Highest Rated Brokers in the United States

Dive into our toplist of regulated and trusted brokers that we tested with real money. Every broker is available in United States.

1
Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers

Stock score: ★ 4.5/5

2
Admirals (Admiral Markets)

Admirals (Admiral Markets)

Stock score: ★ 4.7/5

3
IG

IG

Stock score: ★ 3.2/5

4
Alpaca Trading

Alpaca Trading

Stock score: ★ 5.0/5

5
FXCM

FXCM

Stock score: ★ 4.3/5

6
IC Markets

IC Markets

Stock score: ★ 3.6/5

7
Pepperstone

Pepperstone

Stock score: ★ 3.7/5

8
Spreadex

Spreadex

Stock score: ★ 4.5/5

9
Axi

Axi

Stock score: ★ 5/5

Find below the strengths of the best stock trading platforms available updated for 2025:

  • Interactive Brokers – the best stock broker in 2025. Extremely low fees. Wide range of products. Many great research tools.
  • TradeStation Global – Low stock and ETF fees. Wide range of products. Easy-to-use web trading platform.
  • MEXEM – Low stock and ETF fees. Wide range of products. Many great research tools.
  • XTB – Commission-free stocks and ETFs (for trades up to €100k per month). Free and fast deposit and withdrawal. Easy and fast account opening. Interest paid on cash.
  • Trading 212 – Real stocks and ETFs are commission-free (other fees may apply). Quick and easy account opening. Great trading platforms. Pays interest on uninvested cash in an investment account.
  • CapTrader – Low stock and ETF fees. Wide range of products. Many great research tools. Pays interest on uninvested cash.
  • Zacks Trade – Low fees. Extensive stock and ETF selection. Great customer service.
  • Alpaca Trading – Great API trading service. Free stock & ETF trading. Fantastic charting tools.
  • Oanda – Great trading platforms. Outstanding research tools. Fast and user-friendly account opening.
  • XM – Low stock index CFD and withdrawal fees. Easy and fast account opening. Great educational tools.

Overview of the best stock brokers

While many online stock brokers offer an excellent service, the ones in our toplist go the extra mile.

1. Interactive Brokers

  • Minimum Deposit: Interactive Brokers requires a minimum deposit of $0 for U.S. clients, though some accounts may have higher requirements based on the type of account or country of residence.
  • Time to Open Account: Account opening with Interactive Brokers typically takes 1-3 business days after submitting all necessary documentation, depending on the complexity of your application.

2. TradeStation Global

  • Minimum Deposit: TradeStation Global offers a minimum deposit of $500 for cash accounts, and higher for margin accounts.
  • Time to Open Account: The account opening process for TradeStation Global can take anywhere from 1-2 business days, depending on the completeness of your application.

3. MEXEM

  • Minimum Deposit: MEXEM requires a minimum deposit of $2,000 for a trading account.
  • Time to Open Account: MEXEM typically takes about 2-3 business days to process your application and activate your account, provided all documentation is complete.

4. XTB

  • Minimum Deposit: XTB requires a minimum deposit of $250 to open a standard trading account.
  • Time to Open Account: The account opening process with XTB usually takes 1-2 business days once you have submitted the required identification and proof of address.

5. Trading 212

  • Minimum Deposit: Trading 212 has no minimum deposit for its standard accounts, making it one of the most accessible brokers.
  • Time to Open Account: Opening an account with Trading 212 is fast, with most users able to complete the process within a few minutes online, with full verification taking 1-2 business days.

 

6. CapTrader

  • Minimum Deposit: CapTrader requires a minimum deposit of €2,000 or its equivalent in other currencies.
  • Time to Open Account: It typically takes 1-3 business days for CapTrader to process your account application once all necessary documents have been provided.

7. Zacks Trade

  • Minimum Deposit: Zacks Trade has a minimum deposit of $2,500 for standard brokerage accounts.
  • Time to Open Account: The time to open an account with Zacks Trade is generally 1-3 business days, depending on how quickly they can verify your details.

8. Alpaca Trading

  • Minimum Deposit: Alpaca Trading has no minimum deposit requirement, which makes it an excellent option for traders who are just starting out.
  • Time to Open Account: The account setup with Alpaca is quite fast, often completed in a matter of hours to 1-2 business days, depending on verification processes.

9. Oanda

  • Minimum Deposit: Oanda requires a minimum deposit of $0 to open a standard account, making it very accessible.
  • Time to Open Account: The account opening process is typically completed within 1-2 business days, with some clients able to start trading within hours of application submission.

10. XM

  • Minimum Deposit: XM requires a minimum deposit of $5 to open a trading account, making it one of the most affordable brokers for new traders.
  • Time to Open Account: XM’s account opening process is very quick, with most users able to complete registration and verification in as little as 1 business day.

 

Popularity of the best stock brokers

1. Interactive Brokers

  • Minimum Deposit: Interactive Brokers requires a minimum deposit of $0 for U.S. clients, though some accounts may have higher requirements based on the type of account or country of residence.
  • Time to Open Account: Account opening with Interactive Brokers typically takes 1-3 business days after submitting all necessary documentation, depending on the complexity of your application.

2. TradeStation Global

  • Minimum Deposit: TradeStation Global offers a minimum deposit of $500 for cash accounts, and higher for margin accounts.
  • Time to Open Account: The account opening process for TradeStation Global can take anywhere from 1-2 business days, depending on the completeness of your application.

3. MEXEM

  • Minimum Deposit: MEXEM requires a minimum deposit of $2,000 for a trading account.
  • Time to Open Account: MEXEM typically takes about 2-3 business days to process your application and activate your account, provided all documentation is complete.

4. XTB

  • Minimum Deposit: XTB requires a minimum deposit of $250 to open a standard trading account.
  • Time to Open Account: The account opening process with XTB usually takes 1-2 business days once you have submitted the required identification and proof of address.

5. Trading 212

  • Minimum Deposit: Trading 212 has no minimum deposit for its standard accounts, making it one of the most accessible brokers.
  • Time to Open Account: Opening an account with Trading 212 is fast, with most users able to complete the process within a few minutes online, with full verification taking 1-2 business days.

6. CapTrader

  • Minimum Deposit: CapTrader requires a minimum deposit of €2,000 or its equivalent in other currencies.
  • Time to Open Account: It typically takes 1-3 business days for CapTrader to process your account application once all necessary documents have been provided.

7. Zacks Trade

  • Minimum Deposit: Zacks Trade has a minimum deposit of $2,500 for standard brokerage accounts.
  • Time to Open Account: The time to open an account with Zacks Trade is generally 1-3 business days, depending on how quickly they can verify your details.

8. Alpaca Trading

  • Minimum Deposit: Alpaca Trading has no minimum deposit requirement, which makes it an excellent option for traders who are just starting out.
  • Time to Open Account: The account setup with Alpaca is quite fast, often completed in a matter of hours to 1-2 business days, depending on verification processes.

9. Oanda

  • Minimum Deposit: Oanda requires a minimum deposit of $0 to open a standard account, making it very accessible.
  • Time to Open Account: The account opening process is typically completed within 1-2 business days, with some clients able to start trading within hours of application submission.

10. XM

  • Minimum Deposit: XM requires a minimum deposit of $5 to open a trading account, making it one of the most affordable brokers for new traders.
  • Time to Open Account: XM’s account opening process is very quick, with most users able to complete registration and verification in as little as 1 business day.

 

Trading Fees

1. Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is known for offering some of the lowest trading fees in the industry, particularly for active traders.

  • Stock/ETF Fees: As low as $0.0005 per share, with a minimum of $1 per order.
  • Options Fees: Starting at $0.15 per contract.
  • Commission Structure: Tiered and fixed options based on trading volume. The more you trade, the lower the fees.

2. TradeStation Global

TradeStation Global offers competitive pricing for traders looking to trade stocks, options, and futures.

  • Stock/ETF Fees: $0 per trade for U.S. stocks with certain account types.
  • Options Fees: $0.50 per contract.
  • Futures Fees: Starting at $0.25 per contract.

3. MEXEM

MEXEM offers competitive pricing for stocks, options, and futures, with a focus on professional traders.

  • Stock/ETF Fees: $0.0035 per share, with a minimum of $1 per order.
  • Options Fees: Starting at $0.50 per contract.
  • Futures Fees: From $0.85 per contract.

4. XTB

XTB offers low spreads and commission-free trading for many instruments.

  • Stock/ETF Fees: XTB offers commission-free trading for stocks in certain regions, but spreads apply.
  • Forex Fees: Variable spreads, starting at 0.1 pips.
  • Options Fees: Available on some accounts, typically involving higher spreads.

5. Trading 212

Trading 212 is known for its commission-free trading model, which attracts many beginner traders.

  • Stock/ETF Fees: Commission-free for stocks and ETFs in most cases.
  • Forex Fees: Spread-based, starting from 1.5 pips for major pairs.
  • Other Fees: There may be a small fee for CFDs on certain assets.

6. CapTrader

CapTrader offers competitive fees for European traders, focusing on low-cost stock, forex, and options trading.

  • Stock/ETF Fees: As low as €4 per trade for U.S. stocks.
  • Options Fees: Starting at $0.75 per contract.
  • Forex Fees: Spreads starting from 0.8 pips.

7. Zacks Trade

Zacks Trade is known for its low commission structure and transparent pricing.

  • Stock/ETF Fees: $0.01 per share with a minimum of $1 per trade.
  • Options Fees: $0.75 per contract.
  • Margin Fees: Starting at 8.25% annually.

8. Alpaca Trading

Alpaca is a commission-free broker with a focus on algorithmic trading and retail investors.

  • Stock/ETF Fees: Commission-free trading for U.S. stocks and ETFs.
  • Options Fees: $0 per contract.
  • Margin Fees: 3.25% annual rate.

 

9. Oanda

Oanda is a popular choice among forex traders due to its low spreads and flexible fee structure.

  • Forex Fees: Variable spreads starting from 0.1 pips.
  • Stock/ETF Fees: Oanda also offers CFDs on stocks with competitive spreads.
  • Other Fees: Oanda charges for some account services like wire transfers and inactivity fees.

10. XM

XM is known for its low spreads and leverage options for retail traders, particularly in forex and CFDs.

  • Forex Fees: Spreads starting from 1 pip for major pairs.
  • Stock/ETF Fees: Varies by asset and region, with low fees for certain stocks.
  • CFD Fees: Low spreads with no commission.

Non Trading Fees

1.Interactive Brokers

  • Inactivity Fee: $20/month if no trades are made in a month.
  • Withdrawal Fees: $10 for wire transfers.
  • Account Maintenance Fee: $10/month for accounts with under $100,000.

2. TradeStation Global

  • Inactivity Fee: $0 for active traders; $0.50 per contract for inactive accounts.
  • Withdrawal Fees: $0 for U.S. bank transfers.
  • Account Maintenance Fee: $0.

3. MEXEM

  • Inactivity Fee: $0 if active, but fees may apply for long periods of inactivity.
  • Withdrawal Fees: $10 per wire transfer.
  • Account Maintenance Fee: $0.

4. XTB

  • Inactivity Fee: $10/month after 12 months of inactivity.
  • Withdrawal Fees: Free for bank transfers in some regions.
  • Account Maintenance Fee: No fees.

5. Trading 212

  • Inactivity Fee: No inactivity fee.
  • Withdrawal Fees: No fees for bank transfers.
  • Account Maintenance Fee: No fees.

6. CapTrader

  • Inactivity Fee: €10/month if no activity for a year.
  • Withdrawal Fees: €10 for wire transfers.
  • Account Maintenance Fee: €0.

7. Zacks Trade

  • Inactivity Fee: $0 if you trade; $20/month if no trades are made.
  • Withdrawal Fees: $25 for wire transfers.
  • Account Maintenance Fee: No fees.

8. Alpaca Trading

  • Inactivity Fee: No inactivity fee.
  • Withdrawal Fees: Free for ACH transfers, $0 for most withdrawals.
  • Account Maintenance Fee: No fees.

9. Oanda

  • Inactivity Fee: $10/month after one year of inactivity.
  • Withdrawal Fees: Free for bank transfers.
  • Account Maintenance Fee: No fees.

10. XM

  • Inactivity Fee: $5/month after 90 days of inactivity.
  • Withdrawal Fees: Free for most methods.
  • Account Maintenance Fee: No fees.

Can I trust these stock brokers?

Yes, Trading Insider only recommends reputable brokers, regulated by at least one globally recognized authority. We monitor over 30,000 brokers and trading platforms that we do not endorse. To verify a broker’s reliability, use our Scam Broker Shield tool.

Key factors that determine a broker’s trustworthiness include regulation, availability of investor protection, and a long, unblemished history. Check out the interactive table below for detailed, essential information.

Trust Metrics for Best Stock Broker

1. Interactive Brokers

  • Regulation: Regulated in over 10 countries, including the U.S., UK, and EU.
  • Reputation: Highly trusted by professional traders and institutions.
  • Customer Satisfaction: Known for transparency and excellent customer support.

2. TradeStation Global

  • Regulation: Regulated by the FCA and other major global bodies.
  • Reputation: Well-regarded by active traders and professionals.
  • Customer Satisfaction: Positive reviews for its trading platform and tools.

3. MEXEM

  • Regulation: Regulated by top-tier authorities like the SEC and FCA.
  • Reputation: Trusted by institutional traders due to its low fees.
  • Customer Satisfaction: Generally positive, with some concerns about the user interface.

4. XTB

  • Regulation: Regulated by the FCA, KNF, and other authorities.
  • Reputation: Strong reputation in Europe, especially for forex trading.
  • Customer Satisfaction: Excellent customer support with a user-friendly platform.

5. Trading 212

  • Regulation: Regulated by the FCA and other authorities in Europe.
  • Reputation: Popular for commission-free trading, especially in the UK.
  • Customer Satisfaction: Generally high satisfaction, but some complaints about withdrawal times.

6. CapTrader

  • Regulation: Regulated by BaFin in Germany and other EU bodies.
  • Reputation: Known for low fees and high-quality research.
  • Customer Satisfaction: Positive feedback for its transparency and trading tools.

7. Zacks Trade

  • Regulation: Regulated by the SEC and FINRA in the U.S.
  • Reputation: Trusted by U.S. traders for its research tools and low fees.
  • Customer Satisfaction: Positive reviews for its research, but some complaints about the platform’s interface.

8. Alpaca Trading

  • Regulation: Regulated by the SEC and FINRA.
  • Reputation: Known for its commission-free trading model and API access.
  • Customer Satisfaction: Excellent reviews from tech-savvy and algorithmic traders.

9. Oanda

  • Regulation: Regulated by the FCA, CFTC, and ASIC, among others.
  • Reputation: Well-known for its forex services and reliability.
  • Customer Satisfaction: High customer satisfaction with a focus on forex.

10. XM

  • Regulation: Regulated by CySEC and other regional authorities.
  • Reputation: Trusted for forex and CFD trading, especially in emerging markets.
  • Customer Satisfaction: Generally positive with some concerns over withdrawal times.

Interative Broker

Visited Broker
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Interactive Brokers snapshot

Recommended for

Traders looking for broad market access and a professional trading environment

Minimum deposit

$0

US stock fee

$1.0

Demo account

Mobile platform score

4.3

Time to open account

1-3 days

Inactivity fee

Read review

For a detailed analysis of Interactive Brokers services, check out our review for 2025

MEXEM

Visited Broker
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MEXEM snapshot

Recommended for

Investors and traders looking for low fees and sophisticated trading platforms

Minimum deposit

$0

US stock fee

$1.0

Demo account

Mobile platform score

4.3

Time to open account

1-3 days

Inactivity fee

Read review

For a detailed analysis of MEXEM services, check out our review for 2025

CapTrader

Visited Broker
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CapTrader snapshot

Recommended for

Investors and traders looking for low fees and sophisticated trading platforms

Minimum deposit

$2,000

US stock fee

$2.0

Demo account

Mobile platform score

3.5

Time to open account

1-3 days

Inactivity fee

Read review

For a detailed analysis of CapTrader services, check out our review for 2025

Zacks Trade

Visited Broker
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Zacks Trade snapshot

Recommended for

Traders and investors looking for comprehensive research tools, a wide product selection and low fees

Minimum deposit

$250

US stock fee

$1.0

Demo account

Mobile platform score

3.5

Time to open account

1-3 days

Inactivity fee

Read review

For a detailed analysis of Zacks Trade services, check out our review for 2025

Alpaca Trading

Visited Broker
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Alpaca Trading snapshot

Recommended for

Traders interested in algorithmic stock trading

Minimum deposit

$0

US stock fee

$0.0

Demo account

Mobile platform score

-

Time to open account

1 day

Inactivity fee

Read review

For a detailed analysis of Alpaca Trading services, check out our review for 2025

Alpaca Trading

Visited Broker
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XM snapshot

Recommended for

Forex and CFD traders who prefer MetaTrader platforms and seek great account opening

Minimum deposit

$5

US stock fee

$1.0

Demo account

Mobile platform score

3.8

Time to open account

1 day

Inactivity fee

Read review

For a detailed analysis of XM services, check out our review for 2025

EasyEquities

Visited Broker
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EasyEquities snapshot

Recommended for

Long-term investors focusing on stocks and ETFs

Minimum deposit

$0

US stock fee

$5

Demo account

Mobile platform score

4.8

Time to open account

1 day

Inactivity fee

Read review

For a detailed analysis of EasyEquities services, check out our review for 2025

How does Trading Insider select the best stock brokers?

  • Ensures brokers are regulated by trusted authorities.
  • Compares stock and non-trading fees (e.g., withdrawals, inactivity).
  • Reviews market access, fractional shares, and short selling options.
  • Tests account setup, platform features, and customer service.

Save time!

Trading Insider’s experts evaluate brokers using a refined methodology, covering 9 key areas like fees, safety, and usability. With 100+ brokers reviewed and over 60,000 data points analyzed, we deliver trusted, in-depth research.

FAQ

Yes, all the brokers on this list are reliable and secure. None of them are scams, as they are regulated by at least one top-tier authority, ensuring a trustworthy trading experience.

Which broker should I use as a beginner?

Low fees, an easy-to-use mobile platform, and quality educational tools make brokers great for beginners. Start your investing journey with helpful resources on our education page. Use Trading Insider’s “Find My Broker” tool to discover the best broker for your needs.

Where should a beginner invest in stocks?

Before investing in stocks, plan your goals, risk tolerance, and time commitment. Beginners can start with low-cost index or mutual funds. Trading Insider offers a guide on starting your investment journey, buying shares online, and choosing the best trading platforms.

Is trading gambling?

Trading isn’t gambling, but treating it as such often leads to losses. Traders focus on informed predictions, while gamblers rely on chance. Gamification, FOMO, and easy-to-use apps have made trading feel like gambling for some.

At Trading Insider, we stress the importance of clear goals, risk assessment, and a solid strategy for successful trading.

How do I decide which broker is right for me?

Choosing the right broker depends on your goals, preferences, and needs. Define your trading objectives, compare fees, and ensure the broker is regulated. Look for suitable account types and convenient funding/withdrawal options. Consider minimum deposits, margin requirements, and fees to match your budget.

Trading Insider suggests starting with a small deposit to test the broker’s platform before committing larger amounts.

Can I lose money in a brokerage account?

Yes, you can lose money in a brokerage account. While choosing a regulated broker protects against fraud, investing and trading involve risks like market volatility. Diversify your investments to reduce risk and only invest what you can afford to lose.

At Trading Insider, we stress the importance of risk management and informed decisions.

How quickly can I start trading stocks?

Starting to trade stocks can be quick. First, open a brokerage account and wait for verification, usually 1-2 business days. Then, deposit funds via bank transfer, card, or e-wallet, which takes 1-3 business days. Once the funds are available, you can make your first trade.

Is trading hard to learn?

Trading is easy to learn with time and practice. The more you study and stay disciplined, the better your results. Understand your risk tolerance, stay patient, and always have a plan.

Want to learn more?

Check out these articles written by our broker and trading experts:

  • Investing your money on your own
  • The difference between trading and investing
  • How to open a trading account
  • How to buy shares online
  • How to buy ETFs online

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Review
NS Broker Review 2025 by Trading Insider
Spreadex
Pepperstone
IC Markets
FXCM
Alpaca Trading
IG
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