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Qtrade Fees: Qtrade Direct Investing Fees Explained

Post By Qayyum Rajan, CFA
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Interactive Brokers

Trade stocks, options, futures, forex, bonds and funds on 150+ markets worldwide from a single account.

  • Low commissions starting at $1 USD
  • Access to global markets in 150+ countries
  • Advanced trading platforms and tools

If you're considering opening an account with Qtrade, understanding their fee structure is essential. While Qtrade is not the cheapest brokerage in Canada, its transparent pricing, tiered discounts, and strong customer service make it a top choice for many investors.

In this article, we’ll break down Qtrade’s trading fees, account fees, and special pricing options like Investor Plus and Young Investor.

👉 Current Promo: Get $50 when you open and fund a new Qtrade account, up to $150 for 3 funded accounts.
📅 Offer valid from April 1 to October 31, [currentyear].
🏷️ Use promo code OFFER2025
👉 Click here to claim your Qtrade bonus

Qtrade Standard Trading Fees

Here’s what you can expect to pay as a regular Qtrade user (no discounts applied):

Investment TypeStandard Fee
Stocks & ETFs$8.75 per trade
Options$8.75 + $1.25 per contract
Mutual Funds$8.75 per trade
Fixed Income$1 per $1,000 face value(Min $24.99, Max $250)
Phone-placed TradesMinimum $45 per trade

💡 Commission-Free ETFs: Qtrade offers 100+ ETFs that are completely free to trade — both buy and sell.

Investor Plus Fee Schedule

If you’re a high-volume trader or have a large portfolio, Qtrade rewards you with lower fees:

To qualify:

  • Place 150+ trades per quarter, or

  • Maintain $500,000+ in assets

Investment TypeInvestor Plus Fee
Stocks & ETFs$6.95 per trade
Options$6.95 + $1.25 per contract
Mutual Funds$6.95 per trade
Commission-Free ETFsStill available

Young Investor Pricing

If you’re between 18 and 30 years old and set up a $50+ monthly contribution, you qualify for Qtrade’s Young Investor program.

Investment TypeYoung Investor Fee
Stocks & ETFs$7.75 per trade
Mutual Funds$7.75 per trade
Account FeesNo account minimumsNo admin fees

Qtrade Account Fees

✅ Free Accounts

You can avoid quarterly administration fees if you:

  • Hold $25,000+ in assets

  • Have a recurring $100+ monthly contribution

  • Complete 2+ trades per quarter or 8+ trades per year

  • Are a new client for < 1 quarter

❌ Fees to Watch For

Fee TypeCost
Quarterly Admin Fee$25 (unless waived)
Account Closure (under 1 year)$100
USD-registered accounts$15 USD per quarter
De-registration (RRSP/TFSA)Typically $100+tax
Transfer-out Fee$150 per request (may be rebated)

💡 You can get up to $150 in transfer fee rebates when switching to Qtrade with $15,000+ per account.

Other Notable Fee Highlights

  • No annual RRSP or TFSA fees (if waiver conditions are met)

  • Free real-time quotes and basic data

  • Advanced market data available for an additional fee

Is Qtrade Worth the Cost?

Qtrade may not be the cheapest platform in Canada, but it offers:

  • Top-rated customer service

  • Robust research tools

  • 105+ commission-free ETFs

  • A clean interface and solid support

If you're an investor who values a premium experience — and especially if you qualify for Investor Plus or Young Investor discounts — Qtrade provides excellent value for its pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are Qtrade’s trading fees?

Standard trades are $8.75. With discounts (Investor Plus or Young Investor), they drop to $6.95 or $7.75.

Does Qtrade have commission-free ETFs?

Yes, Qtrade offers over 100 commission-free ETFs — both to buy and sell.

Can I avoid Qtrade’s quarterly admin fee?

Yes. You can waive the $25 fee with $25,000+ in assets, recurring deposits, or regular trades.

What is the Qtrade promo code?

The current promo code is OFFER2025, valid until October 31, [currentyear].

Is Qtrade good for beginners?

Yes — especially if you're focused on ETFs and want responsive support. The Young Investor program is ideal for new investors aged 18–30.

Final Verdict: Qtrade Fees

While platforms like Wealthsimple offer zero-commission trades, Qtrade strikes a balance between competitive pricing and premium features. If you want strong ETF coverage, good support, and transparent fees, Qtrade is a strong contender.

👉 Open your Qtrade account and claim your up-to-$150 bonus

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Qayyum Rajan, CFA
Written by

Qayyum Rajan, CFA

Qayyum is the CEO of Wealth Awesome, a leading Canadian personal finance publication. As a CFA charterholder with extensive experience in fintech, data science, and quantitative finance, he brings a unique analytical perspective to investing and wealth management.

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✅ Reviewed by Certified Financial Professionals

This content has been reviewed by CFA® charterholders and Certified Financial Planners (CFP®) with over a decade of experience in Canadian financial markets. All information is fact-checked against official Canadian sources and regulations.

Why these credentials matter: CFA® charterholders complete 900+ hours of rigorous study in investment analysis and ethics. CFP® professionals are held to the highest standards of financial planning competency and fiduciary duty in Canada.

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🇨🇦 Canadian FocusLocal expertise
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⚠️ Professional Disclaimer

This content is for educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized financial advice. While our team brings professional expertise, individual circumstances vary. For personalized guidance, consult with a qualified financial advisor, tax professional, or mortgage specialist.

Published: July 9, 2025
Last Updated: January 8, 2026