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Broker Comparison

Firstrade vs Wealthfront

Compare Firstrade and Wealthfront side by side: fees, regulation, platforms.

Firstrade

Firstrade

Cost-conscious US stock, ETF and options traders

Firstrade is a US online broker with $0 online trades for stocks, ETFs, options and mutual funds, plus mobile…

VS
Wealthfront

Wealthfront

Hands-off long-term investors

Wealthfront combines automated investing, stock and ETF trading, a cash account, direct indexing and bond lad…

Head-to-head comparison

Firstrade vs Wealthfront
Feature Firstrade Wealthfront
Minimum deposit $0 —
Stock trading fee $0 commission Zero commissions on trades and $1 to start investing
Regulators FINRA SEC, FINRA, SIPC, FDIC
Best for Cost-conscious US stock, ETF and options traders Hands-off long-term investors
Markets & account
Stocks
ETFs
Bonds
Options
—
Funds
Margin
—
Investment Plans
—
Fractional Shares
—
Ready Made Portfolios
—

Pros & cons

Firstrade

Firstrade

Pros

  • $0 online trades for stocks, ETFs, options and mutual funds
  • $0 options contract, exercise and assignment fees
  • No deposit minimum and no inactivity fees
  • Overnight trading from 8 PM to 4 AM ET on 1,200+ securities
  • Options Wizard includes 40+ strategies and P&L simulations
  • ACATS transfer fee rebate up to $250 on qualifying transfers
  • Excess protection can raise coverage to $37.5 million per customer

Cons

  • Broker-assisted stock and ETF trades cost $19.95
  • Broker-assisted options cost $19.95+$0.50/contract
  • Mutual fund shares sold within 90 days can cost $19.95
  • Redemptions below $500 can incur a $19.95 fee
  • Primary Market CDs cost $30
  • Overnight trades must use limit orders only
  • ACH transfers require a U.S. financial institution
Wealthfront

Wealthfront

Pros

  • Zero commissions on stock and ETF trades
  • $1 minimum for Stock Investing Account
  • Cash Account has zero account fees
  • Free 24/7 instant withdrawals to eligible accounts
  • Up to $8M FDIC insurance through program banks
  • S&P 500 Direct starts at $5,000 with a 0.09% fee
  • Automated Bond Ladder waives advisory fee for 3 months
  • Two out-of-network ATM reimbursements monthly, up to $7.50 each

Cons

  • Automated Investing Account starts at $500
  • S&P 500 Direct requires $5,000 to start
  • Automated Bond Ladder has a 0.15% annual advisory fee
  • 529 plan total fees are 0.39%-0.45%
  • Cash APY can change before or after account opening
  • APY Boost applies only up to a $150,000 balance
  • FDIC coverage starts only after cash reaches program banks
  • Stock Investing Account is not built for options or crypto trading
Firstrade

Firstrade

Firstrade is a US online broker with $0 online trades for stocks, ETFs, options and mutual funds, plus mobile apps and overnight stock and ETF trading.

Visit Firstrade Read review

Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply.

Wealthfront

Wealthfront

Wealthfront combines automated investing, stock and ETF trading, a cash account, direct indexing and bond ladders with low stated fees.

Visit Wealthfront Read review

Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply.

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