What it does
Wealthsimple offers self-directed investing in Canadian and U.S. stocks, ETFs and other products, alongside managed portfolios. Its app and website provide market data and account tools. Stock and ETF commissions are zero, but currency conversion and other services have charges; applicants must live in Canada and complete identity checks.
Wealthsimple separates self-directed trading from managed investing and offers account types for retirement, education and other purposes. A stock commission, a USD-account subscription and a managed-portfolio fee pay for different things.
On the website, use Search to find a stock or ETF. In the Buy panel, select the order type, complete its fields and choose the account before Review. This account selector is useful when the same security appears in more than one of your portfolios.
For notifications, open a security in the app and tap the bell. Choose a price, percentage move or other alert type, then Create alert. Multiple alerts can track one security. Percentage alerts use whole percentages, and notifications can be delayed.
Trading costs and service tiers
Listed Canadian and U.S. stock and ETF trades have no commission or account minimum. U.S. trades funded from a CAD account incur a 1.5% conversion fee on Wealthsimple's corporate exchange rate, which also contains a variable spread.
A USD account lets you retain U.S. dollars between trades. Its subscription is C$10 a month plus tax after a 30-day trial, unless your client tier includes it.
| Tier | Assets shown on the plan comparison | USD-account access |
|---|---|---|
| Core | C$1 | C$10/month plus tax |
| Premium | C$100,000 | Included after opting in |
| Generation | C$500,000 | Included after opting in |
A USD account does not make CAD/USD conversion free. Each conversion is charged by its size, from 1.5% below $10,000 to 0% at $100,000 or more, measured in the currency being converted. Index options, futures and certain other services have their own fees. Managed portfolios charge separately for management.
Opening an account
You must live in Canada, have a valid Social Insurance Number and phone number, and meet your province or territory's minimum age of 18 or 19. Wealthsimple checks identity. Create a profile with your email and phone number, verify the phone code, and complete personal, address and employment details. The profile is shared across Wealthsimple products.
Strengths
- The order ticket lets you select the investment account
- Multiple alert types can monitor the same security
- USD accounts can retain sale proceeds for later U.S. trades
Watch out for
- Canadian citizens living abroad are not eligible to open an account
- CAD-to-USD trading can incur conversion fees in addition to the exchange-rate spread
- Price-alert notifications can arrive late
Best for
- Canadian residents managing self-directed investment accounts
- Investors who want separate Canadian-dollar and U.S.-dollar trading balances
Sources
- Stocks, ETFs, Options and More: Wealthsimple Trade (Oct 27, 2026)
- Wealthsimple Trade Account Fee Schedule (Oct 27, 2026)
- Compare Wealthsimple Plans and Benefits (Oct 27, 2026)
- Upgrade to USD Accounts for Stock and Crypto Trading (Oct 27, 2026)
- Eligibility Requirements to Open a Wealthsimple Account (Oct 27, 2026)
- Set Up a Wealthsimple Profile (Oct 27, 2026)
- Buy a Stock or ETF (Oct 27, 2026)
- Add a Price Alert (Oct 27, 2026)