Updated: April 2025 | bremo.io financial guides

Questrade Review Canada 2025 — Best DIY Brokerage for ETF Investors?

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Questrade is one of Canada's most established discount brokerages, known for a key feature that sets it apart: you can buy ETFs for free. With no commission to purchase ETFs (only a fee to sell), Questrade is a particularly strong choice for Canadians building a passive index ETF portfolio.

Questrade Overview

Founded in 1999, Questrade is Canada's largest independent online brokerage. It offers self-directed accounts for stocks, ETFs, options, bonds, mutual funds, and GICs across TFSA, RRSP, FHSA, RESP, RRIF, and non-registered accounts.

Questrade Fees

ETF purchases: Free (no commission)
ETF sales: $0.01/share, minimum $4.95, maximum $9.95
Stock trades: $0.01/share, minimum $4.95, maximum $9.95
Account fee: None (TFSA, RRSP, etc. are free)
Inactivity fee: None

Key advantage: For buy-and-hold ETF investors who rarely sell, Questrade's free ETF purchases mean near-zero trading costs. A monthly PAC into VGRO costs nothing in commissions.

Questrade Account Types

Questrade supports the full range of Canadian registered and non-registered accounts:

TFSA, RRSP, RESP, FHSA, RRIF, LIRA
Non-registered (individual, joint)
Corporate accounts
Margin accounts

Questrade vs. Wealthsimple Trade

Feature	Questrade	Wealthsimple Trade
ETF purchase cost	Free	Free
ETF sale cost	$4.95–$9.95	Free
Stock trades	$4.95–$9.95	Free
USD account	Yes, free	Premium required
Options trading	Yes	Limited
Bonds/GICs	Yes	No
Interface	More complex	More beginner-friendly

Questrade Edge (Research Platform)

Questrade's desktop platform offers more advanced charting, research tools, and market data than Wealthsimple. For investors who want to research stocks more deeply before buying, Questrade's tools are a meaningful advantage.

Is Questrade Safe?

Questrade is an IIROC-regulated (now CIRO) dealer and CIPF member. Investment accounts are covered up to $1,000,000 per account category in the event of broker insolvency.

Best For

Questrade is the best choice for: passive ETF investors who hold and rarely sell; investors who want USD accounts without extra fees; those needing access to bonds, GICs, or options; more experienced DIY investors who want better research tools.

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