We acknowledge that we all are living in a highly volatile environment as we deal with global crises and the financial markets have also observed unprecedented changes that influence the investors. Given recent market volatility, and the changes found in the online brokerage industry, we are more committed to providing our readers with expert reviews regarding the stock trading platforms.
Trading platforms serve as a bridge between you and the financial market. If you choose a perfect platform that is convenient to use, you can do anything in this world. You might feel that we are exaggerating, but it’s true. Simple trading platforms help a lot if you don’t know much about financial markets. They will facilitate you throughout and educate you on all the topics necessary for expert trading. Here we have listed the best stock trading platforms for your assistance.
Best 4 Stock Trading Platforms of 2021:
1) eToro – All-rounder platform
2) VantageFX – Best for Global Trading
3) Robinhood – Best for buying US stocks
4) Interactive Brokers – Best for seasoned brokers
We strive to bring you the best stock trading platforms to make your trading journey comfortable and effortless. Below are our best-chosen platforms for the year 2021 and beyond.
1. eToro
Key Features:
- It requires just $200 as the minimum deposit.
- It allows you to trade in 2400 types of stocks in 17 different markets.
- It lets you trade shares from companies situated in the UK, Canada, the isUS, Hongkong, and Europe.
| Trading types | Amount |
| Stock Trading | Free |
| Forex Trading | 2.1 pips – GBU/USD |
| Cryptocurrency Trading | 0.75 percent for Bitcoin |
| Inactivity fee | $10/month after an initial one year |
| Withdrawal Charges | $5 |
If you have just entered the financial world, you better get some information about eToro. It is 2021’s best-performing stock trading platform that offers convenience and supports small risk trading.
Why it is the number Platform:
- It provides you access to 16 different types of cryptocurrencies and above 250 EFTs.
- It trades commodities as well, from gold to silver to natural resources.
- Financial markets at eToro offer commission-free trade.
- It provides various investing tools like CopyPortfolio, which allows its experts to trade on your behalf.
Pros and Cons:
| PROS | CONS |
| ● Super easy for trading.
● Commission-free stock buying ● It trades in 2500 types of stocks and over 250 EFTs in seventeen international markets. ● It has a CopyTrading tool through which you can copy the stock investing behavior of your favorite seasoned stocker. ● You can deposit money via a Credit/Debit card, PayPal, Skrill, or bank account. |
● It does not offer advanced tools for tech analysis for experienced traders. |
2. VantageFX:
Key Features:
- It offers 100% commission-free trading
- It doesn’t charge any deposit, inactivity, or withdrawal fee.
- You can open an ECN (Electronic communication account) with just $500 as the minimum deposit.
| Trading Types | Amount |
| Stock Trading | Variable spread |
| Forex Trading | 1.4 pips – GBU/USD |
| Cryptocurrency Trading | N/A |
| Inactivity Fee | Free |
| Withdrawal | Free |
Vantage FX is a global trader, that offers to trade everything from stocks to commodities to indices. The company lets the traders from a position worth 500 their investment. Further, you can trade in a micro lot size, which will entitle you to a profit of $1 for every 10 pips.
Why it is the Best Platform:
- They allow you to trade from 0.0 pips and pay a fee of $3/lot.
- It has separate trading platforms for IOS, Android, and Web users.
- It has built-in features like screen charts, technical indicators, and effortless order entry.
- It provides access to MT4 and MT5 trading platforms – used to automate trading.
- It offers tools for mirror trading so that you can make the most of your investment.
Pros and Cons:
| PROS | CONS |
| ● Commission-free Trading
● It offers an electronic communication account (ECN) to give you access to other traders through interbank trading rates. ● You will get to do social trading with three different platforms. |
● Its Forex spreads are above the market average.
● It only offers Contract Trading, which is riskier than trading stocks and shares. |
3. Robinhood:
Key Features:
- It allows commission-free stock purchases
- It offers over 5000 US-based and 250 non-US stocks – the majority are US-based
- It has no minimum deposit amount.
| Trading Types | Fee |
| Stock Trading | Free of cost |
| Forex Trading | N/A |
| Cryptocurrency Trading | Free of cost |
| Inactivity Fee | none |
| Withdrawal | none |
If we had asked you about Robinhood years back, you would have known nothing about it. But today, you won’t believe it’s home to millions of traders. Investors in the US use this platform primarily because of its convenience and effectiveness.
Why it is the Best Platform:
- It is best known for trading EFTs, cryptocurrencies, and Penny stocks.
- On this platform, you will find popular stocks of all the famous companies in the US.
- You can use any US bank transfer to fund your investment account.
- It has well-designed dedicated apps for both IOS and Android users.
- FINRA and SEC authorize it.
Pros and Cons:
| PROS | CONS |
| ● It is a well-known trading platform in the United States.
● It offers more than 500 US-based stocks. ● Trading options include Stocks, EFTs, and cryptocurrencies. ● Commission-free trading ● User-friendly platform |
● It offers very few international stocks – just 250.
● Funds deposited through cards and e-wallets are not available. |
4. Interactive Brokers:
Key Features:
- It operates in almost 33 countries and 135 financial markets.
- It attracts traders through its low prices per share.
- Its new platform, IBKR Lite, offers commission-free trade.
| Trading Types | Fee |
| Stock Trading | Free of cost |
| Forex Trading | Commission ranges from 0.08 to 0.20. 0.1 pip – GBP per USD |
| Cryptocurrency Trading | $15.01/ bitcoin – Futures contract |
| Inactivity Fee | $20/month |
| Withdrawal | Free of cost |
Interactive Brokers has been the pioneer of Stock Trading since the 1970s. Unquestionably, it is the best platform for seasoned investors. It comes with advanced features and trading tools to help you with your basic and technical research.
Why it is the Best Platform:
- Unlike other stock traders, it offers fractional share ownership
- It provides futures, options, and Forex types of trading options.
- It allows commission-free purchase for US-based stocks
- You aren’t required to maintain a minimum account balance.
- You can quickly move your funds via bank transfers.
Pros and Cons:
| PROS | CONS |
| ● It offers a wide variety of securities to trade in, including stocks, EFTs, and index funds.
● It has tools like chart analysis for experienced traders. ● It operates in 135 markets in 33 countries. ● It does not require any minimum deposit. ● It offers commission-free purchases on US-based stocks and EFTs. |
● It might be confusing for beginners.
● It has a confusing price structure. |
Conclusion
So, these were some best stock trading platforms. However, our best recommendation is the eToro as it fulfills all the qualities a convenient stock trading platform should have. Head to any of them and secure your investments today.