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
I chose Wealthsimple for the $0 commissions and the all-in-one simplicity — investing, Cash, and taxes in one app. It's genuinely designed for the modern investor.
About TD Direct Investing
TD Direct Investing is Canada's largest online brokerage — that much is well-known. I looked into it seriously because TD is a major bank with a solid reputation. From my research, trades cost $9.99 each, but the platform suite is impressive: WebBroker, Advanced Dashboard, and TD Active Trader. Great for serious, experienced investors. Always verify current pricing at td.com/directinvesting.
| 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
- Multiple professional-grade platforms (WebBroker, Advanced Dashboard, TD Active Trader)
- In-depth research: Morningstar, TD Economics, real-time data
- In-branch and phone support
- Full integration with TD banking
- Great for experienced and active 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 per trade (based on my research — verify at td.com)
- No fractional shares (as far as I could find)
- Complex for beginners
- Higher options fees than Wealthsimple
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose Wealthsimple if…
- I'd go with Wealthsimple if $0 commissions and an all-in-one approach matter to you. That's what ultimately drove my decision.
Choose TD Direct Investing if…
- From my research, TD Direct Investing is worth it if you want pro-grade research tools and multiple trading platforms — and you're already a TD customer or want that banking integration.
- Always verify current pricing and any potential fee waivers at td.com/directinvesting.
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