Reddit’s Top Picks: The Best Stock Trading App for Beginners in 2026

Finding the best stock trading app for beginners can feel like a maze, especially with all the options out there. You’ve probably seen a million different recommendations, maybe even on Reddit, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. We’re here to break down some of the top contenders for 2026, focusing on what makes them good for folks just starting out. The goal is to find an app that’s easy to use, doesn’t cost a fortune, and helps you learn the ropes without making things too complicated. Let’s see which ones stand out as the best stock trading app for beginners reddit users might be talking about.

Key Takeaways

• For beginners looking for simplicity, Wealthsimple and CIBC Investor’s Edge are often recommended for their easy-to-use interfaces and straightforward processes.
• Questrade is a strong contender, especially for those wanting free ETF trades and a good desktop experience, though the app might take a little getting used to.
• National Bank Direct Brokerage offers commission-free trades for stocks and ETFs, which is great for keeping costs down, but it does have an account minimum.
• Robinhood can be an entry point for new investors interested in stocks, ETFs, and crypto, but it’s important to understand the risks and avoid impulsive trading.
• Qtrade Direct Investing is praised for its user-friendly platform and stability, often ranking high for its ease of use and good app store reviews.

1. Questrade

Questrade is a big name in the Canadian online brokerage scene, and for good reason. They’ve really stepped up their game over the last few years, making their platforms, both on the web and their mobile apps, much easier to use. This makes them a pretty solid choice if you’re just starting out with investing.

What’s cool is that you can trade a whole bunch of things here – stocks, ETFs (even fractional shares!), options, mutual funds, forex, bonds, and more. The fact that they offer commission-free trading for stocks and ETFs is a huge plus for beginners trying to keep costs down. Plus, you can get up to $10,000 into your account instantly using a debit card, which is handy.

Here’s a quick look at what Questrade offers:

• Account Types: RRSP, RESP, RRIF, TFSA, Personal, Joint, FHSA.
• Available Assets: Stocks, Bonds, Options, Mutual Funds, Index Funds, ETFs, Forex, GICs, Precious Metals, IPOs.
• Key Fees: $0 for ETF and stock trades, $0 account fees, $0 inactivity fees. There’s a 1.5% FX fee and $0.99 per contract for options.
• Minimum Deposit: $0.

While Questrade has made big strides in improving its platforms and user experience, some users have noted that customer service can sometimes be a weak spot. Wait times for support have been an issue in the past, though improvements have been made. If you’re someone who likes to have support readily available, this is something to keep in mind.

They’ve also been working towards becoming a Schedule I bank, which just adds another layer of security and potential for future services. Overall, Questrade is a strong contender, especially if you’re looking for a platform with a wide range of investment options and low trading costs.

2. Wealthsimple

Wealthsimple started out as a big name in robo-advising, making it super easy for people to get into passive investing, especially for accounts like TFSAs and RRSPs. Now, they’ve expanded into self-directed investing, and it’s become a pretty popular choice, especially for those just starting out. They’re known for offering commission-free trades on stocks and ETFs, which is a huge draw for beginners who want to keep costs low.

It’s pretty straightforward to get an account set up with them. You can trade stocks, ETFs, options, and even crypto. While the commission-free aspect is great, it’s worth noting that they make money through other means, like payment for order flow. This means your trades might be routed to specific market makers who pay Wealthsimple for the business. It’s a common practice, but something to be aware of.

Here’s a quick look at some of the fees and features:

• Stock Trading Fee: $0
• ETF Transaction Cost: $0
• Option Fee: $9.95 + $1.25 per contract
• FX Fee (for US trades): 1.50%
• Account Minimum: $0

They also have a mobile app that gets pretty good ratings from users, which is handy when you’re on the go. However, some users have mentioned that customer service can be a bit lacking at times, and the platform might nudge you towards riskier assets like cryptocurrency. They don’t really offer much in the way of research or portfolio analysis tools, so you’ll likely need to do your own homework there.

While the appeal of free trades is strong, especially for new investors, it’s good to understand how the platform operates behind the scenes. They’ve built a name for themselves by simplifying investing, and that ease of use is definitely a plus when you’re just getting your feet wet.

If you’re looking for a simple, low-cost way to start trading Canadian stocks and ETFs, Wealthsimple is definitely worth considering. You can check out their robo-advisor services if you’re interested in a more hands-off approach too.

3. CIBC Investor’s Edge

CIBC Investor’s Edge is an online brokerage from a big, well-known bank, which can be comforting for folks just starting out. They don’t require any minimum deposit to open an account, which is pretty sweet. Plus, they offer a bunch of different account types, like RRSPs, TFSAs, and even options for businesses.

When it comes to trading, you can buy and sell stocks, ETFs, options, and more. They do have a signup offer right now – 100 free online stock and ETF trades and up to $15,000 cashback if you transfer funds. That offer is good until March 31, 2026, so keep that in mind if you’re looking to jump in soon.

Here’s a quick look at some of their fees:

While CIBC Investor’s Edge has a familiar name behind it and some decent perks for new accounts, the ongoing account fees can add up, especially if you’re not trading frequently. Some users have also mentioned that the platform isn’t the most straightforward to use, and customer service hasn’t always hit the mark.

If you’re already a CIBC customer, having your banking and investments under one roof might be convenient. They do offer some resources to help beginners, which is a plus. However, if low fees are your absolute top priority, you might want to check out other options that don’t have that annual account maintenance fee.

4. Robinhood

Robinhood. You’ve probably heard the name, especially if you’ve spent any time on Reddit’s investing forums. It’s the app that really brought commission-free trading into the mainstream, making it super easy for pretty much anyone to buy and sell stocks, ETFs, and even crypto. They really went after the younger crowd, offering fractional shares and making the whole process feel a bit like a game – which, honestly, is where some of the controversy comes in.

Robinhood’s appeal is undeniable for beginners, but it’s important to know the whole story.

When Robinhood first popped up, it was a breath of fresh air for many who felt traditional brokerages were too stuffy and expensive. The ability to trade without paying fees felt revolutionary. Plus, they were one of the first to really push fractional shares, meaning you could buy a piece of a pricey stock like Amazon for just a few dollars. They also jumped on the crypto train early, letting you trade things like Dogecoin right alongside your stocks.

However, Robinhood hasn’t been without its stumbles. They’ve faced some hefty fines from regulators over the years. There was that big one in 2021 for millions of dollars related to things like system issues and letting people trade risky options when maybe they shouldn’t have. And who could forget early 2021 when they restricted trading on popular "meme stocks" like GameStop? That really ruffled a lot of feathers, both with users and lawmakers.

The platform’s business model, which relies on something called "payment for order flow" (where they get paid to send your trades to other firms), is a bit different. While it allows them to offer zero-commission trades, it’s a point of discussion among financial experts about how it aligns with customer interests.

Here’s a quick look at what you can do on Robinhood:

• Trade stocks and ETFs
• Invest in cryptocurrencies
• Trade options (use with caution!)
• Open an IRA with a potential 1% match for Gold members
• Earn interest on uninvested cash

While Robinhood can be a decent starting point to get your feet wet in the investing world, it’s wise to go in with your eyes open. Think about your own financial goals first. Are you looking to build long-term wealth, or are you hoping for quick gains? If it’s the former, remember that focusing on diversified investments, like index funds, is often a more reliable path than trying to time the market with individual stocks. Robinhood does offer educational content, which can be helpful, but always do your own research and understand the risks involved before you put your money anywhere.

5. Qtrade Direct Investing

Qtrade Direct Investing has consistently been a top choice for many investors, and for good reason. It really hits a sweet spot for people who want a solid trading experience without getting overwhelmed. They offer commission-free trading on stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds, which is a huge plus for beginners trying to keep costs down.

What’s cool about Qtrade is that they don’t charge for basic stock and ETF trades. This means you can buy and sell those more often without worrying about fees eating into your profits. They also have a pretty good selection of investment types, so you’re not limited once you start exploring.

Here’s a quick look at what they offer:

• $0 commissions on stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds.
• No account fees or inactivity fees, so your money isn’t being chipped away.
• Access to a wide range of investment products.
• Excellent customer service that can help you out when you get stuck.

They also often have some pretty attractive sign-up bonuses. Right now, you can get up to $5,000 in cashback when you open and fund a new account, which is a nice little boost to get you started. It’s definitely worth comparing their current offers to other brokers like Questrade to see what works best for you.

Qtrade is a good all-around platform. It’s not the absolute cheapest for every single type of trade, like options, but for the core things most beginners do, like buying stocks and ETFs, it’s hard to beat the value. Plus, their platform is generally user-friendly, making it easier to learn the ropes.

While they don’t charge for stock and ETF trades, there’s a small fee per contract for options. Also, if you’re looking to trade on a lot of different global markets, you might find their selection a bit more limited compared to some other platforms. But for most new investors focusing on Canadian and US markets, Qtrade provides a really well-rounded and supportive environment to start your investing journey.

6. National Bank Direct Brokerage

National Bank Direct Brokerage (NBDB) made a pretty big splash back in August 2021. They were the first of Canada’s big banks to say, ‘Hey, you can buy ETFs and Canadian stocks without paying a commission.’ This was a smart move, especially since they hadn’t really gained much traction before. It definitely gave them something unique to offer.

If you’re all about avoiding per-trade fees, NBDB is worth a look. However, it’s also true that they often get lower grades from personal finance folks compared to other Canadian brokers. One of the biggest drawbacks is the lack of a mobile app. Seriously, in 2026, no app is a pretty big miss. Their online platform also feels a bit dated when you compare it to the slick interfaces some other brokers have.

Plus, don’t expect fancy tools for analyzing your portfolio or a ton of investor resources. It’s really a bare-bones option if you’re going with a big bank brokerage. They do have a physical presence, which might be nice if you’re in Quebec, but for most people, the digital experience is what matters.

So, how do they make money if trades are free? Well, there’s a $100 annual account fee if your balance is under $20,000. They also make money on currency exchange when you deal in US dollars and when you trade on margin (borrowing money to invest). So, they’re not exactly struggling.

Here’s a quick rundown:

• Commission-Free Trades: No fees for buying or selling Canadian and US stocks and ETFs.
• Account Fee: A $100 annual fee applies if your account balance is below $20,000.
• No Mobile App: This is a significant downside for many users.
• Limited Tools: Lacks advanced portfolio analysis and research resources.
• Currency Exchange Fees: A 1.50% fee applies to foreign currency transactions.

While the commission-free aspect is a big draw, the absence of a mobile app and advanced features means it’s best suited for very basic investors who prioritize cost savings above all else and don’t mind a less modern platform.

7. Moomoo

Moomoo is a newer player in the Canadian market, arriving in 2023, but it’s quickly making a name for itself, especially for those interested in trading US and Canadian stocks, options, and ETFs. It’s a solid choice if you’re looking for a platform with a good mobile experience and a lot of tools.

When it comes to fees, Moomoo keeps things pretty simple. There’s no monthly account fee, which is always a plus. Withdrawals for EFTs and wire transfers are also free. Trading fees are competitive, generally falling between $0.99 and $1.49 for stocks and options, with a $0.99 fee for ETFs. They also offer a pretty sweet signup bonus, which can include cashback rewards and commission fee refunds, though you’ll want to check the specifics as they can change.

Here’s a quick look at what Moomoo offers:

• Available Assets: Stocks, ETFs, and options. It’s important to note that you can’t trade mutual funds, bonds, crypto, or futures on this platform.
• Account Fees: $0 monthly account fee.
• Withdrawal Fees: Free for EFTs and wire transfers.
• Inactivity Fee: $0.

Moomoo really shines with its advanced charting tools and real-time market data. If you like to dig into the charts and get a lot of information at your fingertips, this app is designed for you. It feels built for active traders, but beginners can still find their way around, especially with the educational resources they provide.

App store reviews are generally quite positive. On Google Play, it holds a 4.3/5 rating from over 46,000 reviews, and on the Apple App Store, it’s rated 4.7/5 from around 210 reviews. This suggests most users are pretty happy with the app’s performance and features.

8. RBC Direct Investing

RBC Direct Investing is a solid choice if you’re already a customer with the bank and appreciate the convenience of having everything under one roof. They offer a pretty good platform, especially on mobile, which gets some really high marks. It feels safe and reliable, which is a big plus when you’re dealing with your money.

However, it’s not the cheapest option out there. If you’re just starting and trying to keep costs as low as possible, you might find the fees a bit higher than some other brokers.

Here’s a quick look at what they offer:

• User-friendly platform: It’s designed to be easy to get around, even if you’re new to investing.
• Great mobile app: Seriously, the app gets a lot of praise for how well it works.
• Account integration: If you bank with RBC, linking your investment accounts is a breeze.
• Extended trading hours: This is a nice perk if you need to trade outside of regular market hours.
• Practice account: They offer a demo account so you can get a feel for trading without risking real money.

The biggest draw here is the integration with your existing RBC banking. It just makes things simpler.

While RBC Direct Investing provides a secure and feature-rich environment, especially for existing RBC clients, the trading fees are on the higher side compared to some competitors. Beginners focused purely on minimizing costs might want to weigh this against the platform’s usability and the convenience of banking integration.

9. Scotia iTRADE

Scotia iTRADE is a solid choice, especially if you’re already a Scotiabank customer. It offers a pretty good desktop platform that feels modern and connects well with other Scotiabank services, making it convenient if you like having everything in one place. This platform really shines for active traders or those looking to deposit larger sums of money.

When it comes to fees, Scotia iTRADE is a bit pricier than some of the newer players in the market. Standard stock trades are $9.99, but they drop to $4.99 if you’re an active trader (meaning you make 150+ trades per quarter), a young investor, or have a high balance. They also have an inactivity fee if your account sits idle for too long, which is something to keep in mind.

Here’s a quick look at some of the costs:

They do offer a practice account with $100,000 in fake funds, which is a nice way to get a feel for the platform and different types of trades without risking real money. It’s a good way to test the waters before you commit. You can find more details on various Canadian stock trading apps in this resource reviews.

One thing to be aware of is the mobile app. Reviews suggest it hasn’t been updated much and can be a bit clunky. If you plan on doing most of your trading on your phone, this might be a drawback.

Scotia iTRADE doesn’t offer commission-free trades or fractional shares, so if those are must-haves for you, you might want to look elsewhere. But for those who value a robust desktop experience and integration with a major bank, it’s definitely worth considering.

10. BMO InvestorLine

BMO InvestorLine is a solid choice if you’re already a BMO customer or if you like the idea of keeping your banking and investing all under one big bank’s roof. It’s not the cheapest option out there, and honestly, some of the fees can add up if you’re not careful. But, it does offer a decent platform with a good range of investment choices, including stocks, ETFs, options, and more.

One thing that sets BMO InvestorLine apart from some other big bank brokerages is its selection of 80 ETFs that you can trade without any commission. That’s pretty unique for a major bank. They also have an advanced platform called BMO Active Trader for those who want more sophisticated tools, and options like adviceDirect for professional guidance or BMO SmartFolio for managed portfolios.

Here’s a quick look at some of the costs:

While BMO InvestorLine might not win awards for being the absolute cheapest, it provides a reliable and familiar environment for many Canadians. It’s a good middle-ground option that balances features with the convenience of a major financial institution.

If you’re just starting out and your main goal is to find the absolute lowest fees, you might want to check out other platforms. But if you value the stability and integrated services of a big bank, BMO InvestorLine is definitely worth considering.

Wrapping It Up

So, picking the right stock trading app as a beginner can feel like a lot. There are tons of options out there, and they all promise the moon. But remember, the best app for you isn’t necessarily the flashiest one. It’s the one that makes sense for how you want to invest, whether that’s keeping things super simple or having a few more tools at your disposal. Don’t get too caught up in the hype or what everyone else is doing on Reddit. Take a moment, figure out what you need, and pick an app that feels comfortable. You’ve got this.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best stock trading app for someone new to investing in Canada?

For folks just starting out in Canada, Wealthsimple and CIBC Investor’s Edge are often recommended. They’re known for being easy to use, not requiring a lot of money to start, and offering helpful guides to learn about trading.

Can I practice trading without using real money?

Yes, some apps let you practice! RBC Direct Investing and Scotia iTRADE have demo accounts where you can trade with fake money to get the hang of it before you risk your own cash.

Where do I get these stock trading apps?

You can find these apps in your phone’s app store. If you have an iPhone, go to the App Store. If you have an Android phone, look for them on Google Play.

Is Robinhood available in Canada?

While Robinhood is popular, it’s not directly available for trading in Canada. Some people find its trading style a bit too much like a game, which can be risky. It’s best to stick with apps that are officially offered in Canada.

What are the main things people care about when picking a trading app in Canada?

Most Canadians care most about the fees and how much it costs to trade. After that, they look at what kinds of investments they can buy and how easy the app is to navigate and use.

Are there any hidden costs I should watch out for with trading apps?

Always read the fine print! Even if an app says ‘free trades,’ there might be other fees, like monthly account fees if your balance is low, or costs for trading stocks in other countries. It’s smart to compare different apps to see all the potential costs.

Peyman Khosravani