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Thadeus Geodfrey is an experienced and celebrated writer and self-taught trader specialising in cryptocurrencies and forex. Market analysis, identifying fraudulent brokers, and security are his cup of tea. At BrokerRaters Thadeus develops educational materials and user-guides, offer market insights, ensures our content conforms to the best standards. Join Thadeus to succeed in your trading endeavours.
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The best stock trading platform Canada can take you to generate incredible earnings. However, pinpointing a service provider that’s best for you can be tricky since myriad options are available. Furthermore, the online trading universe is infested with scammers, fraudsters, and cons hell-bent on ripping off innocent traders.
But don’t be disheartened; our experts are here for you. We have sifted through the murk and identified 5 platforms that stand above the noise and clutter on the Internet. We’ve reviewed these providers in this extensive guide.
At BrokerRaters, we are dedicated to providing unbiased information and insights. Our gurus researched service providers with utmost care and picked the best based on security, licensing, fees, and other indispensable factors we’ve highlighted below.
List of the Best Stock Trading Platforms in Canada
- AvaTrade – Best Overall Stock Trading Platform
- XTB – Best Stock Trading Platform for Low Entry and Diversification
- OANDA – Best Stock Trading Platform for Cost-Conscious Traders and 24/7 Support
- Forex.com – Best Stock Trading Platform for Competitive Spreads
- Saxo – Best Stock Trading Platform for Advanced Traders
In This Guide
Canadian Stock Trading Platforms: Comparison Table
The Internet is awash with false stock trading platforms Canada. Catching their falsehood can be challenging, especially if you’re a newbie. And researching them is laborious homework that can quickly wear you out before you even start, thanks to the information overload.
Our experts have saved you from all these stresses. We thoroughly researched all the platforms in Canada before carefully selecting the top-in-class providers. Furthermore, we identified the remaining four’s best overall and unique advantages.
| Best Stock Trading Platform Canada | License & Regulations | Support Service | Software | Payment Method | Demo Account |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AvaTrade | CBI, FMA, FCA, FSCA, CySEC, PFSA, ASIC, FSC, FSA | 24/5 | WebTrader, AvaOptions, AvaTrade App, MT4, MT5, Automated Trading | Credit/debit cards, Neteller, Skrill, Wire transfer, WebMoney | Yes |
| XTB | FCA, KNF, CySEC, BaFin, IFSC | 24/5 | xStation 5, MT4 | Bank Transfer, Credit/debit cards, PayPal | Yes |
| OANDA | FCA, CFTC, ASIC, IIROC, FSA | 24/5 | OANDA Platform, MT4, MT5 | Bank Transfer, Credit/debit cards, PayPal | Yes |
| Forex.com | IIROC, CIRO, FCA, CFTC, ASIC, FSA | 24/5 | Forex.com Platform, MT4, MT5 | Bank Transfer, Credit/debit cards, PayPal | Yes |
| Saxo | FCA, ASIC, FSA, MAS, CBI, SFC | 24/5 | SaxoTraderGO, SaxoTraderPRO | Bank Transfer, Credit/debit cards, PayPal | Yes |
Platforms Short Overview
Fees and assets are unavoidable considerations in stock trading. We advise you to go for a broker with transparent and reasonable figures to avoid losing the game before it even begins. Here are the fees and assets we dug up in the platforms:
Fees
| Best Stock Trading Platform Canada | Minimum Deposit Requirement | Commission/Spreads | Deposits/Withdrawals | Inactivity Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AvaTrade | $100 | From 0.9 pips | Free | $50 after every 3 months of inactivity |
| XTB | $0 | From 0.1 pips | Free | $10 monthly |
| OANDA | $0 | From 0.1 pips | Free | $10 monthly |
| Forex.com | $0 | From 0.2 pips | Free | $15 monthly |
| Saxo | $0 | From 0.4 pips | Free | None |
Assets
| Best Stock Trading Platform Canada | Stocks | Forex | Crypto | Commodities | Indices | ETFs | Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AvaTrade | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| XTB | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| OANDA | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Forex.com | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Saxo | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Our Expert Opinion about Stock Trading Platforms in CA
You may be wondering why we chose the five platforms from all the others screaming for your attention. We rigorously subjected every platform to a tight race based on crucial factors, including licensing and regulations, fees, customer support, user-friendliness, and educational resources.
As usual, we research past the juicy online stock trading Canada websites. Our team visited reputable sites like Trustpilot, Google Play, and App Store to collect experiences from the actual traders. Thus, you can trust our guide for true, updated, and comprehensive information.
1. AvaTrade – Best Overall Stock Trading Platform
Overall, AvaTrade emerged as the best stock trading platform in Canada. Let the numbers speak: The broker has a 4.6/5 aggregate score on Trustpilot and over 6450 five-star reviews.
AvaTrade values regulations and licensing to safeguard stock trading activities in Canada and worldwide. It has a valid license from IIROC. Other global regulators for this broker include CBI, ASIC, and FSCA. Furthermore, the broker has a robust know-your-client (KYC) procedure to ensure safe onboarding and depositing.
According to our experts, AvaTrade spreads are competitive. While the broker earns from charging spreads, it offers low fixed tight spreads that start from 0.9 pips. And the sweetest spot? They have a commission-free pricing model plus free deposits and withdrawals.
The platform also offers top-notch user-friendliness. Enjoy an intuitive experience on WebTrader, its proprietary desktop-based platform. We loved how this platform has distinct asset classes and charting. You’ll also appreciate the handy trade editor that saves you hours of figure-crunching homework. Don’t forget to download the mobile app AvaTradeGo to take your trades wherever you go.
Expand your territory by accessing popular platforms, including MT4 and MT5. And if you’re looking for a more dedicated tool, you can grab AvaOptions. Want to copy a guru in the trade? Consider DupliTrade, ZuluTrade, and AvaSocial, the platform’s automated and social trading wizards.
At AvaTrade, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to tradable instruments. Apart from the over 625 stocks, you can also venture into indices, bonds, ETFs, cryptocurrencies, forex, and more. Yes, it has all you need to diversify your portfolio and spread risks.
Customer support is another boon on this platform. While the email and phone contacts are available 24/5, its online chatbot (AvaGuide) and FAQ & Help Centre are around the clock for you. From our experience, their response varies from “Instant” to “Within Hours,” not days.
AvaTrade
✔Regulated by FCA
✔The platform supports algorithmic trading
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- Robust platforms and tools
- Diverse tradable assets
- Commission-free
- Low spreads
- Great social trading
Cons
- Higher inactivity fees than most brokers
- Lacks Direct Market Access accounts (ECN or STP)
Our experts investigated the AvaTrade broker’s fees and charges. We first noticed that the platform has a modest minimum deposit requirement of $100. What’s more, its users pay no additional costs while depositing funds or cashing out. That makes AvaTrade an ideal broker for both cost-conscious and newbie traders who want to test their waters with small capital before going all in.
That said, AvaTrade requires dormant account holders to pay $50 after every 3 consecutive months of inactivity. Moreover, if you let your account remain inactive for over successive months of inactivity, the broker will charge you a $100 administration fee. Not to forget, AvaTrade requires traders who hold positions overnight to cover a premium.
Here’s a breakdown of the fees you should expect to encounter while trading with this service provider:
| Fees and Charges | Amount |
|---|---|
| Spreads | From 0.9 pips |
| Administration fee | $100 |
| Inactivity fee | $50 |
| Overnight premium | Yes |
2. XTB – Best Stock Trading Platform for Low Entry and Diversification
XTB earns the top spot regarding low entry and diversification. The broker didn’t require a minimum deposit when we opened our drive-testing account. While the Pro account charges $3.5/lot/side, its spread is 0.1 pips. You can also opt for a commission-free Standard account with spreads beginning at 0.9 pip.
The platform offers over 2,100 stock CFDs to choose from, including Facebook, Apple, and other US tech giants. You can trade short or long at real market value without physical ownership of the stocks. Are you looking to venture into something else? You can try your hand at ETFs, indices, forex, cryptocurrency, and other instruments.
We assure you that this platform is authorized to operate in Canada and other jurisdictions. It boasts verified licenses from FCA, CySEC, ASIC, and several other regulatory bodies. Its global footprint and top-notch supervisory authorities gave us peace of mind when testing the platform.
XTB is a platform where trading brains meet education. Absorb the vast content at its Trading Academy to sharpen your skills. Its educational content comes in diverse types, including video tutorials, articles, and courses. Whether you want to know the platform inside out or study the latest technical analysis, you’ll get something for your specific needs. You can also exercise your learning using the platform’s versatile demo account.
Welcome the super-fast xStation 5 platform to your trading life. This tool surprised us with its fast execution, user-friendly interface, trader’s calculator, and popular indicators like Fibonacci. We particularly liked how we could customize our trading journeys on this platform.
Customer support didn’t let the platform down. We found them polite and ready to answer any question within several minutes or hours. They’re available Monday through Friday via email and phone. Are you looking to cut down the waiting period further? Befriend their Live Chat. You can also browse their Help page for in-depth topical coverage.
XTB
✔User-friendly interface
✔Expert customer support services
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- Innovative xStation 5
- No minimum deposit requirement
- Quick trade execution
- Over 21000 tradable assets
- Rich learning material
- Quick support response
Cons
- An inactivity fee of $10/month
- Lacks the popular MT4 and MT5
We love XTB because it is one of the most affordable brokers out here. How so? For starters, there are no XTB minimum deposit requirements. Moreover, the broker’s users don’t have to pay additional fees while funding their accounts or cashing out. Most importantly, XTB doesn’t require traders to cover account opening, maintenance, or inactivity fees. In the table below, we’ve highlighted the fees, commissions, and costs you should take note of before committing to XTB.
| Fees and Charges | Amount |
|---|---|
| Account opening and maintenance | $0 |
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Deposit fee | $0 |
| Withdrawal fee | $0 for withdrawals above $50; $30 for withdrawals below $50 |
| Investing commission | From 0% |
| Spreads | From 0.3 pips |
| Currency conversion fee | 0.5% |
| Inactivity fee | $0 |
3. OANDA – Best Stock Trading Platform for Cost-Conscious Traders and 24/7 Support
OANDA emerged as the best broker that won’t put a massive dent in your pocket. You can go with the traditional Spread-only or a Core + Commission pricing model. While the latter offers a $5 commission when you trade $100,000, the spreads are much tighter. So high-volume traders won’t feel a pinch. The platform also doesn’t force deposit or withdrawal charges on you, and the dormancy fees are average.
This online stock trading Canada broker offers a robust proprietary platform called OANDA Trade. You can tailor the design and cherry-pick from over ten charts plus over 50 drawing tools. We liked trading from the chart directly after diving into the in-depth analysis.
OANDA also gives access to MT4, the industry’s standard benchmark. You can also try a third-party’s TradingView for more features and assets. The platforms provide more tradable assets, such as stocks, forex, bonds, metals, indices, and ETFs. The seemingly less robust instruments are just enough to turn your investment into a profit.
Are you still a newbie? No worries—you can kickstart your stock trading journey within a few days of spending time in OANDA’s Learn section. The content delves into the basics, platform tutorials, technical analysis, and capital management. Remember to visit the broker’s Market Pulse for valuable research. Our research verified that the platform has six analysts researching worldwide markets and time zones.
OANDA’s customer support team is among the crème de la crème in the stock trading world. Its intuitive search feature in the Help section ensures whatever you’re looking for is just a button away. Do you need help to dig up answers to your burning query? Reach out to the live agent via email, phone, or OANDA Assistant online chat.
OANDA
✔Offers a negative balance protection
✔Customizable trading platform
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- Competitive and transparent pricing
- Comprehensive educational resources
- Low charges
- Intuitive design
- Industry-grade trading platforms like MT4
Cons
- Limited choice of assets
- An inactivity fee
OANDA broker has a clear fee structure with no hidden charges. This makes it easier for you to know how much you will be paying once you make a commitment. Some of the fees to incur at OANDA include the following:
| Trading and Non-Trading Charges | Details |
|---|---|
| Account Opening | $0 |
| Management Fee | $0 |
| Minimum Deposit Requirement | From $0, depending on your jurisdiction |
| Commission | From 0% on US-listed shares |
| Spreads | From 0.6 points |
| Deposits and Withdrawals | Free deposits. Withdrawal fees apply based on the payment method used |
| Inactivity | $10 after 12 months |
| Overnight Funding | Varies based on global market conditions |
| Currency Conversion Fee | Calculated by applying a 0.5% mark-up or mark-down |
4. Forex.com – Best Stock Trading Platform for Competitive Spreads
Forex.com stood out for its low flat commissions and super-tight spreads starting from 0.0 pip. In fact, trading CFDs on stocks, commodities, and indices doesn’t attract any commission. Furthermore, deposits and withdrawals are free.
Your money will be under lock and key the moment you make your first deposit. The platform’s licensing authorities include IIROC, CIRO, FCA, CFTC, ASIC, and FSA. Most reviews praised it for adhering to regulatory measures in the industry.
Forex.com is home to diverse trading instruments. It has over 2,500 stock CFDs from the world’s most prestigious behemoths, including Tesla, Netflix, and Amazon. With these stocks, we could go long and short and magnify profits via leverage. Forex, indices, ETFs, and commodities are other assets that can steal your interest on this platform.
The broker’s easy-to-use layout ushers you to exclusive trading tools. If you’re a newbie, Performance Analytics is worth your time. This technology employs complex behavioural science to study your trading experience and sharpen your prowess.
The broker’s customer support has your back whenever you hit a wall. Browse the Help and Support Center FAQs by category to satisfy your surface-level queries. The search feature in this section is handy for advanced answers. Phone, email, contact form, or Live Chat are also there for more personalized attention.
Benefit a bunch from the platform’s Learn section. Thanks to Forex.com’s Academy, you can grasp essential basics, grab opportunities, or skyrocket your trading depending on your trading experience. If you’re still unsure of your trading prowess, a Quiz feature will point you in the right direction. Tutorials, famous events, guides, news, and analysis are other gems waiting for you on this platform. Remember to unleash what you learn using the demo account before starting the actual business.
Forex.com has a transparent fee structure. While the Raw account charges commission per trade ($3.5 per side), it offers tight spreads starting from 0.2 pips. You can advance to a Standard account, especially if you choose to be a MetaTrader. The higher spread in this package is reasonable, considering the market-market execution benefits.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fluidic browsing experience
- Access to MT4
- Execute advanced order types like trailing stops
- 80+ indicators and diverse drawing tools
Cons
- No guaranteed stop-loss orders (GSLO)
- An inactivity fee
5. Saxo – Best Stock Trading Platform for Advanced Traders
Our experts consider Saxo the best for seasoned traders due to its diverse assets and passive earnings. It offers 30000+ instruments, including stocks, ETFs, and bonds.
We noted that the broker has clear fee structures, so you can bid farewell to hidden charges. The account types determine the spread, but the commission rate stays at $50 per lot. We opted for a higher account that offers a $7 spread. You can easily recover the spread charges within three months of successful trades.
The broker is licensed by top-tier regulatory authorities, so you can rest assured you won’t get duped. It also has tentacles in 70+ countries worldwide and provides a gateway to 50+ international markets. As proof of ownership, you get a HIN number once you register as a shareholder. In case the platform goes bankrupt, the compensation fund is there.
The broker provides three power-packed platforms for traders of all levels. If you’re a newbie, the SaxoInvestor will supercharge your trading in stocks, bonds, ETFs, and mutual funds. Intermediate traders will love the SaxoTraderGo because of its excellent analysis tools, news, and research. But advanced trading is where this broker scoops enormous points. Its third platform, SaxoTraderPro, provides comprehensive market analysis, tools, and custom solutions suitable for high-volume stock trading.
Saxo also has a transparent fee structure and low commissions. It offers competitive stock CFDs trading starting from 0.4 pips on US 500. You can go long or short on over 8800 instruments. Also, the entry barrier at Saxo is nonexistent, thanks to the zero minimum deposit requirements and deposit/withdrawal charges.
Saxo is also a gem-house of educational resources to help you parse the fantastic stock trading arena. Get stock research from fund managers like Trading Central and Morningstar. Grab webinars, videos, articles, and guides from experts who’ve been where you desire to be. Next, practice your newly acquired knowledge with a demo account to prepare for real trading.
Another significant element we found is the broker’s customer support. They’re available via phone or email between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. But if you need a solution outside of these hours, we found the live chat to be a better option. The team was responsive, helpful, and patient with our queries.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- In-depth trading education
- Advanced tools and platforms
- Access to 50+ global markets
- A wide selection of instruments
- Responsive customer support
Cons
- High conversion fees
- A steeper learning curve for newbies
Stock Trading in Canada
Stock trading in Canada is a legal but highly regulated market. The primary regulatory bodies in this industry include IIROC, the CSA, and OSC. So, any stock trading platform needs the approval of these or similar international bodies to operate within the Canadian territories.
You can only trade in stocks if you’re at least 18 or 19 years old, depending on where you are in Canada. For example:
- 18 years old: Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba, Quebec, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan.
- 19 years old: British Columbia, Yukon, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Nunavut.
Minors can only be stock traders under a custodial account set up and managed by their parents or guardians.
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) considers earnings from stock trading as capital gain. Only 50% of your stock earnings currently attract a capital gain tax (CGT). The dividend tax credit can further reduce the chargeable amount.
What is a Stock Trading Platform?
A stock trading platform is a software application or web-based service where you can buy and sell stocks over the Internet. Brokerage firms provide these solutions, allowing you to access the stocks via your internet-enabled device.
The platform provides critical issues to make trading seamless. These features include market access, research tools, trading tools, order types, user interfaces, fees, commissions, security, and mobile apps.
How to Choose the Best Stock Trading Platform in CA
Cherry-picking the best stock trading platform in Canada is the first step. Our experts provide crucial considerations to boost your chances of profiteering from this market:
Your needs
Regulations and licensing
Fees
User-friendliness
Customer support
Educational and research resources
Available assets
If you’re a beginner, go for a platform with rich educational resources. Are you an advanced trader, or do you plan to be in the game for a more extended period? Be sure the platform has advanced tools to help you expand your territory.
Pay attention to this factor in this profitable but equally risky industry. A poorly regulated platform or an outright scam can cause unrecoverable loss.
Ensure the platform’s fee and commission structure are transparent and reasonable. Sure, the broker is also in business to profit and has to serve you well. But can you recover its charges after a few months of successful trading?
An easy-to-use platform allows you to locate critical features, deposit, manage trades, and do more with just a few clicks. Shy away from clunky and cluttered interfaces, especially if you’re starting.
Even on the best platforms, issues are bound to crop up. Therefore, check whether the platform offers robust support via your preferred channels.
Everyone starts from somewhere. And every trader needs to stay up-to-date with what’s going on in the industry. A great platform should throw learning, research, and news resources on your way to success.
Choose a treasure trove of tradable assets and instruments to help you diversify your portfolio. Be sure you can access your preferred or familiar investment vehicle before venturing into the unknown.
Risks to Trade Stocks for Canadian Traders
Don’t let the rush for profits blind you to glaring risks in the market. We dedicate ourselves to holding your hand to navigate around serious pitfalls. Here are the common risks:
- Market risk
The often volatile stock prices can cause you huge losses due to unfavourable market movement. Another thing to watch out for includes changes in your specific industry sector.
- Liquidity risk
Low trading volume is another culprit. This issue often arises if you choose stocks in small companies or less active exchanges. The result is slow trading or undesirable selling prices.
- Company default
If the underlying company goes bankrupt, its stock value may plummet. In such a situation, stockholders are often the last to receive payment.
- Regulatory changes
Changes in compliance or regulations haunt the stock market and affect companies’ profitability. They include tax laws, sector-specific regulations, and foreign regulations.
- Currency risk
This risk is expected if you invest in a Canadian company with significant international exposure. For example, a strengthening Canadian dollar can reduce earnings from foreign markets when converted back to CAD.
Pros & Cons of Stock Trading
In any trading, advantages and drawbacks are like two sides of a coin. You must weigh them to decide whether the market is yours to conquer.
Pros:
- Access to a well-regulated market
- In-depth research and educational resources
- Diversification across instruments in reputable companies
- Potential for long-term capital and dividend gains
- Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs) and Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) for Canadian traders
- Robust financial institutions
Cons:
- Risks due to diverse factors like volatility, currency exchange
- Complex regulations and tax requirements
- Limited trading hours compared to some other assets
- Trading and non-trading costs may be high
- Dividend and capital gains may attract tax
Take a look at our related article about Stock Trading Apps in Canada
Conclusion
Identifying the best stock trading platform Canada is a complex process, But with our done-for-you research, you’re now good to go. Just pick what suits you and start owning stocks in reputable companies.
Remember to remain disciplined and intelligent enough to manage market risks and emotions effectively. Your best arsenal of tricks should include setting clear goals, diversifying investments, avoiding over-leverage, and implementing stop-loss orders. The best traders usually have long-term trading and learning strategies—they never resort to impulse trading.