Which Online Canadian Broker is for You?

If you live in Canada and you’re wondering which online brokerage to use, you might be looking for a Qtrade vs Questrade comparison. 

You’re not alone. Both platforms offer competitive pricing, useful trading tools, and account options for beginners and experienced investors alike.

In this head-to-head comparison, we’ll break down everything from Qtrade (read: QTRADE REVIEW) vs Questrade (read: QUESTRADEREVIEW) annual fees and registered accounts to mobile apps and research tools. Whether you’re building your first investment portfolio and looking for free ETFs with no administration fees or you’re a self directed active trader looking to optimize your strategy with Qtrade direct investing, this guide will help you decide which brokerage aligns with your goals.

So which is the best discount Canadian brokerage? 

Keep reading to find out!

Qtrade Direct Investing: A Canadian Online Brokerage

Is Qtrade legit? Here’s what you should know.

Qtrade Direct Investing is a self-directed online trading platform that provides Canadians with access to a range of investment accounts, including TFSAs, RRSPs, and cash accounts. 

Backed by Credential Qtrade Securities Inc. and operating under the umbrella of Aviso Wealth, Qtrade has carved out a reputation for usability, strong customer service, and top-tier research tools.

Its intuitive platform makes it especially appealing to newer Canadian investors, offering curated educational content and an impressive resource hub that includes webinars, market updates, and investment strategy breakdowns. 

The platform also includes goal-planning tools that make it easy for beginners to set milestones and track financial progress over time.

Questrade: A Low-Fee Powerhouse for Active Investors

Questrade, a leader in self-directed investing, has earned a strong reputation among Canadian investors for offering a competitive alternative to traditional financial institutions. With over $50 billion in assets under administration as of 2025, it remains a go-to online trading platform for those seeking control, flexibility, and lower fees.

Users can build custom portfolios using a wide range of securities—including mutual funds, stocks, ETFs, and options—all from a single interface. The platform’s powerful research tools and streamlined dashboard provide more insight per click than many other online brokerages, making it ideal for hands-on investors who want more value from their trading experience.

For active traders, Questrade’s fee structure remains one of the most competitive in the Canadian market. The platform even reimburses transfer fees (up to $150 per account) when you bring assets from another institution, an incentive rarely matched by its rivals.

When comparing Qtrade Direct Investing and Questrade, both offer excellent tools and service, but Questrade tends to attract those looking for a blend of functionality, innovation, and value. It’s one reason you’ll often see the phrase “Questrade and Qtrade” in rankings of Canada’s best platforms.

Pro Tip:

Start building your portfolio with the broker that matches your needs. Open an account with Qtrade to receive a month of free trading or Questrade to get your first month of options trading free!

Investment Account Types and Flexibility

Both Qtrade and Questrade offer a broad selection of account types designed to meet the diverse needs of Canadian investors. From everyday cash accounts to more complex registered and margin accounts, users can find structures suited to their short- and long-term goals.

Qtrade supports accounts like the TFSA, RRSP, RESP, RIF, and LIRA, as well as joint and individual taxable accounts. For investors dealing with U.S. equities, Qtrade also provides USD registered accounts that help minimize currency conversion costs.

Questrade matches these offerings and expands them with corporate and investment club accounts, giving small businesses and advanced users access to personalized trading strategies. Its onboarding process also educates investors on choosing the right account through intuitive walkthroughs and support prompts.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison.

Pricing and Fee Structure

Transparent pricing is one of the most important aspects when comparing online brokerage services in Canada. 

Both Qtrade and Questrade aim to deliver competitive value, but their fee models differ in approach and flexibility.

Qtrade Fees:

• $8.75 flat commission per stock, equity, or ETF trade, with some exceptions as noted below. There’s a discounted rate of $6.95 available to investors who meet minimum thresholds in assets or activity. 
• Commission-free trading on over 100 curated ETFs.
• Account fees vary depending on your balance and activity level.
• A quarterly administration fee applies to low-balance, inactive accounts unless users meet minimum trade or deposit requirements.

Questrade Fees:

• Stock, ETF, and option trades are now commission free.
• No annual fees for self-directed accounts.
• Up to $150 in transfer fees reimbursed when moving funds from another brokerage.
• Options trading includes a base fee plus a per-contract rate of $0.99, ideal for experienced or high-frequency traders.

Both brokers offer clear, upfront pricing, but Questrade provides more flexibility for active traders, while Qtrade’s fixed-fee model and curated ETF list may appeal to long-term investors.

Both platforms charge regulatory fees as imposed by the SEC (for United States securities) and certain exchanges. Find the full Qtrade fee schedule here and the Questrade fee schedule here.

Pro Tip:

Ready for a bonus? Receive $100 when you fund an eligible Qtrade account, or download Questrade to get your first month of options trading free of charge!

ETF Investing: Access and Cost Efficiency

Both platforms shine when it comes to ETFs, but they approach cost efficiency slightly differently.

Qtrade offers commission-free access to more than 100 curated ETFs, with a focus on diversified, low-cost portfolios. These funds are handpicked for long-term growth and include options across sectors and location. The platform’s structure makes it ideal for passive investors looking to automate their strategy while minimizing fees.

Questrade, on the other hand, allows users to purchase or sell any ETF listed on North American stock exchanges without a commission, giving more flexibility. For frequent traders, the savings can be substantial.

This flexibility appeals to active and semi-active investors who want to build a customized basket of ETFs without being limited by a pre-approved list.

Research Tools and Educational Resources

For investors who rely on analytics and market data, both Qtrade and Questrade offer advanced solutions.

Qtrade integrates Morningstar ratings, portfolio score tools, and market commentary. It’s especially strong in helping beginners understand investment fundamentals, thanks to clear educational resources and intuitive navigation.

Questrade provides more customizable charting options and integrates tools like the Intraday Trader, Mutual Fund Centre, and watchlist alerts. For those with experience, Questrade’s suite is more robust for technical analysis and asset screening.

It’s worth noting here that Questrade users have the option to subscribe to one of two market data packages. The real-time streaming subscription offers up-to-the-minute Level I data for $9.95 per month, while the advanced streaming subscription adds Level II data to the mix for $44.95 per month.

Experienced investors and even beginners who love research might benefit from subscribing to one of these plans.

Pro Tip:

Trying to invest smarter? Receive $100 when you fund an eligible Qtrade account, or try Questrade to get your first month of options trading free of charge!

Mobile Experience and Trading on the Go

Both Qtrade and Questrade offer mobile apps that give investors full control over their portfolios from anywhere.

Qtrade’s mobile app emphasizes simplicity and reliability, offering real-time market data, biometric login, and seamless trade execution. 

It’s built for users who prefer a no-fuss experience without sacrificing core functionality.

Questrade’s app caters to power users by layering in more advanced capabilities. Traders can analyze real-time quotes, execute bracket orders, and review past trades. 

The interface is slightly more complex, but well-suited for active users who want deeper visibility into performance metrics and analytics.

Customer Support and Account Protection

Service quality and platform security often influence long-term satisfaction with a brokerage. 

It makes sense, right? 

Getting the help you need when you need it is a must, and so is the peace of mind that comes with knowing your money is safe.

Qtrade and Questrade both understand the importance of reliable support and state-of-the-art protection, though they differ slightly in their approaches.

Qtrade is known for offering attentive, human support during trading hours. Its help channels include phone support from 8:30 AM to 8 PM ET, and email, but there isn’t a live chat option.

Most users report prompt and thorough responses. The platform has earned praise for its clear communication, especially with beginner investors navigating account setup or trade execution.

Questrade also provides support through multiple channels, including extended weekday hours. You can get phone support during business hours, plus email and live chat.

Its customer service team is backed by a detailed online help center filled with how-to guides, FAQs, and platform walkthroughs. Though wait times can occasionally vary, especially during high-traffic periods, most users find their concerns resolved quickly and professionally.

On the security front, both brokerages are regulated by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) and are members of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF), providing insurance for up to $1 million per client in the event of insolvency.

Both Qtrade and Questrade use end-to-end encryption and require two-factor authentication (2FA) to protect users.

Qtrade adds additional user protection with its Investor Internet Security Guarantee, which provides 100% reimbursement of lost funds due to unauthorized brokerage account activity. Keep in mind they won’t reimburse you if you compromise your own account by giving out your password or loaning someone your phone.

These features ensure that users feel supported and protected no matter their level of experience or investment goals.

Final Verdict: Qtrade vs Questrade

Ultimately, the right platform for you will depend on how hands-on you want to be and which tools you prioritize most.

Qtrade is a fantastic choice for beginners and conservative investors. Its clean interface, strong support network, and library of educational tools make it an ideal launchpad for building foundational investment knowledge. 

If you’re looking for an intuitive, low-hassle platform with clear pricing and curated fund access, Qtrade fits the bill.

Questrade leans more toward the experienced investor—or those with aspirations to become one. Its tiered pricing, extensive research suite, and support for complex strategies like options and margin trading give users more control. The platform rewards those who want customization, analytics, and low-cost execution in one place.

Overall, Questrade offers lower pricing, which may appeal to investors who are concerned about fees eating into the value of their investments, but beginners should keep in mind that there’s a learning curve involved.

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