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Best Brokers For ETFs 2026

Explore our top ETF brokers identified through hands-on tests, offering a wide range of funds, excellent fees, and reliable platforms to help you invest in markets and sectors worldwide.

Author Image Written By
Paul Holmes
Fact Checker Image Fact Checked By
Tobias Robinson
Editor Image Edited By
James Barra
Updated
October 15, 2026
Your capital is at risk. Trade only with funds you can afford to lose.
Tested with a live trading account Accept traders from United States
Brokers With:
Showing 5 of 6 matching brokers
  1. 1
    4.6/5 our rating
    United States Available in United States United States Not available in United States
    Rating breakdown
    Regulation & Trust 4.7
    Assets & Markets 4.7
    Fees & Costs 4.3
    Platforms & Tools 3.9
    Customer Support 3.0
    Education 4.3
    Research 4.7
    Accounts & Banking 3.9

    During testing, we accessed thousands of ETFs in major sectors like AI, utilities, and ESG on IBKR’s professional platforms. U.S. clients have $0 commissions, while others get very low fees (from $0.005/share). Globally regulated with no minimum deposit on IBKR Lite, it is nearly unparalleled for serious, high-volume ETF traders.

    Demo Account
    ✓
    Minimum Deposit
    $0
    Minimum Trade
    $1
    Leverage
    1:50 (major forex pairs), 1:2-1:4 (equities)
    Copy Trading
    ✗
    Regulator
    SEC, FINRA, CFTC, NFA, CIRO, FCA, CBI, ASIC, SFC, SEBI, JFSA, MAS
    Instruments
    Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Cryptocurrencies, CFDs Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Cryptocurrencies
    Platforms
    Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, TradingView, eSignal, TradingCentral, ProRealTime, Quantower
    Account Currencies
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF
    Automated Trading
    TWS API
    AI
    ✓
    Guaranteed Stop Loss
    ✗
  2. 2
    3.4/5 our rating
    United States Available in United States United States Not available in United States
    Rating breakdown
    Regulation & Trust 4.0
    Assets & Markets 2.9
    Fees & Costs 3.4
    Platforms & Tools 3.5
    Customer Support 3.0
    Education 3.0
    Research 3.5
    Accounts & Banking 3.0
    Visit eToro USA Read Review
    Securities trading offered by eToro USA Securities, Inc. (“the BD”), member of FINRA and SIPC. Cryptocurrency offered by eToro USA LLC (“the MSB”) (NMLS: 1769299) and is not FDIC or SIPC insured. Investing involves risk. This site is not an affiliate and may be compensated if you access certain products or services offered by the MSB and/or the BD.

    When we tested eToro USA, we traded over 250 ETFs in sectors such as tech, clean energy, biotech, and defense, all without commissions. The user-friendly platform and social trading tools were impressive, although spreads were around 0.10%. Regulated by FINRA and SEC, it requires a $10 minimum deposit, making it accessible for beginners and offering sector variety.

    Demo Account
    ✓
    Minimum Deposit
    $50
    Minimum Trade
    $10
    Leverage
    ✗
    Copy Trading
    ✓
    Regulator
    SEC, FINRA
    Instruments
    Stocks, Options, ETFs, Crypto
    Platforms
    eToro Trading Platform & CopyTrader
    Account Currencies
    USD
    Automated Trading
    ✗
    AI
    ✓
    Guaranteed Stop Loss
    ✗
  3. 3
    3.2/5 our rating
    United States Available in United States United States Not available in United States
    Rating breakdown
    Regulation & Trust 4.2
    Assets & Markets 3.3
    Fees & Costs 3.0
    Platforms & Tools 3.0
    Customer Support 3.3
    Education 4.0
    Research 3.5
    Accounts & Banking 3.0

    In our recent review, Moomoo provided commission-free trading for over 3,000 U.S.-listed ETFs in sectors such as technology, healthcare, energy, ESG, dividends, commodities, bonds, and international markets. Spreads are minimal, around $0.01 per share. Regulated by the SEC/FINRA, it has no deposit minimum, and its advanced Level II data and charting are notable for active ETF traders.

    Demo Account
    ✓
    Minimum Deposit
    $0
    Minimum Trade
    $0
    Leverage
    1:2
    Copy Trading
    ✗
    Regulator
    SEC, FINRA, MAS, SFC, ASIC, CIRO, JFSA, SC
    Instruments
    Stocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCs ,Futures
    Platforms
    Desktop Platform, Mobile App
    Account Currencies
    USD, CAD, AUD, JPY, MYR, HKD, SGD, CNY
    Automated Trading
    Moomoo OpenAPI
    AI
    ✓
    Guaranteed Stop Loss
    ✗
  4. 4
    3.6/5 our rating
    United States Available in United States United States Not available in United States
    Rating breakdown
    Regulation & Trust 3.5
    Assets & Markets 4.3
    Fees & Costs 3.8
    Platforms & Tools 3.5
    Customer Support 3.5
    Education 4.0
    Research 4.3
    Accounts & Banking 3.8

    Our tests found that Firstrade provides commission-free trading on over 700 U.S. ETFs in sectors such as tech, emerging markets, healthcare, bonds, dividends, and ESG. Execution spreads were nearly zero per share. It's SEC/FINRA-regulated, has no minimum deposit or account fees, and allows short selling or margin trading without hidden costs, making it suitable for low-cost ETF traders.

    Demo Account
    ✗
    Minimum Deposit
    $0
    Minimum Trade
    $5
    Leverage
    1:2
    Copy Trading
    ✗
    Regulator
    SEC, FINRA
    Instruments
    Stocks, ETFs, Options, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Fixed
    Platforms
    Firstrade Invest 3.0, TradingCentral
    Account Currencies
    USD
    Automated Trading
    ✗
    AI
    ✓
    Guaranteed Stop Loss
    ✗
  5. 5
    3.5/5 our rating
    United States Available in United States United States Not available in United States
    Rating breakdown
    Regulation & Trust 3.9
    Assets & Markets 4.0
    Fees & Costs 3.3
    Platforms & Tools 4.0
    Customer Support 2.5
    Education 3.8
    Research 3.8
    Accounts & Banking 3.8

    Crypto.com is a leading cryptocurrency exchange focused on advancing DeFi technologies. It provides token lending, prepaid cards, NFTs, and more. Founded in Hong Kong in 2016, it serves 150 million users.

    Demo Account
    ✗
    Minimum Deposit
    Varies by payment method
    Minimum Trade
    $1
    Leverage
    ✗
    Copy Trading
    ✗
    Regulator
    MAS, AMF, CySEC, CBI, ASIC, FINTRAC, CIMA, VARA, OAM, HCMC, CFTC, OSC, KoFIU, FCA (registered for MLR only), SEC (securities only)
    Instruments
    Crypto, Stocks, ETFs, OTC Options, Prediction Markets and Strike Options
    Platforms
    Own, TradingView
    Account Currencies
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, ZAR, TRY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, HKD, PLN, CZK, AED, SAR, HUF, BRL, KES
    Automated Trading
    DCA Auto-Staking
    AI
    ✗
    Guaranteed Stop Loss
    ✗

Top ETF Brokers Comparison

Broker
United States
USD Account
Demo Account
Minimum Deposit
Minimum Trade
Leverage
Copy Trading
Regulator
Instruments
Platforms
Account Currencies
Automated Trading
AI
Guaranteed Stop Loss
Interactive Brokers
✓ ✓ $0 $1 1:50 (major forex pairs), 1:2-1:4 (equities) ✗ SEC, FINRA, CFTC, NFA, CIRO, FCA, CBI, ASIC, SFC, SEBI, JFSA, MAS Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Cryptocurrencies, CFDs Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Cryptocurrencies Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, TradingView, eSignal, TradingCentral, ProRealTime, Quantower USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF TWS API ✓ ✗
eToro USA
✓ ✓ $50 $10 ✗ ✓ SEC, FINRA Stocks, Options, ETFs, Crypto eToro Trading Platform & CopyTrader USD ✗ ✓ ✗
Moomoo
✓ ✓ $0 $0 1:2 ✗ SEC, FINRA, MAS, SFC, ASIC, CIRO, JFSA, SC Stocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCs ,Futures Desktop Platform, Mobile App USD, CAD, AUD, JPY, MYR, HKD, SGD, CNY Moomoo OpenAPI ✓ ✗
Firstrade
✓ ✗ $0 $5 1:2 ✗ SEC, FINRA Stocks, ETFs, Options, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Fixed Firstrade Invest 3.0, TradingCentral USD ✗ ✓ ✗
Crypto.com
✓ ✗ Varies by payment method $1 ✗ ✗ MAS, AMF, CySEC, CBI, ASIC, FINTRAC, CIMA, VARA, OAM, HCMC, CFTC, OSC, KoFIU, FCA (registered for MLR only), SEC (securities only) Crypto, Stocks, ETFs, OTC Options, Prediction Markets and Strike Options Own, TradingView USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, ZAR, TRY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, HKD, PLN, CZK, AED, SAR, HUF, BRL, KES DCA Auto-Staking ✗ ✗
Broker
United States
USD Account
Demo Account
Minimum Deposit
Minimum Trade
Leverage
Copy Trading
Regulator
Instruments
Platforms
Account Currencies
Automated Trading
AI
Guaranteed Stop Loss

Safety Comparison

Compare how safe the Best Brokers For ETFs 2026 are.

Broker
Trust Rating
Guaranteed Stop Loss
Negative Balance Protection
Segregated Accounts
Interactive Brokers
4.7
✗ ✗ ✓
eToro USA
4.0
✗ ✗ ✓
Moomoo
4.2
✗ ✗ ✓
Firstrade
3.5
✗ ✗ ✓
Crypto.com
3.9
✗ ✗ ✓
Broker
Trust Rating
Guaranteed Stop Loss
Negative Balance Protection
Segregated Accounts

Mobile Trading Comparison

Compare the mobile trading features of the Best Brokers For ETFs 2026.

Broker
Mobile Apps
iOS Rating
Android Rating
Smart Watch App
Interactive Brokers iOS & Android
4.3
4.5
✓
eToro USA iOS & Android
4.3
4.0
✗
Moomoo Yes (iOS & Android)
4.6
3.8
✗
Firstrade iOS & Android
4.7
4.2
✗
Crypto.com iOS & Android
4.7
4.5
✗
Broker
Mobile Apps
iOS Rating
Android Rating
Smart Watch App

Comparison for Beginners

Compare how suitable the Best Brokers For ETFs 2026 are for beginners.

Broker
Demo Account
Minimum Deposit
Minimum Trade
Education Rating
Support Rating
Fractional Shares
Demo Competitions
Interactive Brokers ✓ $0 $1
4.3
3.0
✓ ✗
eToro USA ✓ $50 $10
3.0
3.0
✓ ✗
Moomoo ✓ $0 $0
4.0
3.3
✓ ✗
Firstrade ✗ $0 $5
4.0
3.5
✓ ✗
Crypto.com ✗ Varies by payment method $1
3.8
2.5
✓ ✗
Broker
Demo Account
Minimum Deposit
Minimum Trade
Education Rating
Support Rating
Fractional Shares
Demo Competitions

Comparison for Advanced Traders

Compare how suitable the Best Brokers For ETFs 2026 are for advanced or professional traders.

Broker
Automated Trading
VPS
API
AI
Pro Account
Leverage
Low Latency
Extended Hours
Interactive Brokers TWS API ✗ ✓ ✓ ✗ 1:50 (major forex pairs), 1:2-1:4 (equities) ✓ ✓
eToro USA ✗ ✗ ✓ ✓ ✗ ✗ ✓ ✓
Moomoo Moomoo OpenAPI ✗ ✓ ✓ ✗ 1:2 ✓ ✓
Firstrade ✗ ✗ ✗ ✓ ✗ 1:2 ✗ ✓
Crypto.com DCA Auto-Staking ✗ ✓ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✓
Broker
Automated Trading
VPS
API
AI
Pro Account
Leverage
Low Latency
Extended Hours

Accounts Comparison

Compare the trading accounts offered by Best Brokers For ETFs 2026.

Broker
Demo Account
Interest on Cash
Islamic Account
Joint Account
Managed Account
PAMM
MAM
LAMM
Pro Account
Interactive Brokers ✓ USD: 3.38%, GBP: 3.24% ✗ ✓ ✓ ✗ ✓ ✗ ✗
eToro USA ✓ USD: 3.25% ✗ ✗ ✓ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗
Moomoo ✓ USD:3.6% ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗
Firstrade ✗ ✗ ✗ ✓ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗
Crypto.com ✗ USD: 5% ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗
Broker
Demo Account
Interest on Cash
Islamic Account
Joint Account
Managed Account
PAMM
MAM
LAMM
Pro Account

Detailed Rating Comparison

Compare how we rated the Best Brokers For ETFs 2026 in key areas.

Broker
Trust
Platforms
Assets
Mobile
Fees
Accounts
Research
Education
Support
Interactive Brokers
4.7
3.9
4.7
4.4
4.3
3.9
4.7
4.3
3.0
eToro USA
4.0
3.5
2.9
4.2
3.4
3.0
3.5
3.0
3.0
Moomoo
4.2
3.0
3.3
4.2
3.0
3.0
3.5
4.0
3.3
Firstrade
3.5
3.5
4.3
4.5
3.8
3.8
4.3
4.0
3.5
Crypto.com
3.9
4.0
4.0
4.6
3.3
3.8
3.8
3.8
2.5
Broker
Trust
Platforms
Assets
Mobile
Fees
Accounts
Research
Education
Support

Fee and Cost Comparison

Compare the cost of trading with the Best Brokers For ETFs 2026.

Broker
Cost Rating
Fixed Spreads
Inactivity Fee
EUR/USD Spread
Crypto Spread
Interactive Brokers
4.3
✗ $0 0.1 0.12%-0.18%
eToro USA
3.4
✓ $10 ✗ BTC 0.75%
Moomoo
3.0
✗ $0 ✗ 0.49% per spot Bitcoin trade (US), 0.3% to 0.39% (Singapore)
Firstrade
3.8
✗ $0 ✗ Variable
Crypto.com
3.3
✗ $5 ✗ 0.075% (spot), 0.034% (derivatives)
Broker
Cost Rating
Fixed Spreads
Inactivity Fee
EUR/USD Spread
Crypto Spread

Customer Ratings

Compare how customers of these brokers feel about them, with real user ratings from Trustpilot, the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Broker
Customers
Trustpilot Score
Trustpilot Reviews
Android App Rating
iOS App Rating
Interactive Brokers 4,300,000
3.0
5,573
4.5
4.3
eToro USA 3,200,000
4.0
32,433
4.0
4.3
Moomoo 24,000,000
4.0
735
3.8
4.6
Firstrade ✗
1.8
53
4.2
4.7
Crypto.com 150,000,000
2.1
9,476
4.5
4.7
Broker
Customers
Trustpilot Score
Trustpilot Reviews
Android App Rating
iOS App Rating

Broker Popularity

See how popular the Best Brokers For ETFs 2026 are in terms of number of clients.

Broker Popularity
Crypto.com
150,000,000
Moomoo
24,000,000
Interactive Brokers
4,300,000
eToro USA
3,200,000

Why Trade With Interactive Brokers?

4.6/5
Interactive Brokers is ideal for seasoned traders due to its robust charting platforms, updated data, and adaptability, especially with the IBKR Desktop application. Its exceptional pricing and advanced order features appeal to traders, and its variety of stocks remains unmatched in the market.
Christian Harris Christian Harris
Review Author

Pros

  • IBKR is a highly regarded brokerage, regulated by multiple respected authorities. This speaks to its legitimacy and standing within the online trading industry, providing peace of mind.
  • The TWS platform is designed for intermediate to advanced traders. It includes over 100 order types and a dependable real-time market data feed that rarely experiences downtime.
  • The new IBKR Desktop platform combines the advantages of TWS and adds unique tools like Option Lattice and Screeners with MultiSort to make trading accessible and impressive for traders of all levels.

Cons

  • Only one active session per account is allowed, which means you can't run the desktop version and mobile app at the same time. This can sometimes lead to a frustrating trading experience.
  • Customer service may take time to respond, and there may be delays in fixing problems based on tests. It could be difficult to reach the customer service promptly.
  • TWS is complex, and beginners might find it difficult to use and understand all its features.

Why Trade With eToro USA?

3.4/5
eToro is a strong choice for traders seeking social investing and copy trading. Its low deposit, zero commissions, and easy-to-use platform suit new traders.
James Barra James Barra
Review Author

Pros

  • The online broker provides a user-friendly social investment network for easy crypto trading replication.
  • eToro USA Securities is a reliable broker that's regulated by the SEC, part of FINRA, and a member of SIPC.
  • Traders can use Smart Portfolios for a simpler approach, covering multiple sectors and markets like renewable energy and artificial intelligence.

Cons

  • Traders used to third-party charting tools won't find MetaTrader 4 platform integration.
  • eToro USA was fined $1.5 million by the SEC in 2024 for unregistered crypto offerings.
  • The range of trading instruments is limited compared to some competitors, offering mainly stocks, ETFs, a large selection of options, and cryptocurrencies.
Visit eToro USA Read Review
Securities trading offered by eToro USA Securities, Inc. (“the BD”), member of FINRA and SIPC. Cryptocurrency offered by eToro USA LLC (“the MSB”) (NMLS: 1769299) and is not FDIC or SIPC insured. Investing involves risk. This site is not an affiliate and may be compensated if you access certain products or services offered by the MSB and/or the BD.

Why Trade With Moomoo?

3.2/5
Moomoo is a great option for beginner and intermediate traders aiming to diversify their investment portfolio. The brokerage's app is easily navigable and the trading fees are significantly low.
James Barra James Barra
Review Author

Pros

  • The broker provides early access to trading hours before the market opens.
  • Moomoo offers detailed analytics and insights compared to other brands.
  • Moomoo is a member of FINRA and SIPC, providing added protection for clients.

Cons

  • The account options are limited compared to similar brokerages, with no managed portfolios or robo-advisor solutions.
  • No negative balance protection, a standard safety feature at top-tier regulated brokers.
  • Moomoo has received several regulatory penalties lately, including fines and orders in 2026 that temporarily halted the acceptance of some Japanese and Chinese clients.

Why Trade With Firstrade?

3.6/5
Firstrade is ideal for beginners wanting to trade US stocks without commission fees. It offers plenty of free educational resources and high-quality research, including its new FirstradeGPT tool. Users also get trading ideas from Morningstar, Briefing.com, Zacks, and Benzinga.
James Barra James Barra
Review Author

Pros

  • Great broker for cost-conscious traders with low OTC fees
  • Improved platform in 2025 with Firstrade Invest 3.0, featuring a cleaner interface and faster order entry for active traders in key areas like watchlists and options chains.
  • Trusted US-regulated broker, member of SIPC

Cons

  • Firstrade emphasizes stocks and lacks forex options, reducing diversification opportunities.
  • Firstrade does not offer a demo or paper trading account, unlike over 90% of other options we've reviewed.
  • Visa card deposits and withdrawals are not accepted.

Why Trade With Crypto.com?

3.5/5
Crypto.com is ideal for new crypto traders looking to buy, sell, and trade over 400 digital tokens. Its strike options and prediction markets cover financial, economic, election, sport, and cultural events. As a CFTC-regulated platform, it provides a secure choice for US traders interested in binary-style contracts using an easy-to-use app.
Jemma Grist Jemma Grist
Review Author

Pros

  • In 2026, Crypto.com introduced BTC Rewards for the Crypto.com Visa Signature® Credit Card, targeting crypto enthusiasts who trade and spend in cryptocurrency.
  • The Crypto.com Exchange platform provides advanced bots like Dollar Cost Averaging (DCA), Time-Weighted Average Price (TWAP), and Grid Trading bots. Traders can automate strategies, including leveraged perpetual trades, reducing manual work and slippage.
  • Crypto.com has integrated TradingView charts, offering the precise charting and technical analysis tools traders need to assess short-term price changes.

Cons

  • The app has high bid-ask spreads on many coins, which can be expensive for traders using market orders. Wide spreads mean the buying price is significantly higher than the selling price, reducing profits, especially in low-volume trades.
  • Fees apply to crypto and fiat withdrawals, which can be significant for active traders making smaller transfers. The minimum withdrawal limits are also high, limiting flexibility in managing smaller portfolios or immediate liquidity needs.
  • Customer support mainly uses chatbots and email, with limited reliable phone support from our testing. This may cause delays in solving urgent issues like account access or transaction problems, which can be frustrating for crypto traders needing quick help.
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How We Chose the Best ETF Brokers

We evaluated numerous platforms to curate a list of the top ETF brokers with exceptional features:

  • Diverse ETF selection to match your investment goals and strategies.
  • Low fees like commission-free trading to minimize costs.
  • User-friendly platforms with intuitive tools and mobile access.
  • Robust research and education to support informed decision-making.
  • Strong regulation and security for peace of mind.
  • Flexible account options like retirement accounts and fractional trading.
  • Responsive customer support for quick problem resolution.
  • Extra perks to enhance your overall experience.

BrokerListings.com Broker Testing Methodology

What To Look For in an ETF Broker

Picking the right broker for ETFs can make a big difference in your investment experience. Whether you’re a first-time investor or a seasoned trader, here are the key factors to keep in mind:

ETF Selection

The cornerstone of any great ETF broker is the variety it offers. Look for brokers offering diverse ETFs, including those focused on different sectors, geographic regions, asset classes, and investment strategies.

Options like index ETFs, sector ETFs, and thematic ETFs give you the flexibility to tailor your portfolio to your goals.

ETFs available on IG trading platform

Market Update: In 2026, regulators were adapting to a broader range of ETFs, with the SEC reviewing rules for novel funds using crypto, options and leveraged strategies. Elsewhere, in Europe, ELTIF 2.0 is expanding opportunities for retail investors to access long-term and private-market investments, while regulators across Japan, Korea and India are enabling greater flexibility for active and semi-transparent ETFs. These changes could broaden the range of ETF products and strategies available to retail investors at global brokers.

IG has the best selection of ETFs we’ve seen, featuring more than 5,400 funds spanning indices, commodities, and currencies.

Fees and Commissions

Costs matters. Pay attention to trading fees, account maintenance costs, and other charges.

Some brokers offer commission-free ETF trading, which can be a game-changer if you make frequent trades.

Keep an eye out for expense ratios too – these are the ongoing costs of owning an ETF. Lower is generally better.

XTB shined during testing for its tight spreads coupled with zero commissions on ETFs, appealing to budget-conscious traders.

User-Friendly Platforms

A user-friendly platform can simplify your trading experience, whether you’re a beginner or a pro.

Look for intuitive interfaces, responsive mobile apps, and tools that make ETF research and trading easy.

A demo account, offered by most ETF brokers we’ve evaluated, can also be a great way to test the waters before committing.

Price chart of HSBC MSCI China UCITS ETF chart on IG platform

I love the web platform at eToro, which makes trading ETFs an intuitive and enjoyable experience.

It also features a best-in-class social trading network that enables you to copy the ETF trades of experienced investors.

Research and Educational Resources

Great brokers don’t just provide ETFs – they help you make informed decisions.

Brokers offering robust research tools, market analysis, and educational content can be tremendous assets, especially if you’re new to ETF investing.

Look for features like ETF screeners, market news, and detailed fund breakdowns.

IG tops our rankings for education, even offering videos on ‘how to choose the right ETF’.

Regulation and Security

Never compromise on security. Choose a broker regulated by a reputable financial authority to protect your investments.

Regulators like the SEC (US), FCA (UK), or ASIC (Australia) offer peace of mind that the broker operates under strict guidelines.

With authorization from top-tier regulators (notably FCA, CySEC, KNF, and DFSA), plus a listing on the Warsaw Stock Exchange, XTB is highly trusted.

Account Types and Features

Does the broker cater to your specific needs? Some platforms offer specialized accounts, such as retirement accounts (IRAs) or tax-advantaged accounts.

Features like fractional ETF trading, dividend reinvestment programs (DRIPs), and margin trading can add value depending on your strategy.

Pepperstone caters to active ETF CFD traders through its Standard and Razor accounts, with the latter suiting shorter-term traders looking for raw spreads. That said, Pepperstone is less suited to longer-term investors as it doesn’t allow for the direct purchase of ETFs.

Customer Support

I know from firsthand experience that when things don’t go as planned, reliable customer support is invaluable.

Look for brokers with multiple support channels, such as live chat, email, or phone, and check for availability during trading hours.

Highly rated customer service can save you time and frustration.

Webull earns a high support rating based on our latest tests, with 24/7 assistance to help traders around the clock.

Additional Perks

Finally, consider the extras. Some brokers offer perks like integrations with popular financial tools. While not essential, these benefits can sweeten the deal.

IG is a great pick here, with its ETF screener that lets you narrow options by asset class, geographic region, and track the highest-performing funds over various periods, from one month to year-to-date.

5 Tips for Choosing the Best Broker for ETFs

1. Define Your Investment Goals

Are you planning to build a long-term portfolio or actively trade ETFs?

Understanding your goals will help you prioritize features like low fees for frequent trades or a wide selection of sector-specific ETFs for diversification.

2. Prioritize Research Tools

Top brokers often provide robust research features to help you make informed decisions.

Look for ETF comparison tools, detailed fund data, market news, and expert insights.

For beginners, educational resources like tutorials and guides are invaluable.

3. Look for Long-Term Value

Don’t get lured by short-term bonuses or promotions.

While perks like sign-up bonuses or free trades may look attractive, they shouldn’t outweigh the long-term value of low fees, excellent tools, and reliable service. Financial incentives for retail investors are also banned or restricted in many tightly controlled regions, including the EU and UK.

4. Read Reviews and User Feedback

Take the time to read reviews and testimonials from other traders. User experiences can highlight a broker’s strengths and weaknesses, giving you a clearer picture of what to expect.

Our reviews and ratings, for example, are drawn from our firsthand assessments and direct experience testing brokers over many years.

5. Start Small and Scale Up

If unsure, start with a smaller investment to test the waters. ETF brokers increasingly accept retail investors with less than $100.

This approach allows you to evaluate the broker’s platform, tools, and overall service before fully committing.

FAQ

What Are ETFs?

ETFs, or Exchange-Traded Funds, are investment funds traded on stock exchanges, much like individual stocks.

Each ETF holds a collection of assets, such as stocks, bonds, or commodities, and is designed to track the performance of a specific index, sector, or theme.

Should I Trade ETFs?

ETFs combine the best features of mutual funds and stocks. They offer the diversification of a mutual fund but with the flexibility and ease of trading individual stocks.

This makes them an excellent choice for investors looking for a low-cost, transparent, and versatile investment vehicle.

Whether your goal is to invest in broad market indices, explore niche sectors, or gain exposure to international markets, there’s probably an ETF that matches your plan.

What Is An ETF Broker?

An ETF broker helps you buy and sell ETFs by providing an online platform and useful resources for managing your investments.