First Trade review

First Trade

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Firstrade Review – Is It Still Worth It in 2025?

Firstrade has long positioned itself as a budget-friendly online brokerage platform offering commission-free trades with a focus on simplicity and accessibility. But in the fast-moving world of fintech and decentralized investing, how does Firstrade stack up today? In this expert review from 2CryptoGuys, we’ll break it all down for you – feature by feature, click by click.

What is Firstrade?

Firstrade is an online stock brokerage that provides zero-commission trading on stocks, ETFs, options, and mutual funds. Originally launched in 1985, it has since evolved into a robust digital platform that aims to compete with giants like Robinhood and Fidelity. Despite not having the flashiest UI, it makes up for it in solid research tools and broad investment access.

Core Features That Stand Out

$0 Commission on stocks, ETFs, options
No platform fees or maintenance charges
Options trading with advanced strategies
Multilingual support (especially for Chinese investors)
Real-time market data and research tools

If you’re tired of hidden fees or overly complex dashboards, Firstrade’s minimalism is refreshing. They don’t try to gamify your trading experience – they just give you a solid platform and get out of the way.

Interface & Usability – Room to Improve?

While Firstrade covers all the bases functionally, the platform UI can feel outdated. In a world dominated by sleek apps like Webull and SoFi, the design might feel clunky. However, if you're a “function over form” kind of trader, you'll be just fine.

Security & Regulation

Firstrade is a member of FINRA and SIPC, offering industry-standard protections. Your account is insured for up to $500,000, including $250,000 in cash. They use two-factor authentication and SSL encryption to protect your data and funds.

Cryptocurrency Access? Not Quite Yet

Unfortunately, Firstrade does not yet support direct crypto trading. For those of you looking to build a crypto-heavy portfolio, you’re better off using platforms highlighted in our CoinGecko guide.

Mobile App Review

The Firstrade mobile app is available on both iOS and Android. It’s reliable but far from innovative. You can place trades, access your portfolio, and monitor basic news feeds. But features like charting tools or portfolio analytics are bare-bones compared to competitors.

Research Tools – Surprisingly Robust

One of Firstrade’s strongest offerings is its partnership with Morningstar and other research firms. Investors get access to analyst reports, performance ratings, and customizable screeners – all included for free.

Ideal User Profile

Firstrade is perfect for:

Beginner investors looking for a no-nonsense platform
Options traders who want $0 commissions
Multilingual users (particularly Mandarin-speaking)
Buy-and-hold investors focused on fundamentals

Customer Support – Efficient, Not Flashy

Support is available via phone and email during business hours. There’s no live chat or 24/7 service. However, response times are decent, and agents are knowledgeable – just don’t expect white-glove service.

How Does It Compare?

If you’re deciding between Firstrade and other platforms like Robinhood or TD Ameritrade, here’s the deal:

Robinhood: Better mobile experience, but weaker research tools
TD Ameritrade: Stronger analytics, but not fully commission-free
Firstrade: Budget-friendly, underrated tools, language flexibility

Final Verdict – Is Firstrade Still Worth It?

Absolutely – if you value zero commissions, research depth, and a clean user experience. It may not be flashy, but it delivers where it matters most. For crypto, though, you’ll need to pair it with a crypto-focused exchange like the ones we compare at 2CryptoGuys.