To help you find the best online brokers in 2021, we went ahead and did the research for you. First, we selected 91 quality online brokers, then checked and compared basically every aspect of their offering: fees, available markets and products, trading platforms, deposit and withdrawal options and much much more. To be selected best online broker, service providers had to prove their excellence in multiple areas. We dug deep, so you won't have to.
5 brokers made it to the top in Canada. We highly recommend all 5 to you. And now, without further ado...
The top 5 picks for best international online broker of 2021 for citizens in Canada:
- Interactive Brokers is the best international online broker in 2021. Low trading fees. Wide range of products. Many great research tools.
- XTB takes second place. Low forex fees. Free and fast deposit and withdrawal. Easy and fast account opening.
- Questrade rounds out the top three. Low stock and ETF fees. Solid research tools. Superb customer service.
- CMC Markets, numero quattro. Low forex fees. Great web and mobile platforms. Advanced research and educational tools.
- Fusion Markets just made it to the list at in fifth place. Low trading and non-trading fees. Fast and easy account opening. Great customer service.
| Broker | Info | Score | Best in | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Interactive Brokers | US discount broker | 4.9 | Best online broker |
| #2 | XTB | Global CFD and forex broker | 4.7 | Best CFD broker |
| #3 | Questrade | Canadian stockbroker | 4.6 | |
| #4 | CMC Markets | Global CFD and forex broker | 4.6 | Best forex broker for beginners |
| #5 | Fusion Markets | Australian forex broker | 4.6 | Best discount forex broker |
What makes a good online broker? Surely, they need to provide great service in all areas. First of all, they need to offer fair fees and have a good safety score. Opening an account and depositing money should also be user-friendly processes. They need to provide access to a wide range of products and have a great platform.
These features are easy to list, but hard to figure out. We test brokers based on more than ~300 criteria with real accounts and real money. We know what's up. You can find all the ranking criteria in our methodology.
Not sure which broker to choose? For a tailored recommendation, check out our broker finder tool. If you enter the name of your country it will show only the relevant brokers. Want more details? Compare brokers with our in-depth comparison table.
And now, let's see the best international online brokers in 2021 for citizens in Canada one by one, starting with the winner, Interactive Brokers.
#1 Best international online brokers for citizens in Canada
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers was founded in 1978 and is one of the biggest US-based discount brokers. The broker is regulated by several financial authorities globally, including top-tier ones like the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
As it has licenses from multiple top-tier regulators, Interactive Brokers is considered safe. Having a long track record and publicly disclosed financials while being listed on a stock exchange are also great signs for its safety.
Recommended for traders looking for low fees and a professional trading environment
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Low trading fees | • Complicated account opening process |
| • Wide range of products | • Complex desktop trading platform |
| • Many great research tools | • Understaffed customer service |
#1 Interactive Brokers
Fees
Interactive Brokers has low trading fees and the best margin rates in the industry. For US clients, stock and ETF trading is free if they choose the Lite plan.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Low trading fees | None |
| • Free stock and ETF trading for US clients | |
| • Low margin rates |
| Interactive Brokers | XTB | Questrade | CMC Markets | Fusion Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US stock | $1.0 | $10.0 | $5.0 | - | - |
| UK stock | $4.2 | $12.0 | - | - | - |
| EURUSD benchmark fee | $10.7 | $8.5 | $8.1 | $7.9 | $5.2 |
| AUDUSD benchmark fee | $8.6 | $5.8 | $6.5 | $6.5 | $4.4 |
| GBPUSD benchmark fee | $8.6 | $5.8 | $6.0 | $5.7 | $3.6 |
| S&P 500 index CFD fee | $2.8 | $1.5 | $1.4 | $1.5 | $0.0 |
| Europe 50 index CFD fee | $3.1 | $1.9 | - | $1.9 | $1.6 |
The above calculation includes all spreads, commissions and financing rates (if applicable) for opening a position, holding it for a week, and closing it.
#1 Interactive Brokers
Account opening
IB's account opening process is fully digital and the required minimum deposit is low. On the negative side, the process is complicated, and account verification takes relatively long.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Fully digital | • Not user-friendly |
| • No minimum deposit for most account types | • Confusing messages throughout the process |
| Interactive Brokers | XTB | Questrade | CMC Markets | Fusion Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 | $0 | $1,000 | $0 | $0 |
| Time to open account | 1-3 days | 1 day | 1 day | 1-3 days | 1 day |
#1 Interactive Brokers
Deposit and withdrawal
Interactive Brokers offers many account base currency options and one free withdrawal per month. The main drawback is that you can only use bank transfer.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • No deposit fee | • Credit/Debit card not available |
| • Several account base currencies | |
| • First withdrawal each month free |
| Interactive Brokers | XTB | Questrade | CMC Markets | Fusion Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank transfer | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Credit/debit card | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Electronic wallets | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal fee | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
#1 Interactive Brokers
Markets and products
Through Interactive Brokers, you can access an extremely wide range of markets, and all product types are available.
| Interactive Brokers | XTB | Questrade | CMC Markets | Fusion Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stock | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| ETF | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Forex | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fund | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
| Bond | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
| Options | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
| Futures | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| CFD | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Crypto | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
#1 Interactive Brokers
Web trading platform
Interactive Brokers's web platform is simple and easy to use, even for beginners.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • User-friendly | None |
| • Clear fee report | |
| • Two-step (safer) login |
| Interactive Brokers | XTB | Questrade | CMC Markets | Fusion Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Web platform score | 4.5 stars | 4.4 stars | 3.8 stars | 4.5 stars | 2.8 stars |
| Mobile platform score | 3.8 stars | 4.4 stars | 4.8 stars | 4.5 stars | 3.8 stars |
| Desktop platform score | 3.0 stars | 4.4 stars | 4.3 stars | 3.4 stars | 3.4 stars |
#1 Interactive Brokers
Verdict
Interactive Brokers is one of the biggest US-based discount brokers, regulated by several top-tier regulators globally. We recommend this broker mainly for advanced traders.
On the plus side, IB has low fees, a vast range of available markets and products, and diverse research tools.
There are some drawbacks, though: we weren't satisfied with the level of customer service and the account opening process is complicated. The desktop platform is complex and hard to get a handle on, especially for beginners.
If you have experience navigating complex platforms and enjoy transparent, low-cost trading, Interactive Brokers could be a great fit for you.
| Interactive Brokers | |
|---|---|
| Summary | Interactive Brokers is a US discount broker. It is listed on a stock exchange and regulated by several authorities, including top-tier ones like the FCA and the SEC. |
| Fees score | 4.2 stars |
| Recommended for | Traders looking for low fees and a professional trading environment |
#2 Best international online brokers for citizens in Canada
XTB
XTB is a global CFD and forex broker with headquarters in London and Warsaw, founded in 2002. The company is regulated by several financial authorities worldwide, including the top-tier UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). In addition, XTB is listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange, and as such is required to disclose its financials.
XTB is considered safe because it has a long track record, is listed on a stock exchange, and publishes its financial statements transparently.
Disclaimer: CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 77% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Recommended for forex and cfd traders looking for low fees and great deposit/withdrawal service
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Low forex fees | • High fees for stock CFDs |
| • Free and fast deposit and withdrawal | • Product portfolio limited mostly to CFDs and FX |
| • Easy and fast account opening | • Limited fundamental data |
#2 XTB
Fees
XTB has low forex fees and there is no withdrawal fee for most transfers. On the other hand, stock CFD fees are high, and XTB also charges an inactivity fee.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Low forex fees | • High stock CFD fees |
| • Free withdrawal for transfers above $100 |
| Interactive Brokers | XTB | Questrade | CMC Markets | Fusion Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US stock | $1.0 | $10.0 | $5.0 | - | - |
| UK stock | $4.2 | $12.0 | - | - | - |
| EURUSD benchmark fee | $10.7 | $8.5 | $8.1 | $7.9 | $5.2 |
| AUDUSD benchmark fee | $8.6 | $5.8 | $6.5 | $6.5 | $4.4 |
| GBPUSD benchmark fee | $8.6 | $5.8 | $6.0 | $5.7 | $3.6 |
| S&P 500 index CFD fee | $2.8 | $1.5 | $1.4 | $1.5 | $0.0 |
| Europe 50 index CFD fee | $3.1 | $1.9 | - | $1.9 | $1.6 |
The above calculation includes all spreads, commissions and financing rates (if applicable) for opening a position, holding it for a week, and closing it.
#2 XTB
Account opening
XTB's account opening process is hassle-free, straightforward and fully digital. Your account will be ready for trading on the same day.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Fast | None |
| • Fully digital | |
| • No minimum deposit |
| Interactive Brokers | XTB | Questrade | CMC Markets | Fusion Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 | $0 | $1,000 | $0 | $0 |
| Time to open account | 1-3 days | 1 day | 1 day | 1-3 days | 1 day |
#2 XTB
Deposit and withdrawal
XTB deposits and withdrawals are fast, mostly free, and can be done via several channels.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Credit/Debit card available | • Few minor account currencies accepted |
| • Free withdrawal | |
| • No deposit fee |
| Interactive Brokers | XTB | Questrade | CMC Markets | Fusion Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank transfer | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Credit/debit card | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Electronic wallets | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal fee | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
#2 XTB
Markets and products
XTB's default selection includes only CFDs, forex and crypto. Some European clients can also trade real stocks and ETFs. Popular assets like bonds, mutual funds, options or futures are not available.
| Interactive Brokers | XTB | Questrade | CMC Markets | Fusion Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stock | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| ETF | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Forex | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fund | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
| Bond | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
| Options | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
| Futures | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| CFD | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Crypto | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
#2 XTB
Web trading platform
XTB's xStation 5 platform is user-friendly, can be customized and has a good search function. On the other hand, two-step login is not available.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • User-friendly | • No two-step (safer) login |
| • Clear fee report | |
| • Good search function |
| Interactive Brokers | XTB | Questrade | CMC Markets | Fusion Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Web platform score | 4.5 stars | 4.4 stars | 3.8 stars | 4.5 stars | 2.8 stars |
| Mobile platform score | 3.8 stars | 4.4 stars | 4.8 stars | 4.5 stars | 3.8 stars |
| Desktop platform score | 3.0 stars | 4.4 stars | 4.3 stars | 3.4 stars | 3.4 stars |
#2 XTB
Verdict
XTB is a great CFD and forex broker. It is regulated by several financial authorities globally, including the UK's FCA. The company is listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange.
On the plus side, its forex fees are low, and the deposit and withdrawal process is fast and mostly free. We also liked the seamless and hassle-free account opening process.
XTB has some drawbacks, though. Stock CFD fees are high. The product range is mainly limited to FX and CFDs, although real stock and ETF trading is available in some European countries. Fundamental data offered by XTB covers only a few basics such as P/E.
We recommend XTB for clients who prefer forex or CFD trading, and also want to enjoy great deposit and withdrawal options along with fast account opening. Feel free to test it using a demo account.
| XTB | |
|---|---|
| Summary | XTB is a global CFD and forex broker, listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange and regulated by financial authorities including the UK FCA, Poland's KNF, and Cyprus's CySec. |
| Fees score | 3.8 stars |
| Recommended for | Forex and CFD traders looking for low fees and great deposit/withdrawal service |
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#3 Best international online brokers for citizens in Canada
Questrade
Questrade, founded in 1999, is one of the most popular brokerage firms in Canada. It is regulated by the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) and is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF).
Questrade is considered safe because it has a long track record and is regulated by a top-tier regulator.
Recommended for traders and investors focusing on the canadian and us markets
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Low stock and ETF fees | • Slow account opening for non-Canadians |
| • Solid research tools | • High withdrawal fee for non-Canadians |
| • Superb customer service | • Limited account base currencies |
#3 Questrade
Fees
Questrade has competitive fees for stocks, ETFs, funds and forex trading. However, margin rates are slightly at the higher end.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Low non-trading fees | • High margin rates |
| • Low stock and ETF fees / Free stock trading | |
| • Low fund fees |
| Interactive Brokers | XTB | Questrade | CMC Markets | Fusion Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US stock | $1.0 | $10.0 | $5.0 | - | - |
| UK stock | $4.2 | $12.0 | - | - | - |
| EURUSD benchmark fee | $10.7 | $8.5 | $8.1 | $7.9 | $5.2 |
| AUDUSD benchmark fee | $8.6 | $5.8 | $6.5 | $6.5 | $4.4 |
| GBPUSD benchmark fee | $8.6 | $5.8 | $6.0 | $5.7 | $3.6 |
| S&P 500 index CFD fee | $2.8 | $1.5 | $1.4 | $1.5 | $0.0 |
| Europe 50 index CFD fee | $3.1 | $1.9 | - | $1.9 | $1.6 |
The above calculation includes all spreads, commissions and financing rates (if applicable) for opening a position, holding it for a week, and closing it.
#3 Questrade
Account opening
For Canadian citizens, opening an account at Questrade is easy and fully digital. However, there is a high minimum deposit of $1,000.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Fast | • Minimum deposit is higher than $500 |
| • Fully digital | • Complicated for non-Canadians |
| • User-friendly |
| Interactive Brokers | XTB | Questrade | CMC Markets | Fusion Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 | $0 | $1,000 | $0 | $0 |
| Time to open account | 1-3 days | 1 day | 1 day | 1-3 days | 1 day |
#3 Questrade
Deposit and withdrawal
Deposits and withdrawals are free and user-friendly with electronic transfer for Canadians. However, the process is expensive for non-Canadians and non-Visa debit cards are not available.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Free withdrawal | • Slow withdrawal - over 3 days |
| • No deposit fee | • High fee for wire withdrawals |
| • User-friendly | • Non-Visa debit card not available |
| Interactive Brokers | XTB | Questrade | CMC Markets | Fusion Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank transfer | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Credit/debit card | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Electronic wallets | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal fee | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
#3 Questrade
Markets and products
At Questrade, you can trade almost all asset classes except futures and cryptos. The product portfolio covers only the US and Canadian markets, though.
| Interactive Brokers | XTB | Questrade | CMC Markets | Fusion Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stock | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| ETF | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Forex | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fund | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
| Bond | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
| Options | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
| Futures | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| CFD | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Crypto | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
#3 Questrade
Web trading platform
Questrade's web trading platform offers a simple, intuitive design, a wide variety of order types and price alerts. However, its customizability is limited and the fee reports are not clear.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • User-friendly | • No clear fee report available |
| • Good variety of order types | • Limited customizability (for charts, workspace) |
| • Price alerts |
| Interactive Brokers | XTB | Questrade | CMC Markets | Fusion Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Web platform score | 4.5 stars | 4.4 stars | 3.8 stars | 4.5 stars | 2.8 stars |
| Mobile platform score | 3.8 stars | 4.4 stars | 4.8 stars | 4.5 stars | 3.8 stars |
| Desktop platform score | 3.0 stars | 4.4 stars | 4.3 stars | 3.4 stars | 3.4 stars |
#3 Questrade
Verdict
Questrade is among the fastest-growing online brokerage firms in Canada. Its stock and ETF fees are low, research tools are advanced and customer service is outstanding.
Questrade has some shortcomings as well. Even though the account opening process for Canadians is quick and easy, it's slow and time-consuming if you are not Canadian. You can face high withdrawal fees if you are not a Canadian citizen and there are only USD and CAD as account base currencies.
Since Questrade has advanced research tools and offers great customer service, feel free to give it a try.
| Questrade | |
|---|---|
| Summary | Questrade is a Canadian online brokerage firm. Questrade is a member of Canadian self-regulatory industry body IIROC and the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF). |
| Fees score | 3.8 stars |
| Recommended for | Traders and investors focusing on the Canadian and US markets |
#4 Best international online brokers for citizens in Canada
CMC Markets
CMC Markets is a global CFD and forex broker, founded in 1989. It is regulated by several authorities globally, including the top-tier UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The company is also listed on the London Stock Exchange.
CMC Markets is considered safe because it has a long track record, is listed on a stock exchange, and is overseen by top-tier regulators.
Disclaimer: CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 67% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Recommended for forex and cfd traders looking for an advanced trading platform with many research tools
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Low forex fees | • High stock CFD fees |
| • Great web and mobile platforms | • Limited product portfolio |
| • Advanced research and educational tools | • Complicated account verification |
#4 CMC Markets
Fees
CMC Markets has competitive forex and stock index CFD fees, and no fee is charged for deposits and most withdrawals. However, stock CFD fees are high.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Low forex fees | • High stock CFD fees |
| • No withdrawal fee |
| Interactive Brokers | XTB | Questrade | CMC Markets | Fusion Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US stock | $1.0 | $10.0 | $5.0 | - | - |
| UK stock | $4.2 | $12.0 | - | - | - |
| EURUSD benchmark fee | $10.7 | $8.5 | $8.1 | $7.9 | $5.2 |
| AUDUSD benchmark fee | $8.6 | $5.8 | $6.5 | $6.5 | $4.4 |
| GBPUSD benchmark fee | $8.6 | $5.8 | $6.0 | $5.7 | $3.6 |
| S&P 500 index CFD fee | $2.8 | $1.5 | $1.4 | $1.5 | $0.0 |
| Europe 50 index CFD fee | $3.1 | $1.9 | - | $1.9 | $1.6 |
The above calculation includes all spreads, commissions and financing rates (if applicable) for opening a position, holding it for a week, and closing it.
#4 CMC Markets
Account opening
The account opening process is fully digital and there's no minimum deposit, but confusion about what documents to upload for identification can prolong the verification process.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Fully digital | • Complicated account verification |
| • No minimum deposit |
| Interactive Brokers | XTB | Questrade | CMC Markets | Fusion Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 | $0 | $1,000 | $0 | $0 |
| Time to open account | 1-3 days | 1 day | 1 day | 1-3 days | 1 day |
#4 CMC Markets
Deposit and withdrawal
You can use multiple deposit/withdrawal options and CFD account base currencies. Withdrawals are mostly free, except for same-day or international bank withdrawals.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Credit/Debit card available | • £15 fee for international bank transfers |
| • No deposit fee | |
| • Several account base currencies |
| Interactive Brokers | XTB | Questrade | CMC Markets | Fusion Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank transfer | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Credit/debit card | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Electronic wallets | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal fee | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
#4 CMC Markets
Markets and products
CMC Markets's product selection covers only CFDs, forex and crypto. You can't trade other popular asset classes such as real stocks, bonds, mutual funds, options or futures.
| Interactive Brokers | XTB | Questrade | CMC Markets | Fusion Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stock | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| ETF | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Forex | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fund | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
| Bond | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
| Options | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
| Futures | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| CFD | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Crypto | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
#4 CMC Markets
Web trading platform
CMC's 'Next Generation' platform has a clean and modern design, is highly customizable, and boasts an advanced order panel. On the other hand, it lacks two-step authentication.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Clear fee report | • No two-step (safer) login |
| • Good customizability (for charts, workspace) | |
| • Modern design |
| Interactive Brokers | XTB | Questrade | CMC Markets | Fusion Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Web platform score | 4.5 stars | 4.4 stars | 3.8 stars | 4.5 stars | 2.8 stars |
| Mobile platform score | 3.8 stars | 4.4 stars | 4.8 stars | 4.5 stars | 3.8 stars |
| Desktop platform score | 3.0 stars | 4.4 stars | 4.3 stars | 3.4 stars | 3.4 stars |
#4 CMC Markets
Verdict
CMC Markets is overseen by top-tier regulators and is one of the best CFD and forex brokers out there.
On the plus side, it has low forex fees, well-developed trading platforms, and useful research and educational tools.
There are also a few drawbacks, though. Stock CFD fees are high, and the account verification process is not always seamless. Also, its product selection covers only CFD and forex asset classes, meaning no real stocks, bonds or mutual funds.
Feel free to test CMC Markets's first-class trading platform, as it has great features and requires no minimum deposit to open an account.
| CMC Markets | |
|---|---|
| Summary | CMC Markets is a UK-based global CFD and forex broker, regulated by multiple top-tier authorities including the UK FCA. |
| Fees score | 3.7 stars |
| Recommended for | Forex and CFD traders looking for an advanced trading platform with many research tools |
#5 Best international online brokers for citizens in Canada
Fusion Markets
Fusion Markets is an Australian discount forex broker founded in 2010. It is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC).
Disclaimer: CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Recommended for forex traders looking for low fees and a chance to use the metatrader 4 platform
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Low trading and non-trading fees | • Basic educational tools |
| • Fast and easy account opening | • Limited product selection |
| • Great customer service | • No investor protection |
#5 Fusion Markets
Fees
Fusion Markets has low forex and CFD fees and charges no inactivity or withdrawal fees.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Low non-trading fees | None |
| • Low forex fees | |
| • No withdrawal or inactivity fees |
| Interactive Brokers | XTB | Questrade | CMC Markets | Fusion Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US stock | $1.0 | $10.0 | $5.0 | - | - |
| UK stock | $4.2 | $12.0 | - | - | - |
| EURUSD benchmark fee | $10.7 | $8.5 | $8.1 | $7.9 | $5.2 |
| AUDUSD benchmark fee | $8.6 | $5.8 | $6.5 | $6.5 | $4.4 |
| GBPUSD benchmark fee | $8.6 | $5.8 | $6.0 | $5.7 | $3.6 |
| S&P 500 index CFD fee | $2.8 | $1.5 | $1.4 | $1.5 | $0.0 |
| Europe 50 index CFD fee | $3.1 | $1.9 | - | $1.9 | $1.6 |
The above calculation includes all spreads, commissions and financing rates (if applicable) for opening a position, holding it for a week, and closing it.
#5 Fusion Markets
Account opening
Account opening at Fusion Markets is user-friendly and fully digital. It is also very fast, as our test account was verified the same day.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Fast | None |
| • Fully digital | |
| • No minimum deposit |
| Interactive Brokers | XTB | Questrade | CMC Markets | Fusion Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 | $0 | $1,000 | $0 | $0 |
| Time to open account | 1-3 days | 1 day | 1 day | 1-3 days | 1 day |
#5 Fusion Markets
Deposit and withdrawal
At Fusion Markets, most withdrawals are free, and you can use bank transfer, credit/debit cards and electronic wallets to add money. However, you can't open an account in minor currencies.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Credit/Debit card available | • No minor account currencies accepted |
| • Free withdrawal | |
| • No deposit fee |
| Interactive Brokers | XTB | Questrade | CMC Markets | Fusion Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank transfer | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Credit/debit card | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Electronic wallets | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal fee | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
#5 Fusion Markets
Markets and products
Fusion Markets gives access to many currency pairs and some CFDs. On the other hand, it lacks a lot of popular asset classes, such as real stocks, ETFs and funds.
| Interactive Brokers | XTB | Questrade | CMC Markets | Fusion Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stock | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| ETF | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Forex | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fund | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
| Bond | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
| Options | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
| Futures | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| CFD | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Crypto | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
#5 Fusion Markets
Web trading platform
The web trading platform of Fusion Markets (provided by MetaTrader) is highly customizable and has a clear fee report. On the other hand, its design is outdated and it lacks a two-step login and price alerts.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Clear fee report | • No two-step (safer) login |
| • Good customizability (for charts, workspace) | • No price alerts |
| • Order confirmation | • Poor design |
| Interactive Brokers | XTB | Questrade | CMC Markets | Fusion Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Web platform score | 4.5 stars | 4.4 stars | 3.8 stars | 4.5 stars | 2.8 stars |
| Mobile platform score | 3.8 stars | 4.4 stars | 4.8 stars | 4.5 stars | 3.8 stars |
| Desktop platform score | 3.0 stars | 4.4 stars | 4.3 stars | 3.4 stars | 3.4 stars |
#5 Fusion Markets
Verdict
Fusion Markets is a great forex broker with very low fees.
It offers low trading and non-trading fees. Account opening is fast and easy, and customer service provides quick and relevant answers.
On the negative side, Fusion Markets has limited educational tools. The product offering covers only forex and some CFDs. Lastly, there is no investor protection provided.
As you can open an account within a day and fees are low, feel free to try Fusion Markets.
| Fusion Markets | |
|---|---|
| Summary | Fusion Markets is an Australia-based discount forex broker, regulated by the ASIC and VFSC. |
| Fees score | 4.9 stars |
| Recommended for | Forex traders looking for low fees and a chance to use the MetaTrader 4 platform |
Best international online brokers for citizens in Canada
What makes a good online broker
Now that you know the top 5, you are probably curious how we came up with this list. Let's go through a few points quickly. What is an online broker? Why do we think these brokers are safe? What are the most important factors when selecting the best online brokers?
What is an online broker?
Thirty years ago, if you wanted to buy a stock, you had to pick up the phone and call your broker, who executed the transaction in return for a commission. Brokers were like characters in the movie 'Wolf of Wall Street'. They were constantly monitoring stock prices while holding the phone and shouting. The Internet changed all that. Nowadays, if you want to invest in Apple shares, you open an online account, deposit money, and set up an order on the brokers' online platform. These platforms are the online brokers. Online brokers help you buy and sell securities like stocks and ETFs. After creating your order, the online broker executes it immediately. It all takes place online.
Are these brokers safe?
We consider each broker on our list safe. You can be sure none of them is a scam. All the brokers featured on BrokerChooser are regulated by at least one authority.
However, brokerage companies can still go bust. Remember the collapse of Lehman Brothers? In such cases, it is important to know what happens with your securities and cash. Your funds are usually held in segregated accounts, so even if your broker goes bankrupt, your funds are safe.
If all goes wrong, and for example, the broker steals your assets, then you have a last resort: the compensation fund of the country where the broker is regulated.
How did BrokerChooser pick the best online brokers?
At BrokerChooser, we test online brokers based on more than ~300 criteria, with real accounts and real money. We don\'t want to overwhelm you, so we will list the five most important criteria.
| 1. Fees | The trading fees of a typical US equity trade can be 50 times higher at one online broker compared to another. It's definitely worth checking these fees. |
| 2. Account opening | Some online brokers require a minimum deposint to start investing while others don't ask for a fix first-time deposit. Check these reuirements at the best online brokers. |
| 3. Deposit and withdrawal | At some online brokers, funding and withdrawing funds can take 5 times longer and be much more expensive than at others. |
| 5. Trading platform | A user-friendly and well-equipped trading platform can significantly increase your trading comfort. |
| 4. Markets and products | You want to invest in Amazon or trade Bitcoin? They might not be available. Check the product lineup before opening an account. |
Best international online brokers for citizens in Canada
Bottom line
These were the details, now let's zoom out. Here are the best international online brokers of 2021 for citizens in Canada:
| Interactive Brokers | XTB | Questrade | CMC Markets | Fusion Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 4.9 | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.6 |
| Best in | Best online broker | Best CFD broker | Best forex broker for beginners | Best discount forex broker | |
| Fees score | 4.2 stars | 3.8 stars | 3.8 stars | 3.7 stars | 4.9 stars |
| Account opening score | 3.4 stars | 5.0 stars | 3.8 stars | 4.1 stars | 5.0 stars |
| Deposit and withdrawal score | 3.5 stars | 4.5 stars | 2.7 stars | 4.8 stars | 4.3 stars |
| Markets and products score | 5.0 stars | 2.8 stars | 4.2 stars | 2.2 stars | 1.8 stars |
| Web platform score | 4.5 stars | 4.4 stars | 3.8 stars | 4.5 stars | 2.8 stars |
| Mobile platform score | 3.8 stars | 4.4 stars | 4.8 stars | 4.5 stars | 3.8 stars |
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77% of retail CFD accounts lose money |
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67% of retail CFD accounts lose money |
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74-89% of retail CFD accounts lose money |
Interactive Brokers is our winner, the best international online broker in Canada for 2021. Low trading fees. Wide range of products. Many great research tools.
All of these brokers are considered safe and a great choice. Pick the winner, or any of the runners-up, and take the next step in your investment journey. Let us know what you think in the comments section.
Still unsure? For a tailored recommendation, check out our broker finder tool. If you enter the name of your country it will show only the relevant brokers. Want more details? Compare brokers with the help of our in-depth comparison table.
