Stock trading can be an incredibly lucrative profession, and one of the first steps any budding stock trader needs to take is to find the best online broker for their needs.
Fortunately, there are plenty of options on the market, and we will look into each of them in detail. From offering fixed-rate trading fees to low-cost and commission-free trades, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the best online brokers for stock trading. Let’s get going!
What Is The Difference Between an Online Broker and a Financial Advisor?
It is important to understand the difference between an online broker, and a financial advisor, as each will offer different services. A financial advisor provides personalized advice and guidance to clients on financial matters, investment portfolio management, retirement planning and more.
An online broker on the other hand, is a website or platform that allows an investor to buy and sell stocks online. Online brokers enable a trader to create an account, research investments and make trades without having to work with a financial advisor.
What Are The Benefits of Using An Online Broker For Stock Trading?
Using an online broker for stock trading comes with a wealth of benefits for individuals and active traders alike. First, it allows traders to access global financial markets to buy and sell stocks quickly and easily.
An online broker also provides access to real-time quotes and market news, so it can save a trader time by not having to manually track and research stocks. Furthermore, many brokers also offer low-fee or even commission-free trades, helping traders to save even more money.
Top 10 Best Online Brokers For Stock Trading
Charles Schwab
Charles Schwab is one of the most popular online brokers in the world. It offers a wide range of services, including full featured trading platforms, investor education and research, and low trading fees. An added bonus is that Charles Schwab does not charge any commissions for its trading services, saving traders precious time and money.
ETRADE
ETRADE is one of the oldest online brokers, and it has been in the business for over 30 years. It offers a wide array of trading options and access to global equities and derivatives markets. E*TRADE is known for its comprehensive range of securities, research tools and good customer service.
Merrill Edge
Merrill Edge is a modern trading platform with mobile apps, tools, and perks that cater to investors of all experience levels. It offers investments in stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, options, bonds, and more. It also features advanced research and market insights, along with low transaction fees.
TD Ameritrade
TD Ameritrade is one of the leading online trading platforms. It offers a wide range of investment options, a powerful trading platform, and extensive education resources to help traders get up to speed quickly. TD Ameritrade also provides low fees, high-quality research and analysis, and top-notch customer service.
Ally Invest
Ally Invest is a popular online trading platform for investors who want access to the U.S. stock market. It also offers customers access to domestic and international markets, low pricing, no commissions, and access to a host of tools, resources and tutorials to help traders get started.
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers is designed for low-cost, high-volume trading. The online trading platform offers low fees, flexible and short-term trading options, access to global markets, advanced tools and research, and low account minimums.
Webull
For those who want an all-in-one platform that provides access to stocks, options and ETFs, Webull has it all. Webull is a commission-free trading platform that also provides a variety of tools, analysis, and real-time data to help traders make the best decisions.
Public
Public is a unique online brokerage, offering commission-free trades, no sign-up fees, and access to a wide array of stocks, exchanges and assets. Public also features a user-friendly, mobile-based platform with real-time messaging and conversation, social media integration, and a host of community features that offer transparency and help nurture a strong relationship between traders and investors.
Robinhood
Robinhood is one of the most popular online trading platforms on the market. It offers commission-free trading in stocks, options, ETFs and cryptocurrencies. Robinhood is known for its user-friendly app and competitive pricing.
Fidelity
Fidelity is a great online broker for both active traders and novices alike. It offers competitive fees, access to global markets, easy-to-use tools and fantastic customer service. Plus, Fidelity also has a variety of investment products, such as mutual funds and ETFs, to choose from.
The best online broker for stock trading will depend on the trader’s individual needs. Each online broker offers a different set of features and benefits, so it is important to understand what a broker offers before signing up.
We have listed our top 10 picks for the best online brokers for stock trading, so choose one that best meets your trading needs. Once that is done, traders can find success in stock trading with the help of an online broker.