New investor here. I was looking to open a new brokerage account to buy some index funds like VTSAX.
I was wondering if some brokers are better than others in regard to commission fees pertaining specifically to index funds. I would also like to buy individual stocks. Thanks!
Yes, some brokerages are absolutely better than others. For instance, run away from Edward Jones.
Three very popular choices around here are
Vanguard, Fidelity and
Schwab. Off the three, Vanguard is probably the most popular here, for good reason (see below). All three have been in a 'race-to-the-bottom' regarding fees for index funds, with several funds very near zero (I believe Fidelity and now Vanguard have actually started offering zero yield funds).
One thing to note, besides fees, is that Vanguard is client owned, which is why I use them even when Fidelity of Schwab offer the same funds for ~0.01% lower at times. To me, its worth it to pay a tiny amoutn extra to be in a client-owned business. REad more about it here: JL Collins on "
Why Vanguard."