TradeZero

Commission-free trading broker with a standout short locate system, offering free and paid tiers for active stock traders based in Brooklyn, NY.

★★★★☆ 3.7/5
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Quick Facts

Starting Price
Free
Free Tier
Yes
Founded
2015
Company
TradeZero America Inc.

TradeZero Overview

TradeZero is a brokerage that combines commission-free equity trading with one of the most accessible short locate systems in retail brokerage. Founded by CEO Michael Haupt, the broker targets active traders who want zero-commission stock trades without giving up the ability to short sell hard-to-borrow shares.

The short locate system is the key differentiator. While most commission-free brokers like Robinhood offer no shorting tools, and most DMA brokers charge per-share commissions, TradeZero bridges the gap by offering both free trades and short locates. The broker provides a proprietary trading platform (ZeroPro) alongside a mobile app, with Level 2 data, direct market routing, and standard charting tools.

Based in Brooklyn, New York, TradeZero offers both US and international accounts. The free tier provides commission-free equity trades, while the Pro tier ($59/month) adds features like short locates, extended routing options, and enhanced Level 2 data. The broker competes against both commission-free platforms like Robinhood and DMA brokers like CenterPoint.

Editorial Assessment

What We Checked

  • • Pricing reviewed across 2 listed plans: Free: Free | ZeroPro: $59/mo.
  • • Feature fit checked against 6 supported capability flags, including Paper Trading, Price Alerts, Mobile App, Broker Integration.
  • • Best-use recommendation checked against the stated audience: commission-conscious day traders, short sellers on a budget, international traders.
  • • Tradeoffs reviewed from the published cons list so the page does not rank tools only by headline rating.

Before You Pay

  • • Use the free tier or trial to confirm the workflow before upgrading.
  • • Check whether your broker is supported before assuming imports will work.
  • • Do not choose this if API access is central to your workflow.
  • • Test mobile usability if you review trades or alerts away from desk.

Our rating favors tools that solve a specific trading workflow reliably. TradeZero is strongest for commission-conscious day traders, short sellers on a budget, and international traders. It is weaker if you need AI Analysis, Backtesting, API Access, Social Features.

TradeZero Pricing

Free

Free
  • ✓ Commission-free equities
  • ✓ ZeroWeb platform
  • ✓ Basic charting
  • ✓ Mobile app
Most Popular

ZeroPro

$59 /mo
  • ✓ Commission-free equities
  • ✓ ZeroPro desktop platform
  • ✓ Short locate system
  • ✓ Direct market routing
  • ✓ Enhanced Level 2 data
  • ✓ Advanced order types

Features

✗ AI Analysis
✗ Backtesting
✓ Paper Trading
✓ Price Alerts
✓ Mobile App
✗ API Access
✗ Social Features
✓ Broker Integration
✗ Custom Indicators
✗ Automated Trading
✗ Trade Journaling
✗ Performance Analytics
✓ Risk Management
✓ News Feed
✗ Education Content

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • + Commission-free equity trades combined with short locate access — rare combination
  • + Free tier available for basic trading without platform fees
  • + Mobile app and web platform alongside desktop ZeroPro
  • + Available for both US and international traders

Cons

  • - ZeroPro platform at $59/month required for serious short selling features
  • - Platform technology is not as polished as major brokers
  • - Limited market coverage — primarily stocks with basic options
  • - Customer support can be slow during peak market hours

Rating Breakdown

3.7
★★★★☆

Overall Rating

ease of use
3.8
features
3.5
value
4.0
support
3.3
reliability
3.7

Key Takeaways

  • ✓ Commission-free equity trades combined with short locate access — rare combination
  • ✓ Free tier available for basic trading without platform fees
  • ✓ Mobile app and web platform alongside desktop ZeroPro
  • ✓ Available for both US and international traders
  • ★ Rated 3.7/5 — best for commission-conscious day traders, short sellers on a budget, international traders
  • $ Free tier available

Summary

Commission-free trading broker with a standout short locate system, offering free and paid tiers for active stock traders based in Brooklyn, NY. TradeZero offers a free tier, with paid plans from $59/month. Best suited for commission-conscious day traders, short sellers on a budget, and international traders.

View all TradeZero alternatives →

Alternatives Worth Checking

CenterPoint Securities

★★★★☆ 4.3

Premium DMA broker for professional day traders and short sellers, known for the industry's best short locate inventory, sub-penny routing, and DAS Trader Pro/Sterling Trader Pro platform access.

Free
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Cobra Trading

★★★★☆ 4.2

Direct market access broker for active equity day traders, offering DAS Trader Pro integration, competitive per-share pricing starting at $0.003/share, short locate desk, and personalized customer service.

Free
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Robinhood

★★★★☆ 4.0

The pioneer of commission-free trading with a simple mobile interface, crypto, and cash management features.

Free tier Free
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