Qtrade Review (2026): Canada’s No‑Fee Broker – Features, Pricing, Security, and Comparisons

What Is Qtrade and Is It the Best Canadian Brokerage Platform?

Qtrade is a Canadian online brokerage under Aviso Wealth, known for its Morningstar analyst research, screeners, and unique portfolio planning tools such as Portfolio Score and Portfolio Simulator. Qtrade is a $0 commissions broker for Canadian and US stocks and ETFs.

For a limited time, get up to $5,000 cashback, in addition to $0 commission trades. Transfer $50,001 and receive $750 cashback. Apply to Qtrade.

Qtrade Canada is widely regarded as one of Canada’s best brokerages, and in this Qtrade review I explain why opening a Qtrade account is a compelling choice, particularly when you factor in its promotional offers.

Security & Investor Protection (CIPF)

Qtrade clients benefit from CIPF (Canadian Investor Protection Fund) coverage which covers missing property (such as stocks and ETFs) up to $1M per client in non-registered accounts and another $1M in registered accounts if a member firm becomes insolvent.

Qtrade is also regulated by the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC/CIRO). Additionally, Qtrade offers an Investor Internet Security Guarantee, which may reimburse all losses from unauthorized online brokerage activity.

From a technology perspective, Qtrade uses 256-bit encryption and robust firewalls to protect customers’ data and trading activities. Additionally, two-factor authentication (2FA) is required for account access, adding a strong layer of security.

Accounts Types, Openings, and Eligible Investments

Account Types: Qtrade supports a wide range of registered and non‑registered accounts such as TFSA, RRSP, Spousal RRSP, LIRA, LRSP, RRIF (RIF), LIF, RESP, FHSA, plus Cash and Margin accounts. Many accounts are available in both CAD and US Dollars.

Account Opening: Qtrade utilizes innovation which leads to amazing experiences such as real-time account opening process. Real-time account opening leverages technology to automate the onboarding process, most notably client identification, verification, and authentication.

Account Funding: Funding accounts can be done either via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) or direct connection to other financial institutions.

Eligible Investments: Choices include stocks and ETFs on Canadian exchanges TSX, TSXV, CSE, and NEO and US exchanges NYSE, NASDAQ, and OTC stocks, Mutual funds including the low MER Series D, crypto ETFs, options, bonds, IPOs (Initial Public Offerings), and GICs.

Pricing and Fees

• Stocks, ETFs, Crypto ETFs, IPOs, GICs: $0 commissions (CAD & US)
• Mutual Funds: $0, 1% fee (min $45) for the sale or switch within 90 days of purchase 
• Options: $0 base + $0.75 per contract, assignment flat $30
• Telephone trading commissions: Different pricing but min $45
• Bonds: $1 per $1,000 face value ($24.99 min – $250 max)
• Account transfer out: $150 plus tax
• Account closure: $100 (only within the first year)
• Account Fees: $15 per account per quarter for US RRSP, RRIF, TFSA

Qtrade does not pass ECN fees to clients except in specific high‑volume scenarios.

I believe Qtrade is moving in the right direction regading fee reduction. Please refer to fees for a complete list of Qtrade fees.

Award-Winning Platform and Portfolio Analytics

Qtrade’s platform is recognized for its:

• Intuitive user interface that works smoothly on desktop and mobile
• Advanced portfolio analytics like Portfolio Score, Portfolio Simulator, and Portfolio Creator
• Robust research features, including Morningstar analyst data and screening tools
• Tax planning and investment calculators to support goal-based investing

Qtrade offers free planning tools and calculators to project net worth, and establish an investment plan for different financial goals such as retirement and education. These tools are designed to help investors make informed decisions and plan for long-term financial goals.

A Qtrade tool helps investors to understand their risk exposure by compring their portfolio against domestic and global benchmarks and evaluating their securities including Canadian and US stocks, ETFs, and Canadian mutual funds across six key dimensions which are Domestic Protection, Performance, Diversification Income, Fees, and ESG Score.

Another amazing tool by Qtrade is Portfolio Simulator which allows investors to analyze how adding or removing securities would change their portfolio’s exposure to risks such as inflation, US currency and interest rate.

Research and Tools

In addition to the planning tools, Qtrade offers screening tools to sort through thousands of stocks, mutual funds and ETFs to find those aligned with an investor’s goals.

They also offer prebuilt screens such as undervalued stocks or high dividend yield stocks. Investors can also create customized screens based on specific criterias such as sector or market capitalization.

Other tools provided by Qtrade include Morningstar reports, technical and fundamental screeners. Morningstar help in making informed decisions with well-researched, expert reviews of Canadian and US investments, including top picks for growth, value and income stocks.

Fundamental research for any company covers key performance metrics from its most recent financial statements, along with data on its performance history, ratings, and more to evaluate a company and compare it to its peer group.

News feeds detail company earnings and developments, augmented with economic, market and industry news from around the world. Qtrade’s morning news call packages the day’s top news and insights for investors.

Current Promotions

Qtrade has recently offered one of Canada’s best cash‑back promos: 5% on the first $15,000 you invest (up to $750) and 1% above that up to $2,000 total cash back—plus up to $150 transfer‑fee rebates.

Qtrade Platform Pros and Cons

Pros

• $0 commissions on stocks, ETFs, and Mutual Funds
• Low options cost and no Canadian account management fees
• Industry‑leading tools and research (Morningstar, screeners, simulators)
• Broad account coverage including RRSP, TFSA, LIRA, LIF, RESP, FHSA, and USD variants
• Strong client service and rankings across Canadian reviews
• Reimburses $150 transfer fees for over transfers over $15,000

Cons

Frankly, the current disadavntage shouldn’t stop anyone from joining Qtrade’s amazing platform. Most investors don’t need the non-supported investment choices or call for buying a stock.

• No support for crypto (except crytp ETFs), futures, forex, precious metals, or CFDs
• Other fees for services such as telephone assisted equity trades and physical certificates
• No support for fractional shares

Qtrade vs Wealthsimple vs Questrade vs Others

Qtrade vs Wealthsimple

Both Wealthsimple and Qtrade are popular Canadian investing platforms, but they are built for different types of investors. The right choice depends largely on how hands-on you want to be and how much control you expect over your portfolio.

Wealthsimple excels at making investing easy, while Qtrade excels at making investing powerful. For beginners or passive investors, Wealthsimple is often the natural starting point.

Read my Detailed Wealthsimple Invest Review for more information on Wealthsimple.

Qtrade vs Questrade

Qtrade shares several similarities with Questrade such as commission-free stocks and ETFs trading. Each offers a broad selection of account types, well-designed mobile apps, and accessible customer support that includes live chat and AI-assisted tools.

The key difference lies in platform depth and focus. Qtrade emphasizes research, portfolio analysis, offering various order types, and a strong built-in analytics. Questrade, leans towards active and advanced traders, with offerings such as Questrade Edge, access to forex and CFDs, and support for fractional shares on US securities.

If you decide to try Questrade, use my Questrade link for an extra $50 bonus.

Qtrade vs Others

Other brokers in Canada are not even comparable to Qtrade. For example, TD Direct Investing charges $7.00 – $9.99 per trade. Scotiabank iTrade charges $4.99 – $9.99 per trade as well.

How to Get Started on Qtrade

1. Open your account with an efficnet digital onboarding and e‑signatures
2. Fund your account via EFT and optionally set recurring contributions
3. Use Portfolio Creator (ETFs) or screeners to build positions
4. Place trades and set watchlists and alerts
5. Monitor & refine with Portfolio Score and Simulator
6. Rebalance periodically

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Qtrade really commission‑free?

Yes, Qtrade offers $0 trading commissions on Canadian and US stocks and ETFs. However, Options are $0 base + $0.75 per contract. Qtrade doesn’t charge an annual account fee for Canadian accounts but some registered accounts in USD have $15 fee every quarter.

Does Qtrade support RESP and FHSA?

Yes. Qtrade supports RESP and FHSA alongside TFSA, RRSP, RRIF, LIF, and other registered accounts with many USD variants. However, RDSP is not supported in Qtrade.

What can and can’t I trade on Qtrade?

Can: Stocks (US and Canada), ETFs (US and Canada), Bonds, Penny (OTC) Stocks, Mutual Funds, Options, Margin, GICs, Crypto ETFs

Can’t: Crypto, Forex, Fractional Shares, Futures, Non-NA Stocks or ETFs, Precious Metals, CFDs

Does Qtrade support Norbert’s Gambit between CAD and USD?

Yes, to execute Norbert’s Gambit at Qtrade, you’ll need a CAD and USD account (regardless of account type). The recommendation is to use DLR (CAD) and DLR.U (USD). Purchase DLR in your CAD account, and once settled (Trade Date + 1 business day), move it to your USD account via the website (not the mobile app), and sell as DLR.U in USD.

Can I trade Options on Qtrade?

Yes, you can trade options on Qtrade. To analyze different strike prices, expiration dates, and option prices before making a trade, use Qtrade’s Options chain by going to go to Quotes & Market Info > Quotes & Charts, input the stock symbol or name and select it.

When you’re in the stock’s information page, choose the Options tab and proceed to View Chain.

How can I contact Qtrade support?

Qtrade offers several customer support options, including phone, email, and AI-powered live chat. Qtrade phone support at 1 (877) 787-2330 is available Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 8 PM EST.

Qtrade also offers chat support Monday to Friday form 10 AM to 5 PM EST. For less urgent matters, Qtrade customer support email is [email protected].

For account transfer, Qtrade address is: Qtrade Direct Investing, 700 – 1111 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 4T6

Is Qtrade safe (Is my money insured in Qtrade)?

Yes, client accounts are protected by CIPF up to $1M per account type for missing property in insolvency scenarios. CIPF does not cover market losses.

Does Qtrade offer DRIPs? (Dividend Reinvestment Plans)

Yes, Qtrade offers Canadian and US DRIPs (Dividend Reinvestment Plans). Enrolling can easily be done online.

Does Qtrade offer pre-market and after hours trading?

Yes, Qtrade offers US pre-market trading between 8:30 – 9:30 AM EST and after hours trading between 4:00 – 5:00 PM EST. 

Does Qtrade support fractional shares?

No, Qtrade Direct Investing doesn’t support fractional shares and only allows whole share purchases. For fractional shares, I recommend Wealthsimple.

What is the difference between stocks and ETFs?

Stocks represent ownership in a single company, while ETFs hold multiple assets in one investment product. ETFs are often used for diversification or tracking a market index (like NASDAQ), while individual stocks are chosen to focus on specific companies or sectors.

Can I buy gold or crypto (Bitcoin, Ethereum) in Qtrade?

Yes, through Crypto ETFs listed on US or Canadian exchanges. However, Qtrade doesn’t offer direct crypto purchases. It also doesn’t offer precious metals including gold, CFDs, forex, or futures. For crypto and gold, I recommend Wealthsimple.

Qtrade Review Conclusion and Final Verdict

I personally enjoy having a registered account with Qtrade and I believe they are now a top‑tier pick for Canadian DIY investors seeking $0 trading, serious research tools, and full registered account coverage.

If you, like me, value ease and depth while craving for strong promos, Qtrade is the place to be. Additionally, Qtrade reimburses up to $150 for account trasnfers.