Are you confused about whether to choose Stash vs Firstrade as a broker for your investing needs?
In this side-by-side comparison, we analyse Stash vs Firstrade to help you understand how these apps compare on some of the most common features and make a better-informed decision about the best broker for you.
Below, you’ll find the pros and cons of each broker, as well as a comparison table that features the different fees charged, the financial instruments supported, the regulation, and more. Keep reading!
Stash vs Firstrade: In a Nutshell
Bank and broker services (US investors only)
Stash is a financial company offering banking and brokerage services, offering a user-friendly platform and educational resources to support informed decision-making.
Stash Broker primarily focuses on investment services, providing individuals with the means to buy and sell stocks and also automated investing.
On the other hand, the banking part offers a broader range of financial services, including deposit accounts, a debit card (Stock-back card) and also allows you to earn up to 1% in stock as you spend.
US investors looking for US options only
Firstrade is a traditional company founded in 1985 that recently changed its strategy to become a commission-free online trading platform for stocks, ETFs and options.
The broker is considered safe, with a long track record that survived a few crises and top-tier regulators’ supervision.
The main drawbacks are its limited products offering (no European ETFs, stocks,…) and the fact that it only offers fractional shares on reinvested dividends.
Pros and Cons
Stash
Pros
- Low cost investment plans ($3 or $9 per month)
- No commission on stocks and ETFs
- Automated investing solution (robo-advisor)
- Earn 1% in stock on debit card purchases
- Fractional shares
Cons
- Smart Portfolios don't offer tax-loss harvesting
- Bank account doesn't offer interest
- Limited selection of individual stocks
Firstrade
Pros
- Commission-free stock, ETF, mutual fund and options trading
- Good research and educational content
- No inactivity fees
- No minimum deposit
Cons
- You can trade only on US markets
- No 24/7 customer support
- No demo account
- No fractional shares
Stash vs Firstrade: Side-by-side Comparison
- General Information
- Founded in
- Demo Account
- Account Minimum
- Interest on unninvested cash (annually)
- Products
- Stocks
- ETFs
- Bonds
- Funds
- Options
- Futures
- CFDs
- Leverage Products
- Forex
- Cryptocurrencies
- Commodities
- Fees
- US stocks
- EU stocks
- ETFs
- Cryptocurrencies
- Custody Fee
- Inactivity Fee
- Withdrawal Fee
- Connectivity Fee
- Currency Conversion Fee
- Security
- Regulators
- Investor Compensation Scheme(per person, per institution)
Franklin is a CFA Level III Candidate with 3 years of experience in Wealth Management as a Fund Research Analyst and the Host of the "Edge Over Hedge" YouTube Channel.
