Invest

Qtrade Vs Wealthsimple (2026): Which Investing Platform Is Right for You?

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

Choosing the right online brokerage can make a big difference in your investing journey. Two of Canada’s most popular platforms — Qtrade and Wealthsimple — offer vastly different experiences depending on your goals, account size, and investment style.

In this guide, we’ll compare Qtrade vs Wealthsimple across fees, features, tools, account types, and who each platform is best suited for.

👉 Qtrade Promo: Get $50–$150 when you open and fund an account
📆 Valid Apr 1 – Oct 31, [currentyear] | 🏷️ Promo Code: OFFER2025
👉 Claim your Qtrade bonus here

Qtrade vs Wealthsimple: Quick Comparison

FeatureQtradeWealthsimple Trade
Fees$8.75 standard$6.95 Investor Plus$0 stock & ETF trades
Commission-Free ETFs100+ buy/sellAll Canadian & US ETFs
Minimum to Open$0 (robo: $2,000)$1
Account TypesFull range (TFSA, RRSP, RESP, etc.)Limited (No RESP, RRIF, LIRA)
Robo-AdvisorYes – Guided Portfolios (0.35%)Yes – Wealthsimple Invest (0.50%)
Mobile App Rating1.6 (iOS)4.7 (iOS)
Research ToolsAdvanced tools, screenersVery limited
SupportHighly rated live supportBasic in-app & email
Best ForInformed DIY investorsBeginners focused on no-fee trading

Qtrade Overview

Qtrade is a full-service online broker under Aviso Wealth, offering:

  • 105+ commission-free ETFs

  • Discounted pricing for active investors

  • Excellent customer service

  • Access to a wide range of account types

  • Robust tools like Portfolio Score, Value Analyzer, and screeners

Ideal for: Intermediate to experienced investors who want more flexibility, research capabilities, and account options.

👉 Learn more in our Qtrade Review

Wealthsimple Trade Overview

Wealthsimple Trade is Canada’s most well-known zero-commission trading platform. It offers:

  • $0 fees for stocks and ETFs

  • A top-rated mobile app

  • Support for fractional shares

  • Access to cryptocurrencies

  • Optional Plus plan for USD accounts

Ideal for: Beginners who want a clean mobile interface and are mostly buying Canadian or US ETFs and stocks.

👉 Read our full Wealthsimple Review

Fee Comparison

Fee TypeQtradeWealthsimple
Stock Trade$8.75 (or $6.95 Investor Plus)$0
ETF Trade100+ ETFs commission-freeAll ETFs commission-free
Options$8.75 + $1.25/contractNot supported
Robo-Advisor0.35% (Guided Portfolios)0.50% (0.40% over $100k)
Account Fees$25/quarter (waived with $25K, trades)None
FX Conversion$15–25 quarterly USD account fee1.5% FX (waived with Plus account)

💡 Wealthsimple wins on trading fees. Qtrade offers more depth and better robo pricing for large accounts.

Account Types

Account TypeQtradeWealthsimple
TFSA
RRSP / Spousal RRSP
RESP
RRIF / LIF / LIRA
Non-Registered
Joint / Corporate

Qtrade supports more advanced and long-term account types.

Research Tools & Platform Features

Tool/FeatureQtradeWealthsimple Trade
Stock & ETF Screeners✅ Advanced tools❌ None
Analyst Ratings✅ Yes❌ No
Portfolio Tracking & Score✅ Yes✅ Basic view only
Fractional Shares❌ No✅ Yes
Crypto Trading❌ No✅ Yes
Desktop Platform✅ Robust✅ Web-based

Qtrade excels in research and portfolio tools
Wealthsimple leads in ease of use and modern app features

Promotions Compare

Qtrade:

  • Up to $150 bonus when opening and funding up to 3 accounts

  • 🏷️ Promo Code: OFFER2025

  • 📅 Valid until Oct 31, [currentyear]

  • 👉 Get the Qtrade promo here

Wealthsimple:

  • ✅ $25–$50 cash bonus when signing up and depositing at least $150

  • 💡 Usually automatically applied via referral links

Who Should Choose Qtrade?

✅ You want access to RESP, RRIF, or more complex accounts
✅ You care about deep research tools and ETF analysis
✅ You’re an active investor or want portfolio performance tracking
✅ You value live support and legacy platform reliability
✅ You want access to Qtrade Guided Portfolios at 0.35% fees

Who Should Choose Wealthsimple?

✅ You want zero commissions and no platform fees
✅ You prefer a mobile-first experience
✅ You’re investing small amounts (no minimums)
✅ You want access to crypto and fractional shares
✅ You’re a beginner and want simplicity over features

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Qtrade better than Wealthsimple?

It depends. Qtrade is better for advanced investors, complex accounts, and ETF tools. Wealthsimple is better for beginners and zero-commission users.

Which platform is cheaper?

Wealthsimple has $0 trades, but Qtrade offers better tools and value for high-volume or high-balance users.

Can I use both Qtrade and Wealthsimple?

Absolutely — many investors use Wealthsimple for simplicity and Qtrade for deeper research or account types.

Does Qtrade offer a sign-up bonus?

Yes — up to $150 with promo code OFFER2025, valid until Oct 31, [currentyear]
👉 Claim the bonus here

Final Verdict: Qtrade vs Wealthsimple

Choose Qtrade if you want a robust, well-rounded investing experience with in-depth tools and account flexibility.

Choose Wealthsimple if you want a simple, mobile-based experience with zero commissions and no fees.

Both are excellent platforms — it comes down to what kind of investor you are.

👉 Open a Qtrade Account – Get $50–$150 Bonus
👉 Open a Wealthsimple Trade Account – Get $25 Bonus

7 stocks to buy and hold forever

Proven winners for income investors — blue-chip dividend stocks to hold for decades.

Get the FREE Report
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.

View Full Profile →

✅ 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.

📊 Data AccuracyVerified sources
🇨🇦 Canadian FocusLocal expertise
🔍 Fact-CheckedEditorial review

⚠️ 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