WellsTrade (Wells Fargo)
Overview
WellsTrade is the self-directed brokerage arm of Wells Fargo, one of the "Big Four" banks in the United States. Much like Merrill Edge or J.P. Morgan, its primary appeal is seamless integration with standard banking services. In late 2023 and continuing through 2025/2026, WellsTrade significantly modernized its offering to shed its "old bank" reputation, introducing "Stock Fractions" and a more streamlined mobile app. It is a solid, no-nonsense choice for existing Wells Fargo customers who want to keep their finances under one roof.
Key Specifications
| Account Minimum | $0 |
|---|---|
| Stock & ETF Trade Fee | $0 (Online US listed) |
| Options Fee | $0.65 per contract |
| Fractional Shares | Yes ("Stock Fractions℠") - Min $10.00 |
| Mutual Fund Fees | $0 for No-Transaction-Fee (NTF) funds; $35 for others |
| Uninvested Cash Interest | Standard Sweep (Low APY) - Requires manual purchase of money market funds for yield |
Trading Platforms
1. Wells Fargo Mobile App
Investments are accessed directly through the standard Wells Fargo banking app. The interface is clean and functional, allowing for quick trades, mobile check deposits, and bill pay. While it lacks the advanced charting of Webull or the social feed of Public, it handles the basics of buying and selling effectively.
2. WellsTrade Online (Web)
The web platform provides access to more in-depth research, including reports from Wells Fargo Investment Institute and Morningstar. It also houses the screener tools for stocks and mutual funds, which are more robust than the mobile version.
Investment Features
- Integrated Banking: The single sign-on experience allows for instant transfers between checking and brokerage accounts, making funds available for trading immediately.
- Research & Education: Access to "LifeSync®," a planning tool in the app that helps connect your investment goals with your broader financial picture.
- Intuitive Investor®: A robo-advisory option (0.35% fee) integrated into the platform for those who prefer automated management (requires $500 minimum).
- No Crypto/Futures: WellsTrade remains a traditional brokerage; it does not support direct cryptocurrency trading or futures contracts.
Account Types
WellsTrade supports a full suite of standard accounts:
- Individual & Joint Brokerage
- Traditional, Roth, & SEP IRAs
- Education Savings Accounts (ESA)
- Custodial Accounts (UTMA/UGMA)
*Note: Trust and Estate accounts are supported but may require branch visits or phone support to establish.