Selecting the best brokerage accounts is the first step toward building long-term wealth and achieving your financial goals. These accounts do more than execute trades—they provide research tools, customer support, fractional share options, and innovative features that elevate your trading experience.
With so many platforms competing in 2025, we’ve broken down the top 7 best brokerage accounts that stand out for their value, usability, and performance.
1. Fidelity Investments
Why Fidelity Is One of the Best Brokerage Accounts
Fidelity is a strong candidate among the best brokerage accounts due to its $0 trading fees, wide asset selection, and excellent research tools. It caters to investors at all levels—from beginners exploring fractional shares with a sign-up bonus to advanced traders optimizing their portfolios.
Bonuses & Features:
- $0 fees on stocks, ETFs, and options
- 24/7 customer support
- Access to fractional shares
- Powerful tools like screeners, market commentary, and analyst ratings
Risk Factor:
Fidelity promotions are excellent overall, but international trading access is limited, and high-frequency traders may seek even more advanced analytics tools.
2. Charles Schwab
Why Schwab Ranks Among the Best Brokerage Accounts
Charles Schwab offers a well-rounded experience with exceptional educational content, fractional investing, and a full suite of trading tools. It’s a go-to option among the best brokerage accounts for long-term investors and retirement savers.
Additionally, Charles Schwab promotions provide you with many investing options if you’re looking to start investing.
Bonuses & Features:
- $0 trading fees, who sign up using the referral code
- Schwab Stock Slices™ for fractional shares
- Equity ratings and professional-grade reports
- Consistent experience across desktop and mobile
Risk Factor:
The interface can feel complex to new users, and while it’s one of the best brokerage accounts, its mobile app isn’t as modern as Public or Robinhood.
3. E*Trade
Why E*Trade Is a Strong Candidate for Best Brokerage Accounts
E*Trade is one of the most reliable platforms in the U.S. It provides robust research, customizable dashboards, and access to Morningstar data—solidifying its place in the top best brokerage accounts for research-driven traders.
Additionally, E*Trade promotions allow you to enjoy commission-free trades on stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and options.
Bonuses & Features:
- Commission-free trades
- Power E*TRADE for advanced users
- Morningstar and technical research tools
- Intuitive design and excellent order execution
Risk Factor:
No support for fractional shares. This could be a deal-breaker for budget-conscious investors looking for flexibility.
4. Interactive Brokers (IBKR Lite)
Why IBKR Lite Is Among the Best Brokerage Accounts for Professionals
If you’re an advanced trader, Interactive Brokers is one of the best brokerage accounts to consider. IBKR Lite gives access to a global suite of assets with institutional-grade tools at your fingertips.
Bonuses & Features:
- Ultra-low fees: Options from $0.15
- Access to international markets
- Research tools like IB Market Signals and screeners
- Fractional shares available
Risk Factor:
Its complexity makes it less suitable for beginners. The learning curve is steep, so casual investors might be overwhelmed.
5. M1 Finance
Why M1 Finance Is One of the Best Brokerage Accounts for Automation
M1 Finance blends investing with automation. As one of the most innovative best brokerage accounts, it offers portfolio customization and “set-it-and-forget-it” functionality for passive investors.
Take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy M1 Finance’s unbeatable promotions and benefits, such as commission-free trades, dynamic rebalancing, and high interest rates on uninvested cash.
Bonuses & Features:
- No trading fees
- Customizable portfolios called “Pies”
- Fractional share investing
- Automated rebalancing and dividend reinvestment
Risk Factor:
M1 doesn’t offer real-time trading. Orders are executed once or twice per day, which may be limiting for active traders or day traders seeking instant trades.
6. Public
Why Public Makes the List of Best Brokerage Accounts
Public is one of the most user-centric brokerage accounts, offering commission-free trading with a sleek design. Unlike many traditional platforms, it integrates social investing, crypto, and alternative assets under one roof—making it a standout choice.
Interestingly, some of the best stock trading apps not only help you buy and sell stocks from your phone but also reward you with free money through sign-up bonuses and promotions. Public, along with other top apps, ensures investors get both accessibility and perks in one place.
Bonuses & Features:
- Trade stocks, ETFs, crypto, and collectibles
- Fractional shares supported
- Option rebates available
- Access to premium research through AI tools (with subscription)
Risk Factor:
Free version has limited research capabilities. Serious traders may need to upgrade to access all features, reducing its appeal for those wanting completely free platforms.
7. Robinhood
Why Robinhood Is Still One of the Best Brokerage Accounts in 2025
Robinhood remains a top pick among the best brokerage accounts due to its beginner-friendly interface, commission-free model, and flexibility across asset types including crypto and options.
Robinhood is the way to hassle-free trading of stocks and options. Now, with Robinhood promotions, you can enjoy commission-free trading on stocks, ETFs, and options, and start investing with just $1.
Bonuses & Features:
- Free stock on sign-up (varies with promotions)
- Fractional share investing
- Simple mobile-first design
- Robinhood Gold for premium insights
Risk Factor:
Customer support is limited, and many research tools are locked behind a paywall. Outages during high-traffic times have also impacted user trust.
Final Verdict
In 2025, the market for best brokerage accounts is competitive and investor-focused. Each platform offers distinct strengths: Fidelity delivers well-rounded excellence, Schwab supports long-term investors, and Public appeals to younger, tech-savvy users.
Whether you value research, automation, social investing, or international access, there’s a brokerage account on this list that aligns with your goals. These best brokerage accounts provide the foundation for building wealth through stocks, ETFs, and beyond.
Don’t just follow trends—compare, evaluate, and commit to the best brokerage accounts that empower your investment strategy in 2025.
FAQs
What are the best brokerage accounts for new investors?
Fidelity and M1 Finance top the list due to their intuitive platforms and low fees.
Can I open more than one brokerage account?
Yes, having multiple best brokerage accounts can help you segment goals, like retirement and active trading.
Are there fees involved in using brokerage accounts?
Most best brokerage accounts offer commission-free trading. Options contracts may carry minimal per-trade fees.