TradeZero is a Stock Trading firm based in the USA, offering traders access to stocks, options, and ETFs. Established in 2015, the brokerage is regulated by the US Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, ensuring compliance with industry standards and investor protection.
In addition to its US operations, TradeZero also has offices in Canada and maintains an international presence through its office in the Bahamas, catering to traders from around the world.
Regulation and Security Measures
TradeZero offers services through its US-based, Canadian, and international entities. In the USA, the firm is regulated by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and is a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation, which safeguards customer funds and securities.
In Canada, the firm operates under the regulatory oversight of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization, which also enforces high standards of investor protection and compliance. This ensures that both US and Canadian clients trade under Top-Tier regulatory frameworks focused on transparency and investor security.
For international clients, TradeZero operates through its Bahamas-based entity, which is regulated by the Securities Commission of The Bahamas. While the SCB is a recognized regulatory authority, it is considered offshore and generally less stringent than regulators like FINRA or CIRO.
Therefore, international traders benefit from broader access and fewer restrictions, but should also be aware of the differing levels of investor protection and regulatory oversight across jurisdictions.
How Safe is Trading with TradeZero?
Trading with TradeZero is considered safe, particularly for clients using its US and Canadian entities. US clients also benefit from SIPC protection, which covers up to $500,000 in securities (including $250,000 in cash) in the event of broker failure.
The broker implements standard security measures like SSL encryption and two-factor authentication to protect user accounts. However, international clients trading through the Bahamas-based entity are subject to less stringent regulatory oversight.
While this allows for greater trading flexibility, it also comes with reduced investor protections compared to US or Canadian standards.
Consistency and Clarity
TradeZero has built a strong reputation in the trading community, especially for short selling and direct market access. The broker has won multiple industry awards, highlighting its strengths in the financial market.
Trader reviews are generally positive, praising its speed, leverage, and trading tools, though some traders have raised concerns about platform stability and high fees for locates. TradeZero is also active in the trading community through partnerships and event sponsorships. Overall, it offers great trading features; however, it may not suit everyone’s needs equally.
Account Types and Benefits
TradeZero offers a few account types to accommodate different trader profiles. These include Individual Accounts (cash or margin), suitable for beginner and active traders, Joint Accounts, which allow two or more individuals to share access and ownership, and Corporate Accounts for business entities, requiring higher minimum deposits and offering professional-level tools and support.
In addition, the firm provides a paper trading or demo account for those who want to practice strategies in a risk-free environment before committing to real capital.
Individual Accounts
TradeZero’s Individual Account is available as either a cash or margin account, with a minimum deposit starting from $500. The cash account allows trading with settled funds only, while the margin account provides access to leverage up to 1:6 intraday and short-selling capabilities.
This account type is suitable for both beginner and active traders. While basic platform access is free, advanced tools like ZeroPro or ZeroWeb require a monthly subscription fee.
Cost Structure and Fees
TradeZero Brokerage Fees
TradeZero offers competitive brokerage fees, attractive to active traders and professionals. The broker provides commission-free trading on US stocks and ETFs when using qualifying limit orders, as well as no per-contract commission on options, though standard exchange and regulatory fees apply.
For trades that do not meet commission-free criteria, fees typically range from $0.005 to $0.009 per share. While basic platform access is free, advanced platforms like ZeroPro or ZeroWeb cost $59 per month.
Additional fees include charges for stock locates, overnight borrow fees, and wire transfers. Overall, TradeZero’s fee structure is cost-effective for high-volume traders but may be less appealing for low-frequency users due to additional charges.
- TradeZero Commissions
TradeZero offers commission-free trading on US stocks and ETFs, provided the trade is placed as a qualifying limit order that adds liquidity.
Non-qualifying orders, such as market orders or those that remove liquidity, incur a fee ranging from $0.005 to $0.009 per share, depending on the stock price and trade volume. For options trading, the broker charges no base commissions per contract, but standard exchange and regulatory fees still apply.
- TradeZero Exchange Fee
TradeZero’s exchange fees vary based on the type of trade and asset. While qualifying limit orders on US stocks and ETFs are commission-free, non-qualifying trades, like market orders, incur fees starting at $0.005 per share.
Options trading has no base commission, but standard exchange and regulatory fees apply, typically around $0.42 to $0.59 per contract.
- TradeZero Rollover / Swaps
TradeZero does not offer traditional swap/rollover services, but it charges overnight borrowing fees for securities held short overnight.
The broker’s short rollover fees are transparent but variable. You pay based on actual borrow costs, not a fixed swap rate. Active short sellers should monitor the ONB calculator regularly, pay special attention to Thursday night outsized charges, and be prepared for potentially high costs on heavily shorted stocks.
Trading Platforms and Tools
TradeZero offers a robust range of proprietary trading platforms and tools. These include ZeroPro, a desktop platform with advanced charting and Level 2 data, ZeroWeb, a browser-based platform with real-time trading features, ZeroFree, a basic platform ideal for casual users, and ZeroMobile, a user-friendly mobile app for trading on the go.
Additionally, the broker integrates with TradingView, allowing users to access professional-grade charts, alerts, and analytics within a familiar interface. This comprehensive platform offering supports fast execution and flexibility across devices.
Web Platform
TradeZero’s ZeroWeb is a browser-based trading platform that provides fully customizable layouts and supports real-time charting across multiple monitors, a highly valued feature for active traders.
Traders can manage dynamic watchlists, access Benzinga-powered news feeds, and handle portfolio positions and order entries with ease. Additional features include hotkeys, multi-language support, and fully synced notifications, making it a versatile web platform for traders who require flexibility without committing to a desktop app.
Main Insights from Testing
Testing ZeroWeb reveals a smooth and responsive trading experience through a web browser, with minimal setup required. The platform is intuitive and runs well without the need for downloads, making it convenient for traders who need flexibility across devices.
The platform supports essential trading functions effectively, with quick load times and stable performance during regular market hours.
Desktop MetaTrader 4 Platform
TradeZero does not offer the MetaTrader 4 platform. Unlike many Forex-focused brokers, the broker’s technology is built around its proprietary platforms, along with integration with TradingView.
Desktop MetaTrader 5 Platform
Similarly, TradeZero does not support MT5. The broker focuses on its trading platforms, instead of offering third-party platforms.
MobileTrader App
ZeroMobile brings robust trading to users’ smartphones, offering features on the go. It includes real-time charting, dynamic watchlists, and live Level 1 data. The app also supports short selling with built-in locate tools, seamless integration with desktop platforms, and 24/7 live support via chat or phone.
Overall, the mobile app offers a powerful way to trade US stocks, ETFs, and short locates, ideal for traders needing flexibility, though it may not fully replace the desktop experience for some advanced users.
AI Trading
TradeZero does not currently offer any AI or algorithmic trading features such as automated bots or AI-driven strategies. All trading on its platforms is manual and requires the trader to enter orders and manage positions themselves.
Trading Instruments
What Can You Trade on TradeZero’s Platform?
TradeZero allows trading in three main asset classes: US Stocks, ETFs, and Options. The broker delivers coverage across major U.S. exchanges, along with OTC and pink-sheet stocks, and with extended-hours trading and direct market access.
The broker does not support Forex, futures, crypto, or mutual funds, ideal for equities and options-focused traders.
Main Insights from Exploring TradeZero’s Tradable Assets
Exploring TradeZero’s tradable assets reveals a strong focus on US equities, ETFs, and options, catering well to active stock and options traders. The broker offers solid tools and market access for these instruments, especially for those interested in short-selling and intraday strategies.
However, a key drawback is the limited range of investment products, as the firm does not support trading in asset classes like futures, cryptocurrencies, or mutual funds. This makes it less suitable for investors seeking a more diversified portfolio within a single brokerage platform.
Leverage Options
TradeZero’s margin accounts offer compelling leverage options for active traders. Users can access up to 1:6 intraday leverage, allowing them to control larger positions during market hours, with typical overnight leverage around 1:2.
Margin interest rates are competitive and variable. However, traders should be mindful that a higher multiplier strengthens both potential gains and losses, and additional fees like interest and locate charges may apply when positions are held overnight or short.
Deposit and Withdrawal Options
Deposit Options
In terms of funding methods, TradeZero primarily supports bank transfers for deposits, offering both ACH using Wise, Revolut, and Equals Money, and Wire Transfers as the main funding methods.
Minimum Deposit
TradeZero’s minimum deposit requirements vary by region. For US clients, a minimum deposit of $2,500 is required to open an account. In contrast, TradeZero International has a more accessible minimum deposit of $500 for both cash and margin accounts.
Withdrawal Options
TradeZero offers withdrawals via ACH and wire transfers. ACH withdrawals are available to US clients with a daily limit of $50,000 and a $5 fee per transaction.
Customer Support and Responsiveness
Customer Support
TradeZero provides 24/7 customer support via phone and live chat for International clients. US, Canadian, and international clients can reach support teams that are knowledgeable about different regulatory environments.
The broker also offers a Help Center with detailed guides and answers to a range of common questions.
