Compare the top stock brokers for buying shares, ETFs, and equity instruments with zero commissions, fractional shares, and access to global exchanges.
Professional-grade global brokerage with ultra-low commissions and 150+ markets.
Min Deposit
$0
Spread From
0.2 pips
Max Leverage
1:50 (Forex)
Founded
1978
Trading involves risk. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Industry giant with zero commissions, top research, and comprehensive retirement services.
Min Deposit
$0
Spread From
$0
Max Leverage
2:1 (Margin)
Founded
1946
Investing involves risk, including risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Social trading pioneer with copy trading, crypto, and commission-free stock trading.
Min Deposit
$50
Spread From
1.0 pips
Max Leverage
1:30 (Retail EU)
Founded
2007
77% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Premier US brokerage with the powerful thinkorswim platform, now part of Charles Schwab.
Min Deposit
$0
Spread From
$0
Max Leverage
2:1 (Margin), 1:50 (Forex)
Founded
1975
Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Futures and forex trading involves substantial risk.
LSE-listed pioneer since 1989 with 10,000+ instruments and award-winning Next Generation platform.
Min Deposit
$0
Spread From
0.7 pips
Max Leverage
1:30 (EU), 1:500 (Pro)
Founded
1989
72% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider.
LSE-listed European broker with award-winning xStation 5 platform and commission-free stocks.
Min Deposit
$0
Spread From
0.1 pips
Max Leverage
1:500
Founded
2002
76% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
| Broker | Commission | Min Deposit | Markets | Platforms | Regulation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interactive Brokers | — | $0 | — | Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Mobile, Client Portal, IBKR APIs | SEC, FINRA, FCA, ASIC, MAS, IIROC |
|
| — |
| $0 |
| — |
| Fidelity.com, Active Trader Pro, Fidelity Mobile |
| SEC, FINRA, SIPC |
 Charles Schwab | — | $0 | — | Schwab.com, StreetSmart Edge, Schwab Mobile | SEC, FINRA, SIPC, OCC |
 IG Markets | — | $1 | — | IG Trading Platform, MetaTrader 4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer | FCA, BaFin, CySEC, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, FINMA, MAS, DFSA |
| eToro | — | $50 | — | eToro Platform, eToro Mobile App | FCA, CySEC, ASIC, FinCEN |
 FOREX.com | — | $100 | — | FOREX.com Platform, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, TradingView | FCA, ASIC, CFTC, NFA, CySEC, CIMA |
| TD Ameritrade | — | $0 | — | thinkorswim, TD Ameritrade Mobile, TD Ameritrade Web | SEC, FINRA, SIPC |
| CMC Markets | — | $0 | — | Next Generation, MetaTrader 4 | FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FMA |
| XTB | — | $0 | — | xStation 5, xStation Mobile | FCA, KNF, CySEC, IFSC, CNMV |
 IC Markets | — | $200 | — | MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader | ASIC, CySEC, SCB, FSA |
The stock brokerage industry has largely shifted to zero-commission trading for US-listed stocks and ETFs. Brokers like Fidelity, Charles Schwab, and eToro offer $0 commissions on US equities, making it more affordable than ever to build a diversified portfolio. However, it is important to understand how these brokers generate revenue — typically through payment for order flow, interest on uninvested cash, and margin lending. International stock trading and OTC securities may still incur commissions.
When choosing a stock broker, understand whether you will own the actual shares or trade CFDs (Contracts for Difference). Direct stock ownership means you hold real shares, receive dividends, and have voting rights. Stock CFDs allow you to speculate on price movements with leverage but you do not own the underlying shares. Brokers like Fidelity and Charles Schwab offer direct ownership, while brokers like Plus500 offer stock CFDs only. Some brokers like XTB and eToro offer both options.
If you want to invest in international stocks, consider brokers with broad global market access. Interactive Brokers leads the industry with access to 150+ exchanges in 33 countries. Most US-focused brokers only offer access to US exchanges plus limited international ADRs. European investors can access multiple exchanges through brokers like Saxo Bank and Interactive Brokers. Consider currency conversion fees and withholding tax implications when investing internationally.
We evaluate stock brokers based on commission structure, available markets, order execution quality, research tools, platform usability, and account protection. Our team opens live accounts, executes real trades, and benchmarks execution quality against NBBO prices. We also assess fractional share availability, dividend reinvestment options, and the quality of fundamental research data provided.
