Looking to start finding trading platform or switch to a better brokerage in 2025?
With so many options available—some with $0 commission, others with global access—it’s important to compare platforms based on your needs. Whether you’re trading U.S. stocks or branching out into international markets, this guide helps you choose the right platform.
📌 Table of Contents
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Why Platform Choice Matters
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Comparison Table of Top U.S. Trading Platforms
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Platform Reviews
• Fidelity
• Charles Schwab
• Robinhood
• Interactive Brokers
• Webull
• E*TRADE -
Final Recommendation
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FAQs
1. Why Platform Choice Matters
In 2025, most U.S. trading platforms offer commission-free trading for domestic stocks and ETFs. But differences still remain in:
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International market access
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Account or platform fees
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Advanced trading tools
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Ease of use for beginners vs pros
Choosing the right platform ensures you get the best combination of cost, functionality, and flexibility for your investment style.
2. Comparison Table: U.S. Stock Brokers (2025)
| Platform | U.S. Commission | Global Market Access | Monthly Fee | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fidelity | $0 | Yes (limited) | $0 | Excellent research, fractional shares |
| Charles Schwab | $0 | Yes (Canada, UK, HK, more) | $0 | Schwab Global Account |
| Robinhood | $0 | No (U.S. only) | $0 or $5/month (Gold) | Fast, mobile-first, fractional shares |
| Interactive Brokers | $0 (IBKR Lite) | Yes (100+ exchanges) | $0 or $10/month (IBKR Pro) | Advanced tools, global trading |
| Webull | $0 | No | $0 | Crypto, options, fast app |
| E*TRADE | $0 | Yes (via call/rep trades) | $0 | Advanced desktop + mobile trading |
Note: Data accurate as of September 2025.
3. Platform Reviews
🔹 Fidelity
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Commission: $0 (stocks, ETFs)
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Global Markets: Limited (through Fidelity International)
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Monthly Fee: $0
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Best For: Long-term investors, retirement accounts
Fidelity is a top-rated broker known for its extensive research tools, zero-commission U.S. trades, and fractional share investing. While its international access is limited, its customer service and retirement account options (IRA, Roth) are excellent.
🔹 Charles Schwab
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Commission: $0
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Global Markets: Yes (UK, Canada, Hong Kong, Germany, etc.)
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Monthly Fee: $0
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Best For: Investors seeking international diversification
Charles Schwab offers the Schwab Global Account, allowing U.S. investors to trade in 12+ major markets with relatively low fees. The platform is strong for both beginners and experienced investors, and includes automated investing (Schwab Intelligent Portfolios).
🔹 Robinhood
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Commission: $0
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Global Markets: No (U.S. stocks and crypto only)
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Monthly Fee: Free, or $5/month for Robinhood Gold
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Best For: Beginners, mobile-first traders
Robinhood popularized commission-free trading and continues to focus on simplicity and accessibility. You can trade stocks, ETFs, options, and crypto, and buy fractional shares. However, it lacks international market access and robust research tools.
🔹 Interactive Brokers (IBKR)
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Commission: $0 (IBKR Lite), low per-trade on Pro
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Global Markets: Yes (100+ exchanges in 30+ countries)
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Monthly Fee: Free for Lite; $10/month minimum for Pro
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Best For: Active traders, international investors
IBKR is a professional-grade platform offering unmatched access to global stock exchanges including Europe, Asia, and Australia. It’s best suited for traders who want low forex fees, real-time data, and access to foreign equities, ETFs, and options.
🔹 Webull
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Commission: $0
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Global Markets: No
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Monthly Fee: $0
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Best For: Active U.S. traders, crypto & options
Webull is ideal for traders who want a slick mobile app, advanced charts, and the ability to trade stocks, ETFs, options, and crypto. It doesn’t support foreign stock trading, but offers extended trading hours and no account minimums.
🔹 E*TRADE
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Commission: $0
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Global Markets: Yes (via broker-assisted trades)
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Monthly Fee: $0
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Best For: Advanced desktop traders, retirement accounts
ETRADE offers powerful platforms like **Power ETRADE** for charting and options trading. While international stocks can only be purchased via broker assistance, the platform excels in research, IRAs, and tax-advantaged account tools.
4. Final Recommendation
Here’s a quick summary based on your investment profile:
| Investor Type | Recommended Platform |
|---|---|
| Beginner, U.S. only | Robinhood or Fidelity |
| Global access | Interactive Brokers or Schwab |
| Long-term, retirement focus | Fidelity or E*TRADE |
| Advanced trading tools | Webull or IBKR Pro |
| Fractional investing | Fidelity or Robinhood |
Tip: Always consider your long-term strategy, risk tolerance, and need for global diversification before choosing a broker.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Do all brokers offer international stock trading?
No. Platforms like Robinhood and Webull focus on U.S. markets. If global trading is important, consider Interactive Brokers or Charles Schwab.
Q2: Are there any account minimums?
Most platforms in 2025, including Fidelity, Robinhood, and Webull, have $0 minimums. IBKR Pro may require higher balances.
Q3: Can I trade fractional shares?
Yes. Fidelity, Robinhood, and Schwab all allow fractional share trading on U.S. stocks.
Q4: Which broker has the best global market access?
Interactive Brokers leads with access to 100+ exchanges worldwide, followed by Schwab Global Account.