Get unmatched freedom to invest your money your way. No contribution limits, no withdrawal rules, and no borrowing fees. Plus, until Feb 2, get up to 4% cashback when you transfer your accounts, including your Cash account to Questrade. Use promo code QT4CASHBACK. Terms apply. Learn more
A Questrade Cash account is your gateway to unconstrained investing. Trade directly with your deposited funds, and unlike RRSPs and TFSAs, you'll enjoy ultimate flexibility with no government-imposed limits on contributions or withdrawals. This means pure control over your investments and capital.
Whether you’re looking for more contribution room or flexibility, a Cash account offers many benefits.
Grow your portfolio with no contribution limits (helpful if you’ve maxed out your TFSA or RRSP).
It’s your money. So withdraw as much as you want, without restrictions.
There’s no interest or borrowing costs with Cash accounts—just smart, debt-free investing.
Hold both CAD and USD directly in your Cash account and avoid unnecessary conversion fees.
It’s not just a place to park your cash. Unlike chequing or savings accounts, opening a Questrade Cash account lets you invest your money into the markets. You can trade stocks, ETFs, and even use some options strategies. While a Cash account may not have the tax benefits of a TFSA or RRSP, it does let you contribute and withdraw without restrictions.
Cash |
Margin |
|---|---|
Eligibility | |
| 18+, or the age of majority | 18+, or the age of majority |
What you can trade | |
| Stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds, bonds, GICs | Stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds, bonds, GICs, short selling |
Borrowing | |
| — | Yes, access additional capital to increase buying power |
Withdrawals | |
| Unlimited (of settled funds) | Unlimited (of settled funds, but margin debt must be considered) |
Contributions | |
| Unlimited | Unlimited |
Taxes | |
| Earnings taxable | Earnings taxable |
Best for | |
| Investors who prefer lower risk, don't want to borrow, or are new to trading | Experienced investors looking to increase buying power, short sell, and potentially amplify returns |
With Questrade, you can rest assured that your money, your account and your personal information are protected.
We’re regulated by CIRO and a CIPF member.
Hand-pick the assets you’re most interested in with self-directed investing, or let experts handle the portfolio management for you with Questwealth Portfolios.
Self-directed investing
Trade stocks and ETFs commission-free 1. And options for as low as $0/contract 2.
Find fresh new trading ideas with easy-to-use research tools
Mobile, web or desktop—trade your way on powerful platforms
questwealth portfolios
Account management fees starting at only 0.25%
Get matched with a portfolio suited to you in 15 minutes or less
You can invest in companies focused on social, environmental and governance qualities
In three easy steps, you can invest your way.
Provide basic personal and financial information
Contribute any amount to get started (or at least $250 for Questwealth Portfolios)
Invest without restrictions with Questrade
Yes, trading options is a Cash account benefit. You can trade options in a Cash account using these strategies:
With a Cash account, you can’t use strategies that require margin (like naked options or spreads) because Cash accounts don’t allow borrowing or leverage. If you’re new to options trading or not as interested in it, a Cash account is a conservative way to start. But if you’re looking to do more complex trading, a Margin account is the better option for you.
A Cash trading account is a non-registered account where you trade stocks, ETFs, and some options using your own money. Unlike a TFSA or RRSP, any income you earn, like dividends, interest or capital gains, is taxable. A Cash account is best for investors who want full flexibility, prefer to avoid borrowing, or who have already used their TFSA and RRSP contribution room.
A non-registered account (Cash or Margin) is a flexible investment account without contribution limits or withdrawal rules. It doesn’t have the same tax benefits as a TFSA or RRSP—meaning you pay tax on any interest, dividends, or capital gains you earn. You can invest as much as you want and take money out anytime for ultimate control.
The main difference between a TFSA and a Cash account is the tax treatment. A TFSA allows your investments to grow tax-free but are subject to annual contribution limits set by the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA), while a Cash account doesn’t offer special tax advantages. This means investment income is taxed annually, but there aren’t any contribution limits.
Yes! You can have multiple cash accounts with Questrade. You can also transfer funds between these accounts. Open an account in minutes or log in to your Questrade account to open additional accounts.
Yes, you can day trade in Cash accounts Canada. These non-registered investment accounts allow you to buy and sell securities using the cash in your account. But, unlike registered accounts like TFSAs, any profits you make from day trading in a Cash account are taxable. The CRA may consider frequent, short-term trading to be a business activity, meaning your profits could be taxed as business income rather than potentially lower-taxed capital gains—but there’s also more potential for growth, compared to a chequing or savings account.
any account-related questions you may have, and tohelp you get set up.
START CHAT1.888.298.4515
1.416.227.6615
(001) 416.227.6615
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 8 PM EST
Explore what a Cash account is and how it can help you invest with simplicity.
READ ARTICLE
Discover the difference between a Cash account and Margin account and find what’s best for you.
READ ARTICLE
Discover how cash and investment transfers into Cash accounts work.
READ ARTICLE1 'Zero commission trades', '$0 commissions', '$0 trading', 'trade commission-free' and similar messages, refer to commission-free trading for trades placed online through Questrade, Inc.'s website or mobile apps for stocks and ETFs that are listed on a stock exchange in the United States or Canada. Other fees may still apply.
2 As low as $0/contract pricing applies to US Options only.
Questrade, Inc. will provide a refund on your 99¢ USD options contract fees, charged in United States Dollars (“USD”), based on the progressive options pricing tiers you get to during the calendar month of trading. The refund for each tier applies only to contracts executed within that tier. For example, fees for contracts that fall into tier 2 are refunded based on the tier 2 rate, and fees for subsequent contracts that fall into tier 3 are refunded based on the tier 3 rate, and so on. Please see our options pricing for details on each tier.
Contract fee refunds will be paid out on the first business day of the month following the month in which the trades occurred. Refunds will be credited to the account(s) in which the eligible trades were executed. Other fees may still apply and are not covered by the refund. If a refund is paid into an individual RESP or Family RESP account, it will be credited in CAD equivalent of USD, as USD deposits are not available for RESP accounts.
For more details, click here to read our full Terms & Conditions.
