs, but fractions cannot transfer and carry voting and liquidity limitations.
Firstrade currently posts 0.15% for brokerage credit interest and Apex FDIC-swept cash across all balance tiers.

Watch out

Avoid as a full replacement if you rely on portfolio watchlists and dividend research.
Free-plan limits: Signup required, Brokerage use requires an approved Fidelity account, and Options, international trading, margin, crypto, and active-trader workflows have separate rules or approvals.
Not all trades are free: Options contracts, secondary bonds/CDs, crypto transactions, professional options fees, regulatory fees, and certain ETF purchase service fees can apply.

Price: FirstradeTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction
Fidelity (Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC)Transaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction
Free tier: Paid only
Replacement: Partial replacement

Pricing checked 2026-08-23 via pricing.

Open Fidelity account Compare

Full review and details

19

DEGIROQuality-checked pickTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdictionPaid only

19

Quality-checked pick

DEGIRO

Analyst pickTested by us

Bottom line: European investors looking for low-cost self-directed access to stocks, ETFs, bonds, funds, options, and futures.

Keep

Brokerage
Portfolio
Watchlist
Downloadable Tax Reports

Gain

Advanced Order Types
Smart/Direct Routing
News
Calendar

Lose

Options
Stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and listed options have $0 stated online commissions and $0 standard options contract fees.
International brokerage is available only for the current official matrix of 27 countries and regions.
Fractional trading covers selected equities and ETFs, but fractions cannot transfer and carry voting and liquidity limitations.
Firstrade currently posts 0.15% for brokerage credit interest and Apex FDIC-swept cash across all balance tiers.

Watch out

Avoid as a full replacement if you rely on options data and dividend research.
Free-plan limits: Signup required, Trading requires an approved brokerage account, and Transaction, handling, currency-conversion, connectivity, and market-data fees can apply.
Execution-only broker: DEGIRO does not provide investment advice or portfolio management.

Price: FirstradeTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction
DEGIROTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction
Free tier: Paid only
Replacement: Partial replacement

Pricing checked 2026-08-23 via pricing.

Open DEGIRO account Compare

Full review and details

20

Interactive Brokers (IBKR)Partial replacementTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdictionPaid only

20

Partial replacement

Interactive Brokers (IBKR)

Analyst pickTested by us

Bottom line: Active investors who need global multi-asset access, advanced orders, APIs, and volume-based commissions.

Keep

Brokerage
Portfolio
Watchlist
Options

Gain

Advanced Order Types
Smart/Direct Routing
Paper Trading
Screeners

Lose

Downloadable Tax Reports
Stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and listed options have $0 stated online commissions and $0 standard options contract fees.
International brokerage is available only for the current official matrix of 27 countries and regions.
Fractional trading covers selected equities and ETFs, but fractions cannot transfer and carry voting and liquidity limitations.
Firstrade currently posts 0.15% for brokerage credit interest and Apex FDIC-swept cash across all balance tiers.

Watch out

Avoid as a full replacement if you rely on options data, portfolio watchlists, and dividend research.
Free-plan limits: Signup required, Brokerage account has no recurring platform fee in the profile, but trading commissions and add-on fees vary by product, and Real-time market data and Level II data generally require subscriptions.
Commission and market-data details vary by market: The record contains separate stock, ETF, options, futures, crypto, and market-data pricing notes by region and product.

Price: FirstradeTransaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction
Interactive Brokers (IBKR)Transaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction
Free tier: Paid only
Replacement: Partial replacement

Pricing checked 2026-08-23 via pricing.

Open IBKR account Compare

Full review and details

What This Shortlist Tells You

National Bank Direct Brokerage is the closest drop-in replacement with overlapping coverage in Brokerage, Portfolio, and Watchlist while adding Online Canadian and U.S. stocks and ETFs carry $0 stated commission. and A $100 annual administration fee is waived under published asset, age, InvestCube or offer conditions. features (workflow overlap ~100%).

Round out your stack with new coverage areas like Advanced Order Types, Paper Trading, Smart/Direct Routing, and News.

Coverage Snapshot

Where alternatives already align

Most shared categories across the top matches.

Brokerage×20Portfolio×20Watchlist×20Options×19Downloadable Tax Reports×17

New angles introduced

Categories the alternatives add beyond Firstrade.

Advanced Order Types+7News+4Smart/Direct Routing+4Order Book / Level II+3APIs & Data Feeds+2Calendar+2Paper Trading+2Screeners+2

Access & Pricing

Free options

0/20

0 picks introduce a free tier you can start with.

Mobile ready

20/20

20 matches support mobile alongside Firstrade.

API availability

3/20

3 of the shortlisted tools expose API endpoints for automation-heavy workflows.

Quality checks

2 starred / 2 tested

2 tools are flagged as analyst picks; 2 have been hands-on tested.

Avg. coverage overlap

96%

Average percentage of categories shared with the base tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best alternatives to Firstrade?

Firstrade users most often consider National Bank Direct Brokerage, Qtrade Direct Investing, and TD Direct Investing as their go-to alternatives.

Which workflows do the top Firstrade alternatives cover?

Expect deep coverage across Brokerage, Downloadable Tax Reports, Options, Portfolio, and Watchlist, so you can port most Firstrade workflows without much friction.

Keep Exploring

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Short InterestDaily tracker for heavily shorted stocks and short squeeze candidates.

Stock RankingsBacktested ranking systems for quality, value, momentum, and more.

Investing BooksBooks behind value investing, quality investing, moats, and market behavior.

Live AnalyticsSee what users are clicking, searching, and voting for across the site.

Research ToolsFind screeners, data platforms, portfolio trackers, and research tools.

Feedback

Missing an alternative, or is a listing out of date? Tell me and I will look.

Curation & Accuracy

This directory blends AI‑assisted discovery with human curation. Entries are reviewed, edited, and organized with the goal of expanding coverage and sharpening quality over time. Your feedback helps steer improvements (because no single human can capture everything all at once).

Details change. Pricing, features, and availability may be incomplete or out of date. Treat listings as a starting point and verify on the provider’s site before making decisions. If you spot an error or a gap, send a quick note and I’ll adjust.