When you’re starting out or just want to keep more of your money working for you, discount brokers, online platforms that charge little to no commissions for trades. Also known as self-directed brokers, they let you buy and sell stocks, ETFs, and even fractional shares without paying the high fees that full-service advisors charge. This isn’t just about saving a few dollars per trade—it’s about building wealth over time by keeping more of your returns in your pocket.
Discount brokers aren’t just for beginners. Even experienced investors use them because they offer powerful tools: automatic dividend reinvestment, real-time data, mobile apps that work when you’re on the go, and access to thousands of securities—all for $0 per trade. Platforms like those featured in our best brokers for fractional share trading guide let you invest $0.01 in Amazon or Tesla, making it possible to build a diversified portfolio no matter your budget. And while some brokers still charge for things like wire transfers or paper statements, the best ones keep fees hidden only in fine print—so you know exactly what you’re paying.
What makes a good discount broker? It’s not just the price. You need reliability, fast order execution, and clear tools to track your holdings. Many also offer educational content, watchlists, and portfolio analysis—features that used to cost hundreds a year. Now, they’re free. And with fractional share trading, the ability to buy parts of expensive stocks becoming standard, you don’t need thousands to start. You also don’t need to be a finance expert. The top platforms make it easy to compare ETFs, bundles of stocks or bonds that trade like a single stock by fees, holdings, and performance, so you pick the right one without guessing.
Some people still think brokers are just order-takers. But today’s discount brokers are more like financial assistants. They help you automate investments, set alerts for price changes, and even suggest portfolios based on your goals. That’s why the best ones show up in guides about tactical asset allocation, adjusting your portfolio based on market conditions—because they give you the tools to act, not just watch.
What you’ll find below isn’t just a list of names. It’s a collection of real, tested insights on how discount brokers actually perform—what they charge, what they hide, and which ones help you build wealth without the fluff. Whether you’re buying your first stock or fine-tuning your portfolio, the right broker makes all the difference. Let’s get into what works—and what doesn’t.
