Questrade is a good Canadian broker for traders that are looking for low commission trades. They are great for new investors and allow for portfolio scalability. They offer self-directed trading as well as pre-built portfolios.

Despite the billions of dollars they manage, Questrade’s main Canadian competitor manages almost 100 times more in assets. Nonetheless, Questrade is a solid operation. In fact, it was name one of Canada’s best-managed companies 7 times.

Plus, Questrade’s clients benefit from account protection of up to $10 million. So they may be smaller than some competitors. However, your money is safe just the same. Do you like stocks or options? This Questrade review takes a look at what they offer. Many active traders prefer to stick with stocks.

This is because there are more possibilities to find trade ideas when screening for a tradeable setup. But if you’re hungry for more than just your typical “equities,” Questrade gives you access to all kinds of asset classes:

• International equities
• Options
• Bonds
• Forex (foreign exchange )
• CFDs (Contract For Difference)
• ETFs (exchange-traded fund)
• Mutual funds
• Precious metals (such as gold, silver, platinum, and palladium)
• GICs (Guaranteed Investment Certificate)
• IPOs (Initial Public Offering)

Although Questrade is located in Canada, clients can invest in US-based securities on American exchanges such as the NASDAQ and the NYSE (read about the different types of stocks).

Tools for Traders and Investors

Let’s take a look at what they offer in this Questrade review. Like most trading platforms, the desktop program Called IQ Edge provides all that you would expect to find as either a day trader or a long-term investor.

It’s a complete solution with news, insights & research, investing & trading tools, and of course, portfolio & investment monitoring.

Personally, I am used to the TWS platform from Interactive Brokers, which also operates in Canada. But I must admit that the IQ Edge is not only just as good, charts look better and the interface is easier to use.

The web-based version called IQ Web platform is also a pleasure to operate for the same reason, i.e. ease of use.

Between the desktop-based and web-based platforms, you will be well equipped with Questrade even if you are an active trader. My recommendation is to give it a test run using their free practice account.

You can also practice trading while being in our trade room. They’re a tool to help you as well as our stock market courses.

What Are Questrade Commissions & Fees? (Pricing Review)

1. Let’s start with the commission-free ETF trades and appealing discounts available for active traders. Basically, $5 when you enter the trade and $5 when you exit. If you’re trading a larger volume of shares of lower-priced stocks, this plan will be best for you.
2. If you’re more active with so-called expensive stocks and trade fewer amounts, then the 1¢/share will work better for you. Keep in mind that those prices are only for those accessing the advanced market data packages which involve a $90 or so monthly fee.
3. For occasional self-directed investing, your option is simple.  You buy and sell stocks starting at 1¢ per share with a minimum cost of $4.95 to a maximum $9.95.
4. Questrade also offers pre-built ETF portfolios for a ¼ % management fee (0.20% after $100,000).  If interested, look into the Questwealth Portfolios here.

You will also find details about fees for the multiple asset classes available at Questrade on their website.

Final Thoughts

Canada may have the reputation of being the host of low-key, good, hard-working, salt-of-the-earth people. But when it comes to stock market trading, it’s a place where you find speculations, tribulations, and lots of wild opportunities, like the infamous pot (cannabis) stocks. 

However, don’t worry, the stability of the Canadian economy combined with the rock-solid Canadian banking system makes Canadian stocks and Questrade a sound option for traders and investors alike.