Qtrade Review (2026): Is Qtrade Direct Investing Worth It?

Qtrade is a Canadian online discount brokerage known for its low trading fees, excellent customer service, and strong research tools. While not as widely known as Wealthsimple or Questrade, Qtrade has been steadily gaining ground as a solid all-around investment platform — especially among DIY investors and credit union clients.

In this Qtrade review, I’ll break down what makes this brokerage stand out, its pros and cons, fees, account types, and how it compares to the competition.

If you’re on the fence about whether Qtrade is right for you, keep reading to find out.

🔍 What is Qtrade Direct Investing?

Qtrade Direct Investing is an independent Canadian online brokerage owned by Aviso Wealth, one of the country’s largest independent wealth management firms. It offers self-directed investing accounts where Canadians can buy and sell stocks, ETFs, bonds, GICs, and more.

It also offers a separate product called Qtrade Guided Portfolios, which is a robo-advisor designed for hands-off investors. Check out the full Guided Portfolios breakdown here.

💸 Qtrade Fees Explained

One of the most appealing features of Qtrade is its competitive fee structure:

• $8.75 per equity trade (as low as $6.95 for active or high-value clients)

• Free trades on 100+ ETFs

• No annual fee with a $25,000 balance or regular contributions

For a full deep dive into Qtrade’s trading commissions, inactivity fees, and other charges, see our complete Qtrade Fees guide.

🧾 Account Types Available

Qtrade supports a wide range of account types, including:

• TFSA

• RRSP & Spousal RRSP

• RESP

• RRIF & LIF

• Non-registered individual/joint

• Corporate and Trust accounts

If you're unsure about which tax-sheltered account is right for you, read our TFSA vs RRSP comparison to help decide.

📱 Mobile App Experience

Qtrade does offer a mobile app, but it has historically received low ratings on the Apple App Store. While it’s functional, it’s not as sleek or user-friendly as competitors like Wealthsimple Trade or Desjardins Online Brokerage.

Still, Qtrade shines in desktop functionality, where serious DIY investors do most of their trading.

For more on how Qtrade’s app stacks up, check out our best investment apps in Canada article.

🧠 Tools & Research

One of Qtrade’s greatest strengths is its suite of research tools. This includes:

• Morningstar reports

• Portfolio scorecards

• Fundamental screeners

• Technical analysis tools

• Goal-setting and retirement calculators

These tools give Qtrade an edge over newer mobile-first platforms like Wealthsimple Trade, which are more barebones by comparison.

🤖 Qtrade Guided Portfolios (Robo-Advisor)

If you’re a more passive investor and prefer not to manage your own portfolio, Qtrade also offers a robo-advisor service called Guided Portfolios.

This platform offers pre-built ETF portfolios based on your goals and risk tolerance, managed automatically for a fee.

✅ Promo Offer: Get Up to $150 Bonus

Qtrade is currently offering a limited-time promotion:

Get $50 when you fund a new account — up to $150 for 3 accounts. Use promo code OFFER2025. Offer valid April 1 to October 31, 2025.

To take advantage of this offer, open a Qtrade account here.

Need help getting started? Follow this step-by-step guide to opening a Qtrade account.

📊 How Does Qtrade Compare to Competitors?

Wondering how Qtrade stacks up against top rivals like Wealthsimple or Questrade?

We’ve written an in-depth comparison here:
👉 Qtrade vs Wealthsimple: Which Investing Platform is Right for You?

It covers everything from fees and features to ease of use and account support.

You can also check out our individual reviews of:

• Wealthsimple Trade

• Questrade

• Desjardins Online Brokerage

💬 Final Verdict: Is Qtrade Worth It?

Qtrade is one of the best-kept secrets in Canadian online investing. It offers:

✅ Competitive fees
✅ Strong customer support
✅ Deep research tools
✅ Wide range of accounts and asset types

While it doesn’t offer the slickest mobile app, it’s ideal for serious investors who want more control and better insights than what beginner-focused platforms offer.

If you’re ready to start investing with Qtrade, take advantage of their current promo:
👉 Open an account here and get up to $150