
RBC Direct Investing offers a range of features and benefits that make it an attractive option for investors.
With no minimum balance requirement, you can start investing with any amount of money. You can also set up a pre-authorized transfer from your chequing account to make regular investments.
The platform offers a user-friendly trading experience, with a mobile app that allows you to trade on the go. You can also access your account and make trades online or by phone.
RBC Direct Investing has a wide range of investment products available, including stocks, bonds, ETFs, and mutual funds. With over 3,000 mutual funds to choose from, you're sure to find an option that fits your investment goals.
Pros and Cons
RBC Direct Investing has its fair share of pros and cons. One of the biggest advantages is that they offer advanced tools and research, including Level 2 Real-Time quotes for traders who make 30 or more trades per month.
Their risk-free practice accounts are also a great feature, allowing you to test out the platform and learn the ropes without risking any real money. This is especially useful for beginners who want to get a feel for the platform before investing.
RBC Direct Investing also offers straightforward pricing, with a flat rate of $9.95 per trade, although this drops to $6.95 per trade for more than 150 trades per quarter. They also offer automated investment tools, such as goal setting and automatic investment plans for mutual funds.
Their Royal Circle Membership offers priority service, premium research, and preferred rates for account holders with at least $250,000 in balances. Live phone support is also available beyond business hours.
Some of the cons to consider include high fees, which can eat into your profits. Trading options add an additional $1.25 per contract, on top of the flat fee. You'll also be charged a $25 maintenance fee each quarter if you have less than $15,000 invested.
Here are some of the key fees to keep in mind:
- $9.95 per trade (flat rate)
- $6.95 per trade (for more than 150 trades per quarter)
- $1.25 per contract (for trading options)
- $25 per quarter (maintenance fee for accounts under $15,000)
Where Falls Short

RBC Direct Investing has its downsides, and it's essential to consider them before signing up. High fees are a significant con, with a flat rate of $9.95 per trade, which can add up quickly. Trading options also incur an additional $1.25 per contract.
You'll also face a fee for ETF purchases, eating into your profits. RBC Direct Investing is geared towards seasoned investors, offering benefits that cater to active traders with existing equity.
To maintain your account, you'll need to meet certain balance requirements or face a quarterly fee of $25. If you're not an RBC client, funding your account can be a challenge. The RBC Mobile app has received negative reviews for being glitchy and inefficiently designed.
Here are some specific fees to keep in mind:
The platform's quarterly fee can be a significant burden if you're not an active trader with a substantial balance.
More Choice, Lower Fees
You'll have access to many investment and account types with RBC Direct Investing. This means you can choose the options that best fit your financial goals.
One of the benefits of RBC Direct Investing is that over 40 RBC Funds will be available exclusively at RBC Direct Investing in a new Series D, which offers lower-priced options for do-it-yourself investors.
You can also trade funds from other well-known companies, such as Mackenzie, Invesco, and BlackRock, through RBC Direct Investing's Series D option.
This means you'll have a wider range of choices when it comes to investing your money.
Here are some of the funds you'll have access to through RBC Direct Investing's Series D option:
With so many options available, you're sure to find a fund that fits your investment strategy.
I Want Practice Before Starting
If you're new to trading or just want to try out RBC Direct Investing without risking any real money, you're in luck. They offer a demo account with $100,000 in fake funds to practice trading.
This is a great way to learn the ropes and get a feel for the platform, and it's available to anyone with a RBC Direct Investing account. With a demo account, you can test out different strategies and see how the platform works without any risk.

You can use the demo account to hone your skills and build confidence, and it's a great starting place if you want to learn how to navigate the RBC Direct Investing site. The demo account is available as long as you have a RBC Direct Investing account, and all tools are available on risk-free practice accounts.
Here are some benefits of using a demo account:
- You can trade with $100,000 in fake funds, giving you a realistic trading experience
- You can practice using the RBC Direct Investing platform without risking any real money
- You can test out different strategies and see how they work in a risk-free environment
- You can use the demo account to learn how to navigate the platform and use its tools and features
Features and Tools
RBC Direct Investing offers a range of research tools to help you make informed investment decisions. You can use technical analysis to spot investment trends and find new opportunities.
The platform provides equity benchmarks, which give you a detailed summary of the performance of stock market indices. This can help you make more informed decisions about your investments.
You can also use RBC's interactive charting tool to identify historical trends and patterns for your investments. This can be especially useful for beginners who are just starting to learn about investing.
Here are some of the research tools RBC Direct Investing offers:
- Technical analysis
- Equity benchmarks
- Interactive charting tool
- Stock screeners
These tools can help you filter investments based on specific criteria and find opportunities that align with your goals.
Features

RBC Direct Investing offers a range of features that make it easy to manage your investments.
You can trade a variety of securities, including stocks, bonds, options, mutual funds, ETFs, GICs, IPOs, and gold and silver certificates.
The platform provides advanced charting, news, and insights from RBC Capital Markets, RBC Economics, and other sources like Morningstar, Thomson Reuters, and Refinitiv.
The mobile app receives some positive reviews, but many users report glitches or inefficiencies in its design.
You can reach out to customer support by phone, email, or mail, but be aware that phone support is only available Monday through Friday.
The desktop app allows you to view portfolio data and use RBC's charting tools to dive into stock performance.
Here are some of the key features of the RBC Direct Investing platform:
The platform also offers pre-selected investment portfolios developed by RBC Asset Management, known as Model Portfolios.
Research Tools Provided
RBC Direct Investing offers a range of research tools to help you make informed investment decisions.

You can use technical analysis to spot investment trends and find new opportunities with an in-depth research body. This can be particularly useful for identifying patterns and making predictions.
An interactive charting tool is also available, allowing you to identify historical trends and patterns for your investments.
The research options include equity benchmarks, which provide a detailed summary of the performance of stock market indices to help you make decisions.
Stock screeners are another useful tool, enabling you to filter investments based on specific criteria to find opportunities that align with your goals.
Here are some of the research tools provided by RBC Direct Investing:
- Technical analysis
- Equity benchmarks
- Interactive charting tool
- Stock screeners
Access to Series D Funds
Access to Series D Funds is now more accessible than ever. Investment minimums for the RBC GAM family of funds have dropped to $500 from $10,000.
This change makes it easier for investors to get started with these funds. The new lower minimum makes it more feasible for people to invest in a broader range of funds.
Over 40 RBC Funds will be available exclusively at RBC Direct Investing in a new Series D. This is great news for do-it-yourself investors who want to take advantage of these funds.
Discount Broker Launches $100K Practice Accounts

RBC Direct Investing has launched $100,000 practice accounts, allowing users to test-drive the platform without using real money.
These accounts provide a safe space to learn and hone your skills, with zero risk involved. You can trade real investments and navigate the site without any financial consequences.
The practice account is a great starting point for beginners, helping build confidence in your investment decisions. It's also a good way to test strategies and learn from your mistakes.
The practice account is overseen by a former head of global equity research for RBC Asset Management, who will help guide the growth and development of assets.
Investment minimums for RBC GAM family of funds have dropped to $500 from $10,000, making it more accessible to a wider range of investors.
Account and Security
RBC Direct Investing has you covered when it comes to account security.
Your account is protected by the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF), which safeguards your investments up to $1 million.
RBC Direct Investing uses encryption to scramble your information during transactions, ensuring a completely secure exchange of information.
Is Legit?
RBC Direct Investing is owned and operated by one of Canada's Big Five banks. This gives you a level of security and stability that's hard to find elsewhere.
They're also a member of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO), which ensures that their practices are in line with industry standards.
Your eligible deposits will be protected up to $1 million through the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF). This means you can invest with confidence, knowing your funds are safe.
Security: Is It Safe?
RBC Direct Investing has an Online Security Guarantee that fully reimburses you for any direct losses to your account due to unauthorized activity, provided you've met your responsibilities.
You're protected up to $1 million through RBC's membership in the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF).
RBC Direct Investing uses encryption to scramble your information during transactions, ensuring a completely secure exchange of information.
The bank is a member of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) as well as the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF), which means it's well-regulated and your eligible deposits will be protected up to $1 million.
Open Account Guide
To open an RBC Direct Investing account, start by visiting their website and selecting "Open An Account." This is the first step in the process.
You'll need to provide your name and email address to create an account, and then select the type of account you want to open. This is a straightforward process that sets the foundation for your new account.
Next, you'll need to verify your personal details using Interac's verification service. This involves securely signing into your current online banking platform, which adds an extra layer of security to the process.
Alternatively, you can apply in person at an RBC branch if you prefer. Either way, this step is crucial in ensuring the accuracy of your personal information.
After verifying your details, you'll need to provide additional personal and financial information. This is a standard requirement for opening a new account.
Once you've completed these steps, review and submit your application, and wait for RBC to review it. This is the final step before your account is activated.

Here's a quick summary of the steps to open an RBC Direct Investing account:
- Visit the RBC Direct Investing website and select "Open An Account".
- Provide your name and email address to create an account.
- Verify your personal details using Interac's verification service.
- Provide additional personal and financial information.
- Review and submit your application.
- Wait for RBC to review and approve your application.
Once your application has been approved, you can load funds into your account and start trading.
Trading and Options
You can get order status notifications right to your inbox, so you'll always be up-to-date on your trades.
RBC Direct Investing Inc. is a Member of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada and the Canadian Investor Protection Fund, which provides an added layer of security for your investments.
Investors are responsible for their own investment decisions, and RBC Direct Investing Inc. does not provide investment advice or recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of any securities.
What Can Be Traded
So, you're wondering what you can trade? Stocks are definitely an option, and bonds are too. You can also trade options, which can be a bit riskier but can also be very rewarding if you know what you're doing.
If you're looking for a more stable investment, mutual funds and exchange traded funds (ETFs) are great choices. You can even invest in initial public offerings (IPOs) if you're feeling adventurous.
If you're not comfortable with the stock market, you can always trade Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs) or gold & silver certificates for a more stable return.
ETF Trading Trends
In January 2025, the RBC Capital Markets Trading Floor saw significant activity in ETFs.
The trading floor witnessed a surge in demand for tech-focused ETFs.
One notable trend was the increased trading volume in the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust.
The SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust saw a notable increase in trading volume in January 2025.
The RBC Capital Markets Trading Floor also observed a rise in interest in international ETFs.
International ETFs, such as the iShares MSCI EAFE ETF, gained popularity on the trading floor.
First Trade Done – Now What?
Getting order status notifications is a great way to stay on top of your trades. RBC Direct Investing Inc. allows you to get notifications right to your inbox.
Your holdings page is a useful tool to keep track of your investments. You can find everything you need to know about managing your order on this page.
Managing your order is a crucial part of trading. RBC Direct Investing Inc. is a Member of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada and the Canadian Investor Protection Fund.
Don't rely on others for investment advice, it's your responsibility to make your own decisions. RBC Direct Investing Inc. does not provide investment advice or recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of any securities.
Celebrates New Name & Online Enhancements
RBC Direct Investing is celebrating its new name and online enhancements, making it an exciting time for investors.
The online brokerage is now offering cash incentives for asset transfers, which can be a great opportunity for those looking to consolidate their investments.
This move is a clear indication of the company's commitment to making investing easier and more accessible for its clients.
Cash incentives can be a nice bonus, but it's essential to consider the benefits of consolidating your investments, such as reduced fees and easier account management.
By transferring your assets to RBC Direct Investing, you can take advantage of their online enhancements, which likely include improved navigation, faster trading, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is RBC Direct Investing safe?
Yes, RBC Direct Investing is considered safe, backed by its parent company Royal Bank of Canada, a publicly listed institution with a long history of banking.
What is RBC Direct Investing?
RBC Direct Investing is an online platform that helps you manage your investments with ease and security. It offers a range of tools and resources to help you make informed investment decisions.
What can you buy with RBC Direct Investing?
With RBC Direct Investing, you can buy and sell a wide range of investments, including stocks, mutual funds, ETFs, and fixed-income investments
Sources
- https://www6.royalbank.com/en/di/reference/article/video-buy-and-sell-stocks/jlra692s
- https://www.finder.com/ca/stock-trading/rbc-direct-investing-review
- https://www.investmentexecutive.com/post_company/rbc-direct-investing/
- https://myratecompass.ca/blog/investing/rbc-direct-investing-review/
- https://www6.royalbank.com/en/di/hubs/investing-academy/chapter/get-started-your-way/kkr40beb/kkr40bfa
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