If you’re just starting your investing journey in Canada, choosing the right platform can feel overwhelming. There are big banks, discount brokerages, and newer fintech apps all competing for your attention.
After trying different options, I personally chose to invest using Wealthsimple—and in this article, I’ll explain exactly why.
What Is Wealthsimple?
Wealthsimple is a Canadian-based investing platform that allows you to:
- Buy and sell stocks and ETFs
- Open accounts like a TFSA, RRSP, or FHSA
- Invest with zero commission fees on Canadian trades
It’s designed to make investing simple, especially for beginners.
Why I Chose Wealthsimple
1. Zero Commission Trading (Huge Advantage)
One of the biggest reasons I use Wealthsimple is simple:
👉 No commission fees on Canadian stocks and ETFs
Most big banks charge around $9.99 per trade. That might not sound like much, but if you’re investing regularly, it adds up fast.
With Wealthsimple:
- You can invest small amounts consistently
- You don’t get penalized for building your portfolio slowly
2. Beginner-Friendly Interface
Wealthsimple is incredibly easy to use.
The app and desktop platform are:
- Clean
- Simple
- Not overwhelming
If you’re new to investing, this matters more than you think. Complicated platforms can lead to hesitation—or worse, mistakes.
3. Perfect for TFSAs and Long-Term Investing
If you’re investing for the long term (like I am), Wealthsimple works really well inside accounts like:
- TFSA
- RRSP
- FHSA
You can easily:
- Buy ETFs like all-in-one index funds
- Hold long-term positions
- Reinvest over time
👉 This is exactly how I approach investing.
4. Fractional Shares
Wealthsimple allows you to buy fractional shares of certain stocks.
That means:
- You don’t need hundreds of dollars to invest in big companies
- You can start with whatever you have
This is ideal if you’re building your portfolio gradually.
5. No Account Minimums
You don’t need thousands to get started.
You can:
- Start with $50, $100, or whatever you can afford
- Add money consistently over time
👉 This removes a huge barrier for beginners.
The Downsides (Keeping It Honest)
No platform is perfect.
Here are a couple of things to be aware of:
1. FX Fees on US Stocks
Wealthsimple charges a 1.5% currency conversion fee when buying/selling US stocks.
👉 This is why some investors prefer holding US stocks in an RRSP elsewhere.
2. Limited Advanced Tools
If you’re into:
- Day trading
- Advanced charting
- Complex strategies
Wealthsimple might feel too basic.
But for long-term investing? It’s more than enough.
My Investing Approach Using Wealthsimple
Personally, I use Wealthsimple to:
- Invest regularly each month
- Focus on long-term growth
- Keep things simple
I’m not trying to:
- Time the market
- Trade constantly
Instead, I focus on:
👉 Consistency + patience + low fees
Ready to Start Investing?
If you’re looking for a simple, beginner-friendly way to start investing in Canada, Wealthsimple is a great option.
👉 You can sign up here and get started: https://www.wealthsimple.com/invite/07H0DA
(Using a referral link can sometimes get you a bonus when you sign up, depending on current promotions.)
Final Thoughts
Investing doesn’t need to be complicated.
The most important thing is:
- Getting started
- Staying consistent
- Keeping costs low
For me, Wealthsimple checks all those boxes.
Before investing, maybe check out how to make a budget.