Both old-school. One leans research, one leans platform.
Qtrade has won JD Power's "Best Canadian DIY Broker" 8 years running. Questrade has the deeper feature set. The decision hinges on whether you value research access or platform power.
IQ Edge platform crushes Qtrade for charting, scanners, hot keys. Active commissions cheaper.
BEGINNER · FIRST ACCTQTRADE
JD Power #1 for DIY 8 years straight. Phone support + plain-English UI.
ETF INVESTORQUESTRADE
All ETF buys free (vs Qtrade's 100+ list). Wider universe.
OPTIONS TRADERQUESTRADE
Slightly cheaper contracts + better platform = better fit.
RESEARCHER · ANALYSTQTRADE
Morningstar Premium FREE is the killer feature. Reports, ratings, screeners — all included.
★ PROS & CONS ★
The honest list
QTRADE
✓JD Power #1 Canadian DIY broker (8 consecutive years)
✓Morningstar Premium research FREE ($249/yr value)
✓Owned by credit union network (Aviso Wealth)
✓Clean web platform · less intimidating for beginners
✓Phone + in-person support via partner credit unions
✗Stocks cost $8.75 each (higher than WS or QT base)
✗Free ETF list is curated (not all ETFs)
✗No fractional shares, no crypto
QUESTRADE
✓IQ Edge: pro-grade trading platform
✓All ETF buys free (any ETF)
✓Pro tier: $0.50/trade for active traders
✓Wider account types (corporate, partnership)
✓Lower inactivity threshold ($5k vs $25k)
✗Research / data costs $89.95/mo extra
✗No fractional shares, no crypto
✗Customer service ranks lower than Qtrade
★ OUR PICK ★
The tiebreaker
QTRADE for most buy-and-hold investors. QUESTRADE for active traders.
Qtrade's free Morningstar Premium subscription alone is worth $249/year. Add JD Power's 8-year #1 ranking and superior customer service, and Qtrade wins for anyone who isn't trading weekly. Questrade still beats Qtrade for active traders who need IQ Edge or corporate accounts.