Why Free Trades Matter for Beginner and Intermediate Investors
Investing in the stock market has become easier and cheaper than ever before. Just a decade ago, traders in the U.S. had to pay $5–$10 per trade at most online brokers. Fast forward to 2025, and commission-free trading is now the industry standard. This shift has completely changed the way beginners and experienced investors approach stock trading.
But here’s the catch: not all brokers are the same. Even though most stock brokers in the USA now offer free trades, they differ in terms of:
- Trading platforms (mobile apps vs. desktop platforms)
- Research tools and data
- Account minimums
- User experience
- Hidden costs (margin interest rates, withdrawal fees, options contracts, etc.)
For trading beginners, choosing the right broker can be the difference between a smooth investing journey and constant frustration. For more active traders, the right platform can save time, money, and help execute strategies faster.
This article breaks down the best stock brokers with free trades in the USA (2025), their pros and cons, and what you should consider before signing up. We’ll also touch on an alternative to brokers: prop trading firms like TradeThePool, which allow traders to start without big capital.
What Does “Free Trades” Really Mean?
When you hear “commission-free trading,” it usually means:
- No fees for buying or selling U.S. stocks and ETFs.
- Zero commission for mobile and desktop trades.
- Still some costs: options contracts (usually $0.50–$0.65 per contract), margin interest, and premium data may apply.
So while trades are free, brokers make money through:
- Payment for order flow (PFOF) – routing your trades to market makers.
- Margin lending – charging interest if you borrow to trade.
- Subscriptions – for advanced tools, research, or real-time data.
That’s why you’ll notice differences even among free-trade brokers.
Top Stock Brokers with Free Trades in the USA (2025)
Here’s a breakdown of the most popular commission-free brokers for U.S. traders in 2025.
1. Robinhood
Robinhood pioneered commission-free trading and still dominates among beginner investors.
Key Features:
- $0 stock and ETF trades
- Fractional shares from $1
- Simple mobile app
- Crypto trading available
Pros:
- Easiest app for beginners
- No account minimum
- Instant deposits
Cons:
- Limited research tools
- Not the best for advanced traders
- Customer support can be slow
2. Webull
Webull appeals to both beginners and intermediate traders who want more data than Robinhood offers.
Key Features:
- $0 stock, ETF, and options trades
- Paper trading available
- More advanced charting than Robinhood
Pros:
- Better research tools
- Great for options beginners
- Extended-hours trading
Cons:
- Still lacks some professional tools
- No fractional bond or mutual fund investing
3. Fidelity
Fidelity is one of the most trusted U.S. brokers and offers free trades with the backing of a full-service financial firm.
Key Features:
- $0 stock, ETF, and options trades
- Best research tools in the industry
- Excellent retirement accounts (IRA, 401k rollovers)
Pros:
- Strong reputation and customer support
- Advanced desktop platform (Active Trader Pro)
- No account minimum
Cons:
- App less beginner-friendly than Robinhood/Webull
- Not focused on crypto
4. Charles Schwab
Another long-time player, Schwab is excellent for both beginners and advanced traders.
Key Features:
- $0 stock and ETF trades
- Options trading at $0.65 per contract
- High-quality Schwab Mobile and StreetSmart Edge platforms
Pros:
- Excellent customer service
- Wide range of investment options (mutual funds, bonds, futures)
- Educational resources for beginners
Cons:
- Platform can feel overwhelming for new users
- Margin interest higher than some competitors
5. E*TRADE
E*TRADE has been a reliable broker for decades and has fully embraced free trades.
Key Features:
- $0 stock, ETF, and options trades
- Power E*TRADE platform for advanced charting
- Large library of educational content
Pros:
- Great desktop platform
- Strong customer support
- Options-focused tools
Cons:
- Interface less sleek than Robinhood/Webull
- Account transfer fees
Comparison Table: Best Free-Trade Brokers (2025)
| Broker | Free Trades | Options Fee | Best For | Minimum Deposit | Platform Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robinhood | Yes | $0.00 + PFOF | Beginners, mobile trading | $0 | Simple, mobile-first |
| Webull | Yes | $0.00 + $0.55/contract | Beginners & intermediate | $0 | Advanced charts |
| Fidelity | Yes | $0.00 + $0.65/contract | Long-term investors | $0 | Research & retirement |
| Schwab | Yes | $0.00 + $0.65/contract | Beginners & pros | $0 | Versatile platforms |
| E*TRADE | Yes | $0.00 + $0.65/contract | Options traders | $0 | Power E*TRADE |
How to Choose the Best Free-Trade Broker
When picking a broker, consider:
- Ease of use: Is the app simple enough for you?
- Tools and research: Do you need advanced charting, or just a basic app?
- Investment types: Do you want to trade only stocks and ETFs, or also options, crypto, bonds, and mutual funds?
- Customer support: Can you reach someone if your account has issues?
- Extra costs: Watch out for withdrawal fees, margin interest, or account transfer fees.
Are Free Trades Really Free?
Yes, but remember:
- You don’t pay commissions, but order execution quality may vary.
- Brokers make money elsewhere (margin lending, subscriptions, etc.).
- For most beginners, free trades are a huge win compared to the old $5–$10 commissions.
Prop Firms as an Alternative to Stock Brokers
Many traders also look for ways to start trading without risking their own savings. This is where prop trading firms come in.
What is a Prop Firm?
- A proprietary trading firm (prop firm) funds traders with company capital.
- Traders don’t need a large deposit.
- Profits are split between the trader and the firm.
Why consider a prop firm like TradeThePool?
- No large deposit needed – trade using company funds.
- Get funded remotely – prop firms help you trade from anywhere.
- Risk management – learn discipline with clear rules.
👉 Many traders are also exploring TradeThePool stock prop firm in 2025 — these stock prop firms fund traders, so you can trade with little or no deposit. If you want to trade without using your own money, check out tradethepool.com.
FAQs: Stock Brokers with Free Trades
1. Do all U.S. brokers now offer free trades?
Most do, but fees may apply for options contracts, mutual funds, and futures.
2. Are free-trade brokers safe?
Yes. Reputable brokers like Fidelity, Schwab, and E*TRADE are SIPC-insured, which protects your account up to $500,000.
3. Can I buy fractional shares with free-trade brokers?
Yes. Brokers like Robinhood, Webull, and Fidelity allow fractional share investing from as little as $1.
4. Do free trades apply to options?
Stocks and ETFs are commission-free. Options are “free” to open, but most brokers charge per contract ($0.50–$0.65).
5. Which free-trade broker is best for beginners?
Robinhood is easiest to use, while Fidelity is better for long-term investors.
6. Can I trade crypto with free-trade brokers?
Robinhood and Webull support crypto, while Fidelity and Schwab focus on stocks, ETFs, and retirement accounts.
7. What if I don’t want to risk my own money?
Prop firms like TradeThePool are a great alternative. Prop firms help you get funded to trade remotely, with no large deposit required.
Conclusion: Free Trades + New Options in 2025
The rise of commission-free trading has been a game-changer for U.S. investors. Whether you’re a college student starting with $10 or an intermediate trader testing options strategies, there are plenty of brokers offering free stock trades in 2025.
But if you don’t want to use your own money, prop firms are an exciting alternative. TradeThePool, for example, lets you trade with firm capital, keep profits, and avoid tying up personal savings.
👉 Want to start trading without using your own money? Explore the top-rated stock prop firm tradethepool.com.
