New York: Fri 24 May 21:03 pm
Getting your first brokerage account is often the first step for every trader. Before jumping in to the online broker comparison you might want to read our article on choosing an online broker.
We’re always open to suggestions for additions to our list below. Let us know, if you use an online broker that should appear here.
Looking for the Best Online Broker in 2013?
Finding a broker to match your particular trading style or needs is often difficult, and can be a hit or miss type of operation. In 2013 you’ll want a broker backed by a bonded company with all the best online tools like a secure trading platform and mobile trading applications. The good news is the field of high quality online discount brokerages has dramatically increased in the last few years.
The following online broker comparison contains only the top or the best online stock brokers for 2013, compiled from experience with our user base. Contact us to suggest a brokerage we might have missed.
US Stock Brokers
A list of only the best online stock brokers for the USA.| US Online Brokers | Commissions / Fees | Min Deposit | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
 Ameritrade | $9.99 trades - $0.75 per contract. | No minimum. $2000 for margin / options. | The heavyweight of online brokers in the US also offers some of the best charting and tracking tools out there. ThinkorSwim, and Mobile Trader for iPad, iPhone, Android are a HUGE bonus. Current promo: Trade free for 60 days and get up to $600! - Read our full TD Ameritrade Review. |
 eTrade | $7.99 trades – $0.75/contract. | $500. | One of the oldest and still best priced brokers with superb tools and software for active traders. E-Trade Pro + Mobile versions are very powerful. Current promo: Get up to $500 Plus 60 Days of Free Trades. Check out the current pricing & rates for more details. |
 TradeKing | $4.95 trades - $0.65 per contract. More than 8 contracts save 15 cents per contract. | No minimum. $2000 for margin. | Newly merged with Zecco this discount brokerage has an impressive suite of tools including mobile access. Geared towards equities and options traders. Check out TradeKing's video tour for more information on their services and platform. |
 SureTrader | $4.95 trades - $1.00 per contract. | $2000. Eligible for 6:1 margin intra-day. | Offshore discount broker regulated by the Central Bank of The Bahamas. Popular with penny stock traders looking for shares to buy/short. |
 OptionsHouse | $3.95 trades - approx $1.00 per contract. | $1000. 100 Free trades for new accounts. | $3.95 flat rate trades and $1 contracts make this perhaps the best options broker. Also iPad/iPhone support and an award winning trading platform. |
 SpeedTrader | $0.0039/share or $6.95 trades. $1 per contract. | $2000 for options trading. | Provide a powerful day trading platform, complete accurate real-time data, technical analysis, market tracking and instant updates. |
 Scottrade | $7 trades - $1.25 per contract. | $500. | Lightning fast executions in a full service broker. Free trading tools with real-time research includes apps for Android, iPhone/Pad, and BlackBerry. |
 SogoTrade | $3 trades - $.70 per contract. | $500. $2000 for margin. | $3 trades cannot be beat and SogoTrade has a very reliable platform with solid execution. SogoTrade is also an old favorite of penny stock traders. |
Canadian Stock Brokers
A list of only the best online stock brokers for Canada. All Canadian banks including RBC, CIBC, and TD also offer brokerage services, but they tend to have higher rates than those listed below.| Canadian Brokers | Commissions / Fees | Min Deposit | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
 Questrade | 1¢ per share, $4.95 minimum / $9.95 maximum per trade. Options are $1 per contract. | $1000 minimum. | Canada's top discount brokerage with low execution prices and access to streaming US / Canadian markets. Supports TFSA and RRSP accounts. |
 Scotia iTrade | $19.99 per trade, or $9.99 w/$50k or $6.99 w/ 150+ trades per quarter. $1.25 per contract. | No minimum, including RRSP. | Full service Canadian broker (used to be eTrade Canada) with unbeatable execution and top notch support. Full RRSP, TFA support. |
 Virtual Brokers | $6.49 per trade - $1.00 per contract (US) or $1.20 per contract (CDN) | $1000 minimum. | VB delivers outstanding trade execution services to investors, traders and fund managers. Top notch tools and great pricing tier. |
International Stock Brokers
A list of the top online brokers accepting customers internationally or allowing investments in multiple world markets.| International Brokers | Commissions / Fees | Min Deposit | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
 Euro Pacific Bank | USD 0.02 per share for USA or 0.2% of trade amount on foreign | $2,500 minimum deposit | Peter Schiff's Euro Pacific Bank is a true gold backed bank and brokerage firm in the Caribbean. Trade global equities, FOREX, CFDs and futures with Global Trade Station or their iPad/iPhone apps. Highly recommended! Read our review of Euro Pacific. |
 Interactive Brokers | Prices vary by country. US works out to 0.005 per share. See their full commission structure. | $10,000 minimum deposit for new accounts. | IB does it all: stocks, options, futures, forex, bonds. And all from 90 markets from around the world. An unbeatable platform, amazing rates, and quick data feeds make IB the cadillac of full service brokers. |
