There are many online brokerage firms competing for investors by offering attractive prices, promotions, investment choices, and trading tools. Below, we describe some of the best investment companies in 2026.
Charles Schwab
has been a top name in the online discount brokerage business for years and still holds that spot. It offers many account types, advisory services, cash management features, and much more.
Along with US-listed stocks and ETFs, Schwab also gives you access to foreign stocks on several international exchanges. Schwab stands out by offering some services that are hard to find, such as physical branch offices, 401(k) plans for small businesses, and wealth management options.
Promotion: Satisfaction guarantee, ACAT reimbursement, and $0-fee trades at Charles Schwab.
Review: Charles Schwab review.
Open Schwab Account
A wide variety of financial services can be found at Fidelity Investments. The company offers annuities, health savings accounts, self-directed and managed accounts (with both automated and human advisors), life insurance, direct indexing, 529 college savings plans, and more.
Fidelity is known worldwide for its mutual funds, offering more than 300 of them and over 50 ETFs. With a Fidelity account, you can also invest in options, stocks, bonds, and new stock offerings (IPOs).
Review: Fidelity review.
Open Fidelity Account
Webull is popular among traders, especially for its support of cryptocurrencies in addition to stocks and ETFs. Both stocks and crypto can be traded on Webull’s mobile app, web platform, or desktop software, all of which are high quality. Trading fractional shares and fractional coins is also available.
Options traders benefit from zero contract fees and no costs for exercising or assigning options. Stock traders will appreciate Webull’s research tools, including many visual resources. Treasury bonds and futures were added recently, making the platform even more complete.
Review: Webull review.
If you want to manage your own investment mix, M1 Finance lets you build “Pies”—custom groups of securities that you manage yourself, with no management fees. You can also invest in pies made by M1 Finance.
M1 has added more services over time, including debit and credit cards, a special margin service, retirement accounts, and crypto trading.
Review: M1 review.
Open M1 Finance Account
Interactive Brokers is the top choice for advanced traders. Its Trader Workstation software is powerful, and it offers one of the largest selections of tradable assets on international exchanges.
In addition to access to many global markets, Interactive Brokers offers investment products that are hard to find elsewhere, like forex and precious metals. Accounts for institutional and professional traders are also available, which is uncommon.
Promotion: Get up to $1,000 in IBKR stock with this referral link!
Review: Interactive Brokers review.
Open IB Account
Tastytrade focuses on futures and options trading, but it also supports stocks, cryptocurrencies, and ETFs. There are no commissions on stocks. For options, there are no fees for closing trades, and crypto trades have a 1% commission (capped at $10).
Tastytrade’s platforms include free access to the tastytrade educational network, which streams live market commentary during weekdays. Tastytrade is also one of the few brokers to offer portfolio margin and accounts for clients in certain countries outside the US.
Promotion:
Get $100 for signing up at Trastytrade with this referral link.
Review: Tastytrade review.
Open Tastytrade Account
E*Trade offers more than just investment accounts. It also has an FDIC-insured bank, with checking and savings accounts. Savings accounts offer strong interest rates, and checking comes with checks and a debit card.
On the investing side, you can open both managed and self-directed accounts, including custodial, IRA, and regular taxable accounts. E*Trade offers many types of investments and strong trading software, including Power and Pro platforms.
Review: E*Trade review.
Open Etrade Account
TradeStation is a favorite for active and advanced traders. The company offers powerful software that you can use in your browser, on your phone, or as a desktop app.
Trading stocks comes with zero commissions. There are still fees for trading futures and cryptocurrencies. TradeStation provides many market data options, but most come with fees. There is a $50 yearly inactivity fee, but it can be avoided.
Review: TradeStation review.
Open Tradestation Account
The top brokerage firms give investors and traders many ways to invest. Investing in stocks, options, futures, forex, and bonds is now more affordable, efficient, and instant than ever before.
Understanding what matters most to you as an investor can help you choose the best investment company for your needs.