Compare stock brokers: 8 top picks for 2026
Picking a broker comes down to what you'll actually do: buy-and-hold in an IRA, trade options, or just get started with your first $50. Below is a side-by-side comparison of eight major brokers — every fee verified in September 2026 — plus a 4-question quiz that matches you with 1–2 of them.
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Side-by-side comparison
| Broker | Robinhood | Fidelity | Charles Schwab | E*TRADE (Morgan Stanley) | Webull | SoFi Invest | Interactive Brokers | Coinbase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stock/ETF commission | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 (Lite) | N/A (crypto) |
| Options (per contract) | $0 equity; $0.50 index | $0.65/contract | $0.65/contract | $0.65/contract* | $0 equity; $0.50 index | $0/contract | $0.65/contract (Lite) | N/A (crypto) |
| Account minimum | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Fractional shares | Yes | Yes (from $1) | Yes (from $1) | Yes | Yes (from $1) | Yes (from $5) | Yes | N/A (crypto is divisible) |
| IRA / Roth | Traditional + Roth (3% Gold match) | Traditional, Roth, SEP, rollover | Traditional, Roth, SEP, rollover | Traditional, Roth, rollover | Traditional, Roth, rollover | Traditional + Roth (1% match) | Traditional, Roth, SEP, rollover | Not offered |
* $0.50/contract for customers with 30+ stock, ETF, and options trades per quarter.
Fees and features verified September 2026. Brokers change pricing without notice — confirm current terms on the provider's site before opening an account.
Take the quiz
Find your broker
Answer 4 quick questions and we'll match you with 1–2 brokers from our comparison set.
Broker reviews
Robinhood
The app that made commission-free trading mainstream. Dead-simple mobile design, fractional shares, and built-in crypto — the easiest on-ramp to owning your first stock.
Fidelity
A full-service giant with $0 trades, deep research, and one of the best retirement lineups anywhere. The default recommendation for buy-and-hold investors.
Charles Schwab
The all-rounder: $0 trades, the powerful thinkorswim platform, real branches, and strong research. Hard to outgrow.
E*TRADE (Morgan Stanley)
A veteran broker with a clean beginner app and the pro-grade Power E*TRADE platform waiting when you're ready — now with fractional shares and direct crypto trading.
Webull
A tech-first broker pairing $0 commissions — including $0 equity options contracts — with advanced charting, paper trading, and extended hours.
SoFi Invest
The all-in-one money app: $0 stock, ETF, and options trades, fractional shares from $5, IPO access, and a 1% IRA match — alongside checking, savings, and loans.
Interactive Brokers
The professional's broker: the lowest margin rates in the industry, global market access, and powerful platforms — with a free Lite tier for simpler needs.
Coinbase
The largest publicly traded U.S. crypto exchange — the straightforward pick if crypto (not stocks) is what you want to buy. Use Advanced Trade for far lower fees than simple buy/sell.
Common questions
Do I need money to open a brokerage account?
No. Every broker compared here has a $0 account minimum, and most offer fractional shares — so you can start with a few dollars. You only need enough to buy your first investment.
Are these brokers safe?
The seven stock brokers compared here are SIPC members, which protects securities up to $500,000 per account if the firm fails (SIPC doesn't cover investment losses). Crypto on Coinbase is not SIPC-protected.
Can I open an IRA with these brokers?
Yes at all seven stock brokers — Traditional and Roth IRAs are standard, and most also offer SEP and rollover IRAs. Coinbase does not offer IRA accounts; it's crypto-only.
Does it cost money to switch brokers later?
Sometimes. Outgoing account transfer fees vary by broker (for example, $100 at Robinhood and $75 at E*TRADE and Webull, as of September 2026) — check the provider's current fee schedule before you move.
Is this financial advice?
No. These are educational comparisons to help you research — not personalized recommendations. Talk to a qualified financial professional about your own situation.