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