This year’s best
TIE: Best Online Broker for Stock Trading Platform and Research
on TD Ameritrade's website
on TD Ameritrade's website
$0
per trade
$0
None
no promotion available at this time
Pros
- Commission-free stock and ETF trades.
- Free research.
- High-quality trading platforms.
- No account minimum.
- Good customer support.
- Large investment selection.
Cons
- No fractional shares.
Pros
- Commission-free stock and ETF trades.
- Free research.
- High-quality trading platforms.
- No account minimum.
- Good customer support.
- Large investment selection.
Cons
- No fractional shares.
$0
per trade
$0
None
no promotion available at this time
Pros
- Commission-free stock and ETF trades.
- Free research.
- High-quality trading platforms.
- No account minimum.
- Good customer support.
- Large investment selection.
Cons
- No fractional shares.
Pros
- Commission-free stock and ETF trades.
- Free research.
- High-quality trading platforms.
- No account minimum.
- Good customer support.
- Large investment selection.
Cons
- No fractional shares.
$0
per trade
$0
None
no promotion available at this time
Pros
- Commission-free stock and ETF trades.
- Free research.
- High-quality trading platforms.
- No account minimum.
- Good customer support.
- Large investment selection.
Cons
- No fractional shares.
Pros
- Commission-free stock and ETF trades.
- Free research.
- High-quality trading platforms.
- No account minimum.
- Good customer support.
- Large investment selection.
Cons
- No fractional shares.
Why this Broker made the list
TD Ameritrade wins again for its professional-level trading platform and free access to research from more than a dozen high-quality sources.
Read our methodologyTIE: Best Online Broker for Stock Trading Platform and Research
on TradeStation's website
on TradeStation's website
$0
per trade
$500
Qualify for up to $5,000
when you open and fund a new TradeStation account. Offer Code: NERDAFJO.
Pros
- High-quality trading platforms.
- Comprehensive research.
- Commission-free stock, ETF and options trades.
- Advanced tools.
- Active trader community.
Cons
- No transaction-fee-free mutual funds.
- Plans and pricing can be confusing.
Pros
- High-quality trading platforms.
- Comprehensive research.
- Commission-free stock, ETF and options trades.
- Advanced tools.
- Active trader community.
Cons
- No transaction-fee-free mutual funds.
- Plans and pricing can be confusing.
$0
per trade
$500
Qualify for up to $5,000
when you open and fund a new TradeStation account. Offer Code: NERDAFJO.
Pros
- High-quality trading platforms.
- Comprehensive research.
- Commission-free stock, ETF and options trades.
- Advanced tools.
- Active trader community.
Cons
- No transaction-fee-free mutual funds.
- Plans and pricing can be confusing.
Pros
- High-quality trading platforms.
- Comprehensive research.
- Commission-free stock, ETF and options trades.
- Advanced tools.
- Active trader community.
Cons
- No transaction-fee-free mutual funds.
- Plans and pricing can be confusing.
$0
per trade
$500
Qualify for up to $5,000
when you open and fund a new TradeStation account. Offer Code: NERDAFJO.
Pros
- High-quality trading platforms.
- Comprehensive research.
- Commission-free stock, ETF and options trades.
- Advanced tools.
- Active trader community.
Cons
- No transaction-fee-free mutual funds.
- Plans and pricing can be confusing.
Pros
- High-quality trading platforms.
- Comprehensive research.
- Commission-free stock, ETF and options trades.
- Advanced tools.
- Active trader community.
Cons
- No transaction-fee-free mutual funds.
- Plans and pricing can be confusing.
Why this Broker made the list
TradeStation wins for the extensive capabilities of its desktop platform (best paired with TS Select) and depth of free data and tools available to TS Go users.
Read our methodologyBest Online Broker for Beginning Investors
on Fidelity's website
on Fidelity's website
$0
per trade for online U.S. stocks and ETFs
$0
Get $100
when you open a new, eligible Fidelity account with $50 or more. Use code FIDELITY100. Limited time offer. Terms apply.
Pros
- Commission-free stock, ETF and options trades.
- Large selection of research providers.
- Strong customer service.
- Expense-ratio-free index funds.
- Highly rated mobile app.
Cons
- Relatively high broker-assisted trade fee.
Pros
- Commission-free stock, ETF and options trades.
- Large selection of research providers.
- Strong customer service.
- Expense-ratio-free index funds.
- Highly rated mobile app.
Cons
- Relatively high broker-assisted trade fee.
$0
per trade for online U.S. stocks and ETFs
$0
Get $100
when you open a new, eligible Fidelity account with $50 or more. Use code FIDELITY100. Limited time offer. Terms apply.
Pros
- Commission-free stock, ETF and options trades.
- Large selection of research providers.
- Strong customer service.
- Expense-ratio-free index funds.
- Highly rated mobile app.
Cons
- Relatively high broker-assisted trade fee.
Pros
- Commission-free stock, ETF and options trades.
- Large selection of research providers.
- Strong customer service.
- Expense-ratio-free index funds.
- Highly rated mobile app.
Cons
- Relatively high broker-assisted trade fee.
$0
per trade for online U.S. stocks and ETFs
$0
Get $100
when you open a new, eligible Fidelity account with $50 or more. Use code FIDELITY100. Limited time offer. Terms apply.
Pros
- Commission-free stock, ETF and options trades.
- Large selection of research providers.
- Strong customer service.
- Expense-ratio-free index funds.
- Highly rated mobile app.
Cons
- Relatively high broker-assisted trade fee.
Pros
- Commission-free stock, ETF and options trades.
- Large selection of research providers.
- Strong customer service.
- Expense-ratio-free index funds.
- Highly rated mobile app.
Cons
- Relatively high broker-assisted trade fee.
Why this Broker made the list
Fidelity is a perennial winner here. It offers $0 trading commissions, 3,500-plus no-transaction-fee mutual funds, and extensive investor education.
Read our methodologyBest Online Broker for IRA Investing
on Fidelity's website
on Fidelity's website
$0
no account fees to open a Fidelity retail IRA
$0
Get $100
when you open a new Fidelity retail IRA with $50. A 200% match. Use code FIDELITY100. Limited time offer. Terms apply.
Pros
- $0 trade commissions.
- Free research and data.
- Strong customer support.
- Quality trading platform.
Cons
- Relatively high broker-assisted trade fee.
Pros
- $0 trade commissions.
- Free research and data.
- Strong customer support.
- Quality trading platform.
Cons
- Relatively high broker-assisted trade fee.
$0
no account fees to open a Fidelity retail IRA
$0
Get $100
when you open a new Fidelity retail IRA with $50. A 200% match. Use code FIDELITY100. Limited time offer. Terms apply.
Pros
- $0 trade commissions.
- Free research and data.
- Strong customer support.
- Quality trading platform.
Cons
- Relatively high broker-assisted trade fee.
Pros
- $0 trade commissions.
- Free research and data.
- Strong customer support.
- Quality trading platform.
Cons
- Relatively high broker-assisted trade fee.
$0
no account fees to open a Fidelity retail IRA
$0
Get $100
when you open a new Fidelity retail IRA with $50. A 200% match. Use code FIDELITY100. Limited time offer. Terms apply.
Pros
- $0 trade commissions.
- Free research and data.
- Strong customer support.
- Quality trading platform.
Cons
- Relatively high broker-assisted trade fee.
Pros
- $0 trade commissions.
- Free research and data.
- Strong customer support.
- Quality trading platform.
Cons
- Relatively high broker-assisted trade fee.
Why this Broker made the list
Fidelity’s low fees, retirement tools and expense-ratio-free index funds make it a clear winner for retirement investors.
Read our methodologyBest Robo-Advisor for IRA Investing
on Wealthfront's website
on Wealthfront's website
0.25%
management fee
$500
Get $50 customer bonus
when you fund your first taxable Investment Account
Pros
- Get $50 customer bonus when you fund your first taxable Investment Account (NerdWallet promotion).
- Automatic rebalancing.
- Digital financial planning tools.
- Low management fee.
Cons
- No access to human advisors.
- No fractional shares.
Pros
- Get $50 customer bonus when you fund your first taxable Investment Account (NerdWallet promotion).
- Automatic rebalancing.
- Digital financial planning tools.
- Low management fee.
Cons
- No access to human advisors.
- No fractional shares.
0.25%
management fee
$500
Get $50 customer bonus
when you fund your first taxable Investment Account
Pros
- Get $50 customer bonus when you fund your first taxable Investment Account (NerdWallet promotion).
- Automatic rebalancing.
- Digital financial planning tools.
- Low management fee.
Cons
- No access to human advisors.
- No fractional shares.
Pros
- Get $50 customer bonus when you fund your first taxable Investment Account (NerdWallet promotion).
- Automatic rebalancing.
- Digital financial planning tools.
- Low management fee.
Cons
- No access to human advisors.
- No fractional shares.
0.25%
management fee
$500
Get $50 customer bonus
when you fund your first taxable Investment Account
Pros
- Get $50 customer bonus when you fund your first taxable Investment Account (NerdWallet promotion).
- Automatic rebalancing.
- Digital financial planning tools.
- Low management fee.
Cons
- No access to human advisors.
- No fractional shares.
Pros
- Get $50 customer bonus when you fund your first taxable Investment Account (NerdWallet promotion).
- Automatic rebalancing.
- Digital financial planning tools.
- Low management fee.
Cons
- No access to human advisors.
- No fractional shares.
Why this Robo-advisor made the list
Wealthfront’s investment lineup, low ETF expense ratios and competitive management fee make it a standout among robos.
Read our methodologyBest Robo-Advisor for Low-Cost Investing
0.15%
per year (approximately)
$3,000
No advisory fees
your first 90 days of Vanguard Digital Advisor investment management (Enrollment requires a Vanguard account with a minimum of $3,000)
Pros
- Access to Vanguard’s investing expertise and ETFs.
- Low management fee relative to competitors.
- Low investment expense ratios and no additional account fees.
Cons
- Limited portfolio options and customization.
Pros
- Access to Vanguard’s investing expertise and ETFs.
- Low management fee relative to competitors.
- Low investment expense ratios and no additional account fees.
Cons
- Limited portfolio options and customization.
0.15%
per year (approximately)
$3,000
No advisory fees
your first 90 days of Vanguard Digital Advisor investment management (Enrollment requires a Vanguard account with a minimum of $3,000)
Pros
- Access to Vanguard’s investing expertise and ETFs.
- Low management fee relative to competitors.
- Low investment expense ratios and no additional account fees.
Cons
- Limited portfolio options and customization.
Pros
- Access to Vanguard’s investing expertise and ETFs.
- Low management fee relative to competitors.
- Low investment expense ratios and no additional account fees.
Cons
- Limited portfolio options and customization.
0.15%
per year (approximately)
$3,000
No advisory fees
your first 90 days of Vanguard Digital Advisor investment management (Enrollment requires a Vanguard account with a minimum of $3,000)
Pros
- Access to Vanguard’s investing expertise and ETFs.
- Low management fee relative to competitors.
- Low investment expense ratios and no additional account fees.
Cons
- Limited portfolio options and customization.
Pros
- Access to Vanguard’s investing expertise and ETFs.
- Low management fee relative to competitors.
- Low investment expense ratios and no additional account fees.
Cons
- Limited portfolio options and customization.
Why this Robo-advisor made the list
Vanguard Digital Advisor wins again for its low management fees, low investment expense ratios and no additional account fees.
Read our methodologyBest Robo-Advisor for Portfolio Options
on Wealthfront's website
on Wealthfront's website
0.25%
management fee
$500
Get $50 customer bonus
when you fund your first taxable Investment Account
Pros
- Get $50 customer bonus when you fund your first taxable investment account (NerdWallet promotion).
- Low ETF expense ratios.
- Daily tax-loss harvesting.
- Automatic rebalancing.
- DIY and automated investing options.
Cons
- No human financial advisors.
Pros
- Get $50 customer bonus when you fund your first taxable investment account (NerdWallet promotion).
- Low ETF expense ratios.
- Daily tax-loss harvesting.
- Automatic rebalancing.
- DIY and automated investing options.
Cons
- No human financial advisors.
0.25%
management fee
$500
Get $50 customer bonus
when you fund your first taxable Investment Account
Pros
- Get $50 customer bonus when you fund your first taxable investment account (NerdWallet promotion).
- Low ETF expense ratios.
- Daily tax-loss harvesting.
- Automatic rebalancing.
- DIY and automated investing options.
Cons
- No human financial advisors.
Pros
- Get $50 customer bonus when you fund your first taxable investment account (NerdWallet promotion).
- Low ETF expense ratios.
- Daily tax-loss harvesting.
- Automatic rebalancing.
- DIY and automated investing options.
Cons
- No human financial advisors.
0.25%
management fee
$500
Get $50 customer bonus
when you fund your first taxable Investment Account
Pros
- Get $50 customer bonus when you fund your first taxable investment account (NerdWallet promotion).
- Low ETF expense ratios.
- Daily tax-loss harvesting.
- Automatic rebalancing.
- DIY and automated investing options.
Cons
- No human financial advisors.
Pros
- Get $50 customer bonus when you fund your first taxable investment account (NerdWallet promotion).
- Low ETF expense ratios.
- Daily tax-loss harvesting.
- Automatic rebalancing.
- DIY and automated investing options.
Cons
- No human financial advisors.
Why this Robo-advisor made the list
Wealthfront offers ETFs from 12 asset classes, a socially responsible portfolio and access to cryptocurrency trusts. Clients can customize their portfolios.
Read our methodologyBest Online Financial Advisor
on Zoe Financial's website
on Zoe Financial's website
Varies by Advisor (free initial consultation)
$100,000
3-Month Satisfaction Guarantee
Pros
- Makes it easy to find a financial advisor.
- Network of financial advisors offer a wide range of planning services.
- No fee for using Zoe Financial to find an advisor.
Cons
- Difficult to know financial advisor fees upfront.
Pros
- Makes it easy to find a financial advisor.
- Network of financial advisors offer a wide range of planning services.
- No fee for using Zoe Financial to find an advisor.
Cons
- Difficult to know financial advisor fees upfront.
Varies by Advisor (free initial consultation)
$100,000
3-Month Satisfaction Guarantee
Pros
- Makes it easy to find a financial advisor.
- Network of financial advisors offer a wide range of planning services.
- No fee for using Zoe Financial to find an advisor.
Cons
- Difficult to know financial advisor fees upfront.
Pros
- Makes it easy to find a financial advisor.
- Network of financial advisors offer a wide range of planning services.
- No fee for using Zoe Financial to find an advisor.
Cons
- Difficult to know financial advisor fees upfront.
Varies by Advisor (free initial consultation)
$100,000
3-Month Satisfaction Guarantee
Pros
- Makes it easy to find a financial advisor.
- Network of financial advisors offer a wide range of planning services.
- No fee for using Zoe Financial to find an advisor.
Cons
- Difficult to know financial advisor fees upfront.
Pros
- Makes it easy to find a financial advisor.
- Network of financial advisors offer a wide range of planning services.
- No fee for using Zoe Financial to find an advisor.
Cons
- Difficult to know financial advisor fees upfront.
Why this online advisor made the list
Zoe Financial will help you find a carefully vetted advisor who can assist you with retirement planning, investing, tax strategy and more.
Read our methodologyBest App for Investing
on Fidelity's website
on Fidelity's website
$0
per trade for online U.S. stocks and ETFs
$0
Get $100
when you open a new, eligible Fidelity account with $50 or more. Use code FIDELITY100. Limited time offer. Terms apply.
Pros
- Commission-free stock, ETF and options trades.
- Large selection of research providers.
- Strong customer service.
- Expense-ratio-free index funds.
- Highly rated mobile app.
Cons
- Relatively high broker-assisted trade fee.
Pros
- Commission-free stock, ETF and options trades.
- Large selection of research providers.
- Strong customer service.
- Expense-ratio-free index funds.
- Highly rated mobile app.
Cons
- Relatively high broker-assisted trade fee.
$0
per trade for online U.S. stocks and ETFs
$0
Get $100
when you open a new, eligible Fidelity account with $50 or more. Use code FIDELITY100. Limited time offer. Terms apply.
Pros
- Commission-free stock, ETF and options trades.
- Large selection of research providers.
- Strong customer service.
- Expense-ratio-free index funds.
- Highly rated mobile app.
Cons
- Relatively high broker-assisted trade fee.
Pros
- Commission-free stock, ETF and options trades.
- Large selection of research providers.
- Strong customer service.
- Expense-ratio-free index funds.
- Highly rated mobile app.
Cons
- Relatively high broker-assisted trade fee.
$0
per trade for online U.S. stocks and ETFs
$0
Get $100
when you open a new, eligible Fidelity account with $50 or more. Use code FIDELITY100. Limited time offer. Terms apply.
Pros
- Commission-free stock, ETF and options trades.
- Large selection of research providers.
- Strong customer service.
- Expense-ratio-free index funds.
- Highly rated mobile app.
Cons
- Relatively high broker-assisted trade fee.
Pros
- Commission-free stock, ETF and options trades.
- Large selection of research providers.
- Strong customer service.
- Expense-ratio-free index funds.
- Highly rated mobile app.
Cons
- Relatively high broker-assisted trade fee.
Why this Broker made the list
Fidelity wins again for its all-star lineup of trading tools and research. Fidelity’s mobile apps have the highest average user rating of companies we reviewed.
Read our methodologyBest Crypto Exchanges and Platforms for Beginners
0.5% - 3.49%
depending on payment method and platform
$0
$20 of BTC
for new users after trading $100 or more within 30 days
Pros
- More than 100 cryptocurrencies.
- Available in all U.S. states.
Cons
- Higher fees than some other crypto exchanges.
Pros
- More than 100 cryptocurrencies.
- Available in all U.S. states.
Cons
- Higher fees than some other crypto exchanges.
0.5% - 3.49%
depending on payment method and platform
$0
$20 of BTC
for new users after trading $100 or more within 30 days
Pros
- More than 100 cryptocurrencies.
- Available in all U.S. states.
Cons
- Higher fees than some other crypto exchanges.
Pros
- More than 100 cryptocurrencies.
- Available in all U.S. states.
Cons
- Higher fees than some other crypto exchanges.
0.5% - 3.49%
depending on payment method and platform
$0
$20 of BTC
for new users after trading $100 or more within 30 days
Pros
- More than 100 cryptocurrencies.
- Available in all U.S. states.
Cons
- Higher fees than some other crypto exchanges.
Pros
- More than 100 cryptocurrencies.
- Available in all U.S. states.
Cons
- Higher fees than some other crypto exchanges.
Why this crypto platform made the list
Gemini’s easy-to-use platform and strong tools make it a top pick for beginners and serious traders alike.
Read our methodologyWant to compare brokers?
