Opening a brokerage account is one of the most important first steps toward building wealth through investing. With so many platforms available, choosing the right one can significantly impact your experience—turning investing into a smooth, rewarding journey or a frustrating process filled with hidden fees and clunky tools.
The good news? Most top brokers now offer commission-free trading on stocks, ETFs, and options, making it more affordable than ever to grow your portfolio. But beyond zero commissions, what truly sets the best brokerage accounts apart are factors like investment options, user experience, research tools, account features, and overall value.
After evaluating dozens of platforms based on fees, usability, investment diversity, customer support, and more, we’ve curated a list of the 12 best brokerage accounts for 2025. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced trader, this guide will help you find the perfect fit.
What to Look for in a Brokerage Account
Before diving into our top picks, it’s essential to understand what makes a brokerage stand out. Consider these key factors:
- Trading Costs: Look for $0 commission trades on stocks, ETFs, and options.
- Investment Options: Access to stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, futures, crypto, and alternative assets.
- User Experience: A clean, intuitive platform across mobile and desktop.
- Research & Tools: Real-time data, analyst ratings, technical indicators, and educational content.
- Account Features: Fractional shares, retirement accounts (IRAs), cash management, and financial planning.
- Customer Support: Availability of live support and educational resources.
Now let’s explore the top platforms shaping the future of investing.
1. SoFi Invest®
Best for: Beginner investors | All-in-one financial services | Commission-free trading
SoFi Invest combines simplicity with powerful financial integration. It offers $0 commission trading on stocks, ETFs, and options—no per-contract fees—making it ideal for new investors. But what truly sets SoFi apart is its all-in-one financial ecosystem.
You can link banking, investing, loans, and retirement accounts in one app. Plus, SoFi members get access to free financial planners, helping you create long-term strategies. The platform also includes a robo-advisor for hands-off investing.
👉 Discover how easy it is to start investing with a seamless all-in-one platform.
Promotion: Get up to $1,000 in stock when you open and fund a new account (terms apply).
2. Public.com
Best for: High yields | Transparent trading | User experience
Public stands out with its focus on transparency and investor empowerment. It offers commission-free trades on stocks, ETFs, and options, plus rebates on some options trades—uncommon in the industry.
Its high-yield cash account earns up to 4.1% APY, and its bond account locks in yields as high as 6.4% (as of July 2025). Public avoids payment for order flow on equities, enhancing trade fairness.
The app’s social feed encourages community learning, and its clean interface makes managing investments enjoyable.
Promotion: Earn up to $10,000 and have transfer fees covered when moving your portfolio.
3. Interactive Brokers (IBKR)
Best for: Global market access | Advanced traders | Diverse asset classes
Interactive Brokers is a powerhouse for serious investors. It provides access to 150+ global markets, including equities, futures, forex, precious metals, and cryptocurrencies.
The IBKR GlobalTrader app is beginner-friendly, while Trader Workstation (TWS) offers advanced charting, algorithmic trading, and deep market analytics. Both platforms support $0 commission trades on U.S. stocks and ETFs.
Whether you're trading international ADRs or managing complex derivatives strategies, IBKR delivers unmatched depth.
👉 Unlock global markets with powerful tools built for ambitious investors.
4. Robinhood
Best for: Cryptocurrency investing | Mobile-first experience | IRA match
Robinhood revolutionized investing with its minimalist design and zero-commission model. Today, it supports stocks, ETFs, options, and crypto—all with no trading fees.
Its Gold membership ($5/month) unlocks perks like 4% APY on uninvested cash, Level 2 market data, Morningstar research, and a 3% IRA contribution match—a rare benefit.
Crypto traders appreciate Robinhood’s low spreads (as low as 0.65%) and full custody of digital assets.
Promotion: Get a free stock upon sign-up and bank linking.
5. Webull
Best for: Research and analysis | Mobile trading | Active traders
Webull delivers professional-grade tools without the complexity. Its mobile app features advanced charts, over 50 technical indicators, customizable watchlists, and real-time analyst ratings.
You can trade futures alongside commission-free stocks, ETFs, and options—with no per-contract fees. Webull Premium ($3.99/month) boosts benefits with a 4.1% APY cash account and discounted futures commissions.
Ideal for self-directed traders who want data-rich insights at their fingertips.
Promotion: Receive 20 free fractional shares when depositing $500+ and maintaining balance for 30 days.
6. eToro
Best for: Social trading | Copying top investors | Mobile investing
eToro blends investing with community engagement. Its standout feature? CopyTrader™, which lets you automatically mirror the crypto and stock trades of successful investors.
The platform offers $0 commission trades on stocks and ETFs, robust research tools powered by TipRanks, and access to a global network of over 35 million users.
It’s perfect for those who learn by observing and want to diversify through social insights.
7. tastytrade
Best for: Derivatives trading | Educational content | Active options traders
tastytrade is built for options and futures traders. It offers no closing commissions on options, competitive pricing on derivatives, and powerful tools like P&L visualizers and quick roll features.
Its integrated learning center includes live programming, webinars, and strategy breakdowns—ideal for traders looking to sharpen their skills.
While less beginner-focused, its educational depth makes it one of the best platforms for growth-oriented traders.
Promotion: Earn $250 per referral.
8. E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley
Best for: Research and analysis | Active trading | Diverse account types
As a pioneer in online trading, E*TRADE offers a balanced mix of accessibility and sophistication. It supports commission-free trading across stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, options, bonds, and futures.
Its Power E*TRADE platform is packed with research tools, customizable dashboards, and real-time data. Beginners benefit from educational content and robo-advisory services (Core Portfolios), while advanced users enjoy direct routing and advanced order types.
Also offers custodial accounts and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts—great for family planning.
9. Charles Schwab
Best for: Multi-asset investing | Automated investing | Research tools
Charles Schwab remains a gold standard in investing. It offers $0 commissions on stocks, ETFs, options, and Schwab mutual funds—with no minimums.
Its thinkorswim platform is legendary among active traders for advanced analytics and simulation tools. For passive investors, Schwab Intelligent Portfolios provides automated investing with direct indexing options.
Add in free financial planning tools, extensive educational resources, and 24/7 customer support—and you’ve got a well-rounded broker for all levels.
10. Fidelity Investments
Best for: Low costs | Research tools | Multi-asset investing
Fidelity earns top marks for combining low fees with premium features. It offers commission-free trading on stocks, ETFs, options, and Fidelity mutual funds—with no account maintenance or transfer fees.
Unique offerings include:
- Access to Bitcoin and Ether via Fidelity Crypto
- Free human financial planning sessions
- Youth investing accounts
- Industry-leading research tools
Fidelity also avoids payment for order flow—a commitment to fair execution.
According to our analysis, Fidelity Investments is the best overall brokerage account in 2025, thanks to its blend of affordability, innovation, and investor protection.
Honorable Mentions
OPTO
Best for: Thematic investing | Commission-free trading
OPTO focuses on future-forward themes like AI, Robotics, Blockchain, and Clean Energy. With over 50 thematic "Folios," investors can easily align portfolios with emerging trends.
The app is mobile-only but intuitive, offering automatic rebalancing and community-driven portfolio ideas.
Promotion: Earn up to $300 when depositing between $2,000–$25,000.
Moomoo
Best for: High interest on uninvested cash | Research tools | Active trading
Moomoo offers pro-level tools like real-time Level 2 data, short sale analysis, and technical sentiment indicators—all free. Its desktop platform supports paper trading for strategy testing.
It also provides competitive interest on uninvested cash (up to 4.1% APY) and $0 commission trades across major asset classes.
Promotion: Get up to 60 free stocks with qualifying deposits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best brokerage account?
The best overall brokerage account in 2025 is Fidelity Investments, based on its low costs, broad investment selection, superior research tools, and investor-friendly policies. However, the ideal broker depends on your goals—beginners may prefer SoFi or Public, while active traders might choose Interactive Brokers or tastytrade.
Which brokerages offer fractional shares?
Most top platforms now support fractional share investing. SoFi Invest®, Public.com, Webull, Robinhood, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, and Moomoo all allow you to buy partial shares—making high-priced stocks accessible even with small budgets.
Do I need money to open a brokerage account?
Most brokers allow you to open an account with $0 minimums. However, you’ll need funds to start trading. Some brokers offer sign-up bonuses when you deposit a certain amount within a timeframe.
Are brokerage accounts safe?
Yes—most U.S.-based brokers are members of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), which protects up to $500,000 in securities and cash per customer (including $250,000 in cash). Always verify SIPC membership before opening an account.
Can I trade crypto through these brokers?
Yes—Robinhood, SoFi Invest®, eToro, Fidelity (via Fidelity Crypto), Webull (in select states), Moomoo (in select states), Interactive Brokers (via Paxos), Public.com (limited), E*TRADE (via Bakkt), tastytrade (via BitGo), Charles Schwab (via Coinbase Prime)—all offer some form of cryptocurrency access or exposure.
How do brokers make money if they don’t charge commissions?
Brokers earn revenue through:
- Payment for order flow (PFOF)
- Interest on uninvested cash
- Subscription fees (e.g., Robinhood Gold)
- Margin lending
- Account service fees
Some brokers like Public.com avoid PFOF entirely for equities—prioritizing trade transparency over revenue streams.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right brokerage account can accelerate your financial journey. Whether you prioritize ease of use (SoFi), high yields (Public), global access (Interactive Brokers), or advanced tools (tastytrade), there’s a platform designed for your needs.
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👉 Start building your portfolio today with a platform that grows with you.