Best ETF Brokers in 2025

What is an ETF or Exchange Traded Fund?

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a financial product that allows you to invest in a collection of assets in a single transaction. It is an index fund traded on the stock exchange, the objective of which is to replicate the performance of a benchmark index, such as the S&P/TSX 60, the S&P 500 or the MSCI World.

Unlike traditional actively managed funds, an ETF follows passive management: it replicates the composition of the index it tracks, with lower fees compared to active funds. It is continuously tradable on the markets, just like a stock, allowing investors to buy or sell their shares at any time during the trading day.

ETFs are very popular because of their many advantages:

• Immediate diversification: By purchasing an ETF, the investor positions themselves on several assets in a single transaction.
• Reduced fees: ETF management fees are generally much lower than those of traditional investment funds.
• Accessibility: It is possible to invest in ETFs with a modest amount, and some brokers offer fractional purchases.
• Transparency: The composition of ETFs is generally accessible in real-time, allowing investors to know exactly what they are investing in.

Advantages of ETFs

ETFs offer instant diversification: a single transaction allows you to invest in a range of assets that reflect the composition of the tracked index. For example, an ETF replicating the Euro Stoxx 50 allows access to the 50 largest companies in the Eurozone, while an ETF based on the Bel 20 provides exposure to the main companies listed in Belgium.

What is an ETF broker?

An ETF broker is an online platform that allows Canadian investors to buy and sell Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). These brokers offer different ways to invest, depending on your strategy and financial goals.

There are two main types of brokers you can use to invest in ETFs:

• Brokers that offer direct ETF investing through accounts like a TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account), RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan), or a non-registered brokerage account.
• CFD brokers that allow you to speculate on ETF price movements via Contracts for Difference (CFDs), without actually owning the underlying ETF.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of both options:

The right choice depends on your investor profile:

• If you're investing for the long term and prefer a low-risk, passive approach, a broker that lets you buy real ETFs via a TFSA, RRSP, or standard brokerage account is ideal.
• If you're a short-term, high-risk trader looking to speculate on ETF price movements with leverage, CFD brokers might suit you better — but they come with significantly higher risks.

How to choose an ETF broker?

Choosing an ETF broker is an essential step for investing effectively in the stock market. There are brokers that allow you to directly buy ETFs and brokers that offer CFDs on ETFs. Each type of platform caters to different investment strategies. Here are the criteria to consider for making the right choice.

1. Accessibility to ETFs

Not all brokers offer the same access to ETFs. It is important to check:

• Available ETFs: Some brokers offer a wide selection of physical ETFs, while others only offer ETF CFDs.
• Access to international ETFs: Some brokers allow you to invest in European and American ETFs, while others restrict their offering to certain geographical areas.
• Eligibility for tax-advantaged accounts: If you want to optimize your taxes, choose a broker that offers ETFs compatible with Canadian tax-advantaged accounts.

2. Brokerage and Management Fees

Fees directly impact the profitability of your investment. Here are the main costs to compare:

• Order fees: A commission applied to each purchase or sale of ETFs. Some stock brokers offer free orders, while CFD brokers often apply a spread (the difference between the buying and selling price).
• Management fees: Levied annually by the ETF issuer (generally between 0.05% and 0.50%).
• Inactivity fees: Some brokers charge fees if no order is placed over a given period, particularly CFD trading platforms.
• Conversion fees: For ETFs listed in foreign currencies, there may be exchange fees on transactions.

3. Platform Ergonomics and Tools

Whether you're a beginner or experienced investor, an intuitive and high-performance platform is essential. Check for:

• The quality of research tools and filters to easily find ETFs.
• The existence of a mobile application to manage your investments in real time.
• The availability of advanced charts and technical indicators for active investors, especially for those trading CFDs.

4. Account Type and Taxation

The type of account offered by the broker has a direct impact on how your ETF gains are taxed in Canada. Here’s a breakdown of the most common options:

• TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account): Capital gains and dividends earned within a TFSA are completely tax-free, even upon withdrawal. Ideal for long-term, tax-efficient ETF investing.
• RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan): Contributions are tax-deductible, and investments grow tax-deferred until withdrawal, when they are taxed as regular income.
• Non-registered account: No tax advantages. Capital gains are 50% taxable, and dividends are taxed but may qualify for the dividend tax credit.
• CFD trading platforms: Gains from CFDs are fully taxable as investment income and not eligible for TFSA or RRSP benefits. You may also face additional tax reporting if using international brokers.

Choosing the right account depends on your tax situation, investment horizon, and whether you prioritize growth, income, or flexibility.

5. Leverage and Risk Management

If you wish to use leverage, only brokers offering ETF CFDs will allow you to amplify your positions (generally with leverage of x2 to x5). However, the risk of loss is increased, as leverage can also multiply losses. Make sure your broker offers:

• Negative balance protection to avoid losing more than your initial capital.
• Stop-loss and take-profit orders to effectively manage your positions.

6. The quality of customer service

Good customer service is essential, especially for active investors. Before opening an account, inquire about:

• Available contact methods (phone, live chat, email).
• Support availability (days and hours of operation).
• The quality of educational resources offered (guides, webinars, tutorials).

7. Security and Regulation

When investing, safety and transparency are key. Make sure your broker is regulated by a recognized financial authority. In Canada, legitimate brokers are overseen by:

• CIRO (Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization) – formerly IIROC and MFDA
• CIPF (Canadian Investor Protection Fund) – protects eligible investors up to $1 million
• CSA (Canadian Securities Administrators) – coordinates securities regulation across provinces

If you use an international broker, ensure they are regulated by respected authorities such as:

• FCA in the United Kingdom
• BaFin in Germany
• SEC and FINRA in the United States

Always verify the broker’s registration before opening an account, especially if you’re investing via an online or international platform.

Which ETF Broker is Best for Beginners in Canada?

If you’re new to ETF investing in Canada, choosing the right broker is essential. A good beginner-friendly platform should offer low fees, an intuitive interface, and educational tools to help you get started with confidence.

Here are some key features to look for:

• Simple, user-friendly interface for easy navigation
• Low commissions on ETF trades (or free ETFs in some cases)
• Access to a wide selection of low-cost index ETFs
• Option to open a TFSA or RRSP for tax-efficient investing
• Responsive customer service available in English or French
• Educational resources like tutorials, webinars, and practice accounts

Before picking a broker, it’s important to define your investment style and goals. Here's a breakdown by beginner profile:

In Canada, platforms like Questrade, Wealthsimple Trade, and National Bank Direct Brokerage are popular among beginners due to their simplicity, low fees, and support for TFSA/RRSP accounts.

What are the different types of ETFs available in Canada?

In Canada, investors have access to a wide range of ETFs allowing them to invest in different assets and strategies. Here is a summary table of the main types of ETFs, with their description and some popular examples among Canadian traders.

Are ETFs Eligible for a TFSA?

Yes — in Canada, most ETFs are eligible for inclusion in tax-advantaged accounts such as the TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) and RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan). Unlike France’s PEA, there are no geographic or structural restrictions on ETFs held within these accounts.

What are the conditions for an ETF to be held in a TFSA or RRSP?

To be eligible for a TFSA or RRSP, an ETF must:

• Be listed on a designated stock exchange (e.g. TSX, NYSE, NASDAQ, LSE)
• Not violate Canadian tax rules regarding foreign property or prohibited investments
• Be held within a qualified registered account opened with a Canadian-registered broker

➡️ There is no requirement that an ETF be Canadian-domiciled or invest primarily in Canadian or North American assets. ETFs tracking global indices like the S&P 500 or MSCI World are fully eligible for both TFSA and RRSP accounts.

Examples of ETFs commonly held in TFSA or RRSP accounts:

TFSA vs RRSP for ETF investing

Tip

Always double-check that the ETF is listed on a recognized stock exchange — some international ETFs may not qualify for registered accounts if they are not traded on a designated exchange.

How to Invest in ETFs Online?

Investing in ETFs online is a simple and accessible method to diversify your investment portfolio. Here are the essential steps to begin investing effectively.

1. Choosing a Suitable Broker

The first crucial choice is the broker that will allow you to buy ETFs. To do this, you need to compare several criteria:

• Brokerage fees: choose platforms with reduced fees.
• ETF Offer: ensure the broker offers a wide selection of ETFs (stocks, bonds, sector-specific, thematic, etc.).
• Account Type: verify if you want to invest via a registered account (TFSA, RRSP) or a taxable account for unrestricted access to global ETFs.
• Security and Regulation: opt for a broker regulated by Canadian regulatory authorities or other recognized authorities.

2. Open an Investment Account

Once you've chosen a broker, you'll need to open an account by providing a few documents:

• Identification document (identity card or passport).
• Proof of address (bill, tax assessment).
• Bank account details for deposits and withdrawals.

Account validation can take a few hours to a few days, depending on the broker.

3. Fund Your Account

Before buying ETFs, you need to fund your account by making a deposit. Depending on the broker, you can deposit funds via:

💳 Bank transfer (most common method).
💰 Credit/Debit card (faster but sometimes with fees).
📱 Electronic wallets (PayPal, Skrill, etc., depending on the platforms).

4. Selecting ETFs to Buy

It is important to choose ETFs that align with your strategy. You can invest in:

• Index ETFs (MSCI World, S&P 500, TSX 60) for a passive and diversified approach.
• Sector ETFs (technology, healthcare, renewable energy) to target a trend.
• Bond ETFs for a more defensive allocation.
• Dividend ETFs to generate passive income.

5. Placing a Buy Order

Once you've chosen an ETF, you need to place a buy order. There are several types of orders:

• Market order: Immediate purchase at the current price.
• Limit order: Purchase only if the ETF reaches a defined price.
• Stop order: Purchase triggered when the price exceeds a certain threshold.

6. Monitor and adjust your portfolio

Investing in ETFs requires regular monitoring to ensure your portfolio remains aligned with your goals. To do this:

• Analyze performance: Track the performance of your ETFs through your broker or tools like Google Finance.
• Rebalance your portfolio: Adjust your asset allocation if a sector becomes too dominant.
• Invest regularly: Adopt a Dollar Cost Averaging (DCA) strategy by buying ETFs at regular intervals to smooth out risk.

What Fees to Expect with an ETF Broker?

Investing in ETFs involves fees that can impact the profitability of your portfolio. These costs vary depending on the type of account, the target market, and the investment method. Here are the main fees to anticipate with concrete examples.

1. Brokerage Fees

Brokerage fees are applied to each ETF buy or sell order. They can be fixed (example: $1 per order) or proportional (example: 0.1% of the amount invested). Some brokers offer commission-free ETFs under certain conditions, such as a scheduled purchase or a limited order per month.

Example of ETF brokerage fees

Buying an ETF for $1,400 with fees of 0.5% → $7 in fees.

Buying the same ETF with a broker offering one free order per month → $0 in fees.

2. ETF Management Fees

These fees are directly levied by the ETF issuer and slightly impact the fund's performance. They are expressed as an annual percentage of assets under management.

Example of ETF Management Fees

• A global ETF with a 0.40% management fee incurs an annual cost of $4 for every $1,000 invested.
• An S&P 500 ETF at 0.07% only costs $0.70 for every $1,000 invested over a year.

3. Currency Conversion Fees

If the ETF is listed in US dollars (USD) or British pounds (GBP) and the account is in Canadian dollars, currency exchange fees apply to purchases and sales. These fees vary between 0.1% and 1% depending on the platform.

Example of Currency Conversion Fees

Buying a Nasdaq-100 ETF in dollars for $2,000 CAD, with a currency exchange fee of 0.5% → $10 CAD fee.

4. Inactivity Fees

Certain brokers charge fees if no orders are placed for several months. These fees are usually charged after 6 to 12 months of inactivity and can be fixed or proportional to the account balance.

Example of inactivity fees

• An account that is inactive for 1 year with a fee of $10 per month results in a cost of $120 over the year.

5. Withdrawal fees

Some platforms charge fees to withdraw funds to a bank account. These fees can be fixed (example: $5 per withdrawal) or proportional (example: 1% of the amount withdrawn).

Withdrawal Fee Example

A withdrawal of CAD 500 with a fixed fee of CAD 5 results in a cost of 1% of the amount withdrawn.

6. Spreads and Overnight Fees (for ETF CFDs)

If you trade ETF CFDs, you need to consider:

• The spread: The difference between the buying and selling price, which can be fixed or variable.
• Overnight fees: Applied when you keep a leveraged position from one day to the next.

Example of ETF CFD Fees

• Buying a S&P 500 ETF CFD with a spread of 0.2% on a $1,000 position → $2 in fees.
• Holding the CFD for 5 days, with overnight fees of 0.01% per day → $0.50 in cumulative fees.

What are the ETF investment strategies?

ETFs offer numerous investment strategies suited to different investor profiles. Depending on your objectives (growth, passive income, protection against volatility, etc.), some approaches will be more suitable than others.

Here is a summary table of the main ETF investment strategies:

What is the taxation of ETF income in Canada?

In Canada, the tax treatment of ETF income depends on the type of account used (TFSA, RRSP, or non-registered account) and the nature of the income (capital gains, dividends, or interest). Choosing the right account can significantly reduce your tax burden.

1. Taxation of ETFs held in a non-registered account

When you invest in ETFs through a standard taxable (non-registered) brokerage account, you’ll need to pay taxes annually on any gains or distributions.

Example

• You sell ETF units for a $2,000 gain → $1,000 (50%) is taxable.
• You receive $500 in dividends → you’ll pay tax, but receive a partial credit.

2. Taxation of ETFs held in a TFSA or RRSP

Registered accounts allow for significant tax advantages, depending on the account type:

📌 Example

• You hold an ETF in your TFSA that grows from $10,000 to $15,000 → No tax at all, even if you withdraw.
• You hold an ETF in your RRSP and withdraw $5,000 later → Taxed at your marginal rate in the year of withdrawal.

3. Taxation of U.S. and foreign ETFs (withholding tax)

When investing in ETFs that hold U.S. or international assets (e.g., S&P 500 ETFs), foreign withholding taxes may apply to dividends:

• U.S. dividends are generally subject to a 15% withholding tax if you submit Form W-8BEN.
• If the ETF is held in an RRSP, this tax can be avoided for U.S. stocks due to a tax treaty.
• In a TFSA or non-registered account, the U.S. withholding tax applies and cannot be recovered in a TFSA.

Example

• A U.S. ETF distributes $1,000 in dividends → With W-8BEN, $150 is withheld automatically in a TFSA or non-registered account.
• In an RRSP, no tax is withheld thanks to the tax treaty.

4. Taxation of leveraged ETFs and ETF CFDs

If you invest in leveraged ETFs or trade ETF CFDs (Contracts for Difference) via a margin or derivative platform:

• Profits are taxed as regular capital gains in a non-registered account.
• If you’re frequently trading, the CRA may consider your gains as business income, which is fully taxable.
• Leveraged and inverse ETFs may not be suitable for registered accounts due to their speculative nature.

Example

You earn $3,000 trading CFDs on ETFs → You owe tax on 50% of that gain (as capital gains), or potentially the full amount if deemed business income.

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.