My opinion on RBC
RBC Direct Investing stands as the brokerage arm of the Royal Bank of Canada, established in 1999, and serves hundreds of thousands of Canadian investors with a strong reputation for banking-integrated investment solutions.RBC earns a mid-level rating due to competitive security and asset variety, but is marked down for relatively high trading fees and limited access to modern instruments such as CFDs, forex, and direct crypto.The broker is highly regulated by Canadian authorities (OSFI, IIROC) and is a member of the CIPF, providing strong investor protection and reliability.Compared to its main bank competitors, RBC offers similar features and pricing (stocks and ETFs at $9.95 per trade), yet stands out with its demo account, an asset not widely offered even among the Big Five.User reviews highlight robust digital tools but cite customer service delays and higher-than-average costs; RBC's Trustpilot score is 1.5/5 with over 2,000 reviews, pointing to some client dissatisfaction, mostly around support wait times and fees.Overall, RBC is best-positioned for clients seeking comprehensive banking-investment integration, robust regulation, and convenient portfolio management within a traditional Canadian institution.From my experience, RBC is ideally suited for the following trader profiles:
➡️ Traditional investors looking for bank integration: Best for clients who already bank with RBC and want a seamless connection between their banking and investment accounts.
➡️ Security-focused long-term investors: Ideal for those who prioritize strong Canadian regulatory protection (IIROC, CIPF) and stability over the lowest fees or most advanced trading features.
➡️ Beginner to intermediate investors who value guidance tools: A good fit for users seeking reliable research, portfolio tracking, and demo account access within a trusted institutional framework—even if at a slightly higher cost.
- ✅Highly regulated and secure (IIROC/OSFI/CDIC/CIPF membership)
- ✅No minimum deposit required for most account types
- ✅Practice (demo) account available for hands-on learning
- ✅Seamless integration between banking and investing services
- ✅Wide range of traditional assets: stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, options, GICs
- ✅Solid mobile and web trading platform with real-time quotes and portfolio analysis
- ✅Advanced order types (market, limit, stop, etc.) supported
- ✅Multilingual (English/French) customer support with extensive branch network
- ✅No annual or deposit/withdrawal fees for self-directed investment accounts
- ✅Investor protection for eligible accounts via CIPF
- ❌Higher trading fees ($9.95 per trade) than discount brokers
- ❌No access to CFDs, forex, or direct crypto trading (only via ETFs/mutual funds)
- ❌Limited leverage (2:1) and only for approved margin accounts
- ❌No copy trading, social trading, or API/automated trading tools
- ❌Potential inactivity fees on accounts with a low balance and little activity
- ❌No Islamic (swap-free) account options
- ❌Customer support may experience long wait times during peak periods
- ❌No direct commodity or index trading (only via ETFs/funds)
- ❌No crypto wallet, staking, lending, or DeFi features
- ❌Trustpilot user reviews highlight both usability and frequent support issues
Score- ✅Highly regulated and secure (IIROC/OSFI/CDIC/CIPF membership)
- ✅No minimum deposit required for most account types
- ✅Practice (demo) account available for hands-on learning
- ✅Seamless integration between banking and investing services
- ✅Wide range of traditional assets: stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, options, GICs
- ✅Solid mobile and web trading platform with real-time quotes and portfolio analysis
- ✅Advanced order types (market, limit, stop, etc.) supported
- ✅Multilingual (English/French) customer support with extensive branch network
- ✅No annual or deposit/withdrawal fees for self-directed investment accounts
- ✅Investor protection for eligible accounts via CIPF
My opinion on RBC
- ✅Highly regulated and secure (IIROC/OSFI/CDIC/CIPF membership)
- ✅No minimum deposit required for most account types
- ✅Practice (demo) account available for hands-on learning
- ✅Seamless integration between banking and investing services
- ✅Wide range of traditional assets: stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, options, GICs
- ✅Solid mobile and web trading platform with real-time quotes and portfolio analysis
- ✅Advanced order types (market, limit, stop, etc.) supported
- ✅Multilingual (English/French) customer support with extensive branch network
- ✅No annual or deposit/withdrawal fees for self-directed investment accounts
- ✅Investor protection for eligible accounts via CIPF
- ❌Higher trading fees ($9.95 per trade) than discount brokers
- ❌No access to CFDs, forex, or direct crypto trading (only via ETFs/mutual funds)
- ❌Limited leverage (2:1) and only for approved margin accounts
- ❌No copy trading, social trading, or API/automated trading tools
- ❌Potential inactivity fees on accounts with a low balance and little activity
- ❌No Islamic (swap-free) account options
- ❌Customer support may experience long wait times during peak periods
- ❌No direct commodity or index trading (only via ETFs/funds)
- ❌No crypto wallet, staking, lending, or DeFi features
- ❌Trustpilot user reviews highlight both usability and frequent support issues
Score- ✅Highly regulated and secure (IIROC/OSFI/CDIC/CIPF membership)
- ✅No minimum deposit required for most account types
- ✅Practice (demo) account available for hands-on learning
- ✅Seamless integration between banking and investing services
- ✅Wide range of traditional assets: stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, options, GICs
- ✅Solid mobile and web trading platform with real-time quotes and portfolio analysis
- ✅Advanced order types (market, limit, stop, etc.) supported
- ✅Multilingual (English/French) customer support with extensive branch network
- ✅No annual or deposit/withdrawal fees for self-directed investment accounts
- ✅Investor protection for eligible accounts via CIPF
Why trust Hellosafe?
I spent quality time personally testing RBC by opening an investment account, placing trades, and using both their web and mobile platforms. I checked fee transparency, evaluated the research and order tools, and even measured how long it took to reach a real person at customer support. My experience helped me see how RBC stands up for day-to-day use—not just in theory.
Through my own trading and direct comparison with other major Canadian banks and discount online brokers, I found RBC reliable and exceptionally robust on the security and regulation front. Its main advantages are the full range of account types, solid practice account, and seamless integration with banking—though it does come with higher standard fees, little for active traders, and no direct access to forex or crypto.
My verdict is experience-based: the platform is best for Canadians who want safe, one-stop investing with the backing of a big bank. It’s less ideal for those seeking ultra-low costs, advanced trading features, or direct crypto/CFD exposure. I share these insights so you have a transparent view of whether RBC’s offer matches your needs in the real world.
RBC at a Glance
| Fonctionnalité | Détail |
|---|---|
| 💰 Minimum deposit | $0 for most accounts (investment accounts may have a $0–$1,000 minimum depending on type) |
| 🛡️ Regulation | OSFI (banking), IIROC (investing), CIPF/CDIC member |
| 🪙 Crypto license | No direct license; crypto access only via ETFs or mutual funds |
| 📝 FSMA registration | Not applicable |
| 📈 Available assets | Thousands: stocks (Cdn/US/int'l), ETFs, bonds, options, mutual funds, GICs |
| 📊 Trading platforms | RBC Online Banking (web & mobile), RBC Direct Investing (web & mobile) |
| 🛠️ Trading tools | Real-time quotes, portfolio analysis, research tools, watchlists, advanced order types |
| 🧪 Demo account | Yes (practice account with virtual funds, via RBC Direct Investing) |
| ☪️ Islamic account | Not available |
| 🔑 Key order types | Market, Limit, Stop-loss, Stop-limit, Trailing stop, Conditional |
| ⚡ Leverage | Up to 2:1 on margin accounts (stocks only, subject to approval) |
| 💸 Fees | $9.95/trade stocks & ETFs ($6.95 for active traders), options $9.95 + $1.25/contract, account/inactivity fees may apply |
| 📞 Customer support | 24/7 phone, secure online message, in-branch, live chat (limited hours), English & French support |
| 🌟 Trustpilot reviews | 1.5 / 5 (2,000+ reviews, as of July 2025) |
Security & Regulation
As a leading Canadian bank and a pillar of the country’s financial system, RBC delivers one of the highest levels of security and reliability currently available to retail investors. The bank’s brokerage arm, RBC Direct Investing, is regulated by IIROC—Canada’s top tier for investment firms—and client accounts are protected by the Canadian Investor Protection Fund. This means assets enjoy strong legal safeguards and oversight, and banking deposits are further covered by CDIC where eligible.
RBC operates with strict fund segregation. Even though clients do not have access to leveraged contracts for difference or direct crypto, this conservatism actually enhances risk management and asset protection. Controls such as negative balance protection for margin accounts, two-factor authentication, and robust infrastructure for fraud prevention make the platform particularly sound for retail and registered accounts.
Its century-plus track record, established brand reputation, and recognition as Canada’s largest financial institution further reinforce the platform’s reliability. While user reviews often cite higher fees and some support bottlenecks, these do not impact the safety or solvency of the institution in any way.
| Indicator | Description | Evaluation |
|---|---|---|
| Regulatory compliance | IIROC, CIPF member, OSFI, CDIC for banking—highest standard in Canada, though no direct crypto licensing | 5/5 |
| Fund security | Full segregation of client funds, institutional-grade safety, strong CIPF/banking protection; no crypto custody needed | 5/5 |
| Risk management tools | Two-factor authentication, negative balance prevention, strong privacy and fraud protocols | 4.5/5 |
| Notoriety and coverage | Over 150 years of operation, dominant user base, widely-cited as a model of Canadian financial reliability, Trustpilot 1.5/5 rating | 5/5 |
Fees, Spreads & Commissions
RBC employs a traditional fee structure that is typical of Canada’s major banks, particularly in its investment accounts. I find the account-related fees to be generally on the higher side relative to fintech competitors, especially for smaller or less active accounts. Most standard accounts have no opening fee and are free to maintain, but specific investment products such as margin accounts or specialized account types may have minimum deposit requirements or conditions for waived monthly fees.
RBC’s commissions for stocks and ETFs are positioned squarely within the premium broker tier. For self-directed trading, the $9.95 flat-fee per online trade ($6.95 for active traders) is significantly above the $0 commission structure of newer discount brokers. However, there are no added spread markups on most equity trades, which adds rate transparency compared to some all-in-one platforms. There is no trading of spot forex, direct crypto, or CFDs, so there are no spreads, rollovers, or overnight financing to worry about in these asset classes.
Hidden costs at RBC are primarily related to currency conversion and inactivity on low-balance accounts. Converting USD/CAD incurs a markup of 1.5%–2.5% over the interbank rate, which can materially impact frequent US asset traders. Most deposits and withdrawals are free if you use RBC ATMs or bank transfers; however, wire transfers, international withdrawals, and cheque processing may involve service fees—details that investors should track to avoid surprises. Inactivity fees may apply on small, dormant investment accounts, another factor that can erode returns for low-frequency investors.
What are the account-related fees?
| Fee Type | Conditions at RBC | Market Average |
|---|---|---|
| Opening fee | $0 | $0–$50 |
| Maintenance fee | $0 (for most accounts); $10–$30/month for premium banking | $0–$10/month (basic); $25+ (premium) |
| Withdrawal fee | $0 (RBC ATM/bank transfer); $15+ (wire, cheque) | $0–$10 standard; $20–$40 (wire) |
| Inactivity fee | $25/quarter (if balance <$10,000, no trades in period) | $10–$25/quarter |
| Currency conversion fee | 1.5%–2.5% above interbank rate | 1.0%–2.0% |
Expert advice – Tip:
To reduce trading costs, structure your transactions in fewer, larger trades rather than many small ones—this minimizes commission impact. If you invest in both CAD and USD products, consider opening a USD-denominated account to avoid repeated currency conversions.
What are the fees on stocks and ETFs?
RBC’s self-directed investment accounts charge a $9.95 flat-fee (per trade) for stocks and ETFs, which is standard among major Canadian banks but expensive versus zero-commission brokers. There are no hidden spread markups or custody fees for standard accounts, and overnight fees do not apply to cash equity holdings. Keep in mind that UK-listed stocks may carry an additional government stamp duty tax — RBC simply passes this through when relevant. The absence of overnight or custody costs is a mark in RBC’s favor for long-term investors, but the high commissions make it suitable mainly for buy-and-hold strategies.
| Fee Type | Conditions at RBC | Market Average |
|---|---|---|
| Commission | $9.95 per trade ($6.95 for active traders) | $0–$10 (discount: $0) |
| Spread fee | $0 (trades at market/limit price) | $0–$1 |
| Overnight fee | $0 (no margin financing on cash equities) | $0 |
| Custody fee | $0 | $0–$50/year |
| UK stamp duty tax | 0.5% (on UK stocks, as per government law) | 0.5% |
What are the fees on cryptocurrencies?
RBC does not currently provide direct cryptocurrency trading or custody. Exposure is only available via ETFs or funds, so there are no buy/sell, spread, overnight, or custody fees specific to crypto trading through RBC. Instead, fees are determined by the ETF or mutual fund providers, typically a management fee of 0.75%–1.5% per year. As such, direct crypto trading costs do not apply here.
| Fee Type | Conditions at RBC | Market Average (crypto/CFD brokers) |
|---|---|---|
| Buy/sell fees | Not applicable (crypto not offered directly) | 0.1%–1% per trade |
| Spread fees | Not applicable | 0.1%–2% |
| Overnight fees | Not applicable | 0.02%–0.1%/day (CFD) |
| Custody fees | Not applicable | $0–$300/year or % AUM |
| Transfer fees | Not applicable | $0–$20 per transfer |
Assets & Markets
RBC’s asset offering is comprehensive for traditional Canadian investors, providing access to nearly all major stocks and ETFs from Canada, the U.S., and selective international markets. I value the strong breadth and the deep liquidity found in its spot equity and ETF lineup, making RBC a practical choice for investors aiming to build diversified portfolios through well-regulated channels. Mutual funds, GICs, and options also form an important part of the platform’s ecosystem, catering to a wide range of investor preferences and objectives.
One clear limitation is the absence of direct trading access to non-equity markets that have gained relevance—particularly spot cryptocurrencies, CFDs, and direct forex trading. Crypto exposure is possible only through ETFs or mutual funds tracking digital assets, which lack the flexibility and immediacy of actual spot or CFD trading. For commodities or indices, RBC relies on ETF and mutual fund wrappers rather than pure spot or derivative markets, which means investors cannot access these markets with the same leverage or granularity as on specialist platforms.
Another notable point is that while bonds and GICs are well-supported, investors looking for global diversification in fixed income will find a respectable—if not sector-leading—lineup. No staking, stablecoin, NFT, or other digital asset features are present, which tilts the platform heavily toward conventional wealth management and away from modern digital asset trends.
Overall, RBC’s asset menu is ideal for Canadian residents seeking stability, strong regulatory protection, and integration with wide-ranging banking services. Those with an appetite for leveraged, decentralized, or emerging-market digital assets will need to supplement their strategy elsewhere.
| Asset Class | Type | Number at RBC | Market Average | Example Assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stocks | Spot | Thousands | Thousands | RBC, Shopify, Apple, Microsoft |
| ETFs | Spot | Hundreds | Hundreds–Thousands | iShares S&P/TSX 60, Vanguard VSP |
| Cryptocurrencies | ETF/MF only | 20+ (via ETFs/MF) | 10–50+ (indirect via ETF) | Purpose Bitcoin ETF, ETHH.TO |
| Currencies | Exchange only | N/A | 20–100 (spot/CFD elsewhere) | CAD/USD, USD/EUR (fiat exchange) |
| Commodities | ETF/MF only | 20+ (via ETFs/MF) | 10–100+ (indirect) | SPDR Gold ETF, iShares CGL |
| Indices | ETF/MF only | 10+ (via ETFs/MF) | 20–100 (direct or ETF) | XIU.TO, VOO (S&P 500 ETF) |
| Bonds | Spot | Dozens | Dozens–Hundreds | Government of Canada, RBC bonds |
| Stablecoins | Not available | 0 | 1–5 (rare, crypto only) | — |
| NFTs | Not available | 0 | 5–50+ (crypto only) | — |
| Other derivatives | Not available | 0 | 10–100+ (specialist) | — |
Trading Tools & Apps
RBC offers a reliable and secure platform environment that is tailored for traditional investors. The RBC Direct Investing web and mobile platforms provide direct access to Canadian and U.S. stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds, and fixed income products, all in a highly regulated setting. I appreciate the clean and logical interface, particularly for beginners and retail investors, as features are presented in a user-friendly format without unnecessary clutter.
The web platform stands out for its clear dashboard, intuitive order entry, and strong watchlist management. It includes real-time quotes (for active clients), advanced order types like limit, stop-loss, stop-limit, trailing stop, and conditional orders, plus strong portfolio analysis and research integration. I consider the practice (demo) account a major advantage, as it allows newcomers to learn risk-free with virtual funds—something largely missing from other Canadian banks’ brokerages.
The mobile app extends nearly all core trading functions to a smaller format and supports portfolio management on the go. While it covers the essentials—order placement, watchlists, performance tracking—it does not offer the technical analysis depth or customization available on platforms like MetaTrader or TradingView. For charting and technical analysis, built-in tools are sufficient for basic trend-following and indicator overlays, but they may be restrictive for advanced traders wanting to use complex studies, custom scripts, or multi-timeframe analysis.
Order execution is very stable and transparent within retail market standards, but RBC does not provide access to algorithmic trading, auto trading/bots, API connectivity, or copy trading features. This limits its appeal for users seeking quantitative strategies or deep automation. There is also no support for CFD, spot forex, or direct cryptocurrency trading; the focus remains strictly on traditional assets, with crypto exposure only possible via ETFs and mutual funds. Staking, earn, or DeFi services are not part of the platform.
The lack of advanced automation, third-party integrations, or a dedicated trader terminal makes the platform less optimal for professional or high-frequency users. However, its safety, direct asset ownership, and full account integration with RBC banking offer tremendous peace of mind, especially for clients prioritizing security and convenience.
| Feature | Verified Details |
|---|---|
| Mobile app (MetaTrader, TradingView, crypto app, mobile wallet) | RBC Direct Investing app (iOS/Android); no MetaTrader, TradingView, or crypto wallet support |
| Usability (fluid or technical interface) | Modern, fluid, beginner-friendly interface on web and mobile |
| Compatible software (MetaTrader 4/5, TradingView, proprietary platform, API for crypto) | Proprietary RBC web and mobile platforms only; no MT4/5, TradingView, or API for algo/crypto |
| Order types (market, limit, stop-loss, take-profit, trailing stop, OCO orders) | Market, limit, stop-loss, stop-limit, trailing stop, conditional orders; no OCO or take-profit flow |
| Charting and technical analysis (built-in indicators, advanced tools) | Built-in basic charting and indicators; advanced studies and custom scripting not available |
| Auto trading / Automated strategies (Expert Advisors, bots, copy trading, API) | Not supported; fully manual trading only |
| Algorithmic trading (custom scripts, coded strategies or AI) | Not supported |
| Negative balance protection (for CFD/Forex) | Not applicable; no CFD/forex trading |
| Trading signals (via TradingView or crypto tools) | Not supported on the platform |
| Asset search and filters (for crypto and CFD/Forex) | Robust asset search/filtering for listed stocks, ETFs, etc.; no crypto or CFD/forex assets |
| Spot stock purchase (if available or CFD-only) | Yes, direct spot stock and ETF trading |
| Staking and earn (for crypto brokers) | Not supported |
Trader Tip
Take full advantage of the RBC Direct Investing demo account to familiarize yourself with the interface and practice advanced order types like trailing stop and conditional orders—this ensures smoother execution when trading real funds. For added account security, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) via online banking settings.
Account Opening & Deposits
Account opening
To open an account with RBC, start by filling out the online application or visiting a branch. You will be prompted to provide your personal information, including employment details and contact information. Identity verification is required: upload a government-issued photo ID (such as a passport or driver’s license) and proof of address. For investment accounts, your Social Insurance Number (SIN) is also necessary for tax reporting and regulatory purposes. You'll complete a brief regulatory questionnaire to determine your investor profile and comply with KYC/AML rules. Once your documents are submitted, RBC reviews your application, which generally takes 1–3 business days. Upon approval, you receive a confirmation email with instructions to access your new account and start banking or investing.
Good to know
Decide on your primary account currency (CAD or USD) at the start to match your main source of deposits and intended investments, which helps you minimize conversion fees going forward.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening procedure | Online or in-branch application, KYC questionnaire, upload ID and proof of address |
| Validation time | 1–3 business days |
| Accepted deposit methods | Interac e-Transfer, bank transfer, cheque, wire transfer, cash (at branch/ATM) |
| Minimum required deposit | $0 for standard accounts; investment accounts may require minimum (usually $0–$1,000) |
| Required documents | Government-issued photo ID, proof of address, SIN (for investments) |
| Practical tip | Bring or upload clear, recent documents and know your SIN to avoid approval delays |
Deposits and withdrawals on RBC
RBC supports several deposit and withdrawal options for both banking and investment accounts. Funds can be deposited instantly via Interac e-Transfer or cash at an RBC ATM or branch; bank transfers and cheques are also accepted, typically processing in 1–2 business days. Wire transfers are available for both domestic and international funding, with processing in 1–3 business days and potential fees. Withdrawals can be made via ATM, online banking transfer, wire transfer, or by requesting a cheque. Most withdrawals to RBC or other Canadian bank accounts are free, but fees may apply for outgoing wires or using non-RBC ATMs. RBC accounts use CAD or USD, and currency conversion fees may apply if you transact across currencies. RBC does not support e-wallet, stablecoin, or crypto transactions, and there is no integrated crypto wallet or fiat-to-crypto conversion.
Good to know
Before making a large transfer, check both your account currency and any potential processing fees or banking holidays that could delay your deposit or withdrawal.
| Payment method | Accepted currencies | Minimum amount | Processing time | Possible fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit card | Not supported | – | – | – |
| Bank transfer | CAD, USD | $0 | 1–2 business days | None |
| E-wallets | Not supported | – | – | – |
| Stablecoins or cryptos | Not supported | – | – | – |
| Other local options | Interac e-Transfer (CAD), cheque (CAD, USD), cash at branch/ATM | $0 | Instant–5 business days (cheque) | None for Interac or cheque; wire transfer fees may apply |
Account Types
RBC is a leading Canadian financial institution and full-service investment broker, focusing on traditional banking and investing rather than CFD, forex, or crypto trading. Through RBC Direct Investing, clients can access a broad suite of account types including chequing, savings, personal and business investment accounts, and all major forms of registered (tax-advantaged) accounts like TFSA, RRSP, and RESP. While RBC provides a demo (practice) account for risk-free exploration, it does not offer specialized trading options found on CFD or crypto platforms—such as Raw ECN, Islamic accounts, professional or leveraged CFD accounts, or direct crypto services like staking or cold storage. All accounts support CAD and USD.
| Account Type | Available | Main Features |
|---|---|---|
| Demo account | ✅ | Practice (virtual) account available via RBC Direct Investing for safe platform exploration |
| Standard account | ✅ | Cash, margin, personal, joint, business investment, and banking accounts |
| Raw ECN account | ❌ | Not offered; no access to ECN/pricing or direct market access |
| Islamic account | ❌ | Not available; no swap-free or Sharia-compliant options |
| Professional account | ❌ | No pro-tier or professional accounts; same features for all verified account holders |
| CFD account | ❌ | Not supported; no leveraged CFD or forex trading |
| Classic securities account | ✅ | Trade and hold stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, GICs, and options |
| Staking/earn account | ❌ | Not available; no crypto staking or yield features |
| Cold storage account | ❌ | Not supported; no crypto custody, wallet, or self-custody features |
| Tax-advantaged account | ✅ | TFSA, RRSP, RESP, LIRA, RRIF, LIF, with full Canadian tax benefits |
| Accepted base currencies | ✅ | CAD and USD supported for all relevant account types |
Tip
If you’re deciding between account types at RBC, think about how you’ll use the account: opt for registered plans (TFSA, RRSP) for tax benefits, and try the demo account to get comfortable with the platform before committing funds—especially if you’re a new investor.
How RBC Compares to Competitors
How does RBC compare to competitors?
| Feature | RBC | TD Direct Investing | Scotia iTrade | BMO InvestorLine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 | $0 | $0 | |
| Number of instruments | Thousands (Stocks, ETFs, Options, Mutual Funds, Bonds, GICs) | Thousands (Stocks, ETFs, Options, Mutual Funds, Bonds, GICs) | Thousands (Stocks, ETFs, Options, Mutual Funds, Bonds, GICs) | |
| Spreads (examples) | Stocks/ETFs: $9.99/trade; options: $9.99 + $1.25/contract | Stocks/ETFs: $9.99/trade; options: $9.99 + $1.25/contract | Stocks/ETFs: $9.95/trade; options: $9.95 + $1.25/contract | |
| Trading platforms | WebBroker, Advanced Dashboard (Desktop), Mobile App | Web Platform, FlightDesk (Desktop), Mobile App | Web Platform, Mobile App | |
| Regulation | CIRO, CIPF Member | CIRO, CIPF Member | CIRO, CIPF Member | |
| Demo account | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Copy trading | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Read the review | Read the review TD Direct Investing | Read the review Scotia iTrade | Read the review BMO InvestorLine |
Customer reviews
RBC currently has a Trustpilot rating of 1.5 out of 5, based on over 2,000 reviews.
Les utilisateurs mettent en avant plusieurs aspects positifs de la plateforme, notamment :
- Access to a wide range of banking and investment services
- User-friendly online banking and investment app
- Strong integration between banking and investing accounts
- Extensive branch network providing in-person support
En revanche, plusieurs points négatifs sont régulièrement évoqués dans les avis :
- Long wait times for customer service, especially by phone
- Higher fees compared to some online-only platforms
- Occasional technical issues with transactions or transfers
- Limited access to advanced trading tools and no direct crypto or forex trading
Voici quelques exemples représentatifs d’avis publiés sur Trustpilot :
_J.L. – 06/05/2025 : “Long wait times for customer service, but the online banking app is easy to use.”_
_S.P. – 24/04/2025 : “Fees are higher than some online banks, but I appreciate the branch network.”_
_A.F. – 10/04/2025 : “Had issues with a wire transfer, but the staff resolved it after a few calls.”_
FAQ
Is RBC regulated in CA?
RBC is fully regulated in Canada as a federally chartered bank, supervised by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI). RBC Direct Investing, its brokerage arm, is a member of CIRO (formerly IIROC) and the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF), ensuring high standards of investor protection.
What is the minimum deposit on RBC?
Most RBC accounts, including standard banking and self-directed investing accounts, have no minimum deposit requirement. However, depending on the investment account type or promotions, you may be asked to deposit a minimum amount ranging from $0 to $1,000 when opening a new account.
Does RBC offer a welcome bonus?
RBC occasionally offers welcome bonuses or promotional cash offers for new banking or investing clients, particularly on chequing accounts or investment platforms. These offers change frequently and often have specific criteria, so it’s best to check the RBC website or speak with an advisor for current details.
How does leverage work on RBC?
Leverage is available through margin accounts on RBC Direct Investing, typically offering up to 2:1 leverage on eligible stocks, in line with Canadian regulatory standards. There is no leverage available for mutual funds, GICs, or standard cash accounts, and leveraged trading is not permitted for forex or crypto products.
How does RBC make money?
RBC’s revenue comes from a variety of sources: account fees, loan and credit interest, service charges, and commissions on investment trades. RBC Direct Investing specifically charges commissions for stock ($9.95 per trade) and options trading, as well as earning interest on client balances and margin loans.
Who is behind RBC?
RBC, or Royal Bank of Canada, is one of Canada’s oldest and largest financial institutions, established in 1864. It is headquartered in Toronto and operates globally, offering a full suite of banking, investing, and financial services to millions of clients.
When was RBC launched?
RBC traces its roots to 1864 and has grown to become the largest bank in Canada by assets and market capitalization. RBC Direct Investing, its online brokerage service, has served Canadian investors since 1999.
Does RBC offer copy trading or social trading?
No, RBC Direct Investing does not provide copy trading or social trading features. All trading and investment decisions must be made directly by the account holder, using the available research and trading tools.
How can I contact RBC’s customer service?
You can contact RBC customer service 24/7 by phone for banking and basic inquiries, or during business hours for investment support. Additionally, support is available via secure online messaging through online banking, in-branch visits, live chat at select times, and email for general questions.
Does RBC offer any promotions or referral programs?
RBC periodically runs promotions for new clients, which may include cash bonuses or special rates for opening qualifying accounts. Referral programs are not standard, but select offers may appear from time to time. Always check RBC’s official channels for the latest promotions.
Is RBC regulated in CA?
RBC is fully regulated in Canada as a federally chartered bank, supervised by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI). RBC Direct Investing, its brokerage arm, is a member of CIRO (formerly IIROC) and the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF), ensuring high standards of investor protection.
What is the minimum deposit on RBC?
Most RBC accounts, including standard banking and self-directed investing accounts, have no minimum deposit requirement. However, depending on the investment account type or promotions, you may be asked to deposit a minimum amount ranging from $0 to $1,000 when opening a new account.
Does RBC offer a welcome bonus?
RBC occasionally offers welcome bonuses or promotional cash offers for new banking or investing clients, particularly on chequing accounts or investment platforms. These offers change frequently and often have specific criteria, so it’s best to check the RBC website or speak with an advisor for current details.
How does leverage work on RBC?
Leverage is available through margin accounts on RBC Direct Investing, typically offering up to 2:1 leverage on eligible stocks, in line with Canadian regulatory standards. There is no leverage available for mutual funds, GICs, or standard cash accounts, and leveraged trading is not permitted for forex or crypto products.
How does RBC make money?
RBC’s revenue comes from a variety of sources: account fees, loan and credit interest, service charges, and commissions on investment trades. RBC Direct Investing specifically charges commissions for stock ($9.95 per trade) and options trading, as well as earning interest on client balances and margin loans.
Who is behind RBC?
RBC, or Royal Bank of Canada, is one of Canada’s oldest and largest financial institutions, established in 1864. It is headquartered in Toronto and operates globally, offering a full suite of banking, investing, and financial services to millions of clients.
When was RBC launched?
RBC traces its roots to 1864 and has grown to become the largest bank in Canada by assets and market capitalization. RBC Direct Investing, its online brokerage service, has served Canadian investors since 1999.
Does RBC offer copy trading or social trading?
No, RBC Direct Investing does not provide copy trading or social trading features. All trading and investment decisions must be made directly by the account holder, using the available research and trading tools.
How can I contact RBC’s customer service?
You can contact RBC customer service 24/7 by phone for banking and basic inquiries, or during business hours for investment support. Additionally, support is available via secure online messaging through online banking, in-branch visits, live chat at select times, and email for general questions.
Does RBC offer any promotions or referral programs?
RBC periodically runs promotions for new clients, which may include cash bonuses or special rates for opening qualifying accounts. Referral programs are not standard, but select offers may appear from time to time. Always check RBC’s official channels for the latest promotions.
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