To help you find the best online brokers in 2021, we went ahead and did the research for you. First, we selected 89 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 Puerto Rico. 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 Puerto Rico:
- Interactive Brokers is the best international online broker in 2021. Low trading fees. Wide range of products. Many great research tools.
- tastyworks takes second place. Low trading fees. Great educational materials. Good research tools.
- XTB rounds out the top three. Low forex fees. Free and fast deposit and withdrawal. Easy and fast account opening.
- City Index, numero quattro. Low fees for forex. Fast and smooth account opening. Diverse research tools.
- Zacks Trade just made it to the list at in fifth place. Low fees. Extensive stock and ETF selection. Great customer service.
| Broker | Info | Score | Best in | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Interactive Brokers | US discount broker | 4.8 | Best online broker |
| #2 | tastyworks | US options and stockbroker | 4.7 | Best broker for options |
| #3 | XTB | Global CFD and forex broker | 4.7 | Best CFD broker |
| #4 | City Index | Global CFD and forex broker | 4.6 | |
| #5 | Zacks Trade | US discount broker | 4.4 | Best broker for investing |
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 Puerto Rico one by one, starting with the winner, Interactive Brokers.
#1 Best international online brokers for citizens in Puerto Rico
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 | • High forex fees |
#1 Interactive Brokers
Fees
Interactive Brokers has low trading fees; for US clients, stock and ETF trading is free. On the negative side, there is a high inactivity fee for non-US clients.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Low trading fees | • Inactivity fee |
| • Free stock and ETF trading for US clients | |
| • Low margin rates |
| Interactive Brokers | tastyworks | XTB | City Index | Zacks Trade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US stock | $1.0 | $0.0 | $10.0 | - | $1.0 |
| UK stock | $8.4 | - | $12.0 | - | $16.8 |
| EURUSD benchmark fee | $10.7 | - | $8.5 | $6.2 | - |
| AUDUSD benchmark fee | $8.6 | - | $5.8 | $6.4 | - |
| GBPUSD benchmark fee | $8.6 | - | $5.8 | $4.9 | - |
| S&P 500 index CFD fee | $2.8 | - | $1.5 | $1.2 | - |
| Europe 50 index CFD fee | $3.1 | - | $1.9 | $1.9 | - |
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 | tastyworks | XTB | City Index | Zacks Trade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 | $0 | $0 | $100 | $0 |
| Time to open account | 1-3 days | 1 day | 1 day | 1 day | >3 days |
#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 | tastyworks | XTB | City Index | Zacks Trade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank transfer | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Credit/debit card | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Electronic wallets | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Withdrawal fee | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $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 | tastyworks | XTB | City Index | Zacks Trade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stock | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| ETF | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Forex | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Fund | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
| Bond | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
| Options | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Futures | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| CFD | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Crypto | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
#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 | tastyworks | XTB | City Index | Zacks Trade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Web platform score | 4.5 stars | 3.4 stars | 4.4 stars | 4.3 stars | 4.5 stars |
| Mobile platform score | 3.8 stars | 4.2 stars | 4.4 stars | 4.3 stars | 3.8 stars |
| Desktop platform score | 3.0 stars | 3.9 stars | 4.4 stars | 3.0 stars | 3.0 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: there are high forex fees, 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 Puerto Rico
tastyworks
tastyworks is a young, up-and-coming US broker focusing on options trading. It is regulated by the top-tier Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) for Australian clients
The people behind tastyworks are the same experts who built thinkorswim, now operated by TD Ameritrade. tastyworks is privately owned; it was established in 2017 and is headquartered in Chicago.
Recommended for options and futures traders focusing on us markets
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Low trading fees | • Limited product selection |
| • Great educational materials | • Few deposit and withdrawal options |
| • Good research tools | • No demo account |
#2 tastyworks
Fees
tastyworks has low trading fees and there is no inactivity fee. On the other hand, you have to pay a high withdrawal fee for wire transfers.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Low trading fees | • Withdrawal fee for bank (wire) transfers |
| • Low stock and ETF fees / Free stock trading | |
| • No inactivity fee |
| Interactive Brokers | tastyworks | XTB | City Index | Zacks Trade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US stock | $1.0 | $0.0 | $10.0 | - | $1.0 |
| UK stock | $8.4 | - | $12.0 | - | $16.8 |
| EURUSD benchmark fee | $10.7 | - | $8.5 | $6.2 | - |
| AUDUSD benchmark fee | $8.6 | - | $5.8 | $6.4 | - |
| GBPUSD benchmark fee | $8.6 | - | $5.8 | $4.9 | - |
| S&P 500 index CFD fee | $2.8 | - | $1.5 | $1.2 | - |
| Europe 50 index CFD fee | $3.1 | - | $1.9 | $1.9 | - |
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 tastyworks
Account opening
tastyworks account opening is user-friendly, fast, fully digital, and involves no minimum deposit.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Fast | None |
| • Fully digital | |
| • No minimum deposit |
| Interactive Brokers | tastyworks | XTB | City Index | Zacks Trade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 | $0 | $0 | $100 | $0 |
| Time to open account | 1-3 days | 1 day | 1 day | 1 day | >3 days |
#2 tastyworks
Deposit and withdrawal
tastyworks's deposit and withdrawal functions are easy to use and there's no deposit fee, but you can use only bank transfer, and withdrawals can be expensive especially for non-US clients.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • No deposit fee | • Credit/Debit card not available |
| • User-friendly | • Only one account base currency |
| • Free ACH withdrawals in the US | • High fee for wire withdrawals |
| Interactive Brokers | tastyworks | XTB | City Index | Zacks Trade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank transfer | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Credit/debit card | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Electronic wallets | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Withdrawal fee | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 |
#2 tastyworks
Markets and products
At tastyworks, you can trade US stocks, ETFs, options and some futures. Other popular asset classes like mutual funds or bonds are missing, as are international assets.
| Interactive Brokers | tastyworks | XTB | City Index | Zacks Trade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stock | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| ETF | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Forex | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Fund | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
| Bond | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
| Options | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Futures | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| CFD | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Crypto | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
#2 tastyworks
Web trading platform
The tastyworks web platform is great for experienced traders, especially for options trading. However, it takes time to figure out how its functions work, and its customizability is limited.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Clear fee report | • Limited customizability (for charts, workspace) |
| • Price alerts | • Not suited for beginners |
| • Two-step (safer) authentication for certain functions |
| Interactive Brokers | tastyworks | XTB | City Index | Zacks Trade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Web platform score | 4.5 stars | 3.4 stars | 4.4 stars | 4.3 stars | 4.5 stars |
| Mobile platform score | 3.8 stars | 4.2 stars | 4.4 stars | 4.3 stars | 3.8 stars |
| Desktop platform score | 3.0 stars | 3.9 stars | 4.4 stars | 3.0 stars | 3.0 stars |
#2 tastyworks
Verdict
tastyworks is an excellent broker for options trading, but it is a bit complicated if you want to trade stocks only.
tastyworks's trading fees are low, with free stock and ETF trading fees. Its trading platform is aimed at experienced options traders and can be intimidating for beginners. However, its educational and research tools are great for learning. Deposit and withdrawal processes could be better, and a demo account would also be great for practice purposes.
As there is no minimum deposit, no inactivity fee, or monthly fee, and the account opening process is seamless, you should feel free to try it.
| tastyworks | |
|---|---|
| Summary | tastyworks is a recently established US options and stockbroker. It is overseen by FINRA, a top-tier regulatory body. |
| Fees score | 4.5 stars |
| Recommended for | Options and futures traders focusing on US markets |
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#3 Best international online brokers for citizens in Puerto Rico
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 |
#3 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 | tastyworks | XTB | City Index | Zacks Trade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US stock | $1.0 | $0.0 | $10.0 | - | $1.0 |
| UK stock | $8.4 | - | $12.0 | - | $16.8 |
| EURUSD benchmark fee | $10.7 | - | $8.5 | $6.2 | - |
| AUDUSD benchmark fee | $8.6 | - | $5.8 | $6.4 | - |
| GBPUSD benchmark fee | $8.6 | - | $5.8 | $4.9 | - |
| S&P 500 index CFD fee | $2.8 | - | $1.5 | $1.2 | - |
| Europe 50 index CFD fee | $3.1 | - | $1.9 | $1.9 | - |
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 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 | tastyworks | XTB | City Index | Zacks Trade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 | $0 | $0 | $100 | $0 |
| Time to open account | 1-3 days | 1 day | 1 day | 1 day | >3 days |
#3 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 | tastyworks | XTB | City Index | Zacks Trade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank transfer | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Credit/debit card | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Electronic wallets | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Withdrawal fee | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 |
#3 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 | tastyworks | XTB | City Index | Zacks Trade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stock | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| ETF | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Forex | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Fund | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
| Bond | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
| Options | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Futures | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| CFD | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Crypto | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
#3 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 | tastyworks | XTB | City Index | Zacks Trade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Web platform score | 4.5 stars | 3.4 stars | 4.4 stars | 4.3 stars | 4.5 stars |
| Mobile platform score | 3.8 stars | 4.2 stars | 4.4 stars | 4.3 stars | 3.8 stars |
| Desktop platform score | 3.0 stars | 3.9 stars | 4.4 stars | 3.0 stars | 3.0 stars |
#3 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 |
#4 Best international online brokers for citizens in Puerto Rico
City Index
City Index is a global CFD and FX broker founded in 1983. City Index is the trading brand of StoneX Financial Ltd., whose parent company StoneX Group Inc. is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange. The company is regulated by top-tier financial authorities, such as the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
City Index is considered safe because it has a long track record, it is regulated by top-tier financial authorities, and its parent company is listed on a stock exchange.
Disclaimer: CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 70% 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 forex fees and great research tools
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Low fees for forex | • Limited product portfolio |
| • Fast and smooth account opening | • High stock CFD fees |
| • Diverse research tools | • Non-user-friendly desktop platform |
#4 City Index
Fees
City Index has low fees for forex trading and there is no withdrawal fee. On the other hand, stock CFD fees are high and an inactivity fee kicks in after one year.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Low forex fees | • Inactivity fee |
| • No withdrawal fee | • High stock CFD fees |
| Interactive Brokers | tastyworks | XTB | City Index | Zacks Trade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US stock | $1.0 | $0.0 | $10.0 | - | $1.0 |
| UK stock | $8.4 | - | $12.0 | - | $16.8 |
| EURUSD benchmark fee | $10.7 | - | $8.5 | $6.2 | - |
| AUDUSD benchmark fee | $8.6 | - | $5.8 | $6.4 | - |
| GBPUSD benchmark fee | $8.6 | - | $5.8 | $4.9 | - |
| S&P 500 index CFD fee | $2.8 | - | $1.5 | $1.2 | - |
| Europe 50 index CFD fee | $3.1 | - | $1.9 | $1.9 | - |
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 City Index
Account opening
City Index's account opening process is fully digital and there is no minimum deposit. It took one day for us to get the account approved.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Fast | None |
| • Fully digital | |
| • No minimum deposit |
| Interactive Brokers | tastyworks | XTB | City Index | Zacks Trade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 | $0 | $0 | $100 | $0 |
| Time to open account | 1-3 days | 1 day | 1 day | 1 day | >3 days |
#4 City Index
Deposit and withdrawal
City Index provides multiple deposit and withdrawal options, all free of charge. However, withdrawal is not possible with some credit cards.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Credit/Debit card available | • Problem with credit card withdrawal |
| • Free withdrawal | |
| • No deposit fee |
| Interactive Brokers | tastyworks | XTB | City Index | Zacks Trade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank transfer | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Credit/debit card | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Electronic wallets | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Withdrawal fee | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 |
#4 City Index
Markets and products
At City Index, you can only trade CFDs, forex and cryptos. Other popular asset classes, like real stocks or funds, are not available.
| Interactive Brokers | tastyworks | XTB | City Index | Zacks Trade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stock | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| ETF | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Forex | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Fund | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
| Bond | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
| Options | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Futures | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| CFD | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Crypto | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
#4 City Index
Web trading platform
City Index's web trading platform is user-friendly and extremely customizable, with lots of order types. On the negative side, there is no two-step login.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • User-friendly | • No two-step (safer) login |
| • Good customizability (for charts, workspace) | |
| • Good variety of order types |
| Interactive Brokers | tastyworks | XTB | City Index | Zacks Trade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Web platform score | 4.5 stars | 3.4 stars | 4.4 stars | 4.3 stars | 4.5 stars |
| Mobile platform score | 3.8 stars | 4.2 stars | 4.4 stars | 4.3 stars | 3.8 stars |
| Desktop platform score | 3.0 stars | 3.9 stars | 4.4 stars | 3.0 stars | 3.0 stars |
#4 City Index
Verdict
City Index is a great CFD and forex broker, regulated by top-tier financial authorities such as the UK's FCA.
On the positive side, it has low forex fees, a smooth account opening process and high-quality research tools.
It has some drawbacks though. The product portfolio is limited, stock CFD fees are quite high and the desktop platform lags behind its competitors.
As there is no required minimum balance, no withdrawal fee, and an inactivity fee only kicks in after one year, feel free to try City Index.
Below you can find links to all aspects of City Index in this comprehensive collection.
| City Index | |
|---|---|
| Summary | City Index is a global CFD broker, regulated by many financial authorities including the top-tier UK FCA. Its parent company, StoneX Group Inc. is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange. |
| Fees score | 3.9 stars |
| Recommended for | Forex and CFD traders looking for low forex fees and great research tools |
#5 Best international online brokers for citizens in Puerto Rico
Zacks Trade
Zacks Trade is a US-based discount broker and a division of LBMZ Securities. LBMZ Securities was founded in 1978 and is regulated by the top-tier US financial authorities SEC and FINRA.
LBMZ Securities's clearing and execution services are provided through Interactive Brokers, a global stockbroker regulated by many top-tier financial authorities globally.
If you're familiar with the services of Interactive Brokers, you might notice that many of Zacks Trade's services are the same. To sum up:
- Zacks Trade has its own, different fee structure, product selection, educational tools and customer support.
- The account opening and deposit/withdrawal processes, trading platforms and research tools are the same as at Interactive Brokers.
Zacks Trade is considered safe because it has a long track record and is overseen by top-tier regulators.
Recommended for traders and investors looking for comprehensive research tools, a wide product selection and low fees
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Low fees | • Complex desktop platform and research tools |
| • Extensive stock and ETF selection | • Slow and complicated account opening |
| • Great customer service | • Limited educational tools |
#5 Zacks Trade
Fees
Zacks Trade has low trading and non-trading fees. Its stock, ETF and bond trading fees are especially low, while mutual fund fees are quite high.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Low stock and ETF fees / Free stock trading | • High fund fees |
| • No withdrawal fee | |
| • No inactivity fee |
| Interactive Brokers | tastyworks | XTB | City Index | Zacks Trade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US stock | $1.0 | $0.0 | $10.0 | - | $1.0 |
| UK stock | $8.4 | - | $12.0 | - | $16.8 |
| EURUSD benchmark fee | $10.7 | - | $8.5 | $6.2 | - |
| AUDUSD benchmark fee | $8.6 | - | $5.8 | $6.4 | - |
| GBPUSD benchmark fee | $8.6 | - | $5.8 | $4.9 | - |
| S&P 500 index CFD fee | $2.8 | - | $1.5 | $1.2 | - |
| Europe 50 index CFD fee | $3.1 | - | $1.9 | $1.9 | - |
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 Zacks Trade
Account opening
Zacks Trade has a fully digital account opening for clients all over the world, and there is no minimum deposit. On the negative side, we found the process slow and hard to navigate.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Fully digital | • Slow |
| • No minimum deposit | • Not user-friendly |
| Interactive Brokers | tastyworks | XTB | City Index | Zacks Trade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 | $0 | $0 | $100 | $0 |
| Time to open account | 1-3 days | 1 day | 1 day | 1 day | >3 days |
#5 Zacks Trade
Deposit and withdrawal
Zacks Trade offers one free withdrawal per month for nearly all base currencies. However, you cannot use credit/debit cards or electronic wallets to deposit or withdraw funds.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Free withdrawal | • Credit/Debit card not available |
| • No deposit fee | |
| • Several account base currencies |
| Interactive Brokers | tastyworks | XTB | City Index | Zacks Trade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank transfer | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Credit/debit card | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Electronic wallets | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Withdrawal fee | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 | $0.0 |
#5 Zacks Trade
Markets and products
Zacks Trade offers international stocks, ETFs and bonds, which is fairly unique for a US broker, as well as US funds and options. However, you cannot trade futures or forex.
| Interactive Brokers | tastyworks | XTB | City Index | Zacks Trade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stock | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| ETF | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Forex | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Fund | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
| Bond | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
| Options | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Futures | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| CFD | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Crypto | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
#5 Zacks Trade
Web trading platform
The Zacks Trade 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 | tastyworks | XTB | City Index | Zacks Trade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Web platform score | 4.5 stars | 3.4 stars | 4.4 stars | 4.3 stars | 4.5 stars |
| Mobile platform score | 3.8 stars | 4.2 stars | 4.4 stars | 4.3 stars | 3.8 stars |
| Desktop platform score | 3.0 stars | 3.9 stars | 4.4 stars | 3.0 stars | 3.0 stars |
#5 Zacks Trade
Verdict
Zacks Trade is a great US discount broker. It is a division of LBMZ Securities, which is regulated by the SEC and FINRA.
On the plus side, Zacks Trade has low fees, outstanding stock and ETF selections and great customer service.
There are some drawbacks though, as its desktop trading platform and research tools are quite complex. The account opening is complicated and slow. Lastly, we missed some useful educational tools.
As Zacks Trade provides a demo account and doesn't require any minimum deposit, feel free to try it.
| Zacks Trade | |
|---|---|
| Summary | Zacks Trade is a US discount broker that also allows international clients to open an account. Zacks Trade is a division of LBMZ Securities, which is regulated by SEC and FINRA. Customers are protected by the SIPC scheme, up to $500,000 (including a $250,000 limit for cash). |
| Fees score | 4.2 stars |
| Recommended for | Traders and investors looking for comprehensive research tools, a wide product selection and low fees |
Best international online brokers for citizens in Puerto Rico
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 Puerto Rico
Bottom line
These were the details, now let's zoom out. Here are the best international online brokers of 2021 for citizens in Puerto Rico:
| Interactive Brokers | tastyworks | XTB | City Index | Zacks Trade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4.4 |
| Best in | Best online broker | Best broker for options | Best CFD broker | Best broker for investing | |
| Fees score | 4.2 stars | 4.5 stars | 3.8 stars | 3.9 stars | 4.2 stars |
| Account opening score | 3.4 stars | 5.0 stars | 5.0 stars | 5.0 stars | 2.8 stars |
| Deposit and withdrawal score | 3.5 stars | 1.9 stars | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | 3.5 stars |
| Markets and products score | 5.0 stars | 2.6 stars | 2.8 stars | 2.0 stars | 3.8 stars |
| Web platform score | 4.5 stars | 3.4 stars | 4.4 stars | 4.3 stars | 4.5 stars |
| Mobile platform score | 3.8 stars | 4.2 stars | 4.4 stars | 4.3 stars | 3.8 stars |
| Visit broker | Visit broker |
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77% of retail CFD accounts lose money |
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70% of retail CFD accounts lose money |
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Interactive Brokers is our winner, the best international online broker in Puerto Rico 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.
