Every Brokerage for Traders
Selecting the right brokerage is a critical decision for U.S. traders and investors. Below is a comprehensive list of major U.S. brokerages, detailing their ownership, key features, and offerings to help you make an informed choice.
1. Charles Schwab
- Ownership: Publicly traded company (NYSE: SCHW)
- Key Features:
- $0 commissions on online stock and ETF trades
- Extensive research tools and resources
- Robust trading platforms, including StreetSmart Edge
- Wide range of investment products
- Comprehensive customer service
2. Fidelity Investments
- Ownership: Privately held company
- Key Features:
- $0 commissions on online stock and ETF trades
- Advanced research and educational resources
- Active Trader Pro platform for advanced trading
- High-quality customer service
- Diverse investment options
3. Vanguard
- Ownership: Client-owned; operates on a mutual structure
- Key Features:
- Known for low-cost index funds and ETFs
- Focus on long-term, passive investing strategies
- Comprehensive financial planning tools
- Limited trading platform features compared to peers
4. E*TRADE
- Ownership: Subsidiary of Morgan Stanley
- Key Features:
- $0 commissions on online stock and ETF trades
- Power E*TRADE platform for active traders
- Extensive educational resources
- Diverse investment offerings
- Promotional offers for new accounts
5. TD Ameritrade
- Ownership: Subsidiary of Charles Schwab
- Key Features:
- $0 commissions on online stock and ETF trades
- thinkorswim platform for advanced trading
- Comprehensive research and analysis tools
- Wide range of investment products
- Strong customer support
6. Merrill Edge
- Ownership: Division of Bank of America
- Key Features:
- $0 commissions on online stock and ETF trades
- Integration with Bank of America accounts
- Robust research and insights from BofA Global Research
- Preferred Rewards program benefits
- User-friendly platform
7. Interactive Brokers
- Ownership: Publicly traded company (NASDAQ: IBKR)
- Key Features:
- Low-cost trading with tiered commission structure
- Access to global markets
- Advanced Trader Workstation (TWS) platform
- Comprehensive research and risk management tools
- Ideal for professional and international traders
8. Robinhood
- Ownership: Publicly traded company (NASDAQ: HOOD)
- Key Features:
- Commission-free trading
- User-friendly mobile app
- Access to stocks, ETFs, options, and cryptocurrencies
- Limited research and educational resources
- Focus on simplicity and accessibility
9. Webull
- Ownership: Privately held company
- Key Features:
- Commission-free trading
- Advanced charting tools and technical indicators
- Extended trading hours
- Paper trading feature for practice
- Focus on active traders
10. SoFi Invest
- Ownership: Publicly traded company (NASDAQ: SOFI)
- Key Features:
- Commission-free trading
- Automated investing options
- Access to fractional shares
- Integration with other SoFi financial products
- Educational resources and community events
11. Ally Invest
- Ownership: Subsidiary of Ally Financial
- Key Features:
- $0 commissions on online stock and ETF trades
- Robust research and analysis tools
- Integration with Ally Bank accounts
- Diverse investment options
- User-friendly platform
12. J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing
- Ownership: Division of JPMorgan Chase & Co.
- Key Features:
- $0 commissions on online stock and ETF trades
- Integration with Chase banking accounts
- Access to J.P. Morgan research and insights
- User-friendly mobile and web platforms
- Tools for portfolio building and analysis