Ranking Methodology
To create our list of stock broker companies, we focused only on discount brokerage firms in the United States. To ensure fair comparisons among them, our stock brokerage firms list uses a 5-star rating system. Although no firm received a perfect 5-star rating, several did earn 4½ stars.
In our brokerage firms list, any company with at least 3½ stars can be recommended in at least one category (see the reviews for the categories we analyzed). Although a brokerage firm with 3 stars is acceptable, it is usually possible to find a better option in those cases.
A firm with an overall rating of 1 or 2 stars should generally be avoided. However, keep in mind that each company in our list of stock brokers in the USA has its own strengths and weaknesses.
Areas of Specialization
Many of the stock broker names in our list are well known today. However, that does not mean every broker will match your trading needs. Be sure to conduct your own research (our reviews are a good place to start) with a clear idea of how you plan to invest. One broker, for example, may offer an excellent mutual fund selection but only basic tools for options trading.
Our brokerage firms list should mainly serve as a starting point for your research to help you find the right broker for your trading strategy. Even so, there are several common categories that most traders will want to evaluate. These include:
- Available assets
- Customer service
- Trading software
- Fees and commissions
- Tools for research and education
The overall ratings in our US stock broker list combine the scores from these categories.
Important Differences Within a Category
Sometimes two brokerage firms may offer the same product, such as a desktop trading platform, but the two programs can still be very different. For example, it is easy to say that Webull’s browser platform is much more advanced than Ally Invest’s. However, Ally Invest’s browser platform provides better options tools than Webull’s browser software.
If a particular category is especially important to you, such as investment education, make sure to carefully compare brokers in this area using our reviews before choosing one. Although educational materials are usually available at most investment firms, both the quality and the quantity can vary greatly.
When to Look at Reviews
It is a good idea to read the reviews in our stock brokerage firms list before opening an account,
although it is always possible to review our research after opening one. If you are
dissatisfied with your current broker, our studies can help you find a new firm.
The Ever-Changing Brokerage World
The investment industry is constantly evolving because of new asset classes (cryptocurrencies, for example), mergers and acquisitions, and improvements in trading technology. As a result, our list of stock broker companies can and often does change.
While some US broker-dealers are currently adding digital currencies to their lists of tradable assets, crypto services vary widely. Robinhood, for example, now offers 58 coins, while others, like TradeStation, provide only a limited selection.
Some brokerage firms are also regularly improving their trading platforms. Webull, for example, has made significant improvements during the past year to both its desktop and browser trading systems. Other brokers, such as M1 Finance, continue using largely the same software with minimal updates.
Another interesting development is the launch of new brokers. Moomoo has recently begun offering brokerage accounts in the United States, and its customers can trade Chinese securities. This opens up opportunities that may not be available at other brokerage firms.
As more brokerage firms enter the market, new trading tools and features will undoubtedly appear, creating additional interest and discussion online. We will continue reporting on these developments in our stock brokerage firms list.
Of course, we closely monitor changes in the brokerage industry throughout the year. We update each firm’s profile page with changes in ratings and other details whenever necessary.
Small Accounts vs. Large Accounts
Due to changes in industry standards, most online discount brokers today have low trading costs and almost no account minimums. Stock and ETF commissions are often $0 today, and account maintenance fees are largely a thing of the past.
A few brokerage firms in our US stock broker list may still require minimum opening deposits, however. Zacks Trade, for example, has a $250 minimum. Other brokers, such as Citi and Vanguard, offer certain benefits or discounts for large accounts.
The Rise of Automated Investing
Many of the brokerage firms we review have recently introduced robo accounts. These are managed accounts in which the company’s software program, rather than the account holder, makes all trading decisions.
Robo accounts usually have no commissions and very low annual fees. They typically invest in mutual funds or exchange-traded funds with low expense ratios. Because these accounts have become more popular, our reviews mention when these account types are available. Some of the brokers we cover also provide traditional investment advice and portfolio management services.
Account Transfer
If industry changes become significant enough for you, or if you are not receiving the service or experience you want, you can always move your account to another broker. Today this process is easier than ever thanks to the Automated Customer Account Transfer Service (ACATS).
Assets held in one investment account can be transferred quickly to another account at a different brokerage firm. Most, though not all, brokers now offer online transfer tools, which make the process even easier. Firstrade is one broker that provides a digital transfer form, while WellsTrade does not.
Only cash and securities can be transferred through the ACATS network, so assets such as futures contracts or cryptocurrencies cannot be moved directly. Of course, it is always possible to liquidate those assets and transfer the resulting cash through the ACATS system.
Many firms in our US stock broker list charge nothing for a full or partial outgoing transfer. Robinhood, for example, charges $100 for a full outgoing transfer, while Fidelity charges no fee for a partial outgoing transfer. Almost all broker-dealers charge nothing for incoming transfers. A few firms still charge relatively high outgoing transfer fees, however. TradeStation, for example, charges $125.
Safety and Insurance
Every brokerage firm we review is protected by SIPC. This is the primary insurance system for brokerage accounts in the United States. A single account is protected up to $500,000, with up to $250,000 allowed for cash balances. SIPC protection guarantees the number of shares held in an account, not the market value. Despite market risks, these safeguards provide important protection.
Every broker on our site is regulated by the SEC and FINRA. These organizations act as the primary securities regulators in the United States. They enforce strict rules and guidelines that broker-dealers must follow, and violations often result in significant penalties. You can always check your broker to see if any disciplinary actions have been taken against it at BrokerCheck.
Changes, Additions, Errors
If you are aware of a new broker that we have not yet covered, feel free to contact us to request a review. Also, if you notice an error or if a broker’s policy or service has changed, please let us know so that we can update our information. Thanks for reading and good luck with your investing!
Updated on 3/4/2026.
Paul Johnson is a Licensed Stockbroker with 7+ years of experience in the financial services industry. Paul enjoys teaching about investing and writing about financial topics. He is a husband and father of twin boys.
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