Investing » Best Online Brokers for Stock Trading (October 2024)
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Best Online Brokers for Stock Trading (November 2024)

There are many types of online brokers out there, each of them has its own unqiue features. Here are our top online brokers for stock trading
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
Interest Rates Last Update: October 20, 2024
The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
Interest Rates Last Update: October 20, 2024

The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.

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One thing you need to know if you plan on getting into trading stocks is an online broker. An online broker will allow you to trade stocks from home in real time and for very little, if any, commission.

Your broker needs to be someone that has a reasonable minimum, quality trading tools, great customer service, and you will probably want them to not have any hidden fees in their contracts. The problem now is finding an online broker that comes with these qualities and works great for you.

Finding a good online broker can seem like a daunting task, especially with technology making it so much easier to find brokers of any kind.

Robinhood

robinhood- logo
robinhood- logo

Robinhood

Monthly Fee

$0 – $6.99 $0 for basic account, $6.99 for Robinhood Gold

Minimum Deposit

$0

Our Rating

4.4
4.4/5

APY Cash Account

0.01% – 4.50% You’ll earn 0.01% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on your uninvested brokerage cash, or 5% for Robinhood Gold members.

Robinhood is a great choice for people looking to trade stocks, especially if you're new to investing or prefer a straightforward platform. The app’s user-friendly design is another plus. It’s simple and intuitive, allowing you to quickly find and trade stocks, even if you’re not familiar with complex financial platforms.

With features like instant deposits, you can start trading almost right after transferring funds. Robinhood also offers fractional shares, so you don’t need a lot of money to invest—you can buy a portion of expensive stocks, making it more affordable for everyone.

Robinhood offers real-time market data and customizable charts, giving you the tools to analyze stock trends without leaving the platform.

technical analysis indicators charts, Robinhood app

 

stock trading trends
 
Pros
Cons
Fractional Shares, Crypto Access
Lacking Mutual Funds and Bonds
Advanced Charting And Research Tools
No Automated Investing
Robinhood Gold Features
No Advisory Services
IPO Access
Reliability Issues
Manage Retirement Accounts

E*TRADE

E-Trade-Log
E-Trade-Log

E*TRADE

Monthly Fee

0% – 0.35% 0% on stocks and ETFs in self directed brokrage, 0.35% for Core Portfolio Robo Advisor

Minimum Deposit

$0

Our Rating

4.3
4.3/5

APY Cash Account

4.25%

ETRADE is a strong choice for stock traders, offering a solid mix of features that cater to both beginners and experienced investors.

One of the biggest advantages of ETRADE is its powerful trading platforms, including the web-based Power E*TRADE and its mobile app, both of which offer real-time data, customizable charts, and advanced trading tools.

Another reason E*TRADE stands out is its extensive research resources. It provides access to professional-grade research reports, analyst ratings, and market news, giving traders the insights they need to navigate the stock market confidently.

My watchlist, Etrade app

 

asset allocation per investment style, Etrade
 
Pros
Cons
No Commissions for Stocks and ETFs
No Fractional Shares
Wide Range of Investment Options
No Cryptocurrency Trading or Forex Trading
Advanced Trading Tools
Higher Fees for Account Transfers
Competitive Savings And Checking
$1K Minimum Balance For Real-Time Data
Automated Investing Based On Questionnaire

Charles Schwab

Charles_Schwab logo
Charles_Schwab logo

Charles Schwab

Monthly Fee

Up to 0.80% $0 online commission on U.S. listed stocks, mutual funds and ETFs, options: $0.65 per-contract, Schwab Intelligent Portfolio – 0%, Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Premium – One-time planning fee: $300 + Monthly advisory fee: $30, Schwab Wealth Advisory: up to 0.80%

Minimum Deposit

$0 – $500,000 $0 for brokerage account, $5,000 for Schwab Intelligent Portfolios, $25,000 for Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Premium, $500,000 for Schwab Wealth Advisory

Our Rating

4.5
4.5/5

APY Cash Account

0.20%

Charles Schwab is an excellent choice for anyone looking to trade stocks due to its robust trading platform and unique features.

One of the standout aspects is the Thinkorswim platform, which offers advanced tools and real-time data, making it ideal for active traders. With features like customizable charts, technical indicators, and extensive research resources, traders can analyze market trends effectively and make informed decisions.

Schwab’s extensive research reports and analyst ratings further support stock trading decisions, making it a well-rounded choice for both beginners and seasoned stock traders.

positions
 

Pros
Cons
Investment & Banking Options
Fees
Thinkorswim Trading App
Limited International Market Access
Fractional Shares, Paper Trading
No Cryptocurrency Trading
Robo Advisor
High Minimum for Auto Investing
Deep Research & Reporting
No IPO Access

Interactive Brokers

Interactive_Brokers-Logo
Interactive_Brokers-Logo

Interactive Brokers

Monthly Fee

0% – 0.75% $0 online commission on U.S. listed stocks and ETFs, Options: $0.15 – $0.65 per-contract, Futures: $0.25 – $0.85 per-contract. For Interactive Advisors: asset-based management fees of 0.10% to 0.75%

Minimum Deposit

$0

Our Rating

4.5
4.5/5

APY Cash Account

Up to 4.44% There will be no interest paid on the first USD 10,000 of cash. Accounts with NAV less than 100k earn a proportional rate

Interactive Brokers is a great choice for stock traders because it offers a wide range of tools and features that make stock trading easy, efficient, and cost-effective.

One of its biggest advantages is access to over 150 global markets, which allows you to trade stocks from the U.S. and around the world. Whether you're into U.S. equities or international markets, you can find opportunities across different exchanges all from one platform.

Its Trader Workstation (TWS) platform is another highlight, offering advanced charting tools, real-time data, and customizable layouts. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trader, TWS helps you track stock performance and execute trades with precision.

 

Stock scanner
 
Pros
Cons
Extensive Global Market Access
Steep Learning Curve
Low-Cost Trading
Limited Wealth Management Services
Advanced Trading Platform
$10K Minimum For High APY On Cash
Comprehensive Research Tools
Cash Management Account

Fidelity

fidelity-logo
fidelity-logo

Fidelity

Monthly Fee

0% – 1.04% Fidelity Go® Robo advisor: $0: under $25,000, 0.35%/yr: $25,000 and above Fidelity® Wealth Management dedicated advisor: 0.50%–1.50% Fidelity Private Wealth Management® advisor-led team: 0.20%–1.04%

Minimum Deposit

$0 – $2M No minimum for Fidelity Go® and brokerage, $500,000 for Fidelity® Wealth Management, $2 million for Fidelity Private Wealth Management®

Our Rating

4.5
4.5/5

APY Cash Account

4.61%

With a strong reputation for customer service and educational resources, Fidelity is well-suited for stock traders who want a comprehensive platform that supports their stock trading goals while keeping costs low.

One of the standout features is the Active Trader Pro platform, which provides advanced tools for real-time market analysis. This platform allows users to customize their dashboards, set up detailed watchlists, and access a wide range of charting options, making it easy to spot trends and make informed decisions.

Fidelity’s extensive research resources, including in-depth stock reports and analyst ratings, give traders the insights needed to evaluate potential stocks effectively.

Fidelity market movers

 

Fidelity stock research
 
Pros
Cons
Wide Range of Investment Options
Low Interest Rates On Uninvested Cash
Access to annuities, CDs and IPOs
Robo-Advisor/Wealth Management Fees
Comprehensive Retirement Planning
No Paper Trading
Strong Research and Educational Resources
No Futures Trading

Webull

Monthly Fee

$0 May be charge specific fees for trading such as stock options, futures, transfers etc

Minimum Deposit

$0

Our Rating

4.1
4.1/5

Savings Rate APY

5.00%

Webull has gained popularity among investors, especially those who are active traders. This mobile-first platform offers a sleek and intuitive interface, packed with features designed to cater to the needs of modern investors.

One of Webull’s standout features for stock traders is its advanced charting tools. You can customize charts with multiple indicators, drawing tools, and different timeframes to perform detailed technical analysis. Whether you’re trading based on trends or looking for specific stock patterns, Webull makes it simple to track price movements and analyze market data.

Another advantage of Webull is its social trading features. You can connect with other investors, follow their trades, and discuss market trends. This can be a great way to learn from experienced traders and gain valuable insights.

Example of Apple stock largs scale orders, WeBull

 

Webull options trading
 
Pros
Cons
Fractional Shares With No Trading Fee
No Advanced Automated Investing
Automated Investing With Webull Smart Advisor
No Mutual Funds
Margin Trading, Futures And Options
No Live Chat
Great Research And Charting Tools
Paper Trading

How to Choose the Best Stock Trading Broker?

Choosing the best stock trading broker can be a bit overwhelming, especially with so many options out there. Here’s a simple guide to help you pick the right one:

Look for brokers with competitive pricing. Many now offer commission-free trades for stocks and ETFs. Even small fees can add up over time, so low or no fees are a big plus.

Make sure the trading platform is easy to use, whether you're on a computer or mobile app. A clear layout, easy navigation, and good trading tools make a big difference.

Ensure the broker offers the assets you're interested in, whether it's just stocks or also options, mutual funds, ETFs, or even crypto.

If you’re an active trader, look for advanced tools like real-time data, customizable charts, and technical indicators to help you make informed trades.

A good broker provides access to research reports, stock screeners, charts, and news. If you're new to trading, it’s also helpful to choose one with educational resources and tutorials.

Ensure the broker is regulated by financial authorities and offers protection for your investments, like SIPC insurance.

Investing App vs Stock Trading brokers: Key Differences

Here are the main ley differences if you aren't sure which type of broker is best for your needs:

Investing Apps
Stock Trading Brokers
Ease of use
Simple, beginner-friendly interfaces
Usually more complex
Features
Limited features & investing options
Wide range of features and advanced tools
Costs & fees
Usually low or no commissions
Higher fees, depends on the service
Asset types
Limited (often just stocks, ETFs)
Broad range (stocks, bonds, options, funds)
Target audience
Beginners, passive investors
Active traders, investors need advanced tools
Mobile experience
Mobile-first design, simple investing on-the-go
Full-featured, more robust platforms on desktop & mobile

 

  • Ease of use: Investing apps are typically more user-friendly and designed for beginners. They have simple interfaces, making it easy to start investing without much experience. Stock trading brokers often have more complex platforms with advanced tools.

  • Features: Traditional brokers usually offer a wider range of features, including access to multiple asset types (stocks, bonds, options, etc.), research tools, and more detailed market data. Investing apps focus on simplicity and might limit some features, though they’re great for basic investing.

  • Costs & fees: Investing apps often have low or no commissions, especially for buying stocks or ETFs. Traditional brokers may charge fees for certain types of trades, but they often provide more services in return, like advanced analysis tools or financial advice.

  • Investment guidance: Many investing apps, like robo-advisors, offer automated investing based on your goals. Stock brokers give you more control and flexibility but typically don’t provide automated recommendations unless they also offer robo-advisor services.

  • Target audience: Investing apps cater to beginners or passive investors, while traditional brokers are better suited for more active traders or those who want in-depth tools and support.

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Provides a non-custodial wallet where users have control over their private keys, supports a wide range of crypto assets and decentralized applications (DApps).

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Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Picture of Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
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Top Offers From Our Partners

empower logo

Personal Finance & Investing Tools
Budgeting, goal planning, net worth, cash flow, tax minimizing, personalized portfolio construction, tracking and adjustments
Talk to Financial Advisors

acorns-logo

Smart Portfolios by Experts
Cash Account with 4.52% APY

Promotion:
$5 Sign up, add $5 or more to your personal portfolio, and Stash give you a $5 bonus to start. 
Investing, Banking & Retirement Options

Wide Range of Cryptocurrencies
Supports a large number of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and many altcoins.
Coinbase Wallet
Provides a non-custodial wallet where users have control over their private keys, supports a wide range of crypto assets and decentralized applications (DApps).

Buy and Sell Crypto witH IRA
Buy and Sell Gold & Silver with IRA
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.

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