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.
Best for: Active and advanced investors who need global multi-asset brokerage access, order types, APIs, and low commission schedules.
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) best matches the base workflow on brokerage trading, portfolio tracking, and options and trading workflows.
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) shares Free pricing with the base tool.
Watch for: 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.
Bottom line: U.S. Bank of America customers who value linked banking, immediate eligible transfers, and relationship-level visibility.
Replacement
Drop-in replacement
Pricing fit
Similar price tier
Free tier
No
Platforms
Web and Mobile
Assets
Stocks, ETFs, and Options
Experience
Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced
Plans
Free
Why switch
Merrill Edge best matches the base workflow on brokerage trading, options data, and portfolio tracking.
Merrill Edge matches the base audience on Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced.
You 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., and Standard bank-sweep rates are currently 0.01%, 0.05%, or 0.15% by balance tier..
Watch out
Minor switch gaps: does not clearly cover portfolio watchlists.
Avoid as a full replacement if you rely on portfolio watchlists.
Low standard cash rate: The standard bank sweep pays 0.01% below $1 million under the current rate sheet.
Free-plan limits: Signup required, Brokerage use requires an approved Merrill account., and Options, margin, trust, estate and business accounts have additional rules..
Bottom line: Eligible U.S. investors who want stocks, ETFs, bonds, and options in one self-directed interface.
Replacement
Drop-in replacement
Pricing fit
Similar price tier
Free tier
No
Platforms
Web and Mobile
Assets
Stocks, ETFs, and Options
Experience
Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced
Plans
Free
Why switch
Public.com best matches the base workflow on brokerage trading, options data, and portfolio tracking.
Public.com matches the base audience on Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced.
You 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., and The HYCA can provide up to $5 million in aggregate FDIC eligibility through partner banks, subject to per-bank aggregation..
Watch out
Minor switch gaps: missing Mutual Funds coverage.
Useful when you want to add filings and transcript research, not just mirror the current workflow.
U.S.-only onboarding: Opening requires a U.S. residential address, valid SSN, and supported citizenship, residency, or visa status.
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..
Bottom line: Canadian residents seeking $0 online Canadian and U.S. stock and ETF commissions.
Replacement
Drop-in replacement
Pricing fit
Similar price tier
Free tier
No
Platforms
Web and Mobile
Assets
Stocks, ETFs, and Options
Experience
Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced
Plans
Free
Why switch
National Bank Direct Brokerage best matches the base workflow on brokerage trading, options data, and portfolio tracking.
National Bank Direct Brokerage matches the base audience on Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced.
You 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., and CAD–USD conversion spreads fall from 1.70% to 0.60% across published transaction tiers..
Watch out
Minor switch gaps: does not clearly cover advisor and client reporting and less aligned with advisors and wealth firms.
Avoid as a full replacement if you rely on advisor and client reporting.
Canada-only online opening: The online application requires Canadian residence and age 18 or older.
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..
Bottom line: Canadian residents seeking $0 online equity, ETF and mutual-fund commissions.
Replacement
Drop-in replacement
Pricing fit
Similar price tier
Free tier
No
Platforms
Web and Mobile
Assets
Stocks, ETFs, and Options
Experience
Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced
Plans
Free
Why switch
Qtrade Direct Investing best matches the base workflow on brokerage trading, options data, and portfolio tracking.
Qtrade Direct Investing matches the base audience on Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced.
You 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%., and The official DRIP program purchases full shares only; direct fractional orders were not established..
Watch out
Minor switch gaps: does not clearly cover advisor and client reporting and less aligned with advisors and wealth firms.
Avoid as a full replacement if you rely on advisor and client reporting.
Canada-only opening: New applicants must be Canadian residents and meet provincial or territorial age requirements.
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..
Bottom line: Canadian residents who want a full-service self-directed platform with research and broad investments.
Replacement
Drop-in replacement
Pricing fit
Different pricing model
Free tier
No
Platforms
Web and Mobile
Assets
Stocks, ETFs, and Options
Experience
Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced
Why switch
TD Direct Investing best matches the base workflow on brokerage trading, options data, and portfolio tracking.
TD Direct Investing matches the base audience on Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced.
You 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%., and TD Easy Trade is a separate service with a narrower product set and different free-trade terms..
Watch out
Minor switch gaps: does not clearly cover advisor and client reporting and less aligned with advisors and wealth firms.
Avoid as a full replacement if you rely on advisor and client reporting.
Canada-only opening: Applicants must be Canadian residents and meet age and account-specific requirements.
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..
Bottom line: Japan residents seeking one account for Japanese and U.S. securities, funds and bonds.
Replacement
Drop-in replacement
Pricing fit
Similar price tier
Free tier
No
Platforms
Web and Mobile
Assets
Stocks, ETFs, and Options
Experience
Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced
Plans
Free
Why switch
Rakuten Securities best matches the base workflow on brokerage trading, options data, and portfolio tracking.
Rakuten Securities matches the base audience on Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced.
You 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., and Segregated assets are backed by Japan Investor Protection Fund coverage up to ¥10 million if return fails..
Watch out
Minor switch gaps: does not clearly cover dividend research and advisor and client reporting and less aligned with advisors and wealth firms.
Avoid as a full replacement if you rely on dividend research and advisor and client reporting.
Japan residents only: The modeled account is not open as a general overseas route, and non-resident customers face restrictions.
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..
Bottom line: Japan residents seeking broad domestic and overseas market access.
Replacement
Drop-in replacement
Pricing fit
Similar price tier
Free tier
No
Platforms
Web and Mobile
Assets
Stocks, ETFs, and Options
Experience
Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced
Plans
Free
Why switch
SBI Securities best matches the base workflow on brokerage trading, options data, and portfolio tracking.
SBI Securities matches the base audience on Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced.
You 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., and Segregated assets have Japan Investor Protection Fund coverage up to ¥10 million if return fails..
Watch out
Minor switch gaps: does not clearly cover dividend research and advisor and client reporting and less aligned with advisors and wealth firms.
Avoid as a full replacement if you rely on dividend research and advisor and client reporting.
Japan residents only: SBI limits opening to domestic residents and states it does not hold overseas securities-business licenses.
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..
Bottom line: Canadian residents seeking a bank-integrated self-directed brokerage.
Replacement
Drop-in replacement
Pricing fit
Different pricing model
Free tier
No
Platforms
Web and Mobile
Assets
Stocks, ETFs, and Options
Experience
Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced
Why switch
BMO InvestorLine best matches the base workflow on brokerage trading, options data, and portfolio tracking.
BMO InvestorLine matches the base audience on Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced.
You 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 pays 0%., and adviceDirect and SmartFolio are separate advised and managed services..
Watch out
Minor switch gaps: does not clearly cover dividend research and advisor and client reporting and less aligned with advisors and wealth firms.
Avoid as a full replacement if you rely on dividend research and advisor and client reporting.
Canada-only opening: The reviewed individual opening flow is for eligible Canadian residents.
Free-plan limits: Signup required, An approved Canadian self-directed brokerage account is required., and Standard equity and options trades are paid..
Bottom line: Canadian residents seeking a bank-integrated full-suite self-directed brokerage.
Replacement
Drop-in replacement
Pricing fit
Different pricing model
Free tier
No
Platforms
Web and Mobile
Assets
Stocks, ETFs, and Options
Experience
Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced
Why switch
RBC Direct Investing best matches the base workflow on brokerage trading, options data, and portfolio tracking.
RBC Direct Investing matches the base audience on Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced.
You 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., Ordinary CAD, USD and registered brokerage credit balances currently pay 0%., and GoSmart and RBC InvestEase are separate offers with different scope and pricing..
Watch out
Minor switch gaps: does not clearly cover dividend research and advisor and client reporting and less aligned with advisors and wealth firms.
Avoid as a full replacement if you rely on dividend research and advisor and client reporting.
Canada-only public opening: The reviewed public account-opening offer establishes eligibility for Canadian residents only.
Free-plan limits: Signup required, An approved self-directed brokerage account is required., and Standard equity and options trades are paid..
Bottom line: U.S. self-directed investors who want broad account types, research, retirement administration, and multiple trading platforms.
Replacement
Partial replacement
Pricing fit
Similar price tier
Free tier
No
Platforms
Web and Mobile
Assets
Stocks, ETFs, and Options
Experience
Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced
Plans
Free
Why switch
E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley best matches the base workflow on brokerage trading, options data, and portfolio tracking.
E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley matches the base audience on Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced.
You 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., and The default Bank Deposit Program pays 0.01%, 0.05%, or 0.15% APY by current balance tier..
Watch out
Material switch gaps: does not clearly cover portfolio watchlists, dividend research, and advisor and client reporting and less aligned with advisors and wealth firms.
Avoid as a full replacement if you rely on portfolio watchlists, dividend research, and advisor and client reporting.
Low default cash rate: The standard Bank Deposit Program pays 0.01% below $500,000 under the current tier schedule.
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..
Bottom line: Canadian residents seeking a bank-integrated full self-directed brokerage.
Replacement
Drop-in replacement
Pricing fit
Different pricing model
Free tier
No
Platforms
Web and Mobile
Assets
Stocks, ETFs, and Options
Experience
Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced
Why switch
CIBC Investor's Edge best matches the base workflow on brokerage trading, options data, and portfolio tracking.
CIBC Investor's Edge matches the base audience on Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced.
You 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%., and CDRs are separate securities and do not prove direct fractional-share order support..
Watch out
Minor switch gaps: does not clearly cover dividend research and advisor and client reporting and less aligned with advisors and wealth firms.
Avoid as a full replacement if you rely on dividend research and advisor and client reporting.
Canada-only opening: Individual opening is limited to eligible Canadian residents.
Free-plan limits: Signup required, An approved Canadian-resident brokerage account is required., and Standard equity and options trades are paid..
Bottom line: Japan residents seeking Japanese and U.S. securities in one self-directed account.
Replacement
Drop-in replacement
Pricing fit
Different pricing model
Free tier
No
Platforms
Web and Mobile
Assets
Stocks, ETFs, and Options
Experience
Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced
Why switch
Monex Securities best matches the base workflow on brokerage trading, options data, and portfolio tracking.
Monex Securities matches the base audience on Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced.
You 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., and Segregated assets have Japan Investor Protection Fund coverage up to ¥10 million if return fails..
Watch out
Minor switch gaps: does not clearly cover dividend research and advisor and client reporting and less aligned with advisors and wealth firms.
Avoid as a full replacement if you rely on dividend research and advisor and client reporting.
Japan residents only: The ordinary account is limited to Japan residents and is restricted when a customer becomes non-resident.
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..
Bottom line: Canadian residents seeking $0 online commissions for listed Canadian and U.S. stocks and ETFs.
Replacement
Drop-in replacement
Pricing fit
Similar price tier
Free tier
No
Platforms
Web and Mobile
Assets
Stocks, ETFs, and Options
Experience
Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced
Plans
Free
Why switch
Wealthsimple best matches the base workflow on brokerage trading, options data, and portfolio tracking.
Wealthsimple matches the base audience on Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced.
You 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., and Self-directed investment accounts use CIPF protection within applicable account-category limits..
Watch out
Minor switch gaps: missing Mutual Funds and Bonds coverage and does not clearly cover dividend research.
Avoid as a full replacement if you rely on dividend research.
Canada-only eligibility: Individual applicants must reside in Canada and meet provincial or territorial age-of-majority requirements.
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..
Bottom line: Eligible U.S. traders who want mobile, web, and desktop execution with $0 online commissions for U.S.-listed stocks and ETFs.
Replacement
Drop-in replacement
Pricing fit
Similar price tier
Free tier
No
Platforms
Web and Mobile
Assets
Stocks, ETFs, and Options
Experience
Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced
Plans
Free
Why switch
Webull best matches the base workflow on brokerage trading, options data, and portfolio tracking.
Webull matches the base audience on Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced.
You 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., and Cash Management sweeps eligible settled cash to program banks and supports up to $5 million total FDIC eligibility under program limits..
Watch out
Material switch gaps: missing Mutual Funds and Bonds coverage and does not clearly cover portfolio watchlists and dividend research.
Avoid as a full replacement if you rely on portfolio watchlists and dividend research.
U.S. eligibility rules: Applicants need a U.S. address, SSN or ITIN, and permanent-resident or accepted-visa status.
Free-plan limits: Signup required, Trading requires an approved eligible brokerage account., and Options, margin, entity and IRA access have additional rules..
Bottom line: U.S. investors who want a full-service brokerage with strong trading platforms, research, tax workflows, and broad asset access.
Replacement
Drop-in replacement
Pricing fit
Similar price tier
Free tier
No
Platforms
Web and Mobile
Assets
Stocks, ETFs, and Options
Experience
Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced
Plans
Free
Why switch
Charles Schwab best matches the base workflow on brokerage trading, portfolio tracking, and options and trading workflows.
Charles Schwab matches the base audience on Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced.
You gain Paper Trading, Advanced Order Types, Smart/Direct Routing, and News.
Watch out
Minor switch gaps: missing Downloadable Tax Reports workflows and does not clearly cover options data and portfolio watchlists.
Avoid as a full replacement if you rely on options data and portfolio watchlists.
Advanced products need approval: Options, futures, forex, margin, and crypto access have separate approval, risk, and eligibility requirements.
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..
Bottom line: Resident Indian investors who want stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, IPOs and derivatives in one app-first account.
Replacement
Drop-in replacement
Pricing fit
Different pricing model
Free tier
No
Platforms
Web and Mobile
Assets
Stocks, ETFs, and Options
Experience
Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced
Why switch
Groww best matches the base workflow on brokerage trading, options data, and portfolio tracking.
Groww matches the base audience on Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced.
You 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., and UPI, net banking and Indian bank transfers fund the trading balance, with eligible instant withdrawals under ₹1 lakh..
Watch out
Material switch gaps: missing Bonds coverage, does not clearly cover dividend research and advisor and client reporting, and less aligned with advisors and wealth firms.
Avoid as a full replacement if you rely on dividend research and advisor and client reporting.
No NRI accounts: Groww expressly says NRIs cannot currently invest in mutual funds, stocks or F&O through the platform.
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..
Bottom line: Active and advanced investors who need global multi-asset brokerage access, order types, APIs, and low commission schedules.
Replacement
Partial replacement
Pricing fit
Similar price tier
Free tier
No
Platforms
Web and Mobile
Assets
Stocks, ETFs, and Options
Experience
Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced
Plans
Free
Why switch
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) best matches the base workflow on brokerage trading, portfolio tracking, and options and trading workflows.
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) matches the base audience on Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced.
You gain Advanced Order Types, Smart/Direct Routing, Paper Trading, and Screeners.
Watch out
Material switch gaps: missing Downloadable Tax Reports workflows and does not clearly cover options data, portfolio watchlists, and dividend research.
Avoid as a full replacement if you rely on options data, portfolio watchlists, and dividend research.
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.
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..
Bottom line: Eligible U.S. investors who want self-directed investing integrated with the broader SoFi app.
Replacement
Drop-in replacement
Pricing fit
Similar price tier
Free tier
No
Platforms
Web and Mobile
Assets
Stocks, ETFs, and Options
Experience
Beginner and Intermediate
Plans
Free
Why switch
SoFi Invest best matches the base workflow on brokerage trading, options data, and portfolio tracking.
SoFi Invest matches the base audience on Beginner, Intermediate, and retail investors.
You 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., and SoFi Securities LLC is FINRA-registered under CRD 151717 and is a SIPC member..
Watch out
Material switch gaps: missing Bonds coverage, does not clearly cover dividend research and advisor and client reporting, and less aligned with Advanced and advisors and wealth firms.
Avoid as a full replacement if you rely on dividend research and advisor and client reporting.
U.S.-resident eligibility: Residents abroad and in U.S. territories are excluded; U.S. address, taxpayer ID, and qualifying status are required.
Free-plan limits: Signup required, Trading requires an approved eligible brokerage account., and The self-directed investing minimum is $5..
Bottom line: Australian residents who want a full-service domestic broker connected to Commonwealth Bank settlement.
Replacement
Drop-in replacement
Pricing fit
Different pricing model
Free tier
No
Platforms
Web and Mobile
Assets
Stocks, ETFs, and Options
Experience
Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced
Why switch
CommSec best matches the base workflow on brokerage trading, options data, and portfolio tracking.
CommSec matches the base audience on Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced.
You gain Domestic holdings are CHESS-sponsored and registered through a customer HIN., Eligible CDIA settlement unlocks domestic online brokerage from A$5., International Shares covers multiple markets and supports selected fractional securities., and The separate CDIA pays tiered variable interest and can qualify for Australian deposit protection..
Watch out
Material switch gaps: missing Mutual Funds and Bonds coverage and does not clearly cover dividend research and macro and fund research.
Avoid as a full replacement if you rely on dividend research and macro and fund research.
Australia-only modeled route: International access requires Australian residence, an existing CommSec Australian Shares Account and a CDIA.
Free-plan limits: Signup required, An approved Australian brokerage account is required for the modeled retail route., and Transaction brokerage, FX, exchange and optional service charges apply..
Bottom line: U.S. long-term investors who center portfolios on Vanguard mutual funds and ETFs.
Replacement
Partial replacement
Pricing fit
Similar price tier
Free tier
No
Platforms
Web and Mobile
Assets
Stocks, ETFs, and Options
Experience
Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced
Plans
Free
Why switch
Vanguard Brokerage best matches the base workflow on brokerage trading, portfolio tracking, and options and trading workflows.
Vanguard Brokerage matches the base audience on Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced.
You gain Online stocks and ETFs trade at $0 commission; standard options cost $1 per contract., Vanguard ETF dollar-based orders start at $1, while non-Vanguard securities are not generalized as fraction-eligible., Vanguard Cash Deposit currently pays 1.75% variable APY and is eligible for program-bank FDIC coverage., and VMFXX is the alternative settlement fund and is a money-market security with SIPC eligibility, not an FDIC deposit..
Watch out
Material switch gaps: missing Options workflows and does not clearly cover options data, portfolio watchlists, and dividend research.
Avoid as a full replacement if you rely on options data, portfolio watchlists, and dividend research.
Fractional scope is narrow: Dollar-based ETF trading is documented for Vanguard ETFs, not generalized to non-Vanguard stocks and ETFs.
Free-plan limits: Signup required, New accounts require eligible U.S. status, address, and identity details., and Options, margin and specialized registrations require approval or separate rules..
Merrill Edge is the closest drop-in replacement with overlapping coverage in Brokerage, Portfolio, and Watchlist while adding Advanced Order Types coverage and $0 online stock and ETF commissions and $0 option base commission plus $0.65 per contract. and Linked eligible Bank of America transfers can be real time; external bank, wire, check, and account-transfer funding are supported. features (workflow overlap ~100%).
Round out your stack with new coverage areas like Advanced Order Types, Paper Trading, Smart/Direct Routing, and News.
Advanced Order Types+5APIs & Data Feeds+2News+2Order Book / Level II+2Paper Trading+2Screeners+2Smart/Direct Routing+2Alerts+1
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
2/20
2 of the shortlisted tools expose API endpoints for automation-heavy workflows.
Quality checks
1 starred / 1 tested
1 tools are flagged as analyst picks; 1 have been hands-on tested.
Avg. coverage overlap
98%
Average percentage of categories shared with the base tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best alternatives to Firstrade?
Firstrade users most often consider Merrill Edge, Public.com, and National Bank Direct Brokerage 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.
Hey! Thanks for stopping by. I'm an independent investor with a soft spot for coding and the stock market - especially value investing (as you can probably tell from the tools I've collected here, haha). Hopefully you'll find something useful or interesting along the way.
Discovered a gem I don't have here yet? Drop the link below and I'll check it out ASAP. Tagging me on X works too! Can't wait to see what you've found!
These are my top picks. Tools I've tested thoroughly and found to be excellent. They do their job really well, and I use them a lot. If you're not already familiar with them, I highly recommend checking them out.
Tested Tools
These are tools I've tried and found to be solid, but not standout. Think of them as passing an initial quality screen: worth exploring, though not all will be exceptional.
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.