Finding the Ideal Platform to Invest in Stocks in 2026: Comparative Guide of the Top 8 Options

The Decisive Factor in the Investor’s Journey

The democratization of access to financial markets has transformed the investment landscape in Brazil. Today, anyone can open an account with a brokerage and start investing in stocks — but this doesn’t mean all platforms offer the same experience. The decision about which brokerage to choose for buying stocks goes far beyond just comparing fees. Technological infrastructure, quality of service, security, asset diversity, and adaptation to your investor style are elements that determine your success over time.

In recent years, we have witnessed the consolidation of specialized digital brokerages, competing not only on costs but also on innovation, usability, and educational content. While traditional institutions maintain more bureaucratic models and higher fees, modern investment brokerages offer agile platforms, commission-free trading for assets like stocks and ETFs, and tools that enable both beginners and professional traders to execute strategies efficiently.

In this guide, we analyze in depth 8 platforms that stand out in the Brazilian and international markets, examining their strengths, limitations, cost structures, and suitability for different investor profiles. The goal is to equip you with enough information to make a decision aligned with your financial goals and investment horizon.

The 8 Platforms Dominating the Investment Scene

1. Mitrade | 2. XP Investimentos | 3. BTG Pactual Investimentos | 4. Clear Corretora | 5. Banco Inter Investimentos | 6. Modal Investimentos | 7. Avenue | 8. Nomad

1. Mitrade: Global Access to International Stocks via Derivatives

Mitrade positions itself as a regulated international brokerage by ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission), specializing in contracts for difference — a structure that allows trading stocks, indices, and commodities in a 100% digital way, without physical possession of the asset.

For Brazilian investors, this approach opens doors. It’s possible to gain exposure to stocks like Apple, Amazon, Tesla, and Microsoft, as well as indices like S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow Jones, without the bureaucracies of opening an overseas account or complex international transfers. Everything works via browser or app, with support in Portuguese and account opening in minutes.

Asset Catalog:

• Derivatives of US, European, and Asian stocks
• Global indices with adjustable leverage (up to 1:20)
• US ETFs and commodities (gold, oil)
• Cryptocurrencies with competitive spreads

Fee Model: The key here is transparency in costs. There are no traditional commissions; the cost is embedded in the spread (difference between buy and sell). Deposits and withdrawals via Pix are free, as is custody. For positions held beyond 24 hours, swap fees apply — an attractive model for short- and medium-term operations.

Platform Experience: The interface is responsive, with charts that include technical indicators, tools for stop loss and take profit, and trailing stop. An AI-powered assistant helps with navigation and resolving doubts. The unlimited demo account allows strategy practice without real risk.

Security and Regulation: Regulated by ASIC, Mitrade adopts fund segregation, negative balance protection, and periodic audits. Support is available in Portuguese via chat and email.

Recommended for: Investors who want to trade international stocks with flexibility and reduced costs, especially those working with shorter timeframes.

2. XP Investimentos: The Large Consolidator with Institutional Structure

Founded in 2001 and listed on Nasdaq since 2019, XP has transcended the digital brokerage category to become an investment ecosystem. With over 4 million clients, it offers an experience calibrated for both beginners and experienced traders.

Product Range:

• Stocks, BDRs, ETFs, REITs
• Derivatives (futures and options)
• Fixed income (Treasury Direct, CDBs, LCIs, debentures)
• Investment funds, pension plans, and XP Global account

Pricing Structure: Commission is zero on the XP app. On the advanced platform (Profit), it starts at R$ 4.90. Access to Profit Pro — with professional charting, tape reading, and automatic orders — is free for clients with R$ 100,000 traded monthly or a portfolio over R$ 5,000.

Platform Differentials: XP offers multiple experiences: the XP app for beginners with a clean layout, and Xpeed Pro and Profit for technical traders. There’s also a relationship hub providing free advisory, plus structured financial education through courses and webinars.

Reliability and Support: Regulated by CVM and the Central Bank, with support via phone, email, and chat. A network of accredited advisors allows personalized service.

Recommended for: Investors valuing trust, asset variety, and professional support, even if fees are not the lowest on the market.

3. BTG Pactual Investimentos: Investment Bank at Your Fingertips

BTG Pactual expanded its retail presence through a platform combining institutional strength with digital ease. The result is a modern experience, highlighted by the BTG app and BTG Trader (platform for traders).

Asset Offerings:

• Stocks, BDRs, ETFs, REITs
• Derivatives and comprehensive fixed income
• International funds via BTG Pactual Digital Global

Fee Structure: App with no commissions. In BTG Trader, fees range from R$ 2.50 to R$ 7.50 depending on the plan. Custody, TED, and Pix are free. The global account charges a conversion fee starting at 0.9%.

Content Differentiator: Access to BTG Research — reports, live sessions, and exclusive analyses prepared by the bank’s team. This adds significant value for those seeking more informed investments.

Security and Support: Regulated by CVM and the Central Bank, with humanized support via chat, phone, and email. It serves both active traders and conservative investors equally.

Recommended for: Those looking for a complete platform with quality content, institutional security, and flexibility to invest in Brazil and abroad.

4. Clear Corretora: Speed and Zero Cost for Active Traders

Part of XP Inc., Clear was born with a clear proposition: serve short-term traders prioritizing operational agility and minimal costs. It’s 100% digital, with a lean structure.

Available Products:

• Stocks, BDRs, ETFs, REITs
• Derivatives (options, mini-contracts)
• Treasury Direct and limited fixed income

Fee Model: Zero commission for stocks, options, and futures. The advanced platform (Profit Pro) is free with a minimum volume of R$ 100,000 monthly or R$ 5,000 balance; otherwise R$ 14.90/month. TED and Pix are fee-free.

Focus on Performance: Two environments: the Clear app for basic management, and Clear Pro + Profit Pro for technical operations with real-time analysis tools, tape reading, and automatic orders.

Regulation and Security: Same CVM/Central Bank standards as XP group. Two-factor authentication included.

Recommended for: Active traders executing frequent operations who want a streamlined platform with fast execution.

5. Banco Inter Investimentos: Total Integration of Account-Investment

Banco Inter offers an integrated proposal: manage your finances and investments in one place, with instant transfers between account and brokerage.

Available Assets:

• Stocks, BDRs, ETFs, REITs
• Treasury Direct and fixed income
• Investment funds, pension plans
• Global funds via partnership

Costs: Zero commission for stocks, REITs, ETFs, and BDRs. Custody, TED, and Pix are free. Funds vary depending on the manager.

Usability: 100% mobile platform with a user-friendly interface. Basic tools for asset comparison, recommendations, and real-time portfolio view. Financial education for beginners included.

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

Recommended for: Beginner investors and conservative profiles valuing simplicity, low costs, and centralized financial management.

6. Modal Investimentos: The Balance Between Cost and Content

Also part of XP Inc., Modal (now Modalmais) positions itself as an intermediary between beginner and experienced investors, offering technology, education, and cost-effectiveness.

Products:

• Stocks, BDRs, ETFs, REITs
• Treasury Direct and fixed income
• Investment funds, pension plans
• Global account for diversification

Fees: Zero commission for stocks, ETFs, and REITs. Custody free. TED and Pix are free. The Modal Trader/Profit Pro platform is available for clients with traded volume or minimum balance.

Differentials: Modalmais app for moderate investors, Modal Trader for technical traders. Access to Modal Educa with courses, live sessions, and analyses. Integration with XP’s analysis team for reports and recommendations.

Support and Regulation: Chat, phone, and email. CVM/Central Bank standards inherited from the group.

Recommended for: Investors transitioning from beginner to active, or those seeking to migrate to an independent brokerage with strong educational support.

7. Avenue: Democratizing the US Stock Market for Brazilians

Founded by Brazilians in Miami and acquired by Itaú in 2022, Avenue simplifies investing in US stocks. Portuguese support, quick account opening, Pix remittances — all designed for the Brazilian audience.

What You Invest In:

• US stocks, ETFs, and REITs
• Global investment funds
• US fixed income (Treasuries, corporate bonds)
• Dollar-denominated savings account

Cost Structure: Free brokerage on the basic plan. Currency spread varies from 0.5% to 2% depending on the plan. Custody and TED/Pix are free. Automatic exchange with commercial rate.

Platform: 100% in Portuguese, with intuitive app and web. Integration with Avenue Exchange for Pix remittances with instant exchange. Market education and portfolio suggestions included.

Regulation: Regulated by SEC and FINRA in the US, CVM and Central Bank in Brazil. Full Portuguese support.

Recommended for: Investors wanting direct access to the US stock market without language barriers, with a familiar platform and local support.

8. Nomad: International Investments Starting at US$ 1

Nomad began by facilitating dollar use for travel and expanded into direct investments in stocks and ETFs. Today, it allows Brazilians to invest in the US via mobile, with a simplified experience.

Assets:

• NYSE and Nasdaq stocks and ETFs
• Thematic index funds
• US dollar digital account with automatic yield

Fees: Zero commission. Currency spread of 2% on the free plan (reduced to 1% with Nomad Pass). Custody free. Free TED/Pix. Minimum investment: just US$ 1.

Experience: Modern app in Portuguese, send money via Pix with instant exchange. User-friendly even for beginners abroad. Charts, performance, and asset descriptions accessible with a few taps.

Security: Regulated by FINRA in the US, with custody at DriveWealth. Support via chat and email in Portuguese.

Recommended for: Beginner investors wanting to start abroad simply and with low initial capital. Also for those seeking dollar yield and global exposure without complications.

Essential Criteria for Choosing Your Brokerage

The decision about which brokerage is best for buying stocks depends on a combination of personal and financial factors:

Frequency and Trading Style

If you make many trades monthly, fee impact directly affects profitability. In this case, Clear, Modal, and BTG offer competitive models. Long-term investors focus more on security and asset variety.

Simplicity vs. Sophistication

Beginners adapt better to platforms like Banco Inter, Nomad, and Avenue. Those skilled in technical analysis and seeking advanced tools (professional charts, tape reading, automatic orders) will find this in XP Trader, BTG Trader, or Profit Pro.

Diversification and Asset Scope

If you want more than stocks — funds, fixed income, BDRs, international exposure — Mitrade, XP, BTG, and Modal cover these needs well. For specific access to the US market, Avenue and Nomad are specialized.

Customer Service and Support

Some brokerages like XP and BTG offer personalized advisory at no extra cost. Others, like Clear and Inter, focus on a fully digital experience with self-service.

Global Exposure

If internationalization is strategic, Mitrade (via CFDs), Avenue (US stock market), Nomad (US stock market), and XP (via Global) facilitate this journey.

Correspondence Table: Your Profile and Best Option

Next Steps: From Theory to Practice

Choosing the best brokerage for buying stocks is a critical step, but it doesn’t have to be final. Many platforms offer free demo accounts and simulators. Use this to your advantage: test two or three that caught your attention, make a small real operation, and feel the experience before committing larger capital.

Regardless of your choice — whether beginner, experienced, or focused on international diversification — the important thing is to start. Knowing each platform’s differentiators accelerates this decision and aligns your investments with your true financial goals.

Recommended Next Step:

Want to explore a platform with global access to international stocks? Mitrade offers a free and unlimited demo account for you to practice risk-free. Sign up today and start trading with support in Portuguese.