We’ve rounded up the best United States brokers of the year, breaking down their strengths, fees, tools, and unique features.
Knowing the right broker is one of the most important decisions for any trader or investor. With so many options available, finding one that fits your trading style, fees, and platform preferences can be overwhelming.
Even though you’re a long-term investor, an active trader, or someone interested in social trading, there’s a perfect platform for you.
Best United States United State Brokers
Fidelity Investments
Fidelity is a go-to broker for long-term investors, especially those looking for retirement accounts and commission-free trading. It’s well known for its strong research tools, zero-expense ratio index funds, and top-notch customer service.
Best For: Retirement investors, passive investors, and those looking for no-fee mutual funds.
Trading Fees: No commissions on stocks and ETFs, but some mutual funds may have fees.
Platforms and Tools: Active Trader Pro (great for active traders), robust research reports, and solid educational content.
Extras: They offer a cash management account, which is great for banking needs alongside investing.
2. Charles Schwab
Schwab is a full-service broker with a wide range of offerings—from commission-free stock trading to excellent robo-advisory services. Since acquiring TD Ameritrade, they’ve integrated some of the best trading technology into their system.
Best For: Beginner investors, retirement planning, and those looking for a mix of trading and banking services.
Trading Fees: $0 commission on stocks, ETFs, and most mutual funds. Options trading costs $0.65 per contract.
Platforms and Tools: Thinkorswim (from TD Ameritrade) is now part of Schwab’s offerings one of the best trading platforms out there.
Extras: Offers a Schwab Intelligent Portfolios robo-advisor for hands-off investing.
3. Interactive Brokers (IBKR)
Interactive Brokers is a powerhouse for advanced traders. It has low margin rates, direct market access, and professional-grade trading tools.
Best For: Active traders, professionals, and international investors.
Trading Fees: IBKR Lite offers $0 commission trading on US stocks and ETFs; IBKR Pro has tiered pricing for global markets.
Platforms and Tools: Trader Workstation (TWS) is one of the most powerful trading platforms, but it has a learning curve.
Extras: IBKR lets you trade global markets, and they even offer cryptocurrency trading now.
4. E*Trade
E*Trade is a favorite for active traders and investors who want a solid platform with strong research tools. It’s now part of Morgan Stanley, making it even more robust.
Best For: Active traders and long-term investors looking for powerful tools.
Trading Fees: $0 commissions on stocks and ETFs, $0.65 per options contract.
Platforms and Tools: Power E*Trade is a great platform for traders, while the web and mobile platforms are beginner-friendly.
Extras: E*Trade offers managed portfolios and banking services through Morgan Stanley.
5. TastyTrade
TastyTrade is all about options trading. If you’re into options, futures, and active strategies, this is the place to be.
Best For: Options traders and those who love an engaging, trader-focused community.
Trading Fees: $1 per contract on opening trades for options, $0 to close; futures start at $1.25 per contract.
Platforms and Tools: The TastyTrade platform is designed for options and derivatives traders, with real-time data and a fun, interactive experience.
Extras: Provides educational content, market analysis, and live streaming for traders.
6. eToro
eToro is a social trading platform that makes investing easy, especially if you like the idea of copying other traders’ strategies.
Best For: Beginner investors, social traders, and those interested in cryptocurrency.
Trading Fees: $0 commissions on stocks and ETFs; spreads apply to crypto and forex.
Platforms and Tools: The eToro platform is simple and social-focused, making it great for newer traders.
Extras: The CopyTrader feature lets you automatically replicate the trades of successful investors.
Why Should You Use These Brokers?
Commission-Free Trading on Stocks and ETFs
Most of these brokers—Fidelity, Schwab, Interactive Brokers (IBKR Lite), E*Trade, and eToro—offer zero commissions on stocks and ETFs. This makes investing more affordable, especially for beginners and long-term investors who don’t want to lose money on fees.
2. Powerful Trading Platforms and Tools
Thinkorswim (by Schwab) – One of the best platforms for active traders.
Trader Workstation (by Interactive Brokers) – Advanced tools for professional traders.
Power E*Trade – This is Great for options traders.
TastyTrade Platform – Tailor-made for options and futures trading.
eToro’s Social Trading – Perfect for beginners who want to copy experienced traders.
No matter your experience level, there’s a platform that fits your needs.
3. Strong Research and Educational Resources
Fidelity and Schwab provide deep market research, analyst reports, and educational tools.
TastyTrade and eToro offer interactive learning through live streams and social trading insights.
4. Low Margin Rates for Active Traders
If you’re trading on margin (borrowing money to trade), lower rates mean you keep more of your profits.
Interactive Brokers has some of the lowest margin rates in the industry.
Schwab and Fidelity also offer competitive rates.
5. Wide Asset Selection – Stocks, Crypto, Options, and More
Fidelity and Schwab offer thousands of stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds.
TastyTrade and Interactive Brokers specialize in options and futures trading.
eToro provides crypto and social trading, making it a great choice for those looking beyond traditional stocks.
6. Strong Security and Regulation
All these brokers are regulated by top-tier financial authorities like the SEC, FINRA, and SIPC, ensuring your money is safe. They also offer features like:
- Two-factor authentication (2FA)
- High-level encryption
- Insurance for cash balances (up to $500,000 via SIPC)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which broker is best for beginners in the US?
Fidelity and Charles Schwab are excellent for beginners due to their user-friendly platforms, strong educational resources, and commission-free trading.
2. Is Interactive Brokers better than Fidelity?
It depends on your trading style. Interactive Brokers is better for active traders who need advanced tools and low margin rates, while Fidelity is ideal for long-term investors and retirement accounts.
3. Does eToro work in the US?
Yes, eToro is available in the US but mainly for stock and cryptocurrency trading. However, its social trading features make it a unique option.
4. What is the cheapest broker for stock trading?
Most major brokers, including Fidelity, Schwab, and eToro, offer commission-free stock trading, but Interactive Brokers often has the lowest fees for margin trading and global markets.
Conclusion
Each broker has its strengths. If you’re into passive investing, Fidelity and Schwab are solid.
If you’re an active trader, Interactive Brokers or TastyTrade could be your best bet. For social trading, eToro is unbeatable. And if you want a mix of everything, E*Trade is a great all-around option.