About

About Wealthsimple

Wealthsimple is Canada's leading fintech for commission-free investing, robo-advisor portfolios, and digital banking. It's known for its beginner-friendly app, $0 commissions, fractional shares, and seamless integration of investing, saving, and tax tools. Regulated by CIRO, with CIPF insurance up to $1M.

About Qtrade

Qtrade is a well-established Canadian online brokerage, known for its award-winning customer service, robust research tools, and competitive pricing. Qtrade offers $0 commissions on stocks/ETFs, a wide range of account types, and is highly rated for user experience and support. Regulated by CIRO, with CIPF insurance.

Feature Comparison

Feature Wealthsimple Qtrade
Commissions$0 on stocks/ETFs$0 on stocks/ETFs
Options Fees$0.75–$2 USD/contract$8.75 + $1.25/contract
FX Fees1.5% (waived with USD account)~1.5% (USD accounts available)
Account TypesPersonal, TFSA, RRSP, RESP, USD, morePersonal, TFSA, RRSP, RESP, USD, more
PlatformsMobile, WebWeb, Mobile
Fractional SharesYes (500+ stocks/ETFs)No
Research ToolsBasic charts, watchlistsAdvanced screeners, research, portfolio analytics
Minimum Deposit$0$1,000
SafetyCIRO regulated, CIPF up to $1MCIRO regulated, CIPF up to $1M
SupportChat, email, phone (priority for Premium)Phone, chat, email (award-winning)
Unique FeaturesRobo-advisor, Cash account, Tax, Fractional sharesPortfolio analytics, research tools, strong support
Get Your Referral Bonus

Pros & Cons

Wealthsimple Pros

  • $0 commissions, no minimums
  • Fractional shares
  • Beginner-friendly app
  • Unified ecosystem (robo, cash, tax)
  • Great for new investors

Wealthsimple Cons

  • Limited advanced trading tools
  • 15-min delayed quotes (free tier)
  • No direct USD RRSP/TFSA (as of 2025)

Qtrade Pros

  • $0 commissions
  • Excellent customer service
  • Advanced research & portfolio tools
  • USD accounts for all account types
  • Strong educational resources

Qtrade Cons

  • $1,000 minimum deposit
  • No fractional shares
  • Options fees higher than Wealthsimple
  • Platform less modern than Wealthsimple

Who Should Choose Which?

Choose Wealthsimple if…

  • You want a simple, mobile-first experience, $0 commissions, fractional shares, and easy access to robo-advisor and cash accounts.
  • Great for beginners and hands-off investors.

Choose Qtrade if…

  • You want advanced research tools, award-winning support, USD accounts, and are comfortable with a $1,000 minimum. Best for investors who value service and analytics.
Get Your Referral Bonus