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4.7/5
Our Rating
Platform: Qtrade
Qtrade Direct Investing
Qtrade Direct Investing is consistently ranked among Canada's top online brokerages, known for strong research tools, a user-friendly platform, and reliability. Since late 2025, it offers $0 commission trading on stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds (fees still apply for options and fixed income), making it a strong fit for long-term investors seeking bank-level reliability without the bank-level fees.
New clients only: Earn up to $5,000 in cashback (+$100 quick-pay bonus)
Qtrade Direct Investing
4.7/5
Our Rating
Qtrade Direct Investing is consistently ranked among Canada's top online brokerages, known for strong research tools, a user-friendly platform, and reliability. Since late 2025, it offers $0 commission trading on stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds (fees still apply for options and fixed income), making it a strong fit for long-term investors seeking bank-level reliability without the bank-level fees.
New clients only: Earn up to $5,000 in cashback (+$100 quick-pay bonus)
Bonus Calculator
$10,000
Your deposit amount
Enter a custom deposit amount ($1 - $10,000,000)
$500
Estimated Welcome Bonus
1k to 10k: 5% match up to $500
Bonus Tiers
1k to 10k
$1,000 - $10,000
5% (max $500)
10k to 25k
$10,001 - $25,000
$550
25k to 50k
$25,001 - $50,000
$600
50k to 100k
$50,001 - $100,000
$700
100k to 250k
$100,001 - $250,000
$1,000
250k to 500k
$250,001 - $500,000
$2,500
500k+
$500,000+
$5,000
New clients only: Earn up to $5,000 in cashback (+$100 quick-pay bonus) when you open and fund a new Qtrade account:
Offer Tier | Cash Back |
|---|---|
$1,000 to $10,000 | 5% |
$10,000 to $25,000 | $550 |
$25,000 to $50,000 | $600 |
$50,000 to $100,000 | $700 |
$100,000 to $250,000 | $1,000 |
$250,000 to $500,000 | $2,500 |
$500,000+ | $5,000 |
Campaign Period: September 1, 2026 - January 5,2027
Promo code: OFFER2026
Rates & Fees
1. Trading Commissions
Equities & ETFs
Instrument | Fee |
|---|---|
Equities (Stocks) | $0 |
Commission-Free ETFs | $0 to buy & sell from a list of 100+ ETFs |
No minimum holding period; trade anytime with no fee |
Options
Transaction | Fee |
|---|---|
Options Trading | $0 base commission + $0.75 per contract |
Mutual Funds
Instrument | Fee |
|---|---|
Mutual Funds | $0 |
Fixed Income
Instrument | Fee |
|---|---|
Bonds, T-Bills, Debentures | $1 per $1,000 face value |
Minimum Fee | $24.99 |
Maximum Fee | $250 |
Special Trade Types
Trade Type | Fee |
|---|---|
Telephone (Broker-Assisted) Trades | Minimum $45 per trade |
DAP (Delivery Against Payment) Trades | Additional $10 surcharge per trade |
2. Account Fees
Account Type | Fee |
|---|---|
USD-Registered Account Maintenance | $15 per quarter |
Waived if you qualify for Investor Plus | |
Formal Trust Accounts | Annual administration fee |
See Qtrade fee schedule for details |
3. Account Closure & Transfer Fees
Service | Fee |
|---|---|
Early Account Closure | $100 (if closed within first 12 months) |
Transfer-Out (Full or Partial) | $150 per transfer request |
Transfer-In Rebate | Up to $150 may be rebated when transferring assets into Qtrade |
4. Deposit & Withdrawal Fees
Deposits
Method | Fee |
|---|---|
EFT, Bill Payment, Transfers | Free |
Note | Third-party or currency conversion fees may apply |
Withdrawals
Method | Fee |
|---|---|
EFT Withdrawals | Free |
Other Methods | May incur third-party or FX fees |
5. Other Administrative Fees
Service | Fee |
|---|---|
Paper Trade Confirmations / Statements | Fee applies unless enrolled in e-delivery |
Rush / DRS Certificate Processing | $150 + tax |
Options Exercise or Assignment | Subject to standard commission schedule |
Tax Reporting / CRA Reprint Requests | Nominal fees may apply |
Eligibility
- Must be a Canadian resident and at least the age of majority in your province or territory (typically 18 or 19).
- Must possess a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).
- Must provide government-issued ID (e.g. driver’s license, passport) and proof of identity/residency.
Highlights
🏛️ Company Snapshot
- Qtrade Direct Investing is a self-directed online brokerage operated by Credential Qtrade Securities Inc., based in Vancouver, and owned by Aviso Wealth.
- Founded in the early 2000s, Qtrade is consistently ranked among the top Canadian brokerages for ease of use and overall investor satisfaction.
🌐 Regulation & Security
- Regulated by IIROC (Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada).
- Protected by the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF) up to $1 million per account.
- Implements strong security measures: 256-bit encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA), session timeout, and an Internet Security Guarantee covering unauthorized transactions.
🧩 Account & Asset Types
Supported Accounts
- Personal: Cash, Margin, Joint
- Registered: RRSP, Spousal RRSP, TFSA, FHSA, RESP, RRIF, LIF, LIRA (CAD & USD versions)
- Business & Estate: Corporate, Trust, and Estate accounts
Tradable Assets
- Canadian & U.S. equities (incl. some OTC stocks)
- 100+ commission-free ETFs
- Mutual Funds
- Bonds & GICs
- IPO participation (when available)
- Options (buying, writing, spreads)
❌ Not supported: Cryptocurrency, Forex (FX), Contracts for Difference (CFDs), international stocks outside Canada/U.S., or Futures contracts
💻 Platform & Tools
User Experience
- Fully web-based with intuitive dashboard, available via desktop and mobile apps (iOS/Android).
- Fast account opening, usually approved in 1–3 business days.
Research & Planning Tools
- Advanced ETF & stock screeners
- Morningstar reports & technical charting
- Portfolio simulator & goal calculator
- Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) and performance tracking
- Options Lab for strategy visualization
- Alerts, watchlists, and market data integration
