Questrade Canada Review: Our Honest Take for August 2025

My opinion on Questrade

Last update: August 4, 2025

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4.6

Score

4.6

Score

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Questrade stands out as a well-regulated Canadian broker, offering a broad range of assets—stocks, ETFs, forex, CFDs, and crypto CFDs—under IIROC and CIPF protection.
Its competitive fee structure includes no commission for ETF purchases and low spreads on CFDs and forex, though stock trades and ETF sales do incur fees.
With professional-grade platforms (Questrade Edge for desktop, Questrade Trading and a robust mobile app), unlimited demo accounts, and tailored account types (including registered and margin accounts), Questrade excels in versatility and market access for Canadian traders.
The broker is well-established, founded in 1999 and serving hundreds of thousands of Canadian clients; its reliability is reflected in a strong 4.2/5 Trustpilot score from over 2,000 reviews.
Compared to Canadian competitors, Questrade leads in asset variety and advanced tools, targeting active and self-directed traders who want more than a basic platform, while maintaining cost-effectiveness versus traditional banks.
In my experience, Questrade is best suited to the following trader profiles:

➡️ Active and self-directed investors: Ideal for those who want to trade stocks, ETFs, forex, and CFDs with powerful tools and full control over their portfolios.

➡️ Canadians seeking a regulated, all-in-one platform: Best for users who value IIROC and CIPF protection, a wide asset offering, and multiple account types (TFSA, RRSP, margin, etc.).

➡️ Traders looking for advanced functionality without premium costs: Perfect for those who need real-time data, demo accounts, and robust platforms, but still want to avoid the high fees of traditional banks.

Pros

• ✅No commission to buy ETFs; competitive $4.95–$9.95 flat fee per stock trade
• ✅Extensive asset selection: stocks, ETFs, options, forex, indices, commodities, bonds, mutual funds, and crypto CFDs
• ✅Low spreads on CFDs and major forex pairs (from 0.8 pips)
• ✅Regulated by IIROC; CIPF member (Canadian investor protection)
• ✅Multiple account types, including self-directed, registered (TFSA, RRSP, RESP, etc.), margin, and corporate accounts
• ✅Leverage up to 20:1 on major forex and CFDs (varies by asset)
• ✅Advanced trading platforms: Questrade Edge (desktop/web), Questrade Trading (web), and intuitive mobile app
• ✅Rich order type support: market, limit, stop, trailing stop, bracket, conditional
• ✅Unlimited, free demo accounts with simulated trading
• ✅No minimum deposit for self-directed accounts
• ✅Excellent multilingual customer support available via chat, phone, and email
• ✅Halal investing options via partnership with Zoya
• ✅Fast deposits and withdrawals (EFT, Interac, wire, bill payment)

Cons

• ❌Stock trades and ETF sales incur commissions ($4.95–$9.95), which are higher than some no-fee competitors
• ❌Quarterly inactivity fee ($24.95) if the account balance is under $1,000 and no trades are made
• ❌No native copy trading, social trading, or PAMM services
• ❌Overnight fees apply to margin and leveraged CFD positions
• ❌Crypto trading is only via CFDs; no wallet, staking, or direct crypto purchase options
• ❌Currency conversion fees (1.5–2%) apply to USD trades
• ❌Limited range of crypto assets (CFDs only, no spot products or stablecoins)
• ❌No Islamic accounts in the traditional swap-free sense (halal options only via third-party partnership)
• ❌Withdrawal fees for wire transfers ($20–$40); minimum withdrawal thresholds

Discover the broker

4.6

Score

4.6

Score

ProsCons

• ✅No commission to buy ETFs; competitive $4.95–$9.95 flat fee per stock trade
• ✅Extensive asset selection: stocks, ETFs, options, forex, indices, commodities, bonds, mutual funds, and crypto CFDs
• ✅Low spreads on CFDs and major forex pairs (from 0.8 pips)
• ✅Regulated by IIROC; CIPF member (Canadian investor protection)
• ✅Multiple account types, including self-directed, registered (TFSA, RRSP, RESP, etc.), margin, and corporate accounts
• ✅Leverage up to 20:1 on major forex and CFDs (varies by asset)
• ✅Advanced trading platforms: Questrade Edge (desktop/web), Questrade Trading (web), and intuitive mobile app
• ✅Rich order type support: market, limit, stop, trailing stop, bracket, conditional
• ✅Unlimited, free demo accounts with simulated trading
• ✅No minimum deposit for self-directed accounts
• ✅Excellent multilingual customer support available via chat, phone, and email
• ✅Halal investing options via partnership with Zoya
• ✅Fast deposits and withdrawals (EFT, Interac, wire, bill payment)

My opinion on Questrade

Last update: August 4, 2025

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Pros

• ✅No commission to buy ETFs; competitive $4.95–$9.95 flat fee per stock trade
• ✅Extensive asset selection: stocks, ETFs, options, forex, indices, commodities, bonds, mutual funds, and crypto CFDs
• ✅Low spreads on CFDs and major forex pairs (from 0.8 pips)
• ✅Regulated by IIROC; CIPF member (Canadian investor protection)
• ✅Multiple account types, including self-directed, registered (TFSA, RRSP, RESP, etc.), margin, and corporate accounts
• ✅Leverage up to 20:1 on major forex and CFDs (varies by asset)
• ✅Advanced trading platforms: Questrade Edge (desktop/web), Questrade Trading (web), and intuitive mobile app
• ✅Rich order type support: market, limit, stop, trailing stop, bracket, conditional
• ✅Unlimited, free demo accounts with simulated trading
• ✅No minimum deposit for self-directed accounts
• ✅Excellent multilingual customer support available via chat, phone, and email
• ✅Halal investing options via partnership with Zoya
• ✅Fast deposits and withdrawals (EFT, Interac, wire, bill payment)

Cons

• ❌Stock trades and ETF sales incur commissions ($4.95–$9.95), which are higher than some no-fee competitors
• ❌Quarterly inactivity fee ($24.95) if the account balance is under $1,000 and no trades are made
• ❌No native copy trading, social trading, or PAMM services
• ❌Overnight fees apply to margin and leveraged CFD positions
• ❌Crypto trading is only via CFDs; no wallet, staking, or direct crypto purchase options
• ❌Currency conversion fees (1.5–2%) apply to USD trades
• ❌Limited range of crypto assets (CFDs only, no spot products or stablecoins)
• ❌No Islamic accounts in the traditional swap-free sense (halal options only via third-party partnership)
• ❌Withdrawal fees for wire transfers ($20–$40); minimum withdrawal thresholds

Discover the broker

4.6

Score

4.6

Score

ProsCons

• ✅No commission to buy ETFs; competitive $4.95–$9.95 flat fee per stock trade
• ✅Extensive asset selection: stocks, ETFs, options, forex, indices, commodities, bonds, mutual funds, and crypto CFDs
• ✅Low spreads on CFDs and major forex pairs (from 0.8 pips)
• ✅Regulated by IIROC; CIPF member (Canadian investor protection)
• ✅Multiple account types, including self-directed, registered (TFSA, RRSP, RESP, etc.), margin, and corporate accounts
• ✅Leverage up to 20:1 on major forex and CFDs (varies by asset)
• ✅Advanced trading platforms: Questrade Edge (desktop/web), Questrade Trading (web), and intuitive mobile app
• ✅Rich order type support: market, limit, stop, trailing stop, bracket, conditional
• ✅Unlimited, free demo accounts with simulated trading
• ✅No minimum deposit for self-directed accounts
• ✅Excellent multilingual customer support available via chat, phone, and email
• ✅Halal investing options via partnership with Zoya
• ✅Fast deposits and withdrawals (EFT, Interac, wire, bill payment)

Questrade stands out as a well-regulated Canadian broker, offering a broad range of assets—stocks, ETFs, forex, CFDs, and crypto CFDs—under IIROC and CIPF protection.
Its competitive fee structure includes no commission for ETF purchases and low spreads on CFDs and forex, though stock trades and ETF sales do incur fees.
With professional-grade platforms (Questrade Edge for desktop, Questrade Trading and a robust mobile app), unlimited demo accounts, and tailored account types (including registered and margin accounts), Questrade excels in versatility and market access for Canadian traders.
The broker is well-established, founded in 1999 and serving hundreds of thousands of Canadian clients; its reliability is reflected in a strong 4.2/5 Trustpilot score from over 2,000 reviews.
Compared to Canadian competitors, Questrade leads in asset variety and advanced tools, targeting active and self-directed traders who want more than a basic platform, while maintaining cost-effectiveness versus traditional banks.
In my experience, Questrade is best suited to the following trader profiles: ➡️ Active and self-directed investors: Ideal for those who want to trade stocks, ETFs, forex, and CFDs with powerful tools and full control over their portfolios. ➡️ Canadians seeking a regulated, all-in-one platform: Best for users who value IIROC and CIPF protection, a wide asset offering, and multiple account types (TFSA, RRSP, margin, etc.). ➡️ Traders looking for advanced functionality without premium costs: Perfect for those who need real-time data, demo accounts, and robust platforms, but still want to avoid the high fees of traditional banks.

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Why trust Hellosafe?

I dedicated real time to opening and funding my own Questrade account, testing both the standard web platform and the advanced Questrade Edge. I evaluated ease of use, available assets, speed of order execution, and how well customer support handled questions and issues. I also placed trades in stocks, ETFs, forex, and CFDs to measure real trading costs and conditions, then compared the whole experience to what’s offered by other Canadian and global regulated brokers.

From my hands-on perspective, Questrade stands out for its huge asset selection—stocks, ETFs, options, forex, and CFDs all in one place. The demo account is a nice touch for practice, and research tools are solid for active traders. I noticed trading commissions still apply (especially for stocks or selling ETFs), and there’s a quarterly inactivity fee for smaller accounts, which is the main drawback if you’re not trading regularly.

Overall, my insights are drawn from actually using Questrade, not just reading about it. It’s a strong, regulated choice for self-directed Canadians who value wide market access and quality tools, but low-commission seekers or absolute beginners might find other options more straightforward.

Questrade at a glance

Security & Regulation

Questrade stands out for security and reliability within the Canadian independent brokerage sector. It operates under strict IIROC regulation and is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund, meaning client accounts are protected up to industry-standard limits against brokerage insolvency. I appreciate that client funds are kept separate from corporate capital, and that the platform’s overall compliance posture aligns with top-tier Canadian requirements.

For risk management, Questrade provides robust tools—such as all main order types (stop loss, conditional, bracket orders), margin controls, and mandatory two-factor authentication for accessing accounts. While Questrade offers FX and CFD trading, it does so under Canadian leverage constraints and with clearly disclosed risks, but it does not provide negative balance protection as seen with some global CFD brokers.

Industry reputation is strong, with more than two decades of operation and consistent improvement in both digital platforms and user service. User reviews tend to be favorable, reflecting a reputation for reliability—though some criticisms remain about platform speed and occasional service delays. For Canadians seeking a safe, versatile platform with a wide asset range, I consider Questrade particularly solid.

Fees, Spreads & Commissions

Questrade’s fee structure is notably competitive among independent Canadian brokers but sits above “commission-free” fintechs for certain trade types. Stocks and ETF trading costs between $4.95 and $9.95 per trade, with buying ETFs free but a fee incurred on sales. This model is attractive for ETF-focused long-term investors but can add up for frequent traders who prefer to enter and exit positions regularly. These charges, while not the cheapest, are clear and avoid additional hidden commissions or excessive markup on spreads for listed equities.

For forex and CFD traders, Questrade provides access to global markets with spreads as low as 0.8 pips on major pairs—a level better than most bank-owned brokers, though not as tight as pure-play forex specialists. CFD spreads are highly transparent across stocks, indices, and commodities, and the platform typically avoids excessive overnight financing fees. However, compared to international CFD brokers, margin requirements and leverage are slightly more conservative—reflecting Canadian regulation.

Account-related fees are straightforward. There’s no charge to open or fund an account, and inactivity fees apply only if your balance is under $1,000 or you do not place a trade in a quarter. Currency conversion costs, ranging from 1.5% to 2% above the spot rate, are broadly in line with the Canadian bank-backed average but less favorable than some global multi-currency platforms.

Hidden costs are rare. Withdrawal fees arise mainly from wire transfers ($20–$40), while electronic funds transfers are free. The absence of premium add-on costs or structured add-on packages for data or platform usage is a plus for most retail traders.

What are the account-related fees?

Expert advice – Trader Tip

If you primarily buy U.S. stocks or trade frequently, consider using Questrade’s USD account features or an efficient currency conversion tool (like Norbert’s Gambit) to minimize conversion fees. Keeping your account active and above $1,000 eliminates inactivity charges—making portfolio size and trading frequency key cost controls.

What are the fees on stocks and ETFs?

Stock commissions range from $4.95 to $9.95, with ETF purchases at no cost (sales incur the standard commission). There are no custody or overnight fees for holding stock or ETF positions, and taxation such as UK stamp duty does not apply to North American securities traded on Questrade.

What are the fees on cryptocurrencies?

Crypto assets on Questrade are tradable only through CFDs, not as direct spot holdings. Trading costs primarily consist of a variable spread, usually as low as 0.08 pips, and there are no direct custody or withdrawal fees since physical coins are never delivered. Overnight fees may apply for leveraged CFD crypto positions, but are generally moderate compared to global CFD brokers.

What are the fees on CFDs?

Questrade offers CFDs on stocks, indices, commodities, forex, and cryptocurrencies, with spreads that are generally very competitive for the Canadian market. Leverage varies by asset, with risk controls in place per IIROC. The main cost is the spread, with overnight financing fees applied to positions held open past market close—these are clearly disclosed in the platform.

Assets & Markets

Questrade stands out for its extensive range of asset classes and flexibility, making it particularly appealing for Canadian traders and investors who value both breadth and platform versatility. I appreciate the ability to access not just Canadian and US equities and ETFs, but also the depth of forex, index, commodity, and crypto markets through CFDs. The mix of spot and derivative products provides opportunities for various strategies, from long-term buy and hold to active leveraged trading.

The option to buy ETFs commission-free is a notable advantage for cost-conscious investors building diversified portfolios. For those looking for leverage or exposure to global markets, the availability of stock, index, commodity, and crypto CFDs, combined with major and minor forex pairs, creates a highly flexible trading environment. Margin requirements are competitive by Canadian standards, and the maximum leverage for forex trades caters well to both conservative and more aggressive trading styles.

Bond and mutual fund access, plus the inclusion of GICs, round out the offerings for those seeking fixed income and defensive diversification. However, direct access to physical cryptocurrencies is not available; crypto trading is limited to CFDs. There is also no support for staking, DeFi, or wallet withdrawals—so investors seeking on-chain functionality or to hold digital assets outright will find the platform lacking in this respect.

While Questrade does not provide NFTs or stablecoins, the inclusion of a demo account, modern platforms with strong research tools, and even Islamic-friendly investment options through its Zoya partnership, makes it a well-rounded choice. That said, active traders should be aware of inactivity fees on small balances and commission costs when selling ETFs or trading stocks. In summary, Questrade delivers a strong combination of traditional investing and more sophisticated trading capabilities within a secure, Canadian-regulated framework.

Trading Tools & Apps

Questrade provides a versatile platform suite that appeals to both novice and active traders in Canada, with a focus on asset diversity, real-time tools, and flexible trade execution. The Questrade Trading web interface is straightforward, highlighting usability through a clean design, clear workflow, and intuitive asset search—ideal for beginners learning to manage portfolios or place their first trades.

The Questrade Mobile app ensures that all key functions—portfolio tracking, order entry, alert management—are available on the go. The mobile layout is well-adapted for smaller screens, maintaining a responsive and robust experience without sacrificing accuracy or key features. While more advanced traders may find some customization limitations, the app covers most use cases required for daily monitoring and trading across asset classes.

For active users, Questrade Edge (available as both web and downloadable desktop versions) introduces advanced order types, multiple charting layouts, live streaming data, and a customizable workspace. I appreciate the broad order type selection—including conditional orders and bracket orders—for precise risk management. Charting and technical analysis toolsets are extensive, though less sophisticated than best-in-class standalone solutions like TradingView or MetaTrader. The absence of automated trading or an open API will be felt by algorithmic traders or those accustomed to scripting custom strategies.

While Questrade offers CFDs and forex—unusual strengths for a Canadian broker—it does not support MetaTrader 4/5, TradingView integration, crypto wallets, or staking. Execution is reliable for spot stock and ETF trades, and the ETF purchase commission-free model is a significant draw. Algorithmic trading, signal following, and deep scripting are not supported, but the inclusion of a comprehensive demo mode and a user-friendly environment make it a top pick for learning, manual trading, and building diversified portfolios within the Canadian regulatory framework.

Trader Tip

Use the Questrade demo account to practice complex order types and platform navigation before trading real money. Set up multi-asset watchlists and experiment with the advanced chart layouts in Questrade Edge to optimize your research workflow. Always enable two-factor authentication for top-tier account security, especially if you regularly switch between web, desktop, and mobile platforms.

Account Opening & Deposits

Account opening

To open a Questrade account, begin by completing the online registration form with your personal and contact details. You’ll be prompted to select the account type (e.g., self-directed, registered, margin) and set up login credentials. Next, you must complete KYC requirements, which include uploading a government-issued photo ID, proof of address, and entering your Social Insurance Number (SIN) for regulatory and tax purposes. Questrade will then guide you through a regulatory questionnaire covering your investment objectives and risk tolerance. All documents are securely uploaded online. The compliance team reviews your application, typically within 1–3 business days. Once approved, you’ll receive a confirmation email and can fund your new account.

Good to know

Selecting your base currency (CAD or USD) at registration can save you from unnecessary FX fees, especially if you plan to trade US-listed securities.

Deposits and withdrawals on Questrade

Questrade offers several ways to fund your account, including Interac Online, bill payment, pre-authorized deposit, wire transfer, and cheque. You can deposit CAD or USD; processing times are typically 1–2 business days for most methods. Deposits are free, but your bank may charge for wire transfers. Withdrawals can be made via electronic funds transfer (EFT) to your linked Canadian bank account or by wire transfer (higher fees apply). EFT withdrawals are free and usually processed within 1–2 business days; wire withdrawals incur a $20–$40 fee. There’s no support for credit card or e-wallet funding, nor direct stablecoin or crypto deposits/withdrawals. Questrade provides crypto and CFD exposure via their platforms, but all deposits and withdrawals are in fiat (CAD or USD).

Good to know

Confirm the currency of your Questrade account before making a deposit, as funding a USD account with CAD—or vice versa—will trigger a currency conversion and associated fee of 1.5–2% above spot.

Account Types

Questrade is a hybrid Canadian broker offering a wide selection of self-directed and managed accounts, including access to stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds, bonds, forex, and CFDs. Regulated by IIROC and a member of CIPF, it also provides halal investing solutions and demo trading, but does not support crypto wallets, staking, or true cold storage. Questrade's account options cover both the needs of traditional investors (valuable tax-advantaged and classic securities accounts) and active traders (including margin and access to leveraged forex/CFDs), while its fee structure is competitive within the Canadian landscape. Whether you are a beginner or advanced trader, Questrade’s platform flexibility and account diversity make it a strong choice for Canadians looking for both low costs and robust market access.

Trip

Before choosing your account type on Questrade, compare platform fees, commission structures, and available tools. If you're an active trader, the margin or CFD accounts offer leveraged access and more advanced features, while beginners might prefer starting with a demo or registered (TFSA/RRSP) account for risk management and tax advantages.

How does Questrade compare to competitors?

How does Questrade compare to competitors?

Customer reviews

Questrade has a Trustpilot score of 4.2 out of 5, based on more than 2,000 reviews as of 2024.

Les utilisateurs mettent en avant plusieurs aspects positifs de la plateforme, notamment :

• Easy account opening and user-friendly interface
• Low fees, especially free ETF purchases
• Wide variety of accounts and investment products, including FX and CFDs
• Helpful, responsive customer service
• Solid desktop platform with advanced trading tools

En revanche, plusieurs points négatifs sont régulièrement évoqués dans les avis :

• Platform speed and occasional technical issues, especially during peak trading times
• Trading commissions on stocks and ETF sales
• Limited research tools compared to some competitors
• Currency conversion fees are relatively high
• No direct crypto purchases (only available via CFDs)

Voici quelques exemples représentatifs d’avis publiés sur Trustpilot :

_A.L. – 15/06/2024 : “Great platform for Canadians, low fees and easy to use.”_ _M.J. – 27/04/2024 : “Customer service is responsive and helpful, but the platform can be slow at times.”_ _S.P. – 11/03/2024 : “Love the free ETF purchases, but wish there were more research tools.”_

FAQ

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.