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Best Brokers for Customer Service

Jessica Inskip

Written by Jessica Inskip
Edited by Jeff Anberg
Fact-checked by Joey Shadeck

January 28, 2025

Jessica Inskip has over 15 years of experience in the brokerage industry and is a sought-after guest and commentator at financial outlets such as CNBC, Fox Business, and Yahoo Finance.

Customer service can make or break your brokerage experience, especially when you need fast answers about trading tools, account options, or rollovers. To help you find the best brokers for customer service, StockBrokers.com partnered with Confero to conduct 130 phone tests across the U.S., measuring wait times and service quality. We evaluated brokers based on responsiveness, professionalism, and knowledgeability to ensure you get the support you need.

This guide highlights the top five brokers for customer service — Fidelity, Charles Schwab, SoFi Invest, Merrill Edge, and Ally Invest. Each broker earned its spot by consistently demonstrating quick response times and well-trained representatives who delivered clear, actionable information.

Best Brokers for Customer Service

Fidelity
5/5 Stars 5.0 Overall
Summary Review Pros/Cons

The best broker for customer service

Minimum Deposit$0.00
Stock Trades$0.00
Options (Per Contract)$0.65

Fidelity is a value-driven online broker offering $0 trades, industry-leading research, excellent trading tools and an easy-to-use mobile app. Read full review

Pros
  • Excellent research and mobile app
  • Top-notch education
  • Decades of reliable client service
Cons
  • No dedicated mobile app for active trading
Charles Schwab
5/5 Stars 5.0 Overall
Summary Review Pros/Cons

Comprehensive service for every investor

Minimum Deposit$0.00
Stock Trades$0.00
Options (Per Contract)$0.65

With the addition of TD Ameritrade's thinkorswim platforms and the enhancement of several features, Schwab is now a vigorous competitor with thought-provoking research and commentary and a client experience to fit any preference. Read full review

Pros
  • TD Ameritrade’s excellent thinkorswim trading platforms now available
  • Trading-friendly app and browser enhancements
  • Exceptional high net worth services
Cons
  • No cryptocurrency trading
  • Mutual fund fees are complex
SoFi Invest®
3/5 Stars 3.0 Overall
Summary Review Pros/Cons

Extremely responsive service

Minimum Deposit$5.00
Stock Trades$0.00
Options (Per Contract)$0.00

SoFi Invest offers a wide range of services, including access to cryptocurrencies, IPOs and automated investing. It is relatively easy to use, and gets high marks for its mobile app. However, its lack of research, as well as its lagging education and trading tools, leave it a step behind industry leaders. Read full review

Pros
  • Many popular investment options
  • Low margin rates
  • Strong crypto game
Cons
  • No open-end funds or individual bonds
  • Charts are very basic
  • Limited educational content
Merrill Edge
4.5/5 Stars 4.5 Overall
Summary Review Pros/Cons

Personalized guidance with a professional touch

Minimum Deposit$0.00
Stock Trades$0.00
Options (Per Contract)$0.65

Merrill Edge and its parent, Bank of America, make for a well-rounded offering, with $0 trades, robust research, reliable customer service; and its Stock Stories and Fund Stories are an industry standout. There are some gaps in investment offerings, including crypto and futures. Read full review

Pros
  • Portfolio Story, Dynamic Insights, and the Stock and Fund Stories are groundbreaking features
  • High-quality proprietary research
Cons
  • Some site elements slow to load
  • No crypto, futures, forex or penny stocks
Ally Invest
4/5 Stars 4.0 Overall
Summary Review Pros/Cons

Fast, friendly, and always available

Minimum Deposit$0.00
Stock Trades$0.00
Options (Per Contract)$0.50

For current Ally customers looking to invest in stocks, Ally's universal-accounts experience and easy-to-use website offer a convenient solution. Its website is far stronger than the mobile app. Read full review

Pros
  • Excellent banking via Ally Bank
  • Universal account management
  • $0 stock and ETF trades alongside a $0 minimum deposit
Cons
  • Trails industry leaders in areas including platforms, tools, research, and education
Sponsored

Top 5 Winners for Customer Service

Best broker for customer Service - Fidelity

Company Minimum Deposit Stock Trades Options (Per Contract)
Fidelity logoFidelity
$0.00 $0.00 $0.65

Fidelity topped the charts with near-instantaneous response times and highly knowledgeable representatives. Calls during testing were answered in under a minute, and agents provided detailed, step-by-step guidance on account setup and trading tools.

phone_callbackSample phone call:

Austin used a pleasant greeting, including his name and the company name. In addition, as part of his greeting, he asked for my name. ... Finally, he confirmed my watch lists will sync between mobile and the website. After making sure I had no additional questions, Austin thanked me for calling and invited me to call back if I had additional questions or needed more information.

Beyond its stellar phone service, Fidelity offers 24/7 live chat and a seamless transition between digital and human support. Representatives consistently demonstrated expertise in guiding customers through complex topics, from retirement planning to advanced trading strategies. Whether you're a new investor or a seasoned trader, Fidelity sets the gold standard for customer care with its focus on precision and efficiency.

  • Average Connection Time: Under a minute
  • Average Net Promoter Score: 9.3 / 10
  • Average Professionalism Score: 9.0 / 10
  • Overall Score: 9.15 / 10
  • Ranking: 1st of 13 brokers

Close runner-up - Charles Schwab

Company Minimum Deposit Stock Trades Options (Per Contract)
Charles Schwab logoCharles Schwab
$0.00 $0.00 $0.65

Charles Schwab impressed with its versatility and depth of knowledge, securing second place instead of first only due to a narrow tiebreaker this year. Wait times averaged just over a minute, and representatives excelled at handling complex questions about rollovers, mobile apps, and active trading features.

phone_callbackSample phone call:

Olivia opened with an upbeat greeting that included the name of the firm as well as her own name. In addition, she asked for my name and used it a couple of times during our conversation. ... Finally, Olivia confirmed that the website and mobile platform would sync watch lists. After I thanked Olivia for her time, she made sure I didn't have any additional questions, thanked me for calling Schwab, and wished me a good day.

With 24/7 phone support and a network of physical branches, Schwab combines digital convenience with traditional customer care. Representatives displayed strong problem-solving skills, walking clients through the finer details of their products without relying on scripts. This personalized approach, coupled with an array of resources available online and in-person, makes Schwab a top choice for investors of all levels.

  • Average Connection Time: 1 minute
  • Average Net Promoter Score: 9.1 / 10
  • Average Professionalism Score: 9.0 / 10
  • Overall Score: 9.08 / 10
  • Ranking: 2nd of 13 brokers

Extremely responsive - SoFi Invest

Company Minimum Deposit Stock Trades Options (Per Contract)
SoFi Invest® logoSoFi Invest®
$5.00 $0.00 $0.00

SoFi Invest earned praise for its approachable and friendly service. Testers noted the reps were patient and thorough, particularly when explaining mobile app features and account setup.

phone_callbackSample phone call:

This was a good call. John answered the phone and assisted me. I asked him to explain the process for rolling over my 401(k) to an IRA. .... I asked him if there were any fees and he said there were no fees to transfer over. With an auto-invest account, he said they would manage it with no fee. Finally, I asked him if the holdings would transfer over and he said that they would.

Designed for beginners, SoFi’s customer service team focuses on simplifying complex topics and offering practical guidance. Representatives demonstrated a willingness to break down financial terms and features without making the process feel overwhelming. With accessible hours and clear communication, SoFi’s service is tailored for first-time investors who value patience and clarity as they build confidence.

  • Average Connection Time: Under a minute
  • Average Net Promoter Score: 8.4 / 10
  • Average Professionalism Score: 8.4 / 10
  • Overall Score: 8.63 / 10
  • Ranking: 3rd of 13 brokers

Personalized guidance with a professional touch - Merrill Edge Self-Directed

Company Minimum Deposit Stock Trades Options (Per Contract)
Merrill Edge logoMerrill Edge
$0.00 $0.00 $0.65

Merrill Edge Self-Directed stood out for its professional demeanor and tailored advice. Testing revealed that Merrill's agents were adept at answering advanced questions on trading strategies and rollover options.

phone_callbackSample phone call:

Jerry requested my name right away followed by an offer of assistance. I explained I occasionally trade penny stocks. Can I trade them here, and is there an additional fee for trading penny stocks? Jerry replied they do not trade penny stocks on their platform. The lowest-priced stocks they offer is $2 per share. ... I asked, "Are you guys good for day trading?" Jerry stated that is a tricky question. He mentioned the t+1 settlement rule. Jerry then asked if I am proficient with trading. He said it is not the ideal platform for day trading. ... I was asked if I had any more questions, and he ended with, "Thank you very much, you have a wonderful day."

As a broker backed by Bank of America, Merrill Edge combines financial expertise with personalized service. Representatives took time to address specific concerns, ensuring customers felt prepared to make informed decisions. Whether you’re planning for retirement or exploring advanced trading techniques, Merrill Edge offers expert-level guidance wrapped in a professional yet approachable tone.

  • Average Connection Time: Under a minute
  • Average Net Promoter Score: 8.3 / 10
  • Average Professionalism Score: 8.0 / 10
  • Overall Score: 8.44 / 10
  • Ranking: 4th of 13 brokers

Fast, friendly, and always available - Ally Invest

Company Minimum Deposit Stock Trading Options (Per Contract)
Ally Invest logoAlly Invest
$0.00 Yes $0.50

Ally Invest impressed with its fast response times and approachable representatives. During testing, wait times averaged under 90 seconds, and reps provided clear, actionable answers to trading platform questions.

phone_callbackSample phone call:

Ben answered the phone with a pleasant greeting and stated his name. He asked if he could please have my account number, and I told him I did not currently have an account. He then asked what he could help me with. ... Next, I asked if all leveraged ETFs charged higher expense ratios, and he said that was true, by and large, and he would expect that to be the case. However, it was really up to the customer to research. ... I thanked him for the information, and he asked if there was anything else he could try to help me with. I said that was all I needed, and he thanked me for calling Ally Invest.

Offering 24/7 phone and chat support, Ally Invest is a reliable option for investors who value accessibility and speed. Representatives delivered answers efficiently without sacrificing detail, and their follow-up actions reinforced a sense of accountability and care. For investors who want fast and dependable service, Ally Invest delivers consistently.

  • Average Connection Time: One to two minutes
  • Average Net Promoter Score: 8.5 / 10
  • Average Professionalism Score: 7.9 / 10
  • Overall Score: 8.13 / 10
  • Ranking: 5th of 13 brokers

Comparison of the best stock brokers for customer service

Compare the top brokers at a glance with this table highlighting their overall ratings, minimum deposit requirements, and options contract pricing. This quick reference will help you pinpoint the broker that aligns with your trading preferences and budget.

Company Overall Minimum Deposit Stock Trades Options (Per Contract)
Fidelity logoFidelity
5/5 Stars $0.00 $0.00 $0.65
Charles Schwab logoCharles Schwab
5/5 Stars $0.00 $0.00 $0.65
SoFi Invest® logoSoFi Invest®
3/5 Stars $5.00 $0.00 $0.00
Merrill Edge logoMerrill Edge
4.5/5 Stars $0.00 $0.00 $0.65
Ally Invest logoAlly Invest
4/5 Stars $0.00 $0.00 $0.50

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About the Editorial Team

Jessica Inskip

Jessica Inskip, Director of Investor Research at StockBrokers.com, has 15 years of expertise in the field of finance. Jessica's insights have made her a sought-after guest and commentator at financial outlets such as CNBC, Fox Business, and Yahoo Finance. Passionate about demystifying the intricacies of the stock market, she is also the host of the "Market MakeHer" podcast.

Jeff Anberg

Jeff Anberg is a Staff Editor at StockBrokers.com. Along with years of experience in media distribution at a global newsroom, Jeff has a versatile knowledge base encompassing the technology and financial markets. He is a long-time active investor and engages in research on emerging markets like cryptocurrency. Jeff holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature with a minor in Philosophy from San Francisco State University.

Joey Shadeck

Joey Shadeck is the Content Strategist and Research Analyst for StockBrokers.com. He holds dual degrees in Finance and Marketing from Oakland University, and has been an active trader and investor for close to 10 years. An industry veteran, Joey obtains and verifies data, conducts research, and analyzes and validates our content.

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