Online brokerage
RBC Direct Investing Review: CIRO-Registered, Fees & Platforms
By ForexCanada Editorial Team · Updated
Canada check
Former HSBC InvestDirect clients were transitioned to RBC after RBC acquired HSBC Bank Canada in 2024.
- Canadian status
- CIRO-registered
- Canadian entity
- RBC Direct Investing Inc.
- CIPF coverage
- Yes (eligible accounts, within CIPF limits)
- OBSI complaints
- Yes — free, independent dispute resolution
- Accepts Canadians
- Accepts Canadian residents
- Licences abroad
- —
- Headquarters
- Toronto, ON
- Ownership
- Royal Bank of Canada (TSX: RY)
Our take on RBC Direct Investing
RBC Direct Investing is the self-directed arm of Canada's largest bank. It offers the full range of registered accounts, bonds, GICs and mutual funds, and the convenience of moving money instantly from an RBC chequing account. After RBC's 2024 acquisition of HSBC Bank Canada, former HSBC InvestDirect clients were moved here. Standard commissions are high relative to newer competitors, and the platform feels conservative, but for investors who value one-bank simplicity it does the job.
Verdict
Convenient for RBC customers; cost-conscious investors can do better elsewhere.
What we like
- +Instant transfers for RBC clients
- +Broad product shelf incl. GICs and bonds
- +Full set of registered accounts
Watch out for
- −$9.95 standard commissions
- −Platform less advanced than TD or Questrade
- −No forex or CFDs
How RBC Direct Investing scores
Canadian protection carries 40% of the weight, so an unregistered firm can't outrank a registered one on price alone. See the full methodology.
Accounts, markets & platforms
- Platforms
- Proprietary web, Mobile app
- Markets
- Stocks · ETFs · Options · Bonds · Mutual funds
- Pricing
- $9.95 per online stock trade (lower rates for very active investors); some commission-free trade offers via mobile
- CAD / USD accounts
- ✓ CAD | ✓ USD
- Registered accounts
- TFSA, RRSP, FHSA, RESP, RRIF, LIRA, Spousal RRSP
- Demo account
- Not advertised
- French service
- Yes
Figures are taken from the broker's own disclosures at our last review (2026-09) and change often — always confirm on the broker's website. Spot an error? Tell us.
Verify RBC Direct Investing yourself
- Look for the firm on CIRO's list of dealers it regulates.
- Search the legal entity name in the CSA National Registration Search and check it is registered in your province.
- Confirm CIPF membership in the CIPF member directory.
- Search the CSA investor alerts for the brand name and any look-alike websites.
- Make sure the account agreement you sign names the same legal entity — not an offshore affiliate.
RBC Direct Investing: frequently asked questions
Is RBC Direct Investing regulated in Canada?
Yes. Canadian clients are served by RBC Direct Investing Inc., a registered investment dealer and member of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO). You can confirm this on CIRO's list of dealers it regulates and in the CSA National Registration Search.
Is my money protected with RBC Direct Investing?
Eligible accounts at CIRO dealer members are covered by the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF) if the firm becomes insolvent — generally up to $1 million per account category. CIPF does not cover trading losses.
Can I open a TFSA or RRSP with RBC Direct Investing?
Yes. RBC Direct Investing offers TFSA, RRSP, FHSA, RESP, RRIF, LIRA, Spousal RRSP accounts. Note that leveraged forex and CFDs can't be held in registered accounts.
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Reviews are submitted by readers and moderated by our editors for relevance and abuse. They are opinions, not verified facts, and never affect our score.
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