Objective Comparison

Wealthsimple vs Questrade vs Interactive Brokers

Researched from 13 sites

  • Wealthsimple Wealthsimple Photo: wealthsimple.com
  • Questrade Questrade Photo: questrade.com
  • Interactive Brokers

The Verdict

Wealthsimple is best for beginners due to its simplicity, while Questrade serves moderate users needing more tools. Interactive Brokers is the clear choice for advanced traders prioritizing low FX fees despite a steep learning curve.

Detailed Attribute Comparison

Attribute WealthsimpleQuestradeInteractive Brokers
Commission (Stocks/ETFs)
Determines the direct cost of every trade you execute.
$0$0 for buying$0.01/share CAD ($1 min); $0.005/share USD ($1 min)
Currency Conversion Fee
Crucial for trading US-listed assets without paying high hidden costs.
1.5%1.5%approx. 0.002%
TFSA & RRSP Support
Ensures you can hold your tax-advantaged retirement accounts on the platform.
Full SupportFull SupportFull Support
Platform Complexity
Influences how much time you must invest in learning the software.
Beginner-friendlyIntermediateAdvanced/Steep
Regulation
Confirms the broker is overseen by Canadian regulatory authorities.
CIROCIROCIRO
Account Insurance
Protects your assets in the event of firm insolvency.
CIPFCIPFCIPF
Known issues
Highlights recurring pain points experienced by other Canadian investors.
Long support wait times, sudden account freezesLong phone support wait times, inconsistent resolutionSteep learning curve, difficult to reach human support
Breadth of Account Offerings
Confirms availability of specific tax-sheltered accounts.
Wide (TFSA, RRSP, FHSA, RESP, etc.)Wide (TFSA, RRSP, FHSA, RESP, etc.)Wide (TFSA, RRSP, etc.)
Mobile App Availability
Necessary for managing your portfolio on the go.
YesYesYes
Customer Support Access
Indicates how easy it is to get help when you encounter problems.
Digital-firstPhone/ChatTicketing/Phone

Sources

13 sites were read by a live web search while this comparison was written.

Searches run:

  • “Questrade complaints reviews Trustpilot Reddit BBB”
  • “Questrade vs Wealthsimple vs Interactive Brokers for Canadian investors”
  • “Questrade official site pricing fees services Canada”
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  • “Wealthsimple official site investing accounts fees TFSA RRSP support tools trading costs Canada”
  • “Wealthsimple Canada turnaround response time contract commitment support guarantees insurance”
  • “Wealthsimple Canada pricing fees trading costs TFSA RRSP”
  • “compare Wealthsimple vs Questrade vs Interactive Brokers Canada investing accounts”
  • “Wealthsimple Canada track record problems user reports Trustpilot Reddit BBB”
  • “interactivebrokers.ca where it operates”
  • “interactivebrokers.ca track record”
  • “interactivebrokers.ca fees trading costs CAD”
  • “interactivebrokers.ca TFSA RRSP support”
  • “Interactive Brokers Canada reviews problems Trustpilot Reddit BBB”
  • “interactivebrokers.ca turnaround response time support”
  • “interactivebrokers.ca contract commitment guarantees insurance”

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