Desjardins Online Brokerage review
Best for: Self-directed investors who want $0 online stock and ETF trades, a choice of two trading platforms and U.S. dollar versions of most accounts.
#6 in our online brokerages ranking. See how we rank
On Disnat Classic and Disnat Direct. Trades through a representative cost at least $45.
Waived with 6+ trades in 12 months, $15,000+ in your portfolio, an eligible registered account, or age 18 to 30.
$8.75 minimum online; $30 to exercise or be assigned.
Varies with the value of the conversion.
Per the FAQ; the 18-30 offer page says there is no minimum balance.
The bottom line
Desjardins Online Brokerage, also known as Disnat, charges $0 commission on online stock and ETF trades on both of its platforms, and options cost $1.25 a contract with an $8.75 minimum. Most accounts come in U.S. dollar versions too. Watch the $30 quarterly inactivity fee and the $100 yearly admin fees on smaller RRSPs and RRIFs, which are waived once you meet set conditions.
Pros & cons
Pros
- $0 online commissions on stocks and ETFs
- Two platforms, including Disnat Direct for active traders
- U.S. dollar versions of most accounts, including RRSP, TFSA and LIF
- Inactivity fee waived for clients aged 18 to 30
- Wide range of personal and entity accounts
Cons
- $30 quarterly inactivity fee unless you meet a waiver
- $100 yearly admin fee on RRSPs below $15,000
- Currency margin of up to 1.90% on conversions
- Conflicting information on the minimum deposit
A sensible option for self-directed investors who want $0 online trades and U.S. dollar accounts, especially those aged 18 to 30. Smaller, rarely traded accounts should check the inactivity and registered admin fees first.
Suits you if
- You want $0 commissions on online stock and ETF trades
- You are between 18 and 30 years old
- You want streaming data on an active-trader platform
Look elsewhere if
- You have a small TFSA and rarely trade
- You convert small amounts of currency often
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Who Desjardins Online Brokerage suits
Desjardins Online Brokerage, often called Disnat, is the self-directed brokerage of Desjardins, offered through Desjardins Securities Inc. It suits investors who place their own trades and want $0 online commissions on stocks and ETFs, plus a choice of platforms. Disnat Classic is the web and app platform for most investors, while Disnat Direct is built for active traders and adds streaming market data.
Investors aged 30 or under can use the Direct Brokerage 18-30 program on Disnat Classic, which removes annual, inactivity and administration fees. Program extras change, so check the current terms.
Fees in plain English
Online stock and ETF trades cost $0 on both platforms. Trades placed through a representative cost at least $45, and options cost $1.25 a contract online with an $8.75 minimum.
- Option exercise or assignment: $30 per trade. Options through a representative cost $2.50 a contract, with a $35 minimum.
- Inactivity fee: $30 a quarter, waived if you made 6 or more trades in the past 12 months, have a portfolio worth $15,000 or more, or hold an RRSP, RRIF, LIRA, LIF or RESP. The detailed fee table and the 18-30 program also waive it for clients aged 18 to 30.
- Registered admin fees: $100 a year on an RRSP or LIRA below $15,000, $100 a year on a RRIF or LIF below $25,000, and $50 a year on an RESP below $15,000. TFSAs and FHSAs have no admin fee but can still be charged the inactivity fee.
- Transfers out: $150 for a full transfer, or $25 per security for a partial one.
- Disnat Direct data: Market-Q costs $35 a month unless you made 10+ trades the previous month and hold $15,000 or more; Level 2 costs $105 a month unless you made 41+ trades and hold $15,000 or more.
Accounts and minimum deposit
You can open a TFSA, FHSA, RRSP, spousal RRSP, RESP, RRIF, LIRA or LIF, along with non-registered cash, margin, margin option and short-selling accounts. In-trust accounts for a minor and accounts for corporations, partnerships, trusts, estates and other entities are also offered.
The minimum deposit is unclear. The Disnat FAQ says you need a cheque or transfer of at least CAD 1,000 to open an account, while the 18-30 offer page says there is no minimum balance. Ask Desjardins which rule applies to you.
U.S. dollars and currency conversion
Desjardins says most of its brokerage accounts are available in Canadian and U.S. dollars, and its accounts page lists U.S. plans for RRSPs, TFSAs and LIFs.
When you convert currency, Desjardins Securities acts as principal and earns an income margin that it says varies between 0.15% and 1.90%, depending on the value of the conversion. Fractional shares aren’t mentioned on the Disnat pages we reviewed.
Protection and regulation
Desjardins Securities Inc. is a member of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) and the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF). CIPF protection relates to a dealer’s insolvency, not to investment losses, and the value of what you hold can fall.
Other online brokerages we review
- Wealthsimple TradeStock & ETF trades: $0
- QuestradeStock & ETF trades: $0 online
- BMO InvestorLineStock & ETF trades: $0
- Qtrade Direct InvestingStock & ETF trades: $0 online
- National Bank Direct BrokerageStock & ETF trades: $0 online
- TD Easy TradeStock & ETF trades: 100 free trades a year
- Interactive BrokersStock & ETF trades: $0.01 a share (Fixed)
- MoomooStock & ETF trades: CA$0.0149 a share
- CIBC Investor’s EdgeStock & ETF trades: $6.95 online
- RBC Direct InvestingStock & ETF trades: $9.95 flat
- TD Direct InvestingStock & ETF trades: $9.99 per trade
- Scotia iTRADEStock & ETF trades: $9.99 per trade
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Disnat Classic and Disnat Direct?
Both platforms offer $0 online stock and ETF trades. Disnat Classic is the web and app platform, while Disnat Direct is aimed at active traders and includes streaming market data. The Direct Brokerage 18-30 program applies on Disnat Classic.
How do I avoid the Disnat inactivity fee?
The $30 quarterly fee is waived if you meet one condition: 6 or more trades in the past 12 months, a portfolio worth $15,000 or more, or holding an RRSP, RRIF, LIRA, LIF or RESP. The detailed fee table also waives it for clients aged 18 to 30.
Does a Desjardins Online Brokerage TFSA have an annual fee?
TFSAs and FHSAs have no administration fee. They can still trigger the quarterly inactivity fee, though, because holding one of these accounts does not count toward the waiver.
How much do I need to open a Desjardins Online Brokerage account?
The Disnat FAQ asks for an initial deposit of at least CAD 1,000. The Direct Brokerage 18-30 page says there is no minimum balance, so confirm with Desjardins before you apply.
What does Disnat charge for streaming market data?
On Disnat Direct, Market-Q is free if you made 10+ trades the previous month and hold $15,000 or more, and costs $35 a month otherwise. Market-Q Level 2 is free with 41+ trades and $15,000 or more, or $105 a month otherwise.
What does a trade through a Desjardins representative cost?
Representative trades cost at least $45. Trades of $2,000 or less are a flat $45 in Canadian or U.S. dollars, and larger trades add a per-share charge.
Can I hold U.S. dollars in a Disnat RRSP?
Yes. Desjardins lists U.S. plans for RRSPs, TFSAs and LIFs and says most of its brokerage accounts are offered in both currencies.
What does Desjardins Online Brokerage charge to transfer my account out?
A full transfer to another institution costs $150. A partial transfer costs $25 per security moved.
Sources
Fees and features come from Desjardins Online Brokerage’s own site and fee schedule, checked October 14, 2026. They can change at any time, so confirm them before you open an account. Investing involves risk, including the loss of money you invest. See our methodology.