Platform Comparison

Invstr vs Zacks Trade

Detailed side-by-side comparison to help you choose the best platform for dividend investing

IV

Invstr

3.8

Practice investing with $1M in virtual money, learn through gamified courses, then graduate to real trading—the complete beginner-to-investor journey.

Higher Rated
ZT

Zacks Trade

4

A research-focused brokerage with the famous Zacks Rank system and professional-grade tools—but commissions and minimums make it best for active investors.

Feature Comparison

FeatureInvstrZacks Trade
Our Rating3.8/54/5
Trading CommissionsN/A$0.01/share
Account MinimumN/A$2,500
Fractional SharesN/AN/A
DRIPN/AYes
Research ToolsBasicGood
Best ForAbsolute BeginnersResearch-Focused Investors

Pros & Cons

Invstr

Pros

  • + Free investing course with 85 lessons and certificate
  • + Fantasy Finance: Practice with $1M virtual money
  • + Compete in fantasy leagues and win real prizes
  • + Commission-free real stock and crypto trading
  • + Fractional shares starting at $5

Cons

  • - Real trading has minimum fees ($2.99 full shares, $0.99 fractional)
  • - $5 registration fee for real trading through DriveWealth
  • - Very limited research tools for experienced investors
  • - No mutual funds, bonds, forex, or OTC trading

Zacks Trade

Pros

  • + Zacks Premium Research ($249/year value) included free
  • + Proprietary Zacks Rank stock rating system
  • + Very low per-share commissions ($0.01/share, $1 min)
  • + Professional research tools and screeners
  • + DRIP available for dividend reinvestment

Cons

  • - NOT commission-free—$0.01/share ($1 minimum per trade)
  • - $2,500 account minimum to open
  • - Higher costs for small, frequent trades
  • - Platform can be complex for beginners

Which Platform is Right for You?

Choose Invstr if you...

  • Want absolute beginners focused features

Choose Zacks Trade if you...

  • Want research-focused investors focused features
  • Need automatic dividend reinvestment
  • Prefer a higher-rated overall platform

Investment Disclaimer

Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice.