16 Best Discount Brokers of September 2025
Choosing an online stock broker can be an intimidating process, but it’s an important first step in your investing journey and can help you build substantial wealth over time. When you’re just starting out, you’ll probably want a brokerage that includes accessible educational resources, an easy-to-navigate app and website, zero commissions, low fees, and attainable minimums. Here are the top 16 discount brokers to consider.
Key Takeaways:
- Discount brokers provide affordable stock trading options and are budget-friendly.
- Look for a discount brokerage firm that offers zero commissions and low fees.
- An easy-to-navigate app and website are important for beginners.
- Access to educational resources can help you learn more about investing.
- Consider your investing goals and preferences when choosing the right discount broker for you.
Fidelity Investments
When it comes to online stock brokers for beginners, Fidelity Investments is a name that stands out. As an investor-friendly broker, Fidelity offers a range of features and resources that make it an excellent choice for those new to investing.
One of the key advantages of Fidelity Investments is its commitment to providing accessible educational resources. Whether you’re learning about stocks, bonds, or other investment options, Fidelity offers comprehensive materials to help you navigate the world of investing.
Another notable feature of Fidelity is its user-friendly website and app. The platform is designed to be easy to navigate, ensuring that beginners can easily access their accounts, make trades, and monitor their investments with ease.
In addition to its user-friendly interface, Fidelity Investments offers remarkable customer service. Should you have any questions or need assistance, Fidelity’s knowledgeable support team is available to provide guidance and support.
Fidelity also provides deep research resources that can help beginners make informed investment decisions. From market analysis to expert insights, Fidelity equips its users with the tools they need to understand the market and make confident investment choices.
Last but not least, Fidelity Investments stands out for its commission-free trading. This means that you can buy and sell stocks without incurring any fees, allowing you to make trades without worrying about additional costs eating into your investments.
“Fidelity Investments offers accessible educational resources, an easy-to-navigate website and app, remarkable customer service, deep research resources, and no commissions. It’s a great option for beginners looking to start their investing journey.”
In summary, Fidelity Investments is a top choice for beginners who are looking for an online stock broker. With its range of educational resources, user-friendly platform, excellent customer service, comprehensive research tools, and commission-free trading, Fidelity provides everything beginners need to get started on their investment journey.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Accessible educational resources | No fractional shares trading |
| User-friendly website and app | Partial account transfer fees |
| Remarkable customer service | Limited cryptocurrency selection |
| Deep research resources | |
| No commissions |
Charles Schwab
When it comes to online stock brokers for beginners, Charles Schwab is a name that stands out. As the original discount broker, Charles Schwab offers a full range of features and services tailored to meet the needs of both beginners and confident investors. Whether you’re just starting out on your investment journey or looking to expand your portfolio, Charles Schwab has you covered.
One of the key advantages of Charles Schwab is its robust research and analysis tools. The platform provides access to detailed stock reports, Morningstar reports, and news from Reuters, empowering you with valuable information to make informed investment decisions. With Charles Schwab, you’ll never be short on the latest market insights.
For beginners who are looking to learn the ropes of investing, Charles Schwab offers great educational resources. From comprehensive guides and tutorials to interactive tools, you’ll find everything you need to deepen your knowledge and build your investment skills. Charles Schwab’s commitment to providing educational materials sets it apart as a top choice for beginners.
In addition to its extensive educational resources, Charles Schwab boasts a fully featured mobile app that allows you to manage your investments on the go. With the Charles Schwab mobile app, you can stay connected to your accounts, monitor market trends, and execute trades with ease, ensuring you never miss out on investment opportunities.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEIoP9mfGhY
With its long-standing reputation, comprehensive features, and user-friendly platforms, Charles Schwab is undoubtedly a top choice for beginners in the world of online stock trading.
Interactive Brokers
When it comes to low-cost stock brokers, Interactive Brokers is a top choice for beginners. With their Lite pricing plan, commissions start at $0, allowing you to save money on your trades. Additionally, Interactive Brokers offers a wide range of mutual funds with no transaction fees, giving you more options to diversify your portfolio without incurring additional costs.
But low costs are not the only advantage of Interactive Brokers. They also provide solid research and educational resources to help you make informed investment decisions. From market analysis to expert insights, their resources can empower you to navigate the stock market confidently.
Furthermore, their commitment to customer support sets them apart. With 24/7 customer service, Interactive Brokers ensures that you have access to assistance whenever you need it. Whether you have a question about your account or need help with a trade, their dedicated support team is there to assist you.
With a focus on affordability, research, and customer satisfaction, Interactive Brokers is a trusted name in the industry. Their low-cost options make it easier for beginners to enter the world of investing without breaking the bank.
Interactive Brokers Pricing
| Commission | Mutual Fund Transaction Fees | Research and Education Resources | Customer Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0 with Lite pricing plan | No transaction fees for over 19,000 mutual funds | Solid research and educational resources | 24/7 customer support |
Robinhood
When it comes to affordable stock brokers and discount trading platforms, Robinhood is a name that often comes to mind. This commission-free trading app has gained popularity among beginners who are looking for a budget-friendly option to start their investment journey.
Robinhood allows users to trade stocks, ETFs, options, and even cryptocurrencies without paying any commissions. This feature alone makes it an attractive choice for those who want to keep their costs low. Additionally, Robinhood offers fractional shares, which allows users to invest in expensive stocks with just a fraction of the share’s price.
Recently, Robinhood has also made improvements to its customer service, addressing previous concerns and providing better support to its users. This enhanced customer experience adds value to the platform and makes it even more appealing to beginners.
Overall, Robinhood’s combination of commission-free trading, fractional shares, and improved customer service makes it an excellent choice for beginners seeking an affordable and user-friendly platform to start their investment journey.
E-Trade Financial
When it comes to online stock brokers for beginners, E-Trade Financial is a top contender. With its user-friendly approach and comprehensive resources, E-Trade provides an excellent platform for individuals looking to enter the world of investing.
E-Trade offers two mobile apps, E-Trade and Power E-Trade, which provide convenient features such as mobile check deposit and streaming news. These apps allow beginners to stay updated on market trends and manage their investments on the go.
In addition to its user-friendly platforms, E-Trade provides a wealth of educational materials specifically tailored for beginners. From basic investment concepts to advanced strategies, E-Trade equips novice investors with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions.
| Features | E-Trade Financial |
|---|---|
| Mobile App | E-Trade and Power E-Trade |
| Educational Resources | Comprehensive materials for beginners |
| Commissions | No commissions |
One of the standout features of E-Trade is its zero-commission policy. This means that beginners can make trades without incurring any additional fees, allowing them to maximize their investment returns.
Overall, E-Trade Financial is an excellent choice for beginners due to its user-friendly platforms, extensive educational resources, and the absence of commission fees. Whether you’re just starting your investment journey or looking to switch to a more beginner-friendly broker, E-Trade is worth considering.
TD Ameritrade
When it comes to finding the right online stock broker for beginners, TD Ameritrade is definitely worth considering. With its comprehensive range of resources and user-friendly features, it offers a great platform for new investors to kickstart their journey in the stock market.
One of the standout features of TD Ameritrade is its wealth of educational materials. Beginners can access a wide range of videos and tutorials that cover various investment topics, helping them understand the basics and build a solid foundation of knowledge. This educational support is invaluable for those who are just starting out and looking to learn the ropes of investing.
In addition to the educational resources, TD Ameritrade also provides easy ways for beginners to ask investment questions. Whether it’s through the platform’s customer support channels or interactive forums, users can seek guidance and clarification on any investment-related queries they may have. This level of support is crucial for beginners who may have uncertainties or need guidance while making their first investment decisions.
Another advantage of TD Ameritrade is its two mobile trading apps. The first app, thinkorswim, offers advanced trading tools and features for more experienced investors. The second app, TD Ameritrade Mobile, is designed with beginners in mind, providing a user-friendly interface and simplified trading capabilities. This versatility allows users to choose the app that suits their level of expertise and trading preferences.
“TD Ameritrade provides a solid platform for beginners, offering educational resources, easy access to investment advice, and intuitive mobile trading apps. It’s a great option for those who want to start their investing journey on the right foot.”
In summary, TD Ameritrade stands out as a top choice for beginners due to its wealth of educational materials, user-friendly features, and comprehensive mobile trading apps. If you’re just starting out in the world of investing, TD Ameritrade is definitely worth considering.
Webull
When it comes to affordable stock brokers and discount trading platforms, Webull is a lesser-known option that shouldn’t be overlooked. This online brokerage offers a range of features that make it a solid choice for beginner investors.
Webull stands out for its commission-free trades on stocks, ETFs, and options, which can help you keep your trading costs low. Additionally, the platform has no direct fees on cryptocurrency trades, providing even more flexibility for those interested in digital assets.
In 2025, Webull introduced fractional shares trading, allowing investors to buy and sell fractions of shares instead of having to purchase whole shares. This feature is particularly beneficial for beginners who may want to invest in higher-priced stocks without committing to the full share price.
Beyond its user-friendly trading platform, Webull also provides educational content for beginners. This can help you learn about investing concepts, market trends, and trading strategies as you embark on your investment journey.
While Webull may not have the same level of recognition as some of the more established brokerage firms, it offers a practical and affordable option for those looking to dip their toes into the world of investing.
Ally Invest
As an online stock broker, Ally Invest is a fantastic choice for beginners who are already banking with Ally. The seamless integration between Ally Invest and Ally Bank provides a convenient and user-friendly experience for customers.
Ally Invest offers a mobile app that allows users to access real-time quotes and execute trades with ease. Whether you’re at home or on the go, you can stay informed about your investments and take action when necessary.
One standout feature of Ally Invest is its commitment to exceptional customer service. The company prides itself on providing reliable and responsive support to ensure that your investment journey is smooth and hassle-free.
Additionally, Ally Invest delivers educational content in an enjoyable and informative way. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your knowledge, Ally Invest equips you with the resources you need to make informed investment decisions.
Ally Invest Features:
No-Commission Trades
Ally Invest offers commission-free trades, allowing beginners to make investments without worrying about excessive fees eating into their profits.
Intuitive Mobile App
The mobile app provided by Ally Invest is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy for beginners to navigate and execute trades on the go.
Outstanding Customer Service
Ally Invest takes pride in offering excellent customer service, ensuring that your questions and concerns are addressed promptly and professionally.
Informative Educational Resources
Ally Invest provides educational content that is not only informative but also enjoyable to read. Beginners can easily grasp investment concepts and make well-informed decisions.
Ally Invest Pricing:
| Stock Trading | Option Trading | Futures Trading |
|---|---|---|
| $0 commission per online trade | $0.50 per contract | $1.50 per contract |
Merrill Edge
If you’re a beginner investor, particularly if you’re a Bank of America customer, Merrill Edge is a great option for you. As a subsidiary of Bank of America, Merrill Edge offers a seamless and integrated experience for those who already have a Bank of America account. This convenience allows for immediate cash transfers between your bank and investment accounts, making it easy to manage your finances and investments in one place.
One of the standout features of Merrill Edge is its access to Merrill advisors. These experienced professionals are available to provide personalized guidance and answer any questions you may have along your investment journey. Their expertise can help you make informed decisions and build a solid investment strategy.
In addition to personalized support, Merrill Edge also provides research and educational materials that are tailored to beginners. These resources can help you gain a deeper understanding of the stock market, develop investment knowledge, and make well-informed choices as you venture into the world of investing.
Benefits of Merrill Edge:
- Exclusive integration with Bank of America accounts
- Immediate cash transfers
- Access to Merrill advisors for personalized guidance
- Diverse research and educational materials for beginners
Comparison of Merrill Edge with other online stock brokers for beginners
| Broker | Bank Integration | Immediate Cash Transfers | Access to Advisors | Educational Materials |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merrill Edge | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fidelity Investments | No | No | No | Yes |
| Charles Schwab | No | No | No | Yes |
| Interactive Brokers | No | No | No | Yes |
Other options: Top robo-advisors
If getting started is still too daunting, robo-advisors are a low-cost option that manages a portfolio of investments for you. They create portfolios based on your risk tolerance and time horizon, with low fees. Betterment and Wealthfront are two top-rated robo-advisors.
Benefits of Robo-Advisors for Low-Cost Investment Management
Robo-advisors have gained significant popularity in recent years, offering automated investment platforms that simplify the investment process for beginners. Here are some key benefits of choosing robo-advisors:
- Low-Cost Investment Management: Robo-advisors utilize technology to implement low-cost investment strategies, reducing fees compared to traditional investment management services.
- Automated Portfolio Construction: Based on your risk tolerance, robo-advisors create diversified portfolios tailored to your investment goals and preferences.
- Personalized Financial Planning: Robo-advisors provide financial planning tools, offering insights into retirement planning, asset allocation, and more.
- Convenience and Accessibility: With user-friendly interfaces and mobile apps, robo-advisors make it easy for beginners to manage their investments anytime, anywhere.
- Continuous Monitoring and Rebalancing: Robo-advisors continuously monitor your portfolio’s performance and automatically rebalance it to maintain your desired asset allocation.
Comparison of Top Robo-Advisors
| Robo-Advisor | Management Fee | Minimum Investment | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Betterment | 0.25% – 0.40% | No minimum | – Tax-efficient investing – Socially responsible investing – Goal-based investing |
| Wealthfront | 0.25% | $500 | – Direct indexing – College savings planning – Stock-level tax-loss harvesting |
When choosing a robo-advisor, consider your investment goals, risk tolerance, and desired features. Betterment and Wealthfront are highly regarded options that provide robust investment management services at affordable prices.
How to Choose the Right Broker for You
When it comes to choosing an online broker and selecting a stock broker, finding the right brokerage account is crucial for achieving your investment goals. To make an informed decision, consider the following steps:
- Identify your investing goals: Determine why you want to invest and what you hope to achieve. Are you looking for long-term growth or short-term gains? Do you want to focus on stocks, bonds, ETFs, or other investment options? Understanding your objectives will help you narrow down your options.
- Decide on the type of brokerage account: Different brokers offer various types of accounts, such as individual, joint, retirement (IRA), or education (529) accounts. Assess your needs and choose an account that aligns with your investment strategy and financial situation.
- Evaluate the cost: Compare the fees and commissions charged by different brokers. Take into account factors like account maintenance fees, transaction costs, and margin rates. Consider whether the broker offers low-cost trades or commission-free options that suit your investment style.
- Assess available resources: Look for brokers that provide comprehensive educational resources, such as tutorials, webinars, research reports, and market analysis tools. Access to these resources can enhance your knowledge and help you make informed investment decisions.
- Consider the user interface: Evaluate the usability and functionality of the broker’s website and trading platform. A user-friendly interface with intuitive navigation and real-time market data can streamline your trading experience.
- Review customer service: Research the broker’s reputation for customer support. Prompt and reliable customer service can be essential when you have questions or face technical issues.
- Examine the broker’s investment products: Ensure that the broker offers the investment products you are interested in. Whether it’s stocks, bonds, options, mutual funds, or ETFs, make sure the broker has a wide range of options to diversify your portfolio.
- Consider your trading strategy: Assess whether the broker’s trading platform supports your preferred trading strategy. Whether you’re a long-term investor or an active trader, choose a broker that aligns with your approach.
If you’re still uncertain about your decision, it’s helpful to read reviews and seek recommendations from experienced investors. Remember that selecting the right broker is a personal choice that should align with your individual needs and preferences.
Comparison Table: Selecting the Right Brokerage Account
| Broker | Account Types | Commission/Fees | Educational Resources | User Interface | Customer Service | Investment Products | Trading Strategy Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fidelity Investments | Individual, Joint, IRA, 529 | No commissions | Extensive | User-friendly | Excellent | Wide range | Diverse |
| Charles Schwab | Individual, Joint, IRA, 529 | No commissions | Comprehensive | Intuitive | Outstanding | Extensive | Versatile |
| Interactive Brokers | Individual, Joint, IRA | Variable commissions | Robust | Advanced | 24/7 support | Wide variety | Flexible |
By following these steps and considering the factors outlined above, you can find the right brokerage account that aligns with your investment goals and preferences.
Conclusion
When it comes to discount stock brokers, there are many options to consider. Fidelity Investments, Charles Schwab, and Interactive Brokers are the top choices for beginners. These brokers offer accessible educational resources, easy-to-navigate platforms, and no commissions, making them ideal for those just starting out in investing.
For those looking for additional options, Robinhood, E-Trade Financial, TD Ameritrade, Webull, Ally Invest, and Merrill Edge also provide valuable features for beginners. These brokers offer commission-free trading, educational materials, and good customer service.
If you’re interested in a low-cost option for managed portfolios, robo-advisors like Betterment and Wealthfront can be a great choice. These automated investment platforms create portfolios based on your risk tolerance and time horizon, offering low fees and professional management.
When choosing a broker, it’s important to consider your investing goals and preferences. Think about the resources and support you need, as well as the types of investments you’re interested in. By considering these factors, you can find the best discount broker that suits your needs and helps you achieve your financial goals.
FAQ
What should I consider when choosing a discount stock broker?
When choosing a discount stock broker, you should consider factors such as cost, resources, and strategy. Determine what kind of brokerage account you want to open, identify your investing goals, and know the types of investments you’re most interested in.
What are some top choices for discount stock brokers for beginners?
Some top choices for discount stock brokers for beginners include Fidelity Investments, Charles Schwab, Interactive Brokers, Robinhood, E-Trade Financial, TD Ameritrade, Webull, Ally Invest, and Merrill Edge. These brokers offer accessible educational resources, user-friendly platforms, and low-cost trading options.
What are robo-advisors and are they a good option for beginners?
Robo-advisors are automated investment platforms that manage portfolios of investments for you. They create portfolios based on your risk tolerance and time horizon, often with low fees. Robo-advisors like Betterment and Wealthfront can be a good low-cost option for beginners who prefer a hands-off approach to investing.
How do I choose the right broker for me?
To choose the right broker for you, consider your investing goals and preferences. Determine whether you want a full-service broker or a self-directed platform. Evaluate the broker’s cost structure, educational resources, customer service, and available investment options.
What are the benefits of using a discount brokerage firm?
Discount brokerage firms offer lower-cost trading options compared to traditional full-service brokers. They often provide accessible educational resources, user-friendly platforms, and no-commission or low-cost trades. These benefits can help beginners get started in investing without breaking the bank.
Are there any discount stock brokers that cater specifically to beginners?
Yes, several discount stock brokers cater specifically to beginners. Fidelity Investments, Charles Schwab, and TD Ameritrade, for example, offer educational materials, research resources, and user-friendly platforms that are suitable for beginners looking to learn and grow their investment portfolios.
Our Friends
- https://www.bankrate.com/investing/best-online-brokers-for-beginners/
- https://www.bankrate.com/investing/best-online-brokers-for-stock-trading/
- https://www.forbes.com/advisor/investing/best-online-brokers/
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