Wealthsimple vs. TD Direct Investing
Compare Wealthsimple and TD Direct Investing for Canadian investors in 2026. See fees, features, safety, pros & cons, and which is best for you.
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 TD Direct Investing
TD Direct Investing is Canada's largest online brokerage, offering a suite of powerful trading platforms (WebBroker, Advanced Dashboard, TD app, and TD Active Trader) for all levels of investors. TD provides access to Canadian and U.S. stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds, GICs, and more, with advanced research tools, real-time data, and integration with TD's banking services. Regulated by CIRO, with CIPF insurance.
| Feature | Wealthsimple | TD Direct Investing |
|---|---|---|
| Commission | $0 on stocks/ETFs | $9.99 per trade (stocks/ETFs) |
| Options Fees | $0.75–$2 USD/contract | $9.99 + $1.25/contract |
| FX Fees | 1.5% (waived with USD account) | ~1.5% (USD accounts available) |
| Account Types | Personal, TFSA, RRSP, RESP, USD, more | Personal, TFSA, RRSP, RESP, USD, Margin, more |
| Platforms | Mobile, Web | WebBroker, Advanced Dashboard, TD app, TD Active Trader |
| Fractional Shares | Yes (500+ stocks/ETFs) | No |
| Research Tools | Basic charts, watchlists | Advanced screeners, real-time data, Morningstar, TD Economics, customizable dashboards |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Safety | CIRO regulated, CIPF up to $1M | CIRO regulated, CIPF up to $1M |
| Support | Chat, email, phone (priority for Premium) | Phone, chat, in-branch, extensive help resources |
| Unique Features | Robo-advisor, Cash account, Tax, Fractional shares | Multiple pro-grade platforms, advanced order types, in-branch support, TD banking integration |
Pros & Cons
WS
Wealthsimple Pros
- $0 commissions, no minimums
- Fractional shares
- Beginner-friendly app
- Unified ecosystem (robo, cash, tax)
- Great for new investors
TD TD Direct Investing Pros
- Advanced trading platforms (WebBroker, Advanced Dashboard, TD Active Trader)
- In-depth research and analytics (Morningstar, TD Economics)
- In-branch and phone support
- Integration with TD banking
- Great for active and experienced traders
WS
Wealthsimple Cons
- Limited advanced trading tools
- 15-min delayed quotes (free tier)
- No direct USD RRSP/TFSA (as of 2026)
TD TD Direct Investing Cons
- $9.99 commission per trade
- No fractional shares
- Platform can be complex for beginners
- Options fees higher 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 TD Direct Investing if…
- You want advanced trading tools, in-depth research, in-branch support, and are comfortable with $9.99 commissions.
- Best for active or experienced investors and those who want full integration with TD banking.
Ready to Start Investing?
Open a Wealthsimple account today and get a $25 bonus when you fund your account using our referral code.
* Referral code: HODMTG