When it comes to trading and investing in the U.S. stock market, minimizing costs can significantly increase your overall returns—especially for beginners and intermediate traders. Fortunately, thanks to fierce competition among online brokers, many of the cheapest stock brokers in the USA now offer $0 commissions, free research tools, and powerful trading platforms.
In this comprehensive 2025 guide, we’ll walk you through the best low-cost and no-cost brokers available in the U.S. We’ll compare fees, platforms, features, and even discuss alternative options like prop firms for those with little starting capital.
Whether you’re looking to save on commissions or just getting started with stock investing, this article is your go-to resource.
Why Low-Cost Brokers Matter for Traders
Fees can eat into your profits faster than you think. Choosing a low-commission broker can:
- Maximize your returns by reducing trade-related expenses
- Allow small investors to grow capital faster
- Provide affordable access to tools, research, and market data
- Make frequent trading (like day trading or swing trading) more viable
Thanks to the zero-commission revolution, it’s now easier than ever to invest in stocks, ETFs, and even options without paying high fees.
Top 7 Cheapest Stock Brokers in the USA (2025)
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the cheapest brokers for U.S. stock trading:
| Broker | Stock/ETF Trades | Options (per contract) | Account Minimum | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robinhood | $0 | $0 (Gold plan) | $0 | Mobile trading, beginners |
| Webull | $0 | $0.55 | $0 | Tech-savvy traders |
| SoFi Invest | $0 | N/A | $0 | Fractional investing |
| Moomoo | $0 | $0.65 | $0 | Active traders |
| Charles Schwab | $0 | $0.65 | $0 | Retirement investors |
| Fidelity | $0 | $0.65 | $0 | Long-term investing |
| Interactive Brokers | $0 (IBKR Lite) | $0.65 | $0 | Global, pro-level trading |
1. Robinhood
Best for: Beginners and mobile-first traders
Pros:
- $0 commissions on stocks, ETFs, and options
- User-friendly mobile and web platform
- No account minimum
- Access to crypto trading
Cons:
- Limited research tools
- No retirement accounts
Robinhood remains one of the top choices for beginner traders thanks to its easy-to-use app and $0 commissions across the board—including options.
2. Webull
Best for: Active traders who want more technical tools
Pros:
- $0 stock and ETF trades
- Low options contract fee: $0.55
- Advanced charting and analysis tools
- No account minimum
Cons:
- No mutual fund or bond investing
- Learning curve for absolute beginners
Webull is perfect for traders who want advanced tools but still enjoy low-cost trades.
3. SoFi Invest
Best for: New investors starting small
Pros:
- $0 commissions on stocks and ETFs
- Fractional shares available
- Simple interface and educational content
- Offers automated investing (robo-advisor)
Cons:
- No options trading
- Limited advanced trading tools
SoFi Invest is a great option if you want to start investing small amounts with minimal fees.
4. Moomoo
Best for: Intermediate traders looking for robust features
Pros:
- Commission-free stock and ETF trades
- Access to Level 2 market data (limited time)
- Professional-grade charting tools
- Promotions for new users
Cons:
- Options fees slightly higher ($0.65)
- Interface may feel complex to beginners
Moomoo is rising in popularity due to its active trader features paired with a no-cost structure.
5. Charles Schwab
Best for: Long-term investors and retirement accounts
Pros:
- $0 stock and ETF commissions
- Schwab Stock Slices (fractional shares)
- Offers full-service financial planning
- Robo-advisor and IRAs available
Cons:
- Outdated user interface in some areas
Schwab is perfect for beginners and long-term investors looking for low-cost investing with full-service features.
6. Fidelity
Best for: Research-focused investors and retirement planning
Pros:
- $0 commission on stocks and ETFs
- Top-rated research and analysis tools
- Strong customer support
- Fractional shares and retirement accounts
Cons:
- Platform not optimized for short-term trading
Fidelity remains a top pick for those focused on building long-term wealth while avoiding fees.
7. Interactive Brokers (IBKR Lite)
Best for: Professionals and international traders
Pros:
- $0 commissions with IBKR Lite plan
- Lowest margin rates in the industry
- Access to 135+ markets worldwide
- Desktop and mobile platforms for pros
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve
- Not ideal for true beginners
Interactive Brokers offers high-end features and unbeatable global access, making it a leader among serious traders.
What Makes a Broker “Cheap” or Low-Cost?
Here are the top factors to consider:
1. Commission-Free Trading
All brokers listed here offer $0 commissions on stocks and ETFs. Make sure to:
- Check option contract fees
- Look for hidden fees on mutual funds or wire transfers
2. Low Margin Rates
If you plan to trade on margin (borrow money), a low interest rate saves you money. Interactive Brokers excels in this area.
3. No Account Minimum
Zero minimums allow new investors to start with just $1 or $10.
4. No Inactivity or Maintenance Fees
Hidden fees can eat into profits, so choose brokers with clean pricing models.
5. Fractional Shares
This lets you buy pieces of expensive stocks like Amazon or Google with small amounts of money.
Pricing Overview
| Broker | Commission (Stocks/ETFs) | Options Fee (per contract) | Margin Rate (approx.) | Account Minimum |
| Robinhood | $0 | $0 (w/Gold) | ~12% | $0 |
| Webull | $0 | $0.55 | ~9.5% | $0 |
| SoFi Invest | $0 | N/A | ~11.5% | $0 |
| Moomoo | $0 | $0.65 | ~10.5% | $0 |
| Schwab | $0 | $0.65 | ~13.5% | $0 |
| Fidelity | $0 | $0.65 | ~12.1% | $0 |
| Interactive Brokers | $0 (IBKR Lite) | $0.65 | ~6.83% | $0 |
No Capital? Consider Stock Prop Firms Like TradeThePool
Even with zero-commission brokers, you still need capital to trade. If that’s your limitation, consider joining a prop trading firm.
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.
What is TradeThePool?
TradeThePool is a remote stock prop firm that gives traders access to funded accounts after completing an evaluation challenge. You keep a percentage of your profits while trading with the firm’s capital.
Why It’s Appealing for New Traders:
- No large deposit needed when trading with a prop firm
- Daily risk management rules
- Fast-track funding up to $260K
- Remote access and supportive community
Prop firms help you get funded to trade remotely, which makes them an attractive option for skilled traders with limited personal capital.
FAQ: Cheapest Stock Brokers USA
1. What’s the cheapest stock broker in the USA?
Robinhood and Webull are among the cheapest due to $0 commissions and no account minimums.
2. Can I start trading with $0?
Yes. Most of the cheapest brokers in this guide require no minimum deposit.
3. Are there any fees I should still worry about?
Watch out for options contract fees, wire transfer charges, and margin interest rates.
4. What’s the best low-cost broker for options trading?
Webull is a top pick for cheap options trading, with contract fees as low as $0.55.
5. Do cheap brokers offer good customer support?
Yes, but the level of service can vary. Schwab and Fidelity lead in support.
6. Can I trade without using my own money?
Yes. You can join a prop firm like TradeThePool, which funds traders who pass their evaluation.
7. What are fractional shares and why do they matter?
Fractional shares let you invest small amounts in expensive stocks—great for beginners with limited funds.
8. Do cheap brokers offer retirement accounts?
Yes. Fidelity, Schwab, and SoFi offer IRAs with no additional fees.
Final Thoughts
Trading and investing doesn’t have to be expensive. With so many brokers offering $0 commissions and powerful tools, you can now build your portfolio on a budget.
Want to start trading without using your own money? Explore the top-rated stock prop firm.
