Investing / Online brokers / Wealthsimple Self-Directed Investing
Wealthsimple Self-Directed Investing
Commission-free investing in one simple app · #6 of 14 online brokers
1% transfer match, up to $20,000 — Register for the match, then transfer $25,000+ from another institution within 30 days. Paid in 24 monthly instalments.
- Yearly cost · Growing
- $0
- Stock & ETF trade
- $0
- Currency conversion
- 1.5%
- Offer on $25k
- $250
$25,000 · 24 trades a year
Canadian and US stocks and ETFs
USD accounts $10/month on Core; free from $100,000 in assets
1% transfer match, up to $20,000
Our verdict
Wealthsimple Self-Directed Investing scores 80/100, #6 of the 14 online brokers we compare. Best for: commission-free investing in one simple app.
- $0 commissions on Canadian and US stocks and ETFs
- Fractional shares and automatic dividend reinvestment
- Pays your old broker’s transfer fees on $25,000+
What a year of investing costs
Estimated yearly cost
$0$25,000 · 24 trades a year in a TFSA| Commissions 24 × $0.00 | $0.00 |
|---|---|
| Account fees No account or inactivity fees | $0.00 |
| Yearly cost | $0.00 |
| Starter$5,000 · 12 trades a year | $0 |
|---|---|
| Growing$25,000 · 24 trades a year | $0 |
| Active$100,000 · 120 trades a year | $0 |
Canadian-listed trades of $1,000. Currency conversion, options and ECN fees are extra. Try your own numbers.
Welcome offer
1% transfer match, up to $20,000
Register for the match, then transfer $25,000+ from another institution within 30 days. Paid in 24 monthly instalments.
- Register for the 1% match in the app or online before you transfer
- Start transfers totalling $25,000+ from another institution within 30 days
- Keep the money invested — withdrawals beyond 20% reduce the remaining payments
- Receive the match in 24 equal monthly payments to Wealthsimple Chequing
| Transfer $10,000 | $0 |
|---|---|
| Transfer $25,000 | $250 |
| Transfer $50,000 | $500 |
| Transfer $100,000 | $1,000 |
No end date published. Paid monthly over 24 months. Official terms
Fees & features
| Stocks & ETFs | $0Canadian and US stocks and ETFs |
|---|---|
| Options | Options available; per-contract fee depends on your client tier |
| Currency conversion | 1.5% on CAD–USD conversions |
| US dollar accounts | USD accounts $10/month on Core; free from $100,000 in assets |
| Account fees | No account or inactivity fees |
| Minimum | $0 |
| Fractional shares · DRIP | Fractional shares · Dividend reinvestment |
| Platforms | Mobile app and web |
| Accounts | TFSARRSPFHSARESPNon-registered |
| Transfers | Covers your old broker’s transfer fees on $25,000+Transfer out: $0 |
| Protection | CIPFCIRO member · Wealthsimple Investments Inc. |
Pros & cons
Pros
- $0 commissions on Canadian and US stocks and ETFs
- No account or inactivity fees
- Fractional shares on eligible stocks
- Investing, chequing, crypto and a credit card in one app
Cons
- 1.5% currency conversion unless you pay for or qualify for a USD account
- No RRIF or LIRA in self-directed accounts
- Fewer research tools than bank brokerages
Wealthsimple FAQ
How much does Wealthsimple Self-Directed Investing charge per trade?
$0 per online stock or ETF trade. Canadian and US stocks and ETFs. Options: Options available; per-contract fee depends on your client tier.
Does Wealthsimple Self-Directed Investing have account fees?
No account or inactivity fees. Transferring out costs $0.
Is Wealthsimple Self-Directed Investing good for buying US stocks?
USD accounts $10/month on Core; free from $100,000 in assets. Currency conversion: 1.5% on CAD–USD conversions.
Which accounts does Wealthsimple Self-Directed Investing offer?
TFSA, RRSP, FHSA, RESP, Non-registered.
What is the Wealthsimple welcome offer?
1% transfer match, up to $20,000: Register for the match, then transfer $25,000+ from another institution within 30 days. Paid in 24 monthly instalments.
Is Wealthsimple safe?
Wealthsimple Investments Inc. is a CIRO member; accounts are protected by CIPF up to $1 million per account category if the firm fails. That protection does not cover market losses.
Alternatives
Source: Wealthsimple official fee schedule · offer terms · Checked Oct 16, 2026.
WalletReturn is independent. We may earn a commission when you open an account through some links; that never changes our scores or our numbers. Fees and offers change — confirm them with the provider before you open an account. This is general information, not investment advice. Investments are not guaranteed; CIPF protection covers missing client property if a member firm fails, not market losses.