CIBC Investor’s Edge Review 2024: Features & Alternatives
Reviewed by Randolph Vialva, MBA
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CIBC Investor’s Edge is a platform that provides an opportunity for investors to manage their investments and build portfolios with a wide range of assets. It is owned and operated by one of Canada’s Big Five Banks, it is a division of CIBC Investor Services Inc. which is a member of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC)—and the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF).
Pros
- Lower trading fees
- No minimum investment amount
- Wide range of account types
- The wealth of research tools
Cons
- Annual fees
- Limited account funding options
- Higher fees
- Free investment resources
- Low trading fees
- Access to fractional shares.
- Student and young investor packages.
- Waived minimum balance requirement for active traders.
- Same-day deposits for CIBC customers.
CIBC Investor’s Edge provides a choice for Canadians who are DIY investors, in contrast to other online investment solutions that frequently provide a “hands-on” approach thanks to Robo-advisors. This covers anyone who wishes to learn investment management but does not yet have such knowledge.
CIBC Investor’s Edge is a platform that lets new and experienced investors manage their investments and build portfolios with a wide range of assets. It is owned and operated by one of Canada’s Big Five Banks, it is a division of CIBC Investor Services Inc. which is a member of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC)—and the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF).
Investor’s Edge provides a choice for Canadians who are DIY investors, in contrast to other online investment solutions that frequently provide a “hands-on” approach thanks to Robo-advisors. This covers anyone who wishes to learn investment management but does not yet have such knowledge.
Although CIBC Investor’s Edge is neither the cheapest nor most advanced trading platform, it is a good fit for current CIBC banking users because they can simply fund a trading account using their banking platform. Additionally, fees for several types of trades are discounted for active traders, young investors, and students. Learn more about this trading platform’s features, costs, and services in this CIBC Investor’s edge review.
CIBC Investor’s Edge Advantages
Free Investment Research
CIBC Investor’s Edge offers free research tools to help you determine if an investment is right for your portfolio. They offer insights from CIBC World Markets, analyst ratings, and information on what’s trending according to news and social media. In addition, this trading platform also provides screening tools, technical analysis resources, and advanced charting tools to help investors make informed decisions and trade stocks with ease. Stay on top of market trends and investments by taking advantage of CIBC’s powerful research tools.
Low Trading Fees
CIBC Investor’s Edge is very competitive in terms of trading fees. For regular investors, Canadian and U.S equities, mutual funds, and ETFs cost $6.95 per trade while Canadian and U.S. options cost $6.95 + $1.25 per contract. The rate for options, equities, and stocks even goes down to $4.95 for investors who hit active CIBC Investor edge trader status.
No Account Fees
Although CIBC Investor’s Edge doesn’t have an account minimum as the other major banks do, they impose a fee if you don’t satisfy their account minimum requirement.
The good news is that you can open and trade in the TFSA and RESP for free, regardless of your balance. However, if the balance of your registered account is less than $25,000, you pay an annual fee of $100. If your account’s market balance is more than $25,000, you won’t be charged any fees.
You will also be responsible for a $100 annual fee if the balance of your basic non-registered account is less than $10,000. Again, if your balance is more than $10,000 or if you also have a retirement account with CIBC, this cost is waived.
CIBC Investor’s Edge Investment Types
CIBC Investor’s Edge offers a wide range of investments to suit new and experienced investors and their investment goals.
Stocks
When you buy stocks (also called equities) lets you buy part of a company and earn dividends and capital gains in return. You can choose to diversify your portfolio by selecting stocks from a wide variety of industries, countries, sectors, and asset classes.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)
ETFs are cost-efficient investment funds traded like a stock. Generally, they have lower fees and they can be used to diversify your portfolio.
Options
Options provide flexibility and leverage that allow you to make a profit from a stock price’s volatility. They are usually recommended for experienced and sophisticated investors. There are different options and strategies to help you close in profit, protect against losses, and make income.
Mutual Funds
This is a professionally managed investment that pools money from many investors and invests the money in stocks, bonds, or other securities. The availability of a wide range of mutual funds makes finding one that suits your investment goals much easier.
GICs
Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs) are secure investments that protect your capital. After investing for a certain period, you are guaranteed to receive your capital at the end of the period with the accumulated interest for the GICs. There is usually a wide range of short-term and long-term maturity dates for you to choose from.
IPOs
An Initial Public Offering (IPO) gives the general public an opportunity to invest in private corporations for the first time. These companies may have only accepted financing from large institutional investors, private equity firms, or venture capital funds.
Fixed Income
Fixed-income investments are focused on the preservation of capital and income. Generally, they are considered safer because they have a predictable income stream. You can select from different available options with different features, risk ratings, and terms. They include corporate bonds, strip bonds, and asset-backed securities.
Related Topic: Top 6 Best Stock Trading App Canada
CICB Investor’s Edge Packages
In general, CIBC Investor’s edge offers pricing as low as $6.95 per online equity trade, with no minimum account balance and no minimum trades. Explore the CIBC Investor’s Edge packages to see which one you qualify for.
| Regular investor | Active Investor | Young investor | Student investor | |
| Stocks and ETFs | $6.95 per trade | $4.95 per trade for enrolled clients only | $0 per trade | $5.95 per trade |
| Options Trades | $6.95 + $1.25 per contract | $4.95 + $1.25 per trade for enrolled clients only | $6.95 + $1.25 per contract | $5.95 + $1.25 per contract |
| Mutual Funds | $6.95 | $6.95 | $6.95 | $6.95 |
Regular Investor Package
Regular investors are traders that don’t qualify for any special pricing. For regular investors, Canadian and U.S equities, mutual funds, and ETFs cost $6.95 per trade while Canadian and U.S. options cost $6.95 + $1.25 per contract. Accounts like TFSA and RESP have no annual account fees. However, you have to pay $100 per annum for RRSP, RRIF, LIRA, LIF, and Non-registered accounts when the market balance of your account is $10,000 or less.
Active Investor Package
Active investors are traders that make 150 trades or more per quarter. For enrolled active investors, Canadian and U.S equities, mutual funds, and ETFs cost $4.95 per trade while Canadian and U.S. options cost $4.95 + $1.25 per trade. Accounts like TFSA and RESP have no annual account fees. However, if the market balance of your account is $10,000 or less, you have to pay $100 per annum for RRSP, RRIF, LIRA, LIF, and Non-registered accounts.
Young Investor Package
You are eligible to be a CIBC Investor’s Edge young investor if you are under 25. For young investors, Canadian and U.S equities, mutual funds, and ETFs cost $0 per trade while Canadian and U.S. options cost $6.95 + $1.25 per contract. All accounts, including TFSA, RESP, RRSP, RRIF, LIRA, LIF, and Non-registered accounts cost $0 yearly account fees for young investors. In addition, young investors can get started without worrying about maintaining a minimum balance.
Student Investor Package
The student investor package is for students over 25 who have a CIBC Smart Account for students. When you invest as a student, CIBC Investor’s Edge waives the $100 annual fee for registered and non-registered accounts. Additionally, Canadian and U.S equities, mutual funds, and ETFs cost $5.95 per trade while Canadian and U.S. options cost $5.95 + $1.25 per contract. Student investors can get started without worrying about maintaining a minimum balance or minimum trades.
CICB Investor’s Edge Quick Overview
Best Overall Value
- Low-fee stock and ETF trades
- Market research and free trading resources
- Integrate brokerage and bank accounts
CICB Investor’s Edge Customer Reviews
Here are some CIBC Investor’s edge reviews from top customers on Trustpilot.
Best bank I’ve ever been with as far as customer service, hands down! CIBC clearly appreciated their clients & has always gone above & beyond to help me with any of my banking needs. Can’t say enough good stuff, I’ve never had a negative experience with CIBC customer service or with receiving loans. As well as they actually have helped me to build my credit (I’ve never had a lot of money) & make my money work for me! Love this bank!!!
Jessica
I generally had a good experience with CIBC. They are good for eTransfers, easier to get a bank loan if all is okay, you just might want to do a lot of homework in terms of the paperwork they require, I found that customer service was pretty good and also at communicating with other branches, and they are very helpful when it comes to your needs and problems – i.e. I went through low financial times and they were pretty understanding in giving me more time to catch up. However, if you need a loan or a mortgage be prepared to do a lot of work sourcing and providing paperwork.
Laura
Great customer service from my experience, from the branch. Great people are very nice. Also up to date technological wise. Other than that I haven’t had to deal with on-the-phone customer service so I cannot speak for that.
James
The customer service employees were very efficient and resolved my issue promptly. No complaints.
Vittoria
CICB Investor’s Edge Service Review
Review of CICB Investor’s Edge
| Overall Pricing and Value | 85%
| 85% |
| Cost Value | 85%
| 85% |
| Customer Support | 70%
| 70% |
| Ease of Use | 90%
| 90% |
| Included Features | 95%
| 95% |
In this CIBC Investor’s Edge Review, you will learn about CIBC Investor’s edge fees, features, pros, and cons.
Is This Brand Right For You?
The multiple account types and investing opportunities, free resources, and the freshly upgraded CIBC Investor’s Edge platform earn it top honors. Additionally, they have the lowest trading fees of any online brokerage service run by a major bank. Bonus points for a three-step stock and ETF trading entry method that is incredibly easy to use.
All of these imply that CIBC Investor’s Edge is the best option for self-directed investors who want to use an online brokerage that is operated by a bank and has high-security standards. Also, CIBC Investor’s Edge is certainly worth it for existing CIBC bank customers who want to start managing their investments.
Cost Value
CIBC Investor’s Edge trading fee varies depending on your account type. For trades in Canadian and US stocks, ETFs, and options, the cost value is $6.95 + $1.25. The cost of mutual funds is $6.95; fixed income and money market assets have different costs. Active investors who make more than 150 trades every quarter qualify for additional discounts. Students and young adults can also get discounts. With a CIBC Smart Account, students under 25 can trade for free and receive free online training. Over 25-year-old students and novice traders pay $5.95 per trade, or $4.95 if they are regular traders.
There is no yearly charge for RRSPs, RRIFs, LIRAs, and LIFs with a balance of $25,000+. For accounts under $25,000, the annual cost is $100. Also, If the balance of a non-registered account is more than $10,000, there is no annual cost; otherwise, a $100 fee will be assessed.
Customer Service
CIBC Investor’s Edge offers customer service via phone, instant chat, email, and mail. In addition to a toll-free number, CIBC Investor’s Edge provides a local Toronto number. You can also visit a CIBC branch to speak to an agent in person to get more information about your account and verify your identity. Particularly notable languages supported by CIBC Investor’s Edge are English, French, Mandarin, and Cantonese.
Ease of Use
CIBC offers a well-rated mobile application, CIBC Mobile wealth which lets you carry out all essential functions at your convenience. The app can be used to access other CIBC accounts including CIBC Imperial Investor Service, CIBC Wood Gundy, and CIBC Private Investment Counsel. In addition, you can access an overview of your stocks under the “Account Holdings” tab on CIBC’s online platform. You can also get a thorough summary of everything that has occurred in your CIBC Investor’s Edge account under “Transaction History.” In general, CIBC’s mobile application and online platforms are user-friendly and easy to navigate.
Included Features
- Trade stocks, ETFs, and options on the go.
- CIBC Investor’s Edge provides access to fractional shares through Canadian Depositary Shares (CDS), which are international stocks traded on Canadian stock exchanges in CAD.
- There is student pricing which enables young investors between the ages of 18 and 24 to trade stocks and ETFs for $0.
- Active traders (who make 150+ trades per quarter), students, and young investors get a waived minimum balance requirement.
- Same-day deposits for CIBC customers.
Overall
Using CIBC Investor’s Edge gives you more control than you would get using a full-service broker. However, they don’t leave you completely adrift. The research resources you have at your disposal with CIBC Investor’s Edge are comprehensive. The UI, which was recently updated, is really simple to use. In this CIBC Investor’s Edge review, we recommend it to anyone wishing to empower themselves to take charge of their trading account, even though the trading fees might add up more rapidly.
2 Top CIBC Investor’s Edge Alternatives
| Questrade | TD Direct Investing | CICB Investor’s Edge | |
| Award | Canada’s Best Online Broker 2021 by MoneySense | TD is the only North American bank ranked in the S&P Silver Class distinctions, 2021 | CIBC Online Banking ranked #1 by J.D. Power for client satisfaction in Canada in 2022 |
| Ranking | 4.4/5 | 3.6/5 | 4.25/5 |
| Detail | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
| Link |
Questrade
Questrade is a Canadian broker that offers Canadians various alternatives to trading and investing with popular banks. Since it was established in 1999, Questrade has been providing trading options like stocks, options, bonds, ETFs, and mutual funds for investors. Additionally, Questrade provides Guaranteed investment certificates, IPO access, and international equities to users.
TD Direct Investing
TD Direct investing is a popular Canadian online brokerage platform for self-directed investors. They are a part of the Toronto-Dominion Bank Group (TD Bank Group). TD Direct Investing was the first bank-owned self-directed brokerage in Canada. Today, they have a staff of over 85,000 people, spread across companies worldwide, helping approximately 22 million users.
Conclusion
Among the major Canadian banks, CIBC Investor’s Edge stands out and demonstrates a strong commitment to staying competitive by reducing costs for young investors. They are also one of the few brokerages in Canada that provide fractional shares. Investor’s Edge is a respectable choice for those who want to manage their own investment portfolio, especially existing CIBC banking customers. In this CIBC Investor’s edge review, we have seen the platform’s features, costs, and overall services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, both novice and experienced investors can benefit from using Investor’s edge. The trading platform is beginner-friendly and it provides you with resources to understand the available tools and make informed investment decisions. Lower trading costs are available to active traders (who make 150+ deals per quarter).
You can load funds into your account by transferring money electronically from a linked CIBC bank account to another. Additionally, you can make deposits directly in person at any local CIBC branch. To transfer money from another financial institution, you need to fill out an account transfer web form online.
You can easily open a CIBC Investor’s Edge account via an online application for specific accounts. These accounts include Cash, margin, options, RRSP, RRIF, RESP, TFSA, and other non-registered investment accounts. However, to open other types of accounts apart from the accounts listed above, you need to book an appointment with your local CIBC Banking Center.
Yes, It is completely safe to use CIBC Investor’s Edge. Apart from being supported by CIBC, one of Canada’s most well-known banks, it also has its own security protocols. CIBC Investor’s Edge accounts are secured by the Canadian Investment Protection Fund (CIPF) insurance. In addition, CIBC is a member of organizations like IIROC and the CIPF, which have the highest standards of financial security in Canada. All customers of CIBC get a 100% guarantee against the loss of money due to fraud or cybercrime.
The process of opening an account with CIBC Investor’s Edge is free. However, your account type determines whether or not you will be charged an annual fee. For non-registered accounts, there is no yearly account charge for accounts with a market balance greater than $10,000, but when the market balance is $10,000 or less, a $100 fee is charged annually. For registered accounts, there is no annual fee for accounts with a market balance greater than $25,000, but when the market balance is $10,000 or less, a $100 fee is charged annually.
Yes, it is possible to purchase US stocks on CIBC Investor’s Edge, but you must use US dollars to do so. To enable you to buy your US shares in Canadian dollars, CIBC Investor’s Edge will handle the currency conversion for you. There will be an exchange rate fee that changes over time and is decided by CIBC. Also, note that the value of your portfolio could decrease if the Canadian currency gains strength over time. By investing in foreign currency, you increase your risk.
You can access most services like trading and quotes through the CIBC Investor’s Edge website. Additionally, you can use the CIBC Mobile Wealth App on your smartphone to access all your investment accounts and make trades around the clock, every day of the week. During business hours, you can also speak with a CIBC Investor’s Edge representative by contacting them via phone, chat, or email.
The advantages of CIBC Investors edge include low trading fees and commissions, when you buy and sell stocks, options, and ETFs. CIBC Investor’s Edge clients can also integrate your brokerage and bank accounts. Read more about Investors Edge benefits in this CIBC Investor’s Edge Review.
