Choosing the Right Broker to Invest in Stocks in 2026: The Complete Guide to the Top Platforms

Investing in stocks in 2026 requires more than simply opening an account; what is the best brokerage to buy stocks? It requires understanding which criteria matter for your specific profile. With the exponential growth of digital access to financial markets, the decision on which broker to use has become crucial for the success of any individual investor who wants to operate safely, efficiently, and at reduced costs.

The variety of platforms is immense, and each positions itself differently in the market. Some stand out for accessibility and intuitive interface. Others bet on sophisticated technical analysis tools. There are also those specialized in international assets or integrated solutions combining bank accounts with investments. Given this diversity, fundamental questions arise: which broker aligns best with my goals? What are the real costs? What differentiators does each platform offer?

In this guide, we present a detailed analysis of eight leading platforms in the Brazilian and international markets, covering their strengths, limitations, cost structure, usability, and suitability for different investor profiles. The goal is to provide concrete elements so you can make the most strategic decision when choosing the best broker to buy stocks according to your specific objectives in 2026.

Why does the choice of broker matter so much

Beyond just considering the brokerage fee, the platform you select will directly impact your operational experience, order execution speed, and your ability to manage your portfolio over time. In a dynamic and increasingly competitive market, having a solid infrastructure, responsive support, and strict security can be decisive in achieving your financial goals.

There is an important distinction between traditional institutions and specialized brokers. Conventional banks usually offer standardized products with higher fees. Investment brokers have emerged as agile and specialized alternatives, with robust platforms, advanced graphical tools, recommended portfolios, and in many cases, fee exemptions for stocks, ETFs, and BDRs.

Understanding these differences allows you to craft an investment strategy aligned with your needs, whether to build a long-term portfolio, execute more active trades, or seek international exposure.

The Eight Main Investment Platforms in 2026

1. Mitrade: Global Access Without Borders

Mitrade is an international broker regulated by ASIC (the Australian authority), specializing in CFDs (Contracts for Difference). For Brazilian investors, this means accessing international stocks, ETFs, global indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies in a 100% digital way, with simplified account opening and support in Portuguese.

Unlike traditional brokers, Mitrade does not perform direct asset purchases. Its operational model uses stock derivatives, allowing profits from both appreciation and depreciation — a structure particularly attractive for short- and medium-term traders.

Available instruments: CFDs on international stocks (Apple, Amazon, Tesla, Microsoft), US ETFs, global indices (S&P 500, Nasdaq, Dow Jones, DAX), and commodities.

Cost structure: No commission, no custody fees, free deposits and withdrawals (including Pix), with spreads embedded in the price.

Platform and features: Own, intuitive, and responsive interface, available via browser and app. Includes charts with technical indicators, tools for stop loss and take profit, adjustable leverage (up to 1:20 for stocks), full support in Portuguese, and unlimited demo account.

Security: ASIC regulation, client fund segregation, negative balance protection, and periodic compliance audits.

Mitrade is recommended for investors who value flexibility, practicality, and global exposure with security, especially those focused on short- and medium-term operations in international markets.

2. XP Investimentos: Established Structure and Trust

Founded in 2001, XP Investimentos has become one of the main Brazilian brokers, with over 4 million clients. The platform serves beginners and experienced investors alike, offering recommended portfolios, market analysis, graphical tools, and personalized advice.

Listed on Nasdaq since 2019, XP has a strong institutional presence and a robust structure recognized nationwide.

Products offered: Stocks, BDRs, ETFs, REITs, derivatives (futures, options), diversified fixed income (Tesouro Direto, CDBs, LCIs, debentures), investment funds, pension plans, and international stocks via XP Global.

Fee structure: Brokerage starting at R$ 4.90 on the advanced platform (Profit), or 0% on the XP app. No custody fees for variable income, free transfers and withdrawals. Profit platform free with a traded volume of R$ 100,000/month or a portfolio over R$ 5,000.

Available platforms: XP App (simple for beginners), Xpeed Pro, and Profit (professional tools with interactive charts, tape reading, and automatic orders). Structured education with courses, webinars, and recommended portfolios.

Support and compliance: Support via phone, email, and chat, plus a nationwide network of advisors. Regulated by CVM and Central Bank with a robust security system.

XP is a solid choice for those seeking professional support, product diversification, and the reliability of a large, regulated institution with structured support.

3. BTG Pactual Investimentos: Investment Bank with Retail Focus

BTG Pactual expanded its retail presence through the digital platform BTG Pactual Investimentos, combining the bank’s institutional strength with a comprehensive experience for individual investors. The proposal blends modern intuitiveness with educational content and recommended portfolios based on internal analysis.

Product range: Stocks, BDRs, ETFs, REITs, derivatives (futures, options), investment funds, pension plans, fixed income (Tesouro Direto, CDBs, debentures, LCIs), and international funds via BTG Digital Global.

Cost structure: Zero brokerage for stocks in the BTG app or R$ 2.50 to R$ 7.50 in BTG Trader depending on the plan. Free custody, free TED and Pix. Global account available with conversion fee starting at 0.9%.

Platform experiences: BTG Investimentos app for beginners with automated portfolios, and BTG Trader for active investors with advanced charts, order book, and quick orders. Access to BTG Research with exclusive reports and live analysis.

Security and regulation: CVM and Central Bank, with high cybersecurity standards and fund segregation. Humanized support via chat, phone, and email.

The platform is ideal for intermediate and experienced investors seeking a complete structure, quality content, and both domestic and international diversification.

4. Clear Corretora: Speed and Zero Cost for Traders

Clear is a digital brokerage specializing in variable income, owned by XP Inc., focused on short-term traders. Its proposition is 100% digital with zero brokerage and advanced graphical tools, prioritizing low cost and operational agility.

Available assets: Stocks, BDRs, ETFs, REITs, derivatives (options and mini-contracts), Tesouro Direto, and some fixed income products with limited scope.

Fee model: R$ 0 brokerage for stocks, options, and futures contracts. Free custody. Free Profit Pro platform with a minimum volume of R$ 100,000/month or R$ 5,000 balance; otherwise R$ 14.90/month. Free TED/Pix.

Platform: Clear app and web for basic management, plus Clear Pro + Profit Pro for technical operations focused on day trading and swing trading. Integrated tools with real-time technical analysis, tape reading, and automatic orders.

Support: Via chat and help center, following XP (CVM and Central Bank) regulation with two-factor authentication.

Clear is suitable for active traders and experienced investors who operate frequently and seek an agile, low-cost structure. Less suitable for those valuing intuitive interfaces or a broad fixed income offering.

5. Banco Inter Investimentos: Simplified Banking Integration

Banco Inter offers an integrated broker with its digital account, facilitating access to investments with a focus on simplicity and zero costs. For those already using Inter as their main bank, the experience is seamless: instant, fee-free transfers between account and broker.

Available products: Stocks, BDRs, ETFs, REITs, Tesouro Direto, private fixed income (CDBs, LCIs, debentures), investment funds, pension plans, and international funds via Inter Global (partnership Vitreo/Empiricus).

Costs: 0% brokerage for stocks, REITs, ETFs, and BDRs in the app. Free custody. Free TED and Pix. Variable fund fees depending on each fund.

Platform: 100% mobile, user-friendly interface with category navigation. Simple tools for asset comparison, real-time portfolio view, and educational area for beginners.

Security: Regulated by Central Bank and CVM, with a good reputation in digital security and compliance.

Differentials: Full integration between bank account and investments, zero real brokerage, easy access to Tesouro Direto, and international account with global funds.

Ideal for beginner and conservative investors valuing a simple, digital, low-cost experience, and those seeking to centralize their financial life and investments on one platform.

6. Modal Investimentos: Accessible Technology and Education

Modal, part of XP Inc., offers an accessible digital experience for both beginners and experienced investors. After restructuring and modernization (adopting the name Modalmais), it maintains a commitment to financial education, zero brokerage, and a variety of products, attracting investors seeking cost-benefit, agility, and access to professional analysis.

Products: Stocks, BDRs, ETFs, REITs, Tesouro Direto, private fixed income, investment funds, pension plans, and international funds via global account.

Fee structure: Zero brokerage for stocks, ETFs, and REITs. Free custody. Free TED and Pix. Modal Trader/Profit Pro platform free for active clients (with traded volume or minimum balance).

Platforms: Modalmais app for beginners and moderate investors, Modal Trader for advanced features with charts and technical tools. Free access to Modal Educa with courses, live sessions, and analytical content. Integration with XP analysis.

Compliance: Support via chat, phone, and email. Regulated by CVM and Central Bank with two-factor authentication.

Differentials: Zero brokerage with access to XP reports, robust educational platform, tools for assets at low cost, and global account for diversification.

Suitable for investors transitioning from beginner to more active, or those wanting to migrate to an independent broker with structured educational support and a balance between cost and professional content.

7. Avenue: Specialization in the US Market

Avenue is an American broker founded by Brazilians, headquartered in Miami, acquired by Itaú Unibanco in 2022. Its mission is to democratize access to the US stock market, offering a global account with Portuguese support, simplified opening, and a platform tailored to Brazilian users.

Assets offered: US stocks, ETFs, REITs, global investment funds (Avenue Wealth), US fixed income (Treasuries and corporate bonds), and a dollar-denominated savings account.

Cost model: Free brokerage on the free plan (with currency spread up to 2%). Currency spread from 0.5% to 2% depending on the plan. Free custody. Free transfer via Avenue Exchange.

Platform: Fully in Portuguese, intuitive app and web platform. Integration with Avenue Exchange for Pix remittance and real-time exchange rates. Education with courses on the US market and portfolio suggestions.

Regulation: SEC and FINRA in the US, CVM and Central Bank in Brazil. 100% Portuguese support via chat, email, and phone.

Differentials: Exclusive platform for Brazilians to access US markets, dollar account with interest, easy Pix transfers, local support, and future integration with Itaú, with fee exemption.

Recommended for investors wanting direct access to the US market, seeking currency diversification, exposure to large global companies, and smooth remittance experience without language barriers.

8. Nomad: Simplified Global Investment

Nomad is a Brazilian fintech with US headquarters offering a global digital account and direct access to the US stock exchange. Expanding beyond its initial focus on travel and international shopping, it allows Brazilians to invest in US stocks and ETFs via mobile with a simplified experience.

Instruments: US-listed stocks and ETFs, thematic and sector index funds, dollar digital account with automatic yield.

Costs: Free brokerage. Currency spread of 2% on the free plan (reduces to 1% with Nomad Pass). Free custody. Free transfer via TED/Pix. Minimum investment from US$ 1.

Platform: Modern app, 100% in Portuguese, instant exchange via Pix, accessible interface for beginners, quick access to charts, performance, and asset descriptions.

Compliance: FINRA regulation in the US, custody with DriveWealth, support via chat and email in Portuguese.

Diferentials: Very low starting values (US$ 1), global account with automatic yield, zero brokerage, focus on accessibility, possibility to earn cashback with Nomad Pass.

Ideal for beginner investors focused on simplicity and lack of technical complexity, as well as those seeking convenience, dollar yield, and exposure to global assets with little initial capital.

Essential Criteria for Your Decision

Determining the best broker to buy stocks involves evaluating multiple factors aligned with your profile and strategy. Key points include:

Impact of fees and spreads: For frequent traders, costs significantly affect profitability. Platforms like Clear, Modal, and BTG offer competitive models with zero brokerage or free plans for advanced tools.

Interface experience: Beginners adapt better to simplified apps (Banco Inter, Nomad, Avenue), while active investors prefer robust structures (XP Trader, BTG Trader, Profit Pro).

Range of assets: Those diversifying beyond stocks seek platforms with funds, fixed income, BDRs, and international access — Mitrade, XP, BTG, and Modal provide this breadth.

Support quality: Some offer personalized advisory (XP, BTG), others prioritize self-service digital (Clear, Inter).

International reach: To access global companies, Nomad and Avenue specialize, while Mitrade and XP offer options through their own structures.

Recommendation Matrix by Profile

Beginner investors seeking simplicity find better service at Banco Inter, Nomad, or Avenue. Those prioritizing zero costs and agility choose among Clear, Modal, and Inter. For comprehensive advisory and structured support, XP Investimentos and BTG Pactual are ideal. Short-term operators in foreign markets, Mitrade offers specialization. Active traders with a technical profile explore Mitrade, Clear (Profit Pro), XP (Trader), and BTG Trader. For diversification with local support, Mitrade, XP, and Avenue dominate.

The Next Step

Choosing the best broker to buy stocks is a strategic decision in your investor journey. Regardless of your stage — beginner, experienced, or focused on global diversification — understanding each platform’s differentiators ensures decisions aligned with real objectives.

Many platforms offer free accounts and simulators for practical testing. This is your best way to evaluate usability, security, and fit before committing real capital. Move forward with clarity, choose based on solid grounds, and invest with confidence in your ideal platform for 2026.