Buy ETFs for free

Exchange traded funds (ETFs) can be a mix of stocks, bonds and other investments (now there’s even cryptocurrency ETFs). This can sound very similar to how mutual funds work. A big difference is that ETFs can be bought and traded like a stock. But the biggest difference is that with Questrade they’re commission-free to buy.

Build a diversified portfolio with ETFs

  • Buy any North American-listed ETF, including crypto ETFs, commission-free

  • No maximum on the amount of free ETFs you can buy

  • No minimum investment amount required on ETF orders

What are the benefits of an ETF?

Protect against market fluctuations

With an ETF your eggs are in more than one basket. They’re invested in a mix of different stocks. With an ETF you track an index, industry or commodity rather than one single stock. You get access to greater coverage of sectors and a range of asset classes and investing themes. This makes your portfolio diversified and protected against market fluctuations.

Lower costs with less trades

One of the advantages of an ETF is that its management expense ratios (MERs) can be as low as .15%—that’s a fraction of the cost of mutual funds. ETFs are more affordable because they track a blend of investments, there’s less trades and less costs.

Trades just like a stock

By far the biggest benefit of an ETF is that it trades like a stock. You can buy or sell whenever the markets are open. There are no restrictions, no minimum investment amount, no maximum number of ETFs you can buy.

How to buy and trade ETFs?

Research, order and trade

An ETF puts you in control of your trading. ETFs are bought just like a stock. It’s as simple as doing your research and placing an order in your trading platform. You can buy one ETF or all of them, one share or as many as you’d like.

Commission-free with Questrade

ECN (Electronic Communication Network) fees may still apply, but you won’t pay commissions with Questrade. If you decide to sell the ETF, you’ll pay the standard commission. You can buy any Canadian or U.S.-listed ETF in the Questrade trading platforms and skip the commission.

Ready to buy ETFs?

Start with an account type

ETFs are free to buy in any investing account. To start, you need to find the account that’s right for your investment goals. At Questrade you can invest with TFSAs, RRSPs, RESPs, margin accounts, and more.

Select an account

Learn more about ETFs

ETFs are a simple and accessible way to balance (and rebalance) your portfolio. They trade like a stock, so you can buy or sell them whenever the markets are open.

Start investing confidently

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Get answers to frequently asked questions

Selling an ETF has the same low fee as trading a stock. 1¢/share (min. $4.95-max $9.95). This fee is lowered with an advanced trading package.

You can buy any North-American ETF for free. Like all trades, a small ECN fee may apply depending on the order.

No, Exchange-Traded Notes have the same commission as stock trades.

You will not pay a commission for buy and cover trades for Canadian and U.S. listed ETFs executed through any Questrade platform. Any ETF sell or short is charged the commission fee that would normally apply to the account. ETFs included as a part of a multi-leg option trade will incur a commission.

Commission-free ETF buys and covers do not accrue toward calculating data fee rebates; Other fees, such as data, exchange and ECN fees may apply.