Firstrade

Firstrade is a U.S.-based online brokerage that’s built a strong following among individual investors, especially within the Chinese-American community. Known for offering commission-free trades on stocks, ETFs, options, and mutual funds, Firstrade keeps investing simple and cost-effective for both new and experienced users.

One of the standout features of Firstrade is its commitment to zero-commission trading across all products, including options—something not all brokerages offer. There’s no minimum deposit required to open an account, making it an accessible platform for anyone looking to start investing without a big upfront cost.

The interface is straightforward and easy to navigate, whether you’re on desktop or mobile. Firstrade also offers bilingual support (English and Chinese), which makes the platform more user-friendly for international investors or those more comfortable with Mandarin.

Firstrade’s research and education tools are decent, offering access to Morningstar reports, market news, and customizable watchlists. While it doesn’t have the most advanced trading features compared to other big names, its simplicity and low costs make it a solid choice for long-term investors and casual traders.

Whether you’re investing for the first time or looking for a low-cost platform to manage a diversified portfolio, Firstrade is worth considering—especially if you value a no-frills experience with strong customer support.