Firstrade vs Wealthsimple - BrokerCue
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Broker Comparison

Firstrade vs Wealthsimple

Compare Firstrade and Wealthsimple 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 mobileโ€ฆ

VS
Wealthsimple

Wealthsimple

Canadian beginner and passive investors

Wealthsimple is a Canadian all-in-one financial platform offering commission-free stock and ETF trading, manaโ€ฆ

Head-to-head comparison

Firstrade vs Wealthsimple
Feature Firstrade Wealthsimple
Minimum deposit $0 -
Stock trading fee $0 commission Commission-free on Canadian and US exchanges
Regulators FINRA CIRO, OSC
Best for Cost-conscious US stock, ETF and options traders Canadian beginner and passive investors
Markets & account
Stocks
ETFs
Crypto
-
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
Wealthsimple

Wealthsimple

Pros

  • Commission-free stock and ETF trading
  • No account, inactivity, or transfer-out fees on self-directed accounts
  • Fractional shares with a $1 minimum investment
  • Integrated robo-advisor, self-directed trading, and crypto in one app
  • Multiple registered account types including TFSA, RRSP, FHSA, and RESP
  • CIPF investor protection up to $1 million per account category
  • No minimum deposit requirement
  • TradingView charting integration on web platform

Cons

  • 1.5% CAD/USD currency conversion fee applies to most US stock trades unless a USD account is held
  • $10 per month USD account fee for Core plan users
  • No mutual funds, bonds, GICs, CFDs, or forex products
  • No demo account
  • Advanced research and charting tools are limited compared to full-service brokers
  • Managed portfolio customization is restricted to a small set of model portfolios
  • Higher-tier benefits require $100,000 or $500,000 in household assets
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.

Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply.

Wealthsimple

Wealthsimple

Wealthsimple is a Canadian all-in-one financial platform offering commission-free stock and ETF trading, managed portfolios, crypto, and tax filing in a single app.

Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply.

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