Brokerages
Canadian brokerages
A neutral hub for the Canadian discount brokerages FolioNorth's tools reference. The first detailed reviews are live, with more broker reviews and side-by-side comparisons being built out.
Data freshness
7 of 7 brokerages have structured source checks
Most recent check: Jul 1, 2026.
Comparing brokers for a transfer?
Several of these brokers run cash promos for incoming transfers. See the current offers ranked by net bonus after transfer-out fees.
Wealthsimple
A simple self-directed platform with broad appeal for Canadian ETF investors.
- Commissions
- Commission-free stock and ETF trades
- CAD/USD conversion
- Flat 1.5% on trades; USD account or gambit to lower it
- Account types
- TFSARRSPFHSARESPLIRANon-reg
Best for: Investors who value a clean app, simple pricing, and commission-free stock and ETF trades.
Highlights
- Commission-free stock and ETF trading is the core draw.
- A direct US trade from a CAD account converts at a flat 1.5%; a USD account unlocks tiered conversion, and Norbert's gambit avoids the percentage fee for a ~$9.95 + tax journal fee.
- Transfer promotions are tracked separately in the offers calculator.
Qtrade Direct Investing™
A polished, service-focused Canadian brokerage that moved to $0 stock and ETF trades in late 2025.
- Commissions
- $0 stock and ETF trades
- CAD/USD conversion
- Direct brokerage FX
- Account types
- TFSARRSPFHSARESPLIRANon-reg
Best for: Investors who want strong research tools and service quality, now without per-trade commissions.
Highlights
- $0 commission on Canadian and US stock and ETF trades as of October 28, 2025, with the legacy quarterly administration fee eliminated at the same time.
- USD sides on registered accounts (RRSP, RRIF, and TFSA, but not FHSA) cost US $15 per quarter, waived for Investor Plus; the FX spread is unpublished, and Norbert's gambit is officially supported.
- Transfer promos and reimbursement terms are tracked in the offers calculator.
Questrade
A long-running Canadian DIY brokerage with strong ETF and transfer-account coverage.
- Commissions
- $0 online stock and ETF trades
- CAD/USD conversion
- 1.5% direct FX, or Norbert's gambit ($9.95+tax)
- Account types
- TFSARRSPFHSARESPLIRANon-reg
Best for: DIY investors who want broad account support and are comfortable using a full brokerage workflow.
Highlights
- Online stock and ETF trades are listed at $0 commission.
- Direct CAD/USD conversion costs 1.5%; Norbert's gambit avoids that for a $9.95 + tax journal fee (waived on Questrade Plus).
- Transfer-fee reimbursement and promos are tracked in the offers calculator.
Interactive Brokers
A lower-cost, more advanced platform for investors who care about execution and currency conversion.
- Commissions
- Low-cost, activity-based trading model
- CAD/USD conversion
- Direct FX conversion
- Account types
- TFSARRSPFHSANon-regCorporate
Best for: Experienced investors who trade across currencies or want more advanced order and market access.
Highlights
- Low spot-currency conversion is the main differentiator for USD-heavy investors.
- The platform is more complex than app-first Canadian brokerages.
- No current Canadian transfer-cash promo is tracked in the offers calculator.
TD Direct Investing
A large bank-owned brokerage with self-directed investing and branch-bank integration.
- Commissions
- Major-bank self-directed brokerage pricing
- CAD/USD conversion
- Direct brokerage FX
- Account types
- TFSARRSPFHSARESPLIRANon-reg
Best for: Investors who already bank with TD or want a major-bank brokerage relationship.
Highlights
- Current transfer-cash terms are tracked in the offers calculator.
- Bank integration may be convenient for investors who keep accounts at TD.
- Commission, promo, and hold-period details should be checked against official terms.
CIBC Investor's Edge
CIBC's self-directed brokerage, with premium-transfer terms tracked separately.
- Commissions
- Major-bank self-directed brokerage pricing
- CAD/USD conversion
- Direct brokerage FX
- Account types
- TFSARRSPFHSARESPLIRANon-reg
Best for: Investors comparing major-bank brokerage options and larger-account transfer offers.
Highlights
- Premium-transfer terms are tracked in the offers calculator.
- The right comparison depends on account size, account type, and hold period.
- FolioNorth review coverage will separate platform fit from temporary promos.
BMO InvestorLine
BMO's self-directed investing platform, included for major-bank brokerage comparisons.
- Commissions
- Major-bank self-directed brokerage pricing
- CAD/USD conversion
- Direct brokerage FX
- Account types
- TFSARRSPFHSARESPLIRANon-reg
Best for: Investors who want a major-bank brokerage and are comparing transfer incentives with ongoing costs.
Highlights
- Current self-directed transfer terms are tracked in the offers calculator.
- Bank-owned brokerage convenience should be weighed against ongoing trading and FX costs.
- Detailed review and comparison pages are planned.
What's coming
More reviews and comparisons are in progress
This hub is the foundation for the brokerage section. The next layer will add more individual reviews, account-type notes, FX handling, transfer-fee treatment, and side-by-side comparisons that separate ongoing platform fit from temporary promotions.