Man, choosing a brokerage in Brazil is kind of frustrating indeed. There's this thing of zero fees here, an international platform there, an app full of charts you don't understand at all... and in the end, you're left lost about which one is really worth it.

But the truth is: there is no perfect app, only the one that fits your profile. After testing several, I think it's worth taking a moment to stop and think about what you really need. Do you want to invest for years or do you want to do trading? Will you be active every week or just occasionally? Do you only want Brazilian stocks or also foreign ones? These three questions already eliminate half of the options.

The most common mistake I see is people choosing just because of zero fees. But look, there’s spread that no one talks about, hidden exchange rates, indirect costs in the product... sometimes you're paying more without even realizing it. Like, a simple interface is worth much more than you imagine, especially if you're just starting out. An app full of buttons and charts confuses too much, increases the chance of errors, and many people give up before actually learning.

So, looking at the best trading platforms I tested: for those who want to start from scratch, Nubank and Inter are quite simple, everything within the bank’s app. If you want active trading with global access, Mitrade appears as one of the best trading platforms, 0% commission, over 700 assets, and allows you to practice on a demo account risk-free. XP Investimentos is more robust if you take investing seriously in Brazil. Avenue is nice for those who want to invest in the US without hassle. And Interactive Brokers is for the more advanced, offering access to 150 global markets and heavy tools.

But here’s the point: security is non-negotiable. Check if it’s regulated (CVM, Central Bank here in Brazil, ASIC if it’s international). That guarantees more protection for your money.

If you’re just starting now, start small. Choose one of the best trading platforms that fits your profile, open an account, do the verification, deposit an amount you can lose without feeling bad, and practice. Many people want to make money in the first month, but the real deal is: at the beginning, the goal is to learn, not to get rich fast.

Do you have a preference for any of these platforms? Or do you think there’s something missing that’s really worth it?