Compare the best trading apps in Canada in 2025

Downloading an app onto your mobile device is a simple and easy way to trade stocks. Our experts review the best trading apps in Canada.
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Updated on Jul 18, 2024
Reading time 9 minutes

The amount of people using their phones to invest in or trade financial assets has tripled since the outbreak of the pandemic. The battle to attract all these new users has been fierce, which means there are now hundreds of stock trading apps to choose from.

Use this guide to compare the best trading apps in Canada and pick one that suits you.

Best trading apps in Canada for 2025

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  1. IG Markets: Best for trusted and transparent trading
  2. AvaTrade: Best regulated broker for secure trading
  3. XTB: Best for offering global CFD markets to retail traders
  4. Pacific Union: Best for social trading & customer support

What is the best trading app in Canada?

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These are our favourite trading apps in Canada ranked so you can get started quickly. If you want a more detailed comparison between the apps and the service they offer, then keep reading to learn more about each one.

We found 7 online brokers for users based in

IG review
4.4
IG Markets
Min. Deposit n/a
Fees Spread only
No. assets 17000+
Demo account Yes

IG review

Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 75% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

AvaTrade review
4.3
AvaTrade
Min. Deposit $100
Fees From 0.13%
No. assets 1250+
Demo account Yes

AvaTrade review

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 71% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
XTB review
3.8
XTB Online Investing
Min. Deposit n/a
Fees 8.1 pips
No. assets 2200+
Demo account Yes

XTB review

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69-83% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Top 8 stock trading apps, reviewed

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We found 7 online brokers for users based in

1. IG Markets: Best for trusted and transparent trading

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4
Ratings

$-

Min. deposit

Spread only

Fees

17,000

No. assets

Yes

Demo account

Overview

We love IG because it’s one of the most established and reputable names in the online trading industry, known for its reliability, comprehensive offerings, and strong regulatory compliance. In the United States, IG recently changed its name to TastyFX and is focused solely on forex trading. 

TastyFX is America’s fastest growing forex brokerage and as you’d expect from a subsidiary of IG, it offers excellent service with a wide selection of tools and features. Not only will you have access to over 80 forex pairs like EUR/USD, GBP/USD, and USD/JPY, but you’ll also pay $0 commission and have spreads starting from just 0.8 pips. 

What makes TastyFX stand apart from other US brokers is its excellent bonus schedule. After creating an account you can access up to $10,000 in cash bonuses. You cna also earn up to 15% rebate cashback every month. 

The fees: TastyFX has a clear and easy to understand fee schedule. It is a commission free brokerage and only charges a spread. Spreads are variable and generally lower for more liquid currency pairs. Spreads are as low as 0.8 pips for EUR/USD. Forex markets offer up to 50:1 leverage, or 2% margin requirements, on forex pairs like EUR/USD and USD/CAD.

Highlights

Fees & Costs

Pros & Cons

Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 75% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

2. AvaTrade. Best regulated broker for secure trading

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Avatrade_logo
4
Ratings

$100

Min. deposit

From 0.13%

Fees

1,300

No. assets

Yes

Demo account

Overview

We love AvaTrade because it is a reliable CFD broker, that gives users access to a wide range of markets. As a CFD broker, AvaTrade lets you speculate on the price movements of various currency markets without owning the underlying assets. AvaTrade is a multi asset brokerage firm and includes CFDs for multiple forex pairs including EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, and more. 

AvaTrade is also highly regarded for its strong regulatory framework and commitment to security. AvaTrade is regulated in multiple jurisdictions, including Europe, Australia, Japan, South Africa, and the British Virgin Islands, which means it must adhere to stringent regulatory standards across the world. 

AvaTrade isn’t just well regulated, it also employs advanced security measures to protect client funds and personal information, including segregated accounts and robust encryption technology. 

The fees: There is no commission on any trading. AvaTrade makes money from the Bid/Ask spread instead. Forex spreads start at 0.7 pips. Positions left overnight are charged a swap fee that varies depending on size. An inactivity fee of £/€/$50 per month is applicable if you don’t log in to your account for three consecutive months.

Highlights

Fees & Costs

Pros & Cons

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 71% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

3. XTB: Best for offering global CFD markets to retail traders

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3.5
Ratings

$-

Min. deposit

0.02 pips

Fees

2,200

No. assets

Yes

Demo account

Overview

We love XTB because of its extensive range of international CFD markets, allowing retail traders to buy and sell popular financial assets at competitive prices. XTB offers 78 of the most popular forex pairs. 

This broad selection allows you to diversify your portfolio and explore several trading opportunities across different markets. Whether you are interested in the majors like EUR/USD, or exotics like CAD/MXN, XTB’s comprehensive offering means you have the tools and resources needed to trade effectively.

XTB combines beginner-friendly, introductory tools and resources with a scaling system of accounts that allow experienced traders to access high rates of leverage and advanced analytical tools. 

With more than 180 pre-installed indicators and chart types, its bespoke xStation platform allows for intricate analysis, while beginners can access its Trading Central service, where trade ideas, forecasts, and risk analyses are available for anyone to look through.

The fees: XTB’s fees start from 0.02 pips on major forex pairs. Spreads are higher on the minor pairs, and may be significantly higher on the exotics.

Highlights

Fees & Costs

Pros & Cons

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69-83% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

4. Pacific Union. Best for social trading & customer support

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pacific union logo
4
Ratings

$-

Min. deposit

...

Fees

-

No. assets

No

Demo account

Overview

We love Pacific Union because its beginner friendly platform comes loaded with lots of educational content, including how to guides and video learning. Pacific Union offers over 30 forex pairs, including majors and minors. 

It’s an award-winning broker with a proprietary social trading application that makes it easy for beginners to follow the strategies and positions of the platform’s top traders. Pacific Union uses the popular Metatrader 4 software alongside its mobile and web based apps. Traders can choose the amount of leverage they want to use, all the way up to 500:1.

The fees: There are fees with Pacific Union, but it depends on your account type. Its standard account is commission free, but Bid/Ask spreads start at 1.3 pips. Pro accounts are charged a $3.5 RT per lot commission and have spreads starting from 0 pips. Swap charges for holding a trade overnight vary depending on size.  

Highlights

Pros & Cons

Contracts for Difference (CFDs) trading carries a high level of risk to your capital and can result in losses, you should only trade with money you can afford to lose. CFDs trading may not be suitable for all investors, please ensure that you fully understand the risks involved and take appropriate measures to manage it.

Different types of trading apps in Canada

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Best stock app for beginners in Canada

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When you’re new to the stock market, it’s a good idea to choose an app that’s inexpensive and easy to use. The best trading apps for beginners boast features like copy trading services and plenty of educational material to help you learn how to trade.

eToro review
4.6
eToro
Min. Deposit $100
Fees 1%
No. assets 3600+
Demo account Yes

eToro review

eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.

Top day trading app in Canada

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If you plan to trade quickly and often, you want an day-trading app with low fees that gives you as many options as possible. That way, you can use tools and charts to time your entry and exit from the market, without paying out lots of money in fees every time.

AvaTrade review
4.3
AvaTrade
Min. Deposit $100
Fees From 0.13%
No. assets 1250+
Demo account Yes

AvaTrade review

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 71% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Top penny stocks app in Canada

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To trade penny stocks you need a penny stock app that offers the widest possible range of stocks. Find an app where you can access every stock on leading exchanges like the TSX, FTSE100, or the NYSE, as well as small-cap stocks and emerging markets.

Skilling review
4.3
Skilling
Min. Deposit $100
Fees From 0.1%
No. assets 1200+
Demo account Yes

Skilling review

80% of retail CFD accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

What is a stock trading app?

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A Canadian trading app is a mobile application that allows users in Canada to buy, sell, and manage a portfolio of investments, including stocks, bonds, ETFs, and sometimes cryptocurrencies, directly from their smartphone or tablet.

These apps are designed to make the trading process more accessible, efficient, and user-friendly, catering to both experienced traders and beginners.

How does a stock trading app work?

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A trading app connects to financial markets and exchanges to provide real-time trading capabilities. Users can create an account, deposit funds, and start trading a variety of assets.

These apps often include tools for market analysis, such as charts and indicators, as well as news feeds to help users make informed decisions. Trades can be executed at the touch of a button, with the app handling all aspects of order placement and tracking.

How should I choose the best stock trading app for me?

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Safety, security, and an easy-to-use interface are three of the most important things to look for. While specific features might affect those that you choose from, take all these factors into consideration before you make a final choice.

Fees and commissions.

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Compare the costs associated with trading and account maintenance. Look for apps with low fees that match your trading frequency and investment style. The fees for a stock or forex trading app are likely to be lower than a crypto app, for example.

Asset IG Markets fees AvaTrade fees XTB fees
Crypto Spread only 8.1 pips
Commodities Spread only 2 pips
Spread only 0.02 pips
Indices Spread only 0.2 pips
Stocks From 0.5% 0.2 pips
View more > IG Markets > AvaTrade > XTB >

User experience.

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The app should be intuitive, easy to navigate, and provide all the necessary tools and information for effective trading.

Trading tool IG Markets tools AvaTrade tools XTB tools
Charts Yes Yes Yes
News feeds Yes No Yes
Analyst recommendations Yes No Yes
Fundamental analysis Yes Yes Yes
Financial calendar Yes Yes Yes
MetaTrader integration Yes Yes No
View more > IG Markets > AvaTrade > XTB >

Asset availability.

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Ensure the app offers the types of assets you’re interested in trading, such as stocks, ETFs, options, or cryptocurrencies.

Product IG Markets assets AvaTrade assets XTB assets
Stock CFDs 17,000 + 612
ETFs 5,400 163
Forex CFDs 99 108
Crypto CFDs 10 20
Index CFDs 80 + 31
Commodities 35 28
View more > IG Markets > AvaTrade > XTB >

Regulatory compliance.

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Choose apps that are regulated by Canadian authorities – the CSA, the IIROC, and state regulatory agencies such as the Ontario Securities Commission.

Region IG Markets regulators AvaTrade regulators XTB regulators
Africa FSCA FSCA
Asia MAS FSA
Australasia FMA, ASIC ASIC
Europe FCA, BaFin, FINMA CBI, MiFID, CySEC CySEC, FCA, KNF
International DFSA, BMA BVIFSC, FRSA
North America CFTC, NFA
South America
View more > IG Markets > AvaTrade > XTB >


Customer support.

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Good customer service is crucial, especially for new traders. Look for apps with a reputation for responsive and helpful support.

Support type IG Markets customer support AvaTrade customer support XTB customer support
Help Centre/FAQs Yes Yes Yes
Email Yes Yes Yes
Live chat Yes Yes Yes
WhatsApp No No No
Telephone Yes 24/5 No
View more > IG Markets > AvaTrade > XTB >


Educational resources.

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For beginners, apps that offer tutorials, guides, and other learning resources can be very beneficial.

Educational resource IG Markets resources AvaTrade resources XTB resources
Demo/virtual account Yes Yes Yes
Video tutorials/webinars Yes Yes Yes
Walkthrough guides Yes No Yes
Copy trading No Yes No
Trading academy Yes Yes Yes
View more > IG Markets > AvaTrade > XTB >

Quick answers to key questions

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Can I trade stocks on Android and iOS devices?

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Yes. Most investing apps are available on both operating systems. A few are exclusive to one or the other, but you can easily find out which ones are available on your phone by going to the Google Play store or the App Store.

How much do trading apps cost in Canada?

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The cost of using trading apps in Canada can vary widely. Many apps offer commission-free trading for stocks and ETFs, making money through payment for order flow or offering premium services.

Some apps charge fees for account maintenance, inactivity, or for certain types of trades, such as options. While apps dealing with cryptocurrencies or forex may not charge direct commissions but make money on the spread between buy and sell prices. Here are the types of fees you may encounter:

Fee IG Markets fees AvaTrade fees XTB fees
Trading fees Yes No Yes
Inactivity fees Yes Yes Yes
Rollover/overnight fees Yes Yes Yes
Withdrawal fees No No Yes
Spreads Yes Yes Yes
Conversion fees Yes No Yes
View more > IG Markets > AvaTrade > XTB >

What assets can I trade from an app?

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Most trading apps in Canada allow users to trade:

  • Stocks. Shares in Canadian and international companies.
  • ETFs. Exchange-traded funds covering various sectors and indices.
  • Options. Contracts that give the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an asset at a set price.
  • Bonds. Government or corporate debt securities.

Some apps also offer trading in commodities, forex, and cryptocurrencies.

Are trading apps in Canada regulated?

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Yes, trading apps in Canada are regulated by various bodies depending on the services they offer.

When choosing a trading app, verify that it is registered with the appropriate regulatory authority to ensure the safety and security of your investments.

Do I have to verify my identity with a stock app?

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Yes, usually there is some form of verification but the methods vary. Expect to have to provide some contact details and a form of photo ID to prove who you are before you can trade.

Should I use a stock trading app in Canada?

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If you plan on trading the stock market then using an app to do so is a good idea. Most traders use a combination of both desktop and mobile applications and both have their benefits. A desktop app may offer a few more features that are not available on a mobile app, however, mobile apps offer a great deal of flexibility. 

The best stock trading apps incorporate most of the functionality of their desktop versions and make buying and selling stocks from your device an easy process. These apps offer the freedom to check on your trades even when you’re not at your computer and make it easy to spot new opportunities very quickly. 

What are the risks of using a stock trading app?

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There is a high risk of losing money from trading, particularly if you’re new or inexperienced. That risk applies whether you trade via a stock trading app or on your desktop. The convenience and ease of using an app to trade can add more risk, because you can open and close a trade from anywhere.

It’s important to stay disciplined when you trade. Create a list of rules in advance to set out the conditions that must be met before you open a trade and the maximum you’re prepared to lose on any one trade. Similarly, set hard and fast rules for when to take profit.

In short, you should make stock trading decisions based on strict guidelines set when you have a clear head. Trading becomes significantly more risky when you make emotional decisions in the heat of the moment.

Methodology: How we choose the best trading apps in Canada

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Helping people make better financial decisions is at the heart of our mission at Invezz. 

We periodically test more than 63 trading apps in Canada to provide our users with clear, accessible guidance on the investing options available. All testing is carried out by our panel of financial and stock market experts, analysts, and active traders who sign up to each broker, conduct research, and score each service.

Our tests are designed to find mobile apps that offer a beginner-friendly, secure trading or investing experience at a fair price. To supplement our practical testing and experience, we research each trading platform to gather any further relevant information. We read online customer reviews, app reviews on the Play Store and App Store, and conduct user surveys to get feedback from real people about what works, and what doesn’t.

Each trading app is awarded a final score based on 130+ data points across 8 ranking categories: cost, reliability, user experience, deposit & withdrawals, investing options, range of products/markets, research & analysis tools, and the availability of educational & learning resources.

We work closely with individual brands to ensure all factual information displayed here is accurate. All data is then fact-checked by an independent reviewer. You can learn more about our expert panel and how we test, rate, and review platforms in our review process.

FAQs

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01

What is the best app for stocks for beginners in Canada?

02

What is the best stock trading app in Canada for advanced traders?

03

Are stock apps legal in Canada?

04

Do I have to pay to use stock apps in Canada?

05

Do I have to pay tax on any money I make?


Fact-checking & references

James Knight

James Knight

Editor of Education

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James is the lead editor of education for Invezz. He's an avid trader and golfer, who spends an inordinate amount of time watching Leicester City and the Jacksonville Jaguars. His biggest claim to fame is that he once fed, rode, and ate an ostrich all on the same day....