Brokerage Fee Comparison Calculator
Compare what two brokers or platforms really cost you over time — trading commissions, platform or custody fees, FX fees and fund expense ratios — and see the impact on your portfolio after 10–30 years.
For information and education only — not financial advice. Results are estimates based on the numbers you enter; check important decisions with a qualified professional.
How to use
- 1Enter your starting balance, monthly contribution, expected return and years.
- 2Enter each broker's platform fee, trade costs and FX fee, and your funds' expense ratio.
- 3See the ending balance and total fees for each.
How it's calculated
Each year: balance grows by the return minus the platform fee % and expense ratio; trading costs = trades per year × commission; FX fees = amount converted × FX %. The difference in ending balances shows the true cost of fees.
Frequently asked questions
Why do small percentage fees matter so much?
They compound. A 1% annual fee can take 20–25% of your final balance over 30 years.
What's a low-cost setup?
Commission-free trading, no platform fee (or a low flat fee for large balances), and index funds or ETFs with expense ratios under 0.2%.
Are there hidden fees?
Watch for currency conversion (often 0.25–1.5%), inactivity fees, transfer-out fees and wide spreads on commission-free apps.