Firstrade Review 2026: Is It Good for ETF Investing?

Firstrade at a Glance

Firstrade for ETF Investors: What You Need to Know

A no-frills online broker offering commission-free trading on ETFs, stocks, and options. Firstrade keeps costs low across the board and provides a simple platform suited for cost-conscious investors. With commission-free ETF trading and standard share purchases , Firstrade makes it easy to get started with no minimum deposit requirement.

The platform offers access to over 2,000 ETFs, giving you plenty of options whether you're looking for broad market index funds like VOO and VTI, dividend-focused ETFs like SCHD, or sector-specific funds. The research tools are rated basic, which covers the basics, though serious researchers may want to supplement with external tools.

Firstrade's mobile app lets you manage your ETF portfolio on the go, set up automatic investments, and monitor your holdings from anywhere.

Pros and Cons

How to Open a Firstrade Account for ETF Investing

1. Visit Firstrade's website and click "Open an Account." You'll need your Social Security number, government ID, and bank information.
2. Choose your account type — Individual Brokerage (most common for beginners), Roth IRA (tax-advantaged retirement), or Traditional IRA. If you're not sure, start with an individual brokerage account.
3. Fund your account via bank transfer. There's no minimum deposit, so you can start with any amount.
4. Search for your chosen ETF (e.g., VOO, VTI, or SCHD) using the search bar and place your first trade.
5. Set up automatic investing to buy your chosen ETF(s) on a regular schedule. This is dollar cost averaging — the simplest and most effective strategy for beginners.

How Firstrade Compares