Top 5 best trading platforms in Canada for 2025

Trade your favourite markets with our top-rated broker, IG Markets.

IG Markets 4.4/5

75% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider.

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75% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider.

If you want to invest in the stock market you’ll need to find a broker first. But with a sea of trading platforms out there, how do you choose the right one for your needs? You have two choices, either spend hours researching all of the options yourself, or use this page to help decide. 

Our team of financial experts have evaluated a wide range of platforms, focusing on what matters most to you. User-friendly interfaces perfect for beginners, security features to keep your hard-earned capital safe, and competitive fees to keep your costs down are just a few factors we’ve accounted for to find the best trading platform in Canada. 

We’ve even considered features specifically for Canadian investors, like commission structures for trading CAD and access to local investment opportunities. By the time you’ve finished reading this guide, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to choose the best Canadian stockbroker.

Best stock trading platform Canada 2025

Our rankings reveal that the best online broker in Canada is IG Markets .

Having assessed 100+ brokers, this list represents the three services that top our rankings as the overall best trading platforms in Canada. 

4.4

IG Markets

Min. Deposit n/a

Fees Spread only

No. assets 17000+

Demo account Yes

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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.

3.8

XTB Online Investing

Min. Deposit n/a

Fees 8.1 pips

No. assets 1600+

Demo account Yes

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XTB review

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 76-83% 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.

4.5

Eightcap

Min. Deposit $100

Fees Up to $3.5 RT

No. assets 800+

Demo account Yes

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Eightcap review

74-89% of retail CFD accounts lose money

Top 5 best online brokers in Canada, reviewed

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 market offerings, and strong regulatory compliance. IG offers CFD trading in stocks, forex, commodities, indices, ETFs and more, with plenty of useful plugins and integrations to improve the trading experience.

One of the key strengths of IG Markets is its seamless integration with MetaTrader 4 (MT4), a popular third-party trading platform favored by many traders for its advanced charting tools, automated trading capabilities, and custom indicators. This integration allows users to leverage MT4’s sophisticated features while benefiting from IG Markets’ competitive pricing, reliable execution, and extensive market access.

Beyond its product range and platform integrations, IG Markets stands out for its commitment to education and customer support. The company offers a wealth of educational resources, such as webinars, tutorials, and market analysis, which help traders of all levels improve their knowledge and skills.

The fees: For most assets, you don’t pay a trading fee but will be charged through the spread instead. That’s the difference between the buy and sell price of an asset. IG’s spreads are competitive but variable: you’ll pay a smaller spread on popular assets compared to less popular ones. Share trading works differently, and you’ll be charged a minimum fee on each trade of at least $15.

Highlights

No. of tradable assets	17,000+
Min. Deposit	$0
ID verification required	Yes
Free demo account	Yes
Supported assets	Stock CFDs, ETFs, Forex CFDs, Crypto CFDs, Index CFDs, Commodities
Mobile trading app	Yes
Web trading platform	Yes
Regulatory bodies	FSCA, MAS, FMA, ASIC, FCA, BaFin, FINMA, DFSA, BMA, CFTC, NFA

Fees & Costs

Trading fees	Yes
Inactivity fees	Yes
Rollover/overnight fees	Yes
Withdrawal fees	No
Spreads	Yes
Conversion fees	Yes

Pros & Cons

Intuitive web trading platform Excellent demo account available Variety of deposit and withdrawal options Wide variety of useful educational tools Trading platform tutorial to get you started

Slow account opening process Unavailable in all regions

Read review Visit IG Markets

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

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3.5

Ratings

$-

Min. deposit

0.2 pips

Fees

1,600

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 cryptocurrencies at competitive prices. XTB offers 48 of the most popular cryptos via CFDs. 

This broad selection allows you to diversify your portfolio and explore several trading opportunities across different markets. Whether you are interested in the biggest coins like BTC, or altcoins like Dogecoin, 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 8.1 pips on popular cryptos, such as Bitcoin. Spreads on less liquid assets may be significantly higher.

Highlights

No. of tradable assets	2,200
Min. Deposit	$0
ID verification required	Yes
Free demo account	Yes
Supported assets	Stocks, Crypto, Commodities, , Indices, ETFs
Mobile trading app	Yes
Web trading platform	Yes
Regulatory bodies	CySEC, FCA, KNF

Fees & Costs

Trading fees	Yes
Inactivity fees	Yes
Rollover/overnight fees	Yes
Withdrawal fees	Yes
Spreads	Yes
Conversion fees	Yes

Pros & Cons

Trade CFDs on thousands of assets Regulated broker Deposit protection for client accounts Good number of educational resources

Doesn't accept US clients Tradeable assets limited to CFDs and forex pairs

Read review Visit XTB Online Investing

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 76-83% 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.

3. Eightcap. Best online broker for choice of trading platform

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4.5

Ratings

$100

Min. deposit

Up to $3.5 RT

Fees

800

No. assets

Yes

Demo account

Overview

We love Eightcap because you have several trading platforms to choose from. You can choose between MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and TradingView. All of these platforms are favourites among retail traders. With the MetaTrade suite of platforms, you can access lots of technical indicators, custom tools, and expert advisors. 

TradingView with Eightcap allows you to trade directly from your charts while accessing the hundreds of tools and features available. Eightcap has over 900 markets available including stocks, forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. 

The fees: Eightcap is a CFD broker and charges spreads, commissions, or a combination of both. There are two account types available, RAW, and Standard. The RAW account has ultra-low spreads starting from 0.0 pips but charges $3.5 RT per lot. The standard account is commission-free for most assets and spreads start from 1 pip.

Highlights

No. of tradable assets	800+
Min. Deposit	$100
ID verification required	Yes
Free demo account	Yes
Supported assets	Stocks, Crypto, Commodities, , Indices
Mobile trading app	Yes
Web trading platform	Yes
Regulatory bodies	ASIC, FCA, CySEC

Fees & Costs

Trading fees	Yes
Inactivity fees	No
Rollover/overnight fees	Yes, on certain assets
Withdrawal fees	Yes, for certain payment methods
Spreads	Yes
Conversion fees	Yes, currency dependent

Pros & Cons

Low trading fees for CFDs Trade directly from the TradingView platform Regulated by top-tier authorities Leverage up to 1:500 Partnered with multiple proprietary trading firms

Some markets are not available to all regions Customer support does not operate 24/7

Read review Visit Eightcap

74-89% of retail CFD accounts lose money

4. AvaTrade. Best regulated broker for secure trading

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4

Ratings

$100

Min. deposit

From 0.13%

Fees

500

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 stock markets without owning the underlying assets. AvaTrade is a multi asset brokerage firm and includes CFDs on hundreds of global stocks including Google, Apple, Microsoft, 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. Stock spreads start from 0.13. 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

No. of tradable assets	1250+
Min. Deposit	$100
ID verification required	Yes
Free demo account	Yes
Supported assets	Stocks, Stock CFDs, ETF CFDs, Forex CFDs, Crypto CFDs, Commodity CFDs, Index CFDs
Mobile trading app	Yes
Web trading platform	Yes
Regulatory bodies	FSCA, FSA, ASIC, CBI, MiFID, CySEC, BVIFSC, FRSA

Fees & Costs

Trading fees	No
Inactivity fees	Yes
Rollover/overnight fees	Yes
Withdrawal fees	No
Spreads	Yes
Conversion fees	No

Pros & Cons

Trade 1000+ CFDs with competitive spreads Regulated by Tier 1 financial bodies across the world Consistently highly rated trading platform on web and mobile Offers social trading through its proprietary AvaSocial platform

Spreads are competitive without being industry-leading Some assets are only available to trade through the MetaTrader software

Read review Visit AvaTrade

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.

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

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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 200 stock CFDs for some of the world’s biggest companies.  

It’s an award-winning broker and has 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: Commission starting at 0.1 points is charged on select stock CFDs across all account types. Spread starts at 0.5 points and applies to all stocks. Swap charges for holding a trade overnight vary depending on size.  

Highlights

No. of tradable assets
Min. Deposit
ID verification required	No
Free demo account	No
Supported assets
Mobile trading app	No
Web trading platform	No
Regulatory bodies

Pros & Cons

70+ forex pairs and 200+ financial assets available to trade Extremely low minimum trade sizes Multilingual support in 18+ languages

Minimum withdrawal of $100 Fewer assets than many competitors

Read review Visit

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.

How we chose the best stock trading platform in Canada

Our reviewing panel is made up of industry experts, including our Data Analyst, Dan Ashmore, CFA, our Senior Editor of News, Harsh Vardhan, and expert trader, Prash Raval. The panel also includes an independent fact checker, Richard Stutely.

Here are the key factors that played into our final ranking of the best stock brokers in Canada.

• Fees. We prioritised Canadian brokers that charge low trading fees, don’t charge for deposits or withdrawals, and don’t charge any hidden fees.
• Device availability. An online trading platform that is available across all devices as a mobile app deserves a boost. In a mobile world, you need the best stock trading app in Canada to work across mobile, tablet, and desktop. 
• Platform security. All of the online trading platforms we recommend are regulated by respected financial institutions and provide investor protection in the event that anything goes wrong.
• Free demo accounts. All the best stockbrokers in Canada should offer the chance to test their service before you pay for it. We gave the brokers with the best demo accounts a boost in our rankings.
• Access to global markets. International stock brokers in Canada that allow you to invest in global markets, particularly popular ones like the United States, scored well in our reviews.
• Trading and analysis tools. Stock trading platforms that offer analysis tools make it easier to do all your research and trading in one place. Any broker that offered this convenience scored well.
• Third-party integrations. You might want to use a piece of downloadable, third-party software like MetaTrader 4, MT5, or cTrader to place your trades. The best trading software in Canada should integrate with these services and those that did so received a higher ranking. 
• Customer reviews. Finally, we looked into customer reviews, to make sure that we only recommend the best investment platforms in Canada where the majority of Canadian customers had a positive experience.

Find out more about how we rate, rank, and review platforms.

More about online stock brokerages in Canada

What products can I trade with a Canadian stock broker?

You can trade stocks from Canada, or invest in leading companies from around the world. Here’s a breakdown of what (and how) you can trade with online brokers in Canada.

Stocks

• Canadian stocks. One option is to simply buy and sell stocks that are listed in Canada. This is normally the most straightforward option for Canadian residents, as you can buy shares in any company that’s listed on a Canadian stock exchange.
• US stocks. Some of the best known companies in the world are listed in the United States. The best online brokerages in Canada will also let you invest in stocks that are listed on the NYSE or the NASDAQ exchange in the US, but it depends on the legal restrictions in Canada.
• International stocks. You may also be able to buy shares in companies that are based in the rest of the world. The best international brokers in Canada offer global stocks, but it may be a limited selection. If you want to buy equities from outside Canada or the US, check that those stocks are available through your trading platform before signing up.

Exchange traded funds (ETFs)

ETFs (exchange traded funds) are investment funds that pool money together from lots of different investors and use it to track a particular index, like the S&P 500. The best index funds in Canada provide easy access to the country’s top performing stocks. For a more targeted approach, you may want to invest in the S&P/TSX Composite index.

Mutual funds

Mutual funds are professionally managed investments. You buy shares in the fund through an investment platform and the manager decides what to invest it in. 

Mutual funds and ETFs are similar, but the former are managed by a professional who tries to beat the market, while the latter buy and sell stocks automatically based on a set of fixed criteria. The best stock broker in Canada allows you to invest in stocks from Canada, as well as ETFs and mutual funds.

Futures and options

Futures and options contracts involve making an agreement to purchase a stock in the future at an agreed price. They’re favoured by stock traders and can be used as a way of speculating on how you think a company’s price might change in the future.

Other assets

To invest in other financial assets from Canada, you may be better off using a different type of trading platform. For example, for trading currency pairs you want one of the best forex brokers in Canada, for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, the best Canadian crypto exchanges. The best CFD brokers in Canada offer a range of financial assets, including many of the options above.

How to buy stocks in Canada

Every stock trading app in Canada is designed to help you invest with the minimum of fuss. Follow this simple step-by-step guide to learn how to buy shares online in Canada for the first time.

Quick answers to key questions

Is stock trading legal in Canada?

Yes, stock trading is completely legal for Canadian residents and citizens over the age of 18, subject to financial regulations. 

Individuals can legally trade shares listed on Canadian stock exchanges like the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), TSX Venture Exchange, Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE), as well as purchase international stocks listed on foreign exchanges like the New York Stock Exchange, NASDAQ, London Stock Exchange, and more. 

Various types of securities trading, like options, futures, ETFs, bonds, and mutual funds, are permitted based on eligibility.

How are trading platforms and brokers regulated in Canada?

Securities trading platforms and brokers are primarily regulated provincially in Canada. For example, in Ontario, investment dealers must register with and are regulated by the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC). 

The OSC enforces rules around brokerage capital requirements, audit standards, fair practices, conduct, and more. Nationwide oversight is provided by the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization Canada (IIROC), which sets rules for dealer practices, and the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF), which insures accounts for up to $1 million in case of fraud or bankruptcy. Overall, regulations help uphold the fairness and safety of capital markets.

On top of that, many online brokers in Canada are based elsewhere but regulated to operate internationally through institutions such as CySEC (the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission). Here are the best online brokers in Canada and where they’re regulated across the world.

What are the common costs and fees for using the best online brokers in Canada?

A few costs are involved: commission fees charged per trade range from $4.95 to $9.95 at most online discount brokerage firms, higher at full service brokers. ECN fees may apply for routing orders off the exchange. 

Exchange fees like TSX transaction fees apply per trade. Account maintenance fees are around $25 per quarter, but may be more. Additional fees for registered accounts like RRSPs/TFSAs may apply. Real-time streaming data fees if opting in. You may also be charged annual fees or management fees depending on your account type.

Overall, costs range from 0.1% to over 1% depending on the account type, trading activity, and online brokerage pricing model.

Another way an online broker in Canada might charge you is via the spread. The spread is the difference between the buy and sell price of an asset and effectively serves as a commission the broker is charging you on top of the market price. The smaller the spread, the better value you’re getting from your broker.

Here’s a comparison of the spreads across the top Canadian trading platforms.

In addition to trading fees and spreads, there may be other charges for using your online broker account. These can include inactivity fees, where you’re charged if you don’t use your account for a period of time (usually 3-6 months), as well as overnight fees, which only apply if the broker is also a CFD platform, or even an account maintenance fee.

Here’s a look at the types of fees different brokers in Canada charge, to give you a complete picture of the cost of trading with the top brokers in Canada.

What is the minimum capital needed to start trading stocks in Canada?

While opening an account with a minimum account balance of $250 at some brokers is possible, a minimum of $2,000 or more is recommended when starting out with real money. With $2,000, investors can build a balanced portfolio across 8-10 stocks rather than just 1 or 2 companies, reducing your risk and increasing the chance to grow your capital over time. 

This provides more diversification and ensures costs from commissions or fees don’t immediately eat a large portion of your capital. More money is always ideal, and if you have as much as about $5,000+ that’s a perfect amount, but $2,000 or less can get you started. Ultimately, you should only invest an amount your comfortable with.

What stocks can Canadians trade?

Canadian brokerages provide access to invest in all stocks listed on the major Canadian stock exchanges like the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX and TSX Venture), Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE), Neo Exchange (NEO), and Canadian Alternative Trading Systems (ATS). This allows trading the full gamut of public Canadian companies across sectors.

Brokers also provide access to thousands of international stocks listed on major foreign stock exchanges, including the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), NASDAQ, London Stock Exchange (LSE), and exchanges in Asia and Europe. This provides Canadian investors with exposure to leading global companies.

Beyond just stocks, other securities Canadians can trade through brokers include ETFs, mutual funds, options, bonds, GICs, currencies, CFDs and cryptocurrency, depending on the platform. Canadians have a wide selection of securities to create a diversified portfolio.

What are some popular trading platforms based in Canada?

Some of the best stock trading platforms used by Canadian investors include.

• Questrade. Popular for low commissions and free ETF purchases.
• Wealthsimple Trade. Excellent for beginners with no commissions.
• TD Direct Investing. Good value from a leading Canadian bank.
• RBC Direct Investing. Comprehensive research and market data.
• BMO InvestorLine. Advanced tools and $6.95 equity trades.
• CIBC Investor’s Edge. Good research with bank integration.
• National Bank Direct Brokerage. Discounted trades with good platforms.

How are capital gains on stocks taxed in Canada?

In Canada, capital gains are subject to tax when you sell a stock at a higher price than purchased for. However, only 50% of the capital gain is taxable at your marginal income tax rate. 

The remaining 50% is tax-free. Any capital losses can be deducted against capital gains to lower taxes owed. For dividends, Canadian companies issue eligible dividends which receive preferential tax treatment through tax credits. Overall, taxes are quite favourable for trading within Canada.

What is the difference between trading in Canada and trading in the United States?

When trading in North America, understanding the differences between Canada and the United States can significantly impact your investment strategy. As a Canadian investor, it is important to stay informed about the differences in Canada trading platforms. 

Available instruments

Canadian investors have access to a comprehensive selection of stocks, ETFs, options, and some fixed-income products. However, there are a few platforms that may limit access to penny stocks or exotic options compared to the US. 

In the United States, it is easy to access a wide spectrum of tradable instruments, including penny stocks, micro-cap stocks, complex options spreads, and futures contracts. 

Trading fees

With many Canadian brokers, fees can vary, but generally tend to be higher than in the US, especially for low-volume traders. Transaction fees, account fees, and inactivity fees are common.

In the US market, fierce competition among brokers has driven down trading fees significantly. Many platforms offer commission-free stock and ETF trades.

Trading platforms

While there are several popular local Canadian platforms including Wealthsimple Trade, Questrade, Qtrade Investor, and Interactive Brokers Canada, the US market boasts a wide choice. US-based platforms like Robinhood and TD Ameritrade may have limited access for Canadian residents.

In the United States, traders and investors can access various platforms catering to different needs and experience levels. Robinhood, TD Ameritrade, Charles Schwab, Interactive Brokers, and E*TRADE are some of the top examples.

Exchange rates

Currency exchange rates add another layer of complexity when trading across borders. For example, many of the world’s largest companies are based in the United States. Canadian investors may be hit with currency conversion charges when investing in companies like Apple, Amazon, or Microsoft.

User reviews: your verdict on the top trading brokers in Canada

When researching the best trading platforms in Canada we considered everything important. This included real customer reviews. We gathered data from sites like Trust Pilot and used our own surveys to rank the top Canadian brokers.

You can find the latest ranking scores in the table below:

FAQs