If your LLC has profits it does not need in the business, you can invest them through the company itself. Investing through the company keeps business money and personal money apart, and it can diversify what the LLC holds beyond its own operations.
We explain what an LLC brokerage account is, which brokers offer one, what they cost and what you need to open one. We also cover how the investments are taxed, which depends on how your LLC is classified.
What is an LLC brokerage account?
An LLC brokerage account is a brokerage account opened in the name of a limited liability company (LLC) rather than in your own name. The LLC is a separate legal entity, so the account and its investments belong to the company.
That separation works in two directions. The LLC structure generally shields your personal assets from the company’s debts and liabilities. In many states, it also limits what your personal creditors can take from the LLC, usually to a charging order on its distributions, although that protection is weaker for single-member LLCs in some states, such as Florida.
Beyond that, the account works much like a personal one, letting the company invest in stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), bonds and other products, depending on the broker. Whether it brings any tax advantage depends entirely on how the LLC is taxed, which we cover below.
Best LLC brokerage accounts
Interactive Brokers: Best overall
Founded in 1978, Interactive Brokers is listed on Nasdaq and part of the S&P 500. Its LLC account has no minimum and access to 170 markets in 40 countries, with 29 funding currencies. Products include stocks, ETFs, bonds, options, futures, forex, mutual funds and, for US entities, crypto. LLCs pay IBKR Pro commissions.
Webull: Best for active trading (established LLCs)
Founded in 2017, Webull built its name on commission-free trading and a polished app. Its entity account, for LLCs, C-Corps and S-Corps, covers stocks, ETFs, options, fixed income and money market funds, with no commission on US-listed stocks, ETFs and most options. It needs a $100,000 initial deposit and $50,000 of ongoing equity.
Fidelity: Best for simple US portfolios
One of the oldest and largest investment firms in the world, Fidelity offers its business account with no minimum and no account fees. US stocks and ETFs trade commission-free, options cost $0.65 per contract, and new-issue bonds and Treasuries carry no online trading fee.
Vanguard: Best for long-term fund investing
Vanguard launched the first index fund for retail investors in 1976 and is still built around low-cost, long-term investing. Its Organization accounts cover LLCs, with commission-free stocks, ETFs and Vanguard mutual funds, and the $25 annual fee is waived for organizations registered under an employer identification number (EIN).
Charles Schwab: Best for existing Schwab clients
Charles Schwab is one of the largest brokers in the world, with $13.41 trillion in client assets. The wide choice of financial products, commission-free stock, ETF, and (selected) mutual fund trading make it appealing to many investors. However, its Organization Account requires a $100,000 relationship minimum, counted across all your Schwab accounts, so it suits owners who already invest there.
| Broker | Minimum | Products | US stock fees |
| Interactive Brokers | $0 | Stocks, ETFs, bonds, options, futures, forex, funds, crypto (US entities, subject to approval) | $0.005 per share, min $1 (IBKR Pro fixed) |
| Fidelity | $0 | Stocks, ETFs, options, bonds, certificates of deposit (CDs), mutual funds | $0 |
| Vanguard | $0 ($3,000 for most Vanguard mutual funds) | Stocks, ETFs, bonds, mutual funds, options, CDs, money market funds | $0 |
| Charles Schwab | $100,000 across your Schwab accounts | Stocks, ETFs, options, bonds, mutual funds, futures, CDs | $0 |
| Webull | $100,000 ($50,000 ongoing) | Stocks, ETFs, options, fixed income, money market funds | $0 |
Business account terms from each broker’s website, checked September 2026. Regulatory and exchange fees apply on top of the commissions shown.
#1 Interactive Brokers at a glance
Founded in 1978, Interactive Brokers’ principal advantage is its track record. It is listed on Nasdaq (ticker: IBKR) and has been an S&P 500 constituent since 28 August 2025, which brings Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reporting requirements and audited financial statements. According to its fact sheet, it held $903.3 billion of client equity in the second quarter of 2026.
Other strengths of Interactive Brokers include access to 170 markets in 40 countries and funding and trading in 29 currencies.
The main drawbacks are a comparatively complex fee structure and a detailed application for entity accounts, so allow time if your LLC needs the account quickly.
On pricing, note that IBKR Lite, the commission-free plan, is not available to LLCs. IBKR restricts Lite to US residents with individual, joint, IRA and trust accounts whose trustees and beneficiaries are natural persons. Organization accounts, including LLCs, use IBKR Pro:
- Fixed pricing: $0.005 per share on US stocks and ETFs, with a minimum of $1 per order and a maximum of 1% of the trade value;
- Tiered pricing: from $0.0035 per share for up to 300,000 shares a month, falling to $0.0005 above 100 million, plus exchange, regulatory and clearing fees.
In practice, buying 100 shares of a US ETF costs $1 on fixed pricing. There is no account minimum and no inactivity fee, although IBKR notes that monthly activity and other minimum fees may apply to some business accounts.
The no-transaction-fee program softens the cost for long-term holders: over 150 ETFs reimburse IBKR Pro clients for commissions on shares held at least 30 days. Pro also gives you IBKR BestX, IBKR’s execution suite, which includes its SmartRouting system.
Fractional shares are available to organization accounts on eligible stocks and ETFs, which helps when investing an exact dollar amount. US-based LLCs can also apply for cryptocurrency trading, executed by Paxos or Zero Hash, subject to the provider’s approval and the owners’ countries.
Interest on cash is paid on USD balances above $10,000, at the benchmark rate minus 0.5% on IBKR Pro, which gave 3.38% in September 2026. Accounts worth less than $100,000 receive a proportionally lower rate. Current figures are published here.
Trader Workstation (TWS) offers extensive functionality including a demo account, watchlists, real-time alerts, and advanced technical analysis. The learning curve is steep, though, even with the educational material provided. Newer investors may prefer IBKR Desktop, IBKR’s newer desktop platform, or the simpler IBKR GlobalTrader app.
You can also use the web-based Client Portal or the IBKR Mobile app, both offering more capability than IBKR GlobalTrader while lacking some of the advanced features found in the desktop TWS platform.
Overall, Interactive Brokers is a strong choice for LLC owners at any level of experience, combining a listed, well-capitalized institution with broad market access and no minimum deposit, which makes it accessible to newly formed entities. Just budget for Pro commissions rather than the free trading you may know from a personal account. Our Interactive Brokers review covers the platform in more depth.
#2 Webull at a glance
Founded in 2017, Webull established itself quickly on the strength of commission-free trading. Its US broker is registered with the SEC and a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), and its parent, Webull Corporation, has been listed on Nasdaq (ticker: BULL) since 11 April 2025.
Webull’s business offering is branded as an Entity account, supporting LLCs alongside S-Corps and C-Corps, as a cash or margin account. Be aware of the entry requirements: a $100,000 minimum deposit and a $50,000 ongoing equity requirement, which places it well beyond what most newly formed LLCs would commit.
Entity accounts can trade stocks, ETFs, options, fixed income and money market funds. US-listed stocks, ETFs and options carry no commission, although regulatory fees (SEC, FINRA trading activity and Consolidated Audit Trail fees) are passed through, and some index options cost $0.50 per contract. Full pricing is here.
Cryptocurrency, futures, over-the-counter (OTC) stocks and mutual funds are not listed among the products available to entity accounts, so check with Webull before opening one for those.
Funding must come from a business bank account in the entity’s name, by Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfer or wire. Domestic wires usually arrive within one business day, and an ACH deposit that is reversed costs $5. Webull also takes a few business days to review an entity application.
The platform is well designed across devices, and it is where Webull stands out. It lacks the global market access of Interactive Brokers and the fund range of Fidelity or Vanguard, and support is by email and phone. Given the $100,000 entry point, Webull makes most sense for an established LLC that wants to trade US stocks and options actively from a mobile app. Our Webull US review has more detail.
#3 Fidelity at a glance
Founded in 1946, Fidelity Investments managed $7.8 trillion in discretionary assets and administered $19.9 trillion at the end of June 2026, according to its second-quarter update. Its brokerage is registered with the SEC and a member of FINRA and SIPC, and it is privately held.
The Fidelity Account for Businesses covers corporations, LLCs, partnerships and sole proprietorships, with commission-free trading in US stocks and ETFs, alongside options, bonds, CDs and mutual funds. Multiple money market funds are available for earning interest on uninvested cash, which is useful for an LLC holding working capital.
There is no minimum to open a business account and no account fee.
US stock and ETF trades are commission-free, although a limited number of ETFs carry a $100 transaction-based service fee. Options cost $0.65 per contract plus regulatory fees.
Fund pricing splits into a no-transaction-fee list alongside Fidelity’s own funds, with other funds costing $49.95 per purchase, so check before committing to a specific fund. One perk you will not get: Fidelity’s ZERO index funds, which charge no expense ratio, are only available to individual retail investors, so an LLC has to use Fidelity’s other low-cost index funds or ETFs instead.
Bond pricing is more layered: new issues and US Treasuries carry no online fee, secondary bonds cost $1 per bond, and representative-assisted Treasury trades cost $19.95. Full pricing is here.
The interface is clear and intuitive across desktop and mobile, making Fidelity accessible to less experienced investors while still serving more demanding ones.
Additional features include extensive educational content, the Active Trader Pro platform, and advanced tooling covering real-time market data, direct order routing, margin trading, and a full range of order types.
The main drawbacks are a narrower product range than Interactive Brokers, with no futures, commodities, forex or cryptocurrency for business accounts, alongside high broker-assisted fees and the charge on funds outside the no-transaction-fee list.
For an LLC building a long-term portfolio around US equities, ETFs, and bonds, Fidelity covers the requirement comprehensively at zero platform cost.
#4 Vanguard at a glance
A dominant force in investing since its founding in 1975, Vanguard owes much of its reputation to founder John C. “Jack” Bogle, who launched the first index fund available to retail investors on 31 August 1976.
Its ownership structure is unusual: the funds Vanguard manages own the company itself, making it effectively owned by its own clients. That structure removes the pressure to generate profit for external shareholders, and is a large part of why Vanguard has consistently driven fees lower across the industry.
Vanguard reported $12 trillion in assets worldwide at the end of 2025 and is among the “Big Three” index fund providers alongside BlackRock and State Street.
Business accounts are offered under Organization accounts, covering LLCs among other legal entities.
The product range spans stocks, ETFs, bonds, mutual funds, options, CDs, and money market funds. It also offers all-in-one funds, which hold a fixed stock and bond allocation, and target retirement funds, which shift allocation over time, both useful for an LLC wanting diversified exposure without ongoing management.
You can choose from Vanguard’s own mutual funds and ETFs alongside thousands of funds from other providers. Money market funds are available for shorter-term cash, with returns tracking prevailing interest rates.
There is no account minimum, though fund minimums apply: most Vanguard mutual funds require $3,000, while ETFs can be bought for the price of one share. Minimums for other funds vary by provider.
The interface is clean and straightforward, particularly on mobile. Newer investors should find it approachable.
Commission-free trading covers all stocks, ETFs, Vanguard mutual funds, and a list of no-transaction-fee funds from other providers. Other mutual funds are charged either on assets held in Vanguard funds or by fund class for load funds.
Vanguard charges a $25 annual account service fee, but its fee schedule waives it for organizations registered under an EIN, which covers almost any LLC. Options cost $1 per contract for accounts with less than $1 million at Vanguard, and broker-assisted trades cost $25.
Fixed income pricing is more layered, and full details are here.
The main drawbacks are a narrower product range than competitors and limited advanced trading and research tooling. Vanguard is built around long-term, low-cost investing rather than active trading, and the platform reflects that deliberately.
For an LLC intending to hold a diversified portfolio over many years, that focus suits it well, given Vanguard’s low fund costs. For an entity wanting active trading or broad international market access, Interactive Brokers will serve better.
#5 Charles Schwab at a glance
Founded in 1971, Charles Schwab operates well beyond brokerage, offering banking, wealth management, and advisory services to retail and institutional clients.
Schwab held $13.41 trillion in total client assets at the end of August 2026, according to its monthly activity report. Its brokerage is registered with the SEC and a member of FINRA and SIPC, and the parent is listed on the NYSE (ticker: SCHW). Its acquisition of TD Ameritrade brought the thinkorswim platform into the Schwab lineup, and the last TD Ameritrade clients moved to Schwab in May 2024.
Note the $100,000 relationship minimum for a Schwab Organization Account, counted across all your accounts at Schwab rather than only the new one. There is no fee to open or maintain it, and you get access to financial consultants and 24/7 support.
Account opening is more involved than at some competitors, requiring a full application, though representatives are available to assist. Once open, you get commission-free trading in stocks, ETFs, and selected mutual funds through the Schwab Mutual Fund OneSource list.
Options carry no base commission but cost $0.65 per contract. OTC stocks, other mutual funds, futures, and fixed income each have their own pricing. Broker-assisted trades add $25, and automated phone trades $5.
Pricing for managed portfolios is more layered, ranging from no advisory fee on Schwab Intelligent Portfolios ($5,000 minimum, and you still pay the underlying ETF expenses) to 0.40% to 1% a year on other managed solutions, with minimums from $25,000 to $500,000.
Full pricing is here.
Educational content is extensive, including live daily programming and structured courses. The platform comes in three tiers: an approachable mobile app, a web platform, and thinkorswim for advanced customization.
Schwab also offers a satisfaction guarantee, refunding eligible fees or commissions if you are not satisfied, within 90 days of the charge.
The main drawbacks are high fees on mutual funds outside the commission-free list and complex managed portfolio pricing. Schwab does offer trading in 12 foreign markets through its Global Account, but confirm with Schwab whether an Organization Account can use it. The $100,000 entry requirement is the most significant barrier for a newly formed LLC, particularly when Fidelity, Vanguard and Interactive Brokers all offer business accounts with no minimum at all.
What you need to open an LLC brokerage account
Requirements vary by broker, but Interactive Brokers’ list for small business accounts is typical. Expect to provide:
- The LLC’s tax identification number: its employer identification number (EIN) from the IRS;
- Its US tax classification: disregarded entity, partnership or corporation;
- Formation documents: such as the articles of organization and a certificate of good standing;
- Details and ID for the people behind it: the person controlling the account and, at IBKR, every owner with 10% or more;
- Proof of address for the business;
- A resolution authorizing margin trading, if you want a margin account.
Some brokers add their own conditions. Webull, for example, only accepts deposits from a business bank account in the LLC’s name, and Fidelity uses a business certification form signed for the entity.
If the LLC’s owners live outside the US
Many readers own a US LLC while living abroad. Interactive Brokers accepts clients from all countries except those under US sanctions or considered higher risk, and it is the most realistic option for a foreign-owned LLC. We found no published policy from Fidelity, Vanguard or Webull for US LLCs with non-resident owners, and their forms assume US addresses and US-issued tax numbers, while Schwab says non-US residents are subject to country-specific restrictions. If that is your situation, contact the broker before applying.
Since the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network’s (FinCEN) final rule of August 2026, US LLCs owned by US persons no longer have to file beneficial ownership reports under the Corporate Transparency Act. Companies formed abroad and registered to do business in a US state still do.
Tax treatment of LLC brokerage accounts
How your LLC brokerage account is taxed depends on how the entity is structured.
Single-member LLCs
By default, the IRS treats a single-member LLC as a disregarded entity. Investment income (capital gains, dividends and interest) goes straight onto the owner’s personal return: sales on Form 8949 and Schedule D, and dividends and interest on Schedule B. From a tax perspective, it is nearly identical to a personal brokerage account, and owners above the income thresholds also pay the 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax on it.
Multi-member LLCs
A multi-member LLC is typically taxed as a partnership. Investment income is reported on Form 1065, with each member receiving a Schedule K-1 showing their share. This adds administrative work, and some brokers impose additional requirements on multi-member accounts.
LLCs taxed as a corporation
If your LLC has elected to be taxed as a C corporation (Form 8832) or an S corporation (Form 2553), the position changes again. A C-Corp pays the 21% federal corporate tax on investment gains directly, while an S-Corp passes income through to shareholders.
One trap for an LLC taxed as a C-Corp that mainly holds investments: if at least 60% of its income is dividends, interest and similar investment income and five or fewer people own more than half of it, it can be a personal holding company, which pays an extra 20% tax on undistributed income. Not every broker supports every entity type either, so confirm before applying.
Practical implications when choosing a broker
- Tax reporting quality: some brokers provide considerably better documentation than others, with consolidated 1099s clearly separating income by type. Interactive Brokers, for example, offers detailed reporting at no additional cost, which helps when preparing a partnership return;
- Wash sale rules: a loss is disallowed if you buy substantially identical securities within 30 days before or after the sale, a 61-day window (IRS Publication 550). Because a single-member LLC is disregarded, its trades count as yours, so a repurchase in your personal account or IRA can trigger a wash sale too;
- State taxes: several states charge LLCs a fixed annual amount regardless of income. California charges an $800 annual tax, Delaware $400 and Wyoming a minimum of $60 for its annual report, which reduces the net return on a small portfolio;
- Separation of assets: keeping LLC investments strictly separate from personal accounts matters beyond tax filing. Commingling funds is one of the grounds on which courts can pierce the corporate veil, undermining the liability protection the LLC exists to provide.
This article does not constitute tax advice. We recommend consulting a qualified tax professional or certified public accountant (CPA) before opening an LLC brokerage account, particularly with multiple members, foreign owners or a corporate tax election.
Bottom line
Several factors matter when choosing a brokerage account for your LLC:
- Minimum deposit: the first practical filter. Interactive Brokers, Fidelity and Vanguard require nothing. Schwab requires a $100,000 relationship across your Schwab accounts, and Webull a $100,000 deposit into the entity account;
- Pricing for entities: business accounts do not always get personal-account pricing. At Interactive Brokers an LLC pays IBKR Pro commissions;
- Reputation and regulatory standing: all the brokers here are SEC and FINRA regulated with SIPC coverage up to $500,000, including a $250,000 cash sub-limit;
- Product range: check the platform covers what your LLC actually intends to hold, since some products, such as Fidelity’s ZERO funds, are not available to entity accounts;
- Tax reporting: matters more for an LLC than an individual, particularly with multiple members filing partnership returns;
- Total cost: commissions, fund fees, account service charges, and broker-assisted fees together;
- Platform and support: accessibility for whoever will actually be managing the account.
In short, Interactive Brokers suits most LLCs best on the combination of no minimum, broad market access and strong reporting, as long as you accept Pro commissions. Fidelity is the simpler alternative for a US-focused portfolio with no trading commissions, and Vanguard the natural fit for long-term index investing. Schwab makes sense if you already hold $100,000 there, and Webull once the LLC itself can commit six figures to active trading. If your company is not a US LLC, our guide to the best business brokerage accounts covers brokers in other countries.
FAQs about LLC brokerage accounts
Can an LLC open a brokerage account?
Yes. Interactive Brokers, Fidelity, Vanguard, Charles Schwab and Webull all open accounts in the name of an LLC. Minimums range from $0 at Interactive Brokers, Fidelity and Vanguard to $100,000 at Schwab and Webull.
Do I need an EIN to open an LLC brokerage account?
In practice, yes. Brokers ask for the entity’s tax identification number, which for an LLC is its employer identification number (EIN) from the IRS, along with its tax classification and formation documents.
Can a single-member LLC just use my personal brokerage account?
It is not recommended. Even though a single-member LLC is usually disregarded for tax purposes, keeping company money in your personal account mixes business and personal assets, which can weaken the liability protection the LLC is meant to provide.
Can a non-US resident open an LLC brokerage account?
Interactive Brokers accepts clients from most countries and is the most realistic option for a US LLC with foreign owners. We found no published policy from Fidelity, Vanguard or Webull for this case, and Schwab says non-US residents face country-specific restrictions, so contact the broker before applying.
Can an LLC buy crypto through a brokerage account?
At Interactive Brokers, US-based LLCs can apply for crypto trading, subject to approval by its crypto providers. Fidelity Crypto is only for individuals, and crypto is not listed among Webull’s entity-account products. For dedicated options, see our guide to the best crypto exchanges for business accounts.
