Investing · Reviews

Advertiser disclosure

We may receive compensation when an active issuer partnership is disclosed. Compensation does not change the SCFinance comparison score, our picks, or where a card ranks. Read our full disclosure.

Qtrade Direct Investing review

Consistently top-ranked for service and research, with a list of ETFs you can buy and sell free.

By SCFinance Data Team · edited by SCFinance Editorial TeamUpdated Aug 11, 2026 Fact checkedEditorial integrity

The bottom line

Consistently top-ranked for service and research, with a list of ETFs you can buy and sell free.

SCFinance score4.4

Qtrade Direct Investing

Stock commission: $8.75
Account minimum: $0
FX conversion: 1.6%

Pros

✓ Excellent research tools
✓ Free-to-trade ETF list
✓ Strong customer service

Cons

✕ Quarterly fee on small accounts
✕ Higher base commission

Details

Stock trades: $8.75
Free ETFs: 100+

What you get

100+ free-to-trade ETFs
Award-winning research and screeners

Compare to alternatives

Questrade

SCFinance score4.7

Read review

Stock commission

$4.95 - $9.95

Account minimum

$1,000

FX conversion

1.5%

Commission rebate for new accounts

Details

Stock trades: $4.95 - $9.95
ETF purchases: Free
Account minimum: $1,000

What you get

Buy ETFs commission-free
TFSA, RRSP, FHSA, RESP and margin accounts

Our take

The long-standing low-cost choice for Canadian self-directed investors, with free ETF purchases and every registered account type.

Read our full review

Wealthsimple Self-Directed

SCFinance score4.5

Read review

Stock commission

Account minimum

FX conversion

1.5%

Details

Stock trades: $0
Account minimum: $0
Fractional shares: Yes

What you get

Commission-free stock and ETF trades
Fractional shares from $1

Our take

Zero-commission trading with the simplest app in Canada, best for straightforward buy-and-hold investing.

Read our full review

← Back to Investing