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US Brokerage Reviews

Honest, AI-researched reviews of 12 popular US brokerages — fees, features, and who each one is best for.

Charles Schwab

SIPCFINRA

Best all-around US broker for investors who want zero commissions, every account type imaginable, top-tier trading tools, and human support — all under one roof

Commissions$0 online commission on US exchange-listed stocks and ETFs
Options$0 base commission + $0.65 per contract
Individual BrokerageJoint BrokerageTraditional IRARoth IRA+14 more

E*TRADE

SIPCFINRA

Best for options traders, retirees, and small business owners who want advanced platforms, wide account selection, and integrated banking — all backed by Morgan Stanley

Commissions$0 online US-listed stock and ETF trades; $6.95 for OTC stocks ($4.95 with 30+ trades/quarter)
Options$0.65 per contract ($0.50 with 30+ trades per quarter); $0 exercise/assignment
BrokerageTraditional IRARoth IRARollover IRA+13 more

Fidelity

SIPCFINRA

The best all-around US brokerage for most investors — unmatched on fees, account breadth, and value, with few meaningful compromises

Commissions$0 for online US stock and ETF trades
Options$0 base + $0.65 per contract; buy-to-close orders of $0.65 or less are free
Brokerage (The Fidelity Account)Traditional IRARoth IRARollover IRA+9 more

Interactive Brokers

SIPCFINRA

Best for active traders, margin users, and international investors who want the lowest costs and broadest market access — but overkill for casual buy-and-hold beginners

CommissionsIBKR Lite: $0 on US exchange-listed stocks and ETFs. IBKR Pro: $0.0005-$0.0035/share (Tiered) or $0.005/share (Fixed)
Options$0.15-$0.65 per contract (Tiered) or $0.65 per contract (Fixed)
Individual BrokerageJointTrustUGMA/UTMA+10 more

M1 Finance

SIPCFINRA

Best for buy-and-hold investors with $10,000+ who want automated portfolio management and cheap margin, but a poor fit for beginners, active traders, or anyone who wants options

Commissions$0 commissions on stocks and ETFs
OptionsOptions trading not available
Individual BrokerageJoint BrokerageCustodial AccountTraditional IRA+4 more

Merrill Edge

SIPCFINRA

Best for Bank of America customers who want seamless banking-brokerage integration, strong research tools, and a full range of retirement and small business accounts

Commissions$0 online stock and ETF trades with no trade or balance minimums
Options$0 per trade + $0.65 per contract
Individual BrokerageJoint BrokerageTrust AccountCustodial Brokerage (UGMA/UTMA)+10 more

Public

SIPCFINRA

Best for active options traders and yield-seekers who want the lowest trading costs, bond access from $100, and AI-powered research — but limited account types mean it can't be your only brokerage

Commissions$0 online stock and ETF trades
Options$0 per contract (plus rebates of $0.06–$0.18 per stock/ETF contract); index options $0.35–$0.50 per contract
Individual BrokerageTraditional IRARoth IRARollover IRA

Robinhood

SIPCFINRA

Best for beginners and IRA savers who want zero commissions, a slick app, and the industry's best retirement contribution match — but not a full-service broker for complex financial needs

Commissions$0 online stock, ETF, and stock/ETF options trades
Options$0 per contract for stock/ETF options; $0.50 per contract for index options ($0.35 with Gold) plus exchange fees
Individual BrokerageJoint BrokerageTraditional IRARoth IRA+1 more

SoFi Invest

SIPCFINRA

Best for beginner to intermediate investors who want zero-cost trading (especially options), an IRA match, and IPO access in a simple, app-first experience

Commissions$0 online stock, ETF, and options trades
Options$0 per contract (no commissions, no contract fees, no exercise/assignment fees)
Individual BrokerageJoint Brokerage (JTWROS)Traditional IRARoth IRA+3 more

Vanguard

SIPCFINRA

Best for long-term, buy-and-hold investors who want rock-bottom fund costs and don't need an advanced trading platform

Commissions$0 online stock and ETF trades (including non-Vanguard ETFs); $25 broker-assisted trades for accounts under $1M
OptionsUp to $1 per contract
Individual BrokerageJoint BrokerageTraditional IRARoth IRA+10 more

Webull

SIPCFINRA

Best for active options and futures traders who want zero or near-zero trading fees, competitive margin rates, and a modern multi-platform experience

Commissions$0 online stock and ETF trades, $0 fractional share trades
Options$0 per contract on stock/ETF options; $0.50 per contract on index options; $0.10 per contract surcharge on orders exceeding 500 contracts
Individual Brokerage (Cash)Individual Brokerage (Margin)Joint BrokerageTraditional IRA+2 more

tastytrade

SIPCFINRA

Best for active options and futures traders who want the cheapest per-contract pricing and a focused derivatives platform

Commissions$0 online stock and ETF trades
Options$1 per contract to open ($10 max per leg), $0 to close
Individual BrokerageTraditional IRARoth IRARollover IRA+4 more

Reviews are AI-generated based on publicly available information from broker websites. Fees and features may change. Not financial advice. See our disclaimer.