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
| Feature | Qtrade | Wealthsimple Trade |
|---|---|---|
| Fees | $8.75 standard$6.95 Investor Plus | $0 stock & ETF trades |
| Commission-Free ETFs | 100+ buy/sell | All Canadian & US ETFs |
| Minimum to Open | $0 (robo: $2,000) | $1 |
| Account Types | Full range (TFSA, RRSP, RESP, etc.) | Limited (No RESP, RRIF, LIRA) |
| Robo-Advisor | Yes – Guided Portfolios (0.35%) | Yes – Wealthsimple Invest (0.50%) |
| Mobile App Rating | 1.6 (iOS) | 4.7 (iOS) |
| Research Tools | Advanced tools, screeners | Very limited |
| Support | Highly rated live support | Basic in-app & email |
| Best For | Informed DIY investors | Beginners focused on no-fee trading |
Qtrade Overview
Qtrade is a full-service online broker under Aviso Wealth, offering:
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105+ commission-free ETFs
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Discounted pricing for active investors
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Excellent customer service
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Access to a wide range of account types
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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:
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$0 fees for stocks and ETFs
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A top-rated mobile app
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Support for fractional shares
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Access to cryptocurrencies
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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 Type | Qtrade | Wealthsimple |
|---|---|---|
| Stock Trade | $8.75 (or $6.95 Investor Plus) | $0 |
| ETF Trade | 100+ ETFs commission-free | All ETFs commission-free |
| Options | $8.75 + $1.25/contract | Not supported |
| Robo-Advisor | 0.35% (Guided Portfolios) | 0.50% (0.40% over $100k) |
| Account Fees | $25/quarter (waived with $25K, trades) | None |
| FX Conversion | $15–25 quarterly USD account fee | 1.5% FX (waived with Plus account) |
💡 Wealthsimple wins on trading fees. Qtrade offers more depth and better robo pricing for large accounts.
Account Types
| Account Type | Qtrade | Wealthsimple |
|---|---|---|
| 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/Feature | Qtrade | Wealthsimple 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:
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✅ Up to $150 bonus when opening and funding up to 3 accounts
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🏷️ Promo Code: OFFER2025
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📅 Valid until Oct 31, [currentyear]
Wealthsimple:
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✅ $25–$50 cash bonus when signing up and depositing at least $150
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💡 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
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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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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.
⚠️ 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.