Updated May 2026

Wealthsimple vs RBC Direct Investing

Canada's largest bank brokerage vs Canada's fastest-growing investment platform. The numbers tell the story.

Bottom line: RBC Direct Investing charges $9.95/trade with no FHSA and no referral bonus. Wealthsimple offers $0 commissions and a $25 signup bonus. Better for most Canadian investors.

Quick Answer

  • Wealthsimple: $0 commissions, FHSA, crypto, auto-invest, $25 bonus, no minimum
  • RBC Direct Investing: $9.95/trade, RBC ecosystem integration, no FHSA, no crypto
  • Wealthsimple wins for new investors, cost-conscious investors, and anyone wanting FHSA or crypto

Full Feature Comparison

Feature
Wealthsimple$25 Bonus
RBC Direct Investing
Stock trading fees
$0
$9.95/trade
ETF trading fees
$0
$9.95/trade
Account minimum
$0
$0
Mobile app quality
Ease of use
TFSA
RRSP
FHSA
Crypto trading
Fractional shares
Auto-invest / robo
Human advisors
CIPF protected
CDIC eligible
Referral bonus
$25 CAD
None
Action
Visit site

Data sourced from public platform pages. Verified May 2026. Fees subject to change.

Why This Comparison Matters

The Fee Gap

RBC Direct Investing charges $9.95 per equity trade. Wealthsimple charges $0. If you make 12 trades per year, that's $119 saved — nearly five times the $25 signup bonus value.

FHSA Gap

RBC's direct investing platform does not offer the First Home Savings Account. Wealthsimple supports FHSA fully. If you're saving for a first home, this is a decision-making factor on its own.

When RBC Makes Sense

RBC Direct Investing makes sense if you're already an RBC customer who wants all financial accounts in one portal, or if you need access to an RBC financial advisor alongside your investments.

Claim Your $25 Wealthsimple Bonus

Do You Qualify?

Check all items that apply to confirm your eligibility.

0/4

Code XVJHLJ · Opens in Wealthsimple

More Comparisons