| Feature | eToro | Questrade |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Type | Social trading platform, focuses on copy trading and cryptocurrencies | Traditional online broker, focuses on self-directed investing |
| Availability | Global availability, except in some restricted countries | Available only in Canada |
| Account Types | Standard trading accounts, professional accounts | RRSP, TFSA, RESP, margin, corporate, and more |
| Regulation | Regulated by FCA, CySEC, ASIC, FinCEN, others | Regulated by IIROC and CIPF in Canada |
| Minimum Deposit | $10 for U.S. users, varies by region | $1,000 CAD |
| Trading Instruments | Stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrencies, CFDs, commodities, indices, forex | Stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds, bonds, GICs, IPOs |
| Commission Structure | Commission-free on U.S. stocks, spreads apply on other instruments | $4.95 to $9.95 per stock trade, $1 per options contract, ETFs free to buy |
| Spreads | Variable spreads, typically higher than traditional brokers | No spreads, standard market bid/ask prices |
| Copy Trading | Yes, allows copying professional traders | No, focuses on self-directed investing |
| Trading Platforms | Proprietary platform available on web and mobile | Questrade Trading (web), IQ Edge (desktop), mobile app |
| Research Tools | Limited in-depth research tools, social sentiment analysis | Advanced research tools, real-time data, market analysis, news integration |
| Charting Tools | Basic charting tools with limited customization | Advanced charting tools with technical indicators and customization |
| Cryptocurrency Trading | Extensive cryptocurrency offerings including Bitcoin, Ethereum, others | Limited cryptocurrency exposure through ETFs and funds |
| Leverage | Up to 1:30 for retail clients, higher for professionals | No leverage on most accounts, margin accounts available |
| Education Resources | Tutorials, guides, blog posts, webinars | Comprehensive education center with articles, videos, and webinars |
| Deposit Methods | Credit/debit card, PayPal, bank transfer | Bank transfer only |
| Withdrawal Fees | $5 per withdrawal, additional currency conversion fees | No withdrawal fees, standard bank fees may apply |
| Customer Support | Email, chat support, limited phone support | Email, chat, phone support |
| Ease of Use | Beginner-friendly interface, ideal for social and copy trading | Advanced interface, tailored for active and experienced traders |
| Mobile App | Highly rated, focuses on social trading and simple execution | Functional and detailed, designed for active traders |
| Demo Account | Yes, unlimited virtual portfolio | Yes, 90-day trial with $500,000 CAD virtual funds |
| Fractional Shares | Yes, allows investment in fractional shares for stocks and ETFs | No, requires purchasing whole shares |
| Currency Conversion Fees | Charged for non-USD deposits and withdrawals, typically 0.5% or more | Charged for non-CAD and non-USD transactions, around 1.5-2% |
| Tax Reporting | Basic tax reporting tools, supports annual statements | Comprehensive tax reporting tools, supports T-slips and tax-efficient accounts |
| Dividend Reinvestment (DRIP) | No, dividends are paid out as cash | Yes, supports DRIP for eligible accounts and securities |
| Account Security | Two-factor authentication (2FA), segregated client funds | Two-factor authentication (2FA), CIPF protection |
| Advanced Order Types | Limited, includes market, limit, stop-loss, and take-profit | Extensive, includes market, limit, stop, trailing stop, conditional orders |
| API Access | No public API for algorithmic trading | API available for advanced and algorithmic trading |
| Interest on Idle Funds | No interest on uninvested funds | No interest, but cash balances in specific accounts may earn nominal interest |
| Social Features | Strong focus on social networking, public profiles, community discussions | No social trading or community features |
| IPO Access | No access to IPOs | Yes, offers IPO and new issue access |
| User Reviews and Sentiment | Built-in social sentiment analysis based on platform discussions | No built-in user sentiment analysis |
| Regulatory Protections | Multi-jurisdictional protections vary by location, includes FCA, CySEC, ASIC | Regulated by IIROC, member of CIPF for Canadian investors |
| Platform Customization | Limited customization options | Highly customizable desktop platform (IQ Edge) |
| Fees Transparency | Simplified fee structure, but spreads can be less transparent | Transparent fee structure, all charges clearly outlined |
| Market Coverage | Broad, includes niche markets like cryptocurrencies and CFDs | Focused on North American markets with global ETFs and some international stocks |
| Access to Foreign Markets | Indirect via CFDs and ETFs | Direct access to U.S. markets, limited global stock availability |
| Inactivity Fees | $10 per month after 12 months of inactivity, unless funded | $24.95 per quarter unless at least one trade is made or $5,000 CAD balance maintained |
| Customer Base | Over 30 million users globally | Primarily Canadian investors |
| Margin Rates | Variable, typically higher than traditional brokers | Competitive rates based on account balance |
| Sustainability Options | ESG portfolios available for socially responsible investing | Limited, focuses on standard investment products |
| Web Trading Platform | Sleek, modern interface with social trading integration | Functional, designed for in-depth research and trading |
| Options Trading | Not supported | Yes, with customizable options chains and risk analysis tools |
| Regulatory Fees | Built into spreads | Passed through to clients for options, stocks, and ETFs |
| Mutual Funds | Not supported | Yes, wide selection of Canadian mutual funds |
| Thematic Investing | Pre-built thematic portfolios available (e.g., tech, green energy) | No specific thematic portfolios, self-directed customization required |
| Algo Trading Compatibility | Not supported | Yes, with APIs for algorithmic and automated trading |
| Mobile Platform Features | Simplified features focus on ease of use for beginners | Full-featured with advanced trading capabilities for experienced users |
| Pension Account Support | No, standard investment accounts only | Yes, supports RRSPs and other retirement-focused accounts |
| Trade Execution Speed | Fast for social and retail trades, but some delays with CFDs | Fast execution, designed for active traders |
| Short Selling | Limited, only via CFDs | Yes, with direct short selling on stocks |
| Learning Curve | Easy to pick up for beginners | Steeper learning curve due to advanced tools |
| Currency Conversion Options | Automatic with fees | Ability to hold both CAD and USD balances in accounts |
| Regulated Cryptocurrencies | Regulated under financial authorities, direct access to crypto assets | Limited to crypto ETFs or funds |
| Affiliate and Partner Programs | Extensive affiliate and partner programs | Limited affiliate programs |
| Corporate Account Options | No corporate account offerings | Yes, supports corporate investment accounts |
| Data Feed Customization | Minimal, built around platform-specific tools | Fully customizable with third-party integrations |
| Investment Analytics | Basic performance tracking | Advanced analytics, including tax implications and growth projections |
| Market News Integration | Aggregated news and community sentiment | Comprehensive news integration with financial analysis |
| Trading Hours | Matches global markets, limited availability for niche markets | Extended trading hours for North American markets |
| Support for Multi-Asset Portfolios | Yes, including stocks, ETFs, and crypto | Yes, with broader asset class diversity |
| Access to Fixed Income | No direct access to bonds or fixed income | Yes, offers bonds, GICs, and other fixed-income products |
| Referral Programs | Yes, offers rewards for bringing new users | No direct referral rewards |
| Accessibility for Beginners | Highly accessible, intuitive, gamified features | Less beginner-friendly, designed for experienced traders |
| Dedicated Account Managers | No, primarily community-driven support | Yes, for premium clients |
| Premium Account Perks | Offers eToro Club membership with tiers for added benefits | Offers Active Trader program with reduced fees and additional tools |
eToro excels in social and crypto trading with global accessibility, while Questrade is ideal for Canadian investors seeking advanced tools and diverse account options.