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Start trading stocks with smart online broker picks for everyone
NerdWallet Inc. is not an investment advisor or broker and does not provide personal financial advisory services
Since most brokers offer fee-free trades and and low or no account minimums, read Our Take to find out why we like these brokers and discover which one has the features you want.
$0
per trade
$0
Get up to $700
when you open and fund a J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing account with qualifying new money.
Pros
- Commission-free stock, options and ETF trades.
- Easy-to-use platform.
- App connects all Chase accounts.
- In-person customer support at Chase branches.
Cons
- Bare-bones trading platform isn't for advanced traders.
- Low interest rate on uninvested cash.
Why We Like It
J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing is a clear-cut investment platform that is great for beginners looking to learn how to buy and sell investments. More advanced investors, however, may find it lacking in terms of available assets, tools and research. INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: NOT A DEPOSIT • NOT FDIC INSURED • NO BANK GUARANTEE • MAY LOSE VALUE
$0.005
per share; as low as $0.0005 with volume discounts
$0
Exclusive!
U.S. residents who open a new IBKR Pro account will receive a 0.25% rate reduction on margin loans. Terms apply.
Pros
- Per-share pricing.
- Volume discounts.
- Large investment selection.
- Extensive tools for active traders.
- Powerful trading platform.
- NerdWallet users who sign up for IBKR Pro get a 0.25% discount on the first $100,000 of a margin loan.
Cons
- Complex pricing on some investments.
Why We Like It
IBKR Pro offers advanced traders a variety of features to up their investing game, including some of the lowest margin rates in the business, discounted contract fees on large-volume options trades, and a high cash interest rate for balances above $10,000. In exchange, users pay very low trade commissions.
$0
per online equity trade
$0
None
no promotion available at this time
Pros
- Commission-free stock, options and ETF trades.
- Five trading platforms with no minimums or fees.
- Access to thinkorswim platforms.
- Extensive research offerings.
- Large fund selection.
Cons
- Low interest rate on uninvested cash.
Why We Like It
Charles Schwab has earned its strong reputation: The broker offers high-quality customer service, four free trading platforms, a wide selection of no-transaction-fee mutual funds and $0 commissions for stocks, ETFs and options.
$0
per trade
$0
1 Free Stock
after linking your bank account (stock value range $5.00-$200)
Pros
- Commission-free stock, options and ETF trades.
- Streamlined interface.
- Cryptocurrency trading.
- IRA with 1% match (3% for Gold members).
- High interest rate on uninvested cash.
Cons
- No mutual funds.
- Little third-party research.
Why We Like It
Robinhood provides free stock, options, ETF and cryptocurrency trades (but no bonds or mutual funds), and its account minimum is $0, too. Robinhood Gold offers a high interest rate on uninvested cash and low margin rates.Before you start investing, you’ll want to choose a broker that fits your budget and level of investing knowledge, and also has the investment options that are best for you.
While most brokers these days don’t charge a commission, they may still charge account fees. Make sure you find out any fees associated with the account.
Some brokers have a required minimum account balance. Make sure any minimum balance is within your budget.
Some online brokers have promotional offers when you open an account, including free shares or stocks.
Choose an investment account
Compare brokers to find one that offers the right account type and investment options for your situation.
Set up your account
You can set up an investment account in as little as 15 minutes, depending on what options you’re choosing.
Start investing
Once you’ve added money to the account, you can find, select, and invest in stocks or funds.
Savings accounts are another smart way to grow your money
at American Express National Bank
