Online stock trading has revolutionized how individuals invest, giving retail traders access to markets once dominated by institutional investors. Today, choosing the right brokerage account is crucial for maximizing profits, minimizing fees, and achieving long-term financial goals. With a variety of features, fee structures, and tools, the best brokerage accounts cater to diverse trading styles—whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro.

Below is a comprehensive review of the best brokerage accounts for online stock trading in the U.S., covering key features, advantages, and why they stand out in 2025 and beyond.

1. Fidelity Investments

Fidelity is a top pick for all-around investing. Known for its transparent pricing, excellent research tools, and customer-first approach, it’s ideal for both beginners and experienced traders.

Key Features and Benefits:

Fidelity offers zero commissions for online U.S. stock and ETF trades, which makes it appealing to cost-conscious investors. Its platform provides extensive educational resources, retirement planning tools, and research from multiple third-party providers.

Highlights:

• $0 commission for U.S. stocks, ETFs, and options trades
• No account minimums
• Access to fractional shares
• Excellent customer service
• Award-winning research tools

Why Fidelity Stands Out:

• Great for long-term investors
• Ideal for retirement account holders
• Offers robust security and top-tier mobile trading features

2. Charles Schwab

Charles Schwab is a household name in online investing, offering powerful platforms and a wide range of investment choices. It’s a strong contender for both casual and active traders.

Key Features and Benefits:

Schwab provides a user-friendly interface, commission-free trading for U.S. stocks and ETFs, and a variety of account types. It also supports fractional share investing and access to international markets.

Highlights:

• $0 commissions on U.S. stock and ETF trades
• Schwab Stock Slices™ for fractional investing
• Strong educational content
• Wide selection of mutual funds and bonds
• Advanced research tools and screeners

Why Schwab Stands Out:

• Excellent for both beginners and advanced investors
• Highly rated customer support
• Offers an all-in-one platform for trading, banking, and financial planning

3. TD Ameritrade

Now part of Charles Schwab, TD Ameritrade continues to operate as a separate brand offering one of the most advanced trading platforms in the industry.

Key Features and Benefits:

TD Ameritrade is best known for its Thinkorswim platform, a robust and customizable trading interface ideal for technical analysis, active trading, and options strategies. It also offers no minimums and commission-free trades.

Highlights:

• Thinkorswim desktop and mobile platforms
• Extensive charting tools and real-time data
• $0 commission on U.S. stocks and ETFs
• No account minimum
• Professional-level tools available to all users

Why TD Ameritrade Stands Out:

• Ideal for day traders and options traders
• Outstanding platform design
• High-quality investor education and webinars

4. E*TRADE

E*TRADE is a well-rounded online brokerage offering powerful tools, excellent mobile apps, and a balance of features for casual and advanced traders alike.

Key Features and Benefits:

ETRADE offers two trading platforms—Power ETRADE and E*TRADE Web—each designed for different user needs. It also has a strong library of educational content and planning tools for goal-based investing.

Highlights:

• Commission-free trading for U.S. stocks, ETFs, and options
• Two powerful trading platforms
• Excellent mobile functionality
• Wide range of tradable assets
• High-rated customer service

Why E*TRADE Stands Out:

• Easy-to-use interface with robust features
• Great for beginners growing into advanced tools
• Access to managed portfolios and IRAs

5. Robinhood

Robinhood revolutionized the industry with zero-commission trades and a sleek mobile-first experience, attracting millions of new investors.

Key Features and Benefits:

Robinhood is best suited for beginner investors who want a straightforward, app-based trading experience. The platform supports stocks, ETFs, options, and even cryptocurrency trading.

Highlights:

• $0 commission on all trades
• Intuitive mobile and web platform
• Instant deposits and fractional shares
• Access to crypto trading
• Robinhood Gold for extended features

Why Robinhood Stands Out:

• Simplified trading for beginners
• No account minimums
• Great for investors focused on accessibility and simplicity

6. Interactive Brokers (IBKR)

Interactive Brokers is designed for professional traders, international investors, and those who demand advanced trading tools and low margin rates.

Key Features and Benefits:

IBKR offers access to over 135 markets across the globe. It supports everything from stocks and options to forex, futures, and bonds. While the interface is complex, it’s incredibly powerful for advanced strategies.

Highlights:

• Ultra-low margin rates
• Tiered pricing model for active traders
• Global market access
• Sophisticated order types
• Advanced analytics and data

Why IBKR Stands Out:

• Perfect for active traders and institutions
• Access to international markets
• Comprehensive reporting and tools

7. Merrill Edge

Merrill Edge combines the investing power of Merrill with the banking convenience of Bank of America, offering seamless integration for banking and brokerage needs.

Key Features and Benefits:

With a strong research focus and no commissions on online U.S. stock and ETF trades, Merrill Edge is perfect for Bank of America customers. Preferred Rewards members can access additional benefits.

Highlights:

• $0 commission for online trades
• Excellent research from BofA Merrill Lynch
• Banking and investing integration
• Robust mobile and desktop platforms
• Personalized dashboards and planning tools

Why Merrill Edge Stands Out:

• Ideal for Bank of America customers
• Valuable benefits for high-balance users
• Streamlined account management

8. Webull

Webull is another tech-savvy brokerage tailored toward younger and more active traders, offering sleek platforms and crypto access.

Key Features and Benefits:

Webull offers commission-free trading, real-time market data, and technical indicators with no minimum deposit requirement. Its modern interface is packed with advanced features usually reserved for paid platforms.

Highlights:

• Free trading of stocks, ETFs, and options
• Access to crypto and extended hours trading
• Paper trading feature
• Real-time quotes and advanced charting
• Intuitive mobile and desktop platforms

Why Webull Stands Out:

• Strong focus on active and technical traders
• Competitive feature set at no cost
• Excellent platform for learning and experimenting

9. SoFi Invest

SoFi Invest is ideal for beginners and young professionals looking to start their investing journey with simple tools and low barriers to entry.

Key Features and Benefits:

SoFi offers automated investing, fractional shares, and access to cryptocurrency. It also features educational content and personalized advice from financial planners.

Highlights:

• $0 commissions on stock and ETF trades
• Automated and active investing options
• Crypto trading available
• No account minimum
• Access to free financial planning

Why SoFi Invest Stands Out:

• Great for hands-off investors
• Combines simplicity with smart features
• Strong financial wellness support

10. Tastytrade (Formerly Tastyworks)

Tastytrade is built by options traders for options traders. It’s designed for those who want deep control over their trading strategy, particularly in derivatives markets.

Key Features and Benefits:

This platform is laser-focused on active options traders. It features low pricing, fast execution, and strong educational content tailored to intermediate and advanced users.

Highlights:

• Low-cost options trading
• Unique visual order placement tools
• High-speed execution
• Advanced charting and analytics
• Rich educational videos and live shows

Why Tastytrade Stands Out:

• Built by pros for options and derivatives trading
• Powerful platform with dynamic visuals
• Focus on education and trader support

Conclusion

Choosing the best brokerage account for online stock trading depends on your goals, experience level, and preferred trading style. From beginner-friendly platforms like SoFi and Robinhood to professional tools like Interactive Brokers and Tastytrade, the U.S. market offers a rich selection of online brokerages. Look for a platform that aligns with your needs—whether that’s low costs, powerful analytics, or access to global markets. No matter your choice, understanding your financial goals and staying educated will keep you on the path to successful investing.