Managing investments through a low-fee brokerage account empowers personal finance enthusiasts to grow their portfolios while minimizing costs. For DIY investors, the right brokerage delivers autonomy, robust tools, and transparency without financial burden. Today’s platforms prioritize affordability, making it easier than ever to get hands-on with your investments. Unfortunately, navigating this sea of options can feel overwhelming. That's why we’ve compiled this guide to highlight top brokerages like Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Interactive Brokers, and others, offering a balance of low fees, valuable features, and flexibility for investors of all levels. Whether you're just starting or are an experienced trader, these accounts hold something for every type of investor.

Why Choosing a Low-Fee Broker is Crucial

Fees may seem small when viewed individually, but they can erode your returns significantly over time. For instance, fees like commissions per trade and contract charges accumulate, especially for active traders or those with smaller starting balances. Low-fee brokerages ensure you keep more of what you earn in the market, giving your investments a better chance to grow. For those managing their own portfolios, choosing a cost-efficient account is a critical first step.

Here are several low-fee brokerage accounts that stand out in 2025. Each of these brokerages offers distinct features, fees, and services to cater to different investing styles.

1. Fidelity Investments

Fidelity provides a broad range of investment options, top-tier research tools, and $0 commissions for most trades. It avoids the controversial practice of accepting payment for order flow, which benefits investors by potentially providing better trade execution.

Key Features and Fees:

  • $0 commissions on U.S. stocks, ETFs, and options.
  • $0.65 per options contract.
  • No account minimum to open or maintain an account.
  • Extensive research and learning tools for investors of all levels.

Best For: Retirement-focused investors, beginners interested in educational tools, and anyone looking for a transparent broker with a robust platform. Fidelity’s commitment to user education and investor-friendly policies makes it a standout, especially for long-term strategies.

2. Charles Schwab

Known for its excellent customer service and a wide array of investment options, Charles Schwab caters to both novice and experienced investors. Its $0 commission structure competes with other major brokers, while its advanced tools, including the thinkorswim platform, serve active traders well.

Key Features and Fees:

  • $0 commissions on stocks and ETFs.
  • $0.65 per options contract.
  • No account minimum to get started.
  • Access to more than 8,000 no-transaction-fee mutual funds.

Best For: Versatility. Schwab supports both self-directed investors and those looking for automated advice via Schwab Intelligent Portfolios. Its physical branches and live customer support also appeal to investors who appreciate in-person assistance.

3. Interactive Brokers (IBKR Lite)

Interactive Brokers shines for its low margin rates and global trading options. It offers fractional shares, allowing investors to buy smaller portions of expensive stocks, which is perfect for those on a budget or pursuing diversification.

Key Features and Fees:

  • $0 commissions on U.S. stocks and ETFs via IBKR Lite.
  • $0.65 per options contract.
  • No account minimums or recurring fees for IBKR Lite accounts.
  • Low margin rates, some of the lowest in the industry.

Best For: Advanced investors and active traders who need access to a global portfolio or are planning to borrow on margin. With its real-time tracking tools and institutional-grade trading capabilities, Interactive Brokers is excellent for seasoned DIY investors.

4. Webull

Webull has gained traction among younger investors for its mobile-friendly platform and advanced charting tools. Its commission-free structure on stocks, ETFs, and options makes it ideal for casual traders exploring their options.

Key Features and Fees:

  • $0 commissions on stocks, ETFs, and options.
  • No contract fees for options trades.
  • No account minimum required to start.
  • Extended trading hours and a focus on sleek mobile usability.

Best For: Investors who want a mobile-first experience or are experimenting with options trading. While Webull doesn’t charge any fees for trades, it profits from payment for order flow, which users should consider as it could affect trade execution.

5. Stockpile

Designed with beginners and younger investors in mind, Stockpile enables fractional share trading and educational features. Its option to gift stock investments through gift cards offers a unique way to introduce children or teens to the world of investing.

Key Features and Fees:

  • No recurring fees or account minimums.
  • Fractional shares starting at $1 make high-priced stocks accessible.
  • Some limitations in advanced trading tools.

Best For: Families, beginners, and young investors looking to learn and explore investing in a secure environment. Stockpile bridges education with practical experience, making it a unique offering.

6. Moomoo

Moomoo blends low fees with valuable promotions like cash bonuses or high interest on unused cash. Its platform is beginner-friendly while also offering robust analytical tools for intermediate investors.

Key Features and Fees:

  • $0 commissions on stocks, ETFs, and options.
  • No minimum deposit required to open an account.
  • High fees on some account withdrawals.
  • Competitive interest rates on uninvested cash.

Best For: Those seeking an all-in-one account with added perks for maintaining cash balances. Moomoo’s promotions and powerful analytical tools suit entry-level investors dipping their toes into markets.

How to Choose the Right Brokerage

Not all brokers are created equal, and understanding your needs as an investor is the first step in making the right choice. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

  • Fees and Commissions: Look for brokers with transparent pricing structures. Features like no commissions for stock and ETF trades are standard now, but check for less obvious fees, like those on mutual funds or advanced tools.
  • Ease of Use: Platforms range from very user-friendly to complex with advanced tools. If you’re a beginner, an easy-to-navigate app like Fidelity or Webull might work best. Advanced traders should consider platforms like IBKR Pro or Schwab's thinkorswim.
  • Investment Options: Ensure your chosen platform supports the products you plan to invest in, whether those include mutual funds, ETFs, options, or international stocks.
  • Customer Support: Choose a brokerage with strong, responsive customer service for when you need guidance or technical support.

Each investor is unique, so take the time to assess your goals, risk tolerance, and trading style before committing to a platform. Investing is a long game, and starting with the right brokerage account can set you up for success.