Head-to-head comparison across ratings, fees, asset coverage, and platform breadth.
4.5 / 5
Best for full-service investors who want thinkorswim, broad 24/5 trading, deep customer service, and integrated banking. Cost-competitive on most fronts but lags on margin rates and fractional-share breadth.
4.0 / 5
Best for OTC and penny-stock buyers who want $0 commissions, plus mainstream mutual-fund and 24/5 access. Smaller platform and research footprint than the big four, but the price floor is uncontested.
Each broker scored 0–5 across the same 8 dimensions.
Green cells mark the winner on each metric. Tie rows are uncoloured.
| Metric | Charles | Firstrade | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| OverallEditorial score | 4.50 / 5 | 4.00 / 5 | Charles |
| Sub-ratingsCommissions & fees | 4.20 | 5.00 | Firstrade |
| Sub-ratingsPlatforms & tools | 5.00 | 3.50 | Charles |
| Sub-ratingsMobile app | 4.40 | 4.00 | Charles |
| Sub-ratingsResearch | 5.00 | 3.50 | Charles |
| Sub-ratingsEducation | 5.00 | 3.50 | Charles |
| Sub-ratingsCustomer service | 4.90 | 3.60 | Charles |
| Sub-ratingsRange of investments | 4.70 | 3.80 | Charles |
| Sub-ratingsActive trading | 4.70 | 3.60 | Charles |
| PricingLowest margin rate | 11.13% | 10.75% | Firstrade |
| PricingDefault cash sweep yield | 0.45% | 3.50% | Firstrade |
| PricingPFOF on equities | Accepts | Accepts | Tie |
| Asset class | Charles | Firstrade |
|---|---|---|
| US stocks (NYSE/Nasdaq/AMEX) | Yes | |
| OTC / penny stocks | Yes | |
| Fractional shares | Limited | Yes |
| Options (single & multi-leg) | Yes | |
| Corporate / muni bonds, CDs | Yes | |
| Forex | Yes | No |
| Futures / futures options | Yes | |
| Crypto (direct) | Limited | Yes |
| International stocks | Limited | |
| IPOs | Yes | |
| US stocks | Yes | |
| OTC / Pink Sheets / OTCQX / OTCQB | Yes | |
| Options | Yes | |
| Corporate / muni bonds | Yes | |
| Futures | No | |
| International stocks (US app) | No |