Firstrade Review
A Firstrade review: commission-free US stocks, ETFs and options, support for many international clients, the platform and app, fees and account opening.
Open a Free Account →Firstrade is a long-established US discount broker (since 1985) that offers commission-free trading on US stocks, ETFs and options, including no per-contract options fee. Unlike many US apps, Firstrade accepts clients from a wide range of countries, which is why international investors — including some in Asia — use it to access US-listed shares and ETFs. It provides a web platform and mobile app, no minimum on a standard cash account, and US regulation through the SEC and FINRA with SIPC protection. It is a stock and options broker, not a forex or CFD broker, so traders who want leveraged currency trading on MetaTrader use a different type of broker. Always confirm your country is currently accepted before applying.
Firstrade at a glance
- Type: US discount stock broker founded in 1985, headquartered in New York.
- Commission-free trading on US stocks, ETFs and options (no per-contract option fee).
- Accepts many non-US residents, which makes it popular with international investors.
- Web platform, mobile app and access to US-listed shares, ETFs, options and bonds.
- No account minimum for a standard cash account; fractional investing on many stocks.
- Regulated in the US by the SEC and FINRA, with SIPC protection on brokerage accounts.
- Focused on US markets — not a forex or CFD broker.
Firstrade — pros & cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| $0 US stocks, ETFs & options | US markets only, no forex/CFDs |
| Accepts many international clients | Funding may incur FX/wire costs |
| SEC/FINRA regulated, SIPC | Acceptance varies by country |
Firstrade key facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1985 |
| Markets | US stocks, ETFs, options, bonds |
| Commissions | $0 stocks, ETFs & options |
| International clients | Many countries accepted |
| Account minimum | None (cash account) |
| Regulation | SEC, FINRA; SIPC-protected |