Blog

All 73 articles from SideBySide Brokers, newest first. Search, filter by topic, or sort to find the one you need.

LatestComparisons

Webull vs Moomoo: Free Trading, Advanced Tools, Chinese Ownership

Webull vs Moomoo: Both offer free trading, advanced tools, and high APY. Compare features, ownership, and which is better for you.

Oct 13, 20264 min read
All articles73
ReviewsOct 13, 2026

Webull Review 2025

Webull review 2025. 3.5% IRA match, free options, paper trading, advanced charting. But Chinese ownership raises questions.

3 min read
ReviewsOct 13, 2026

Vanguard Review 2025

Vanguard review 2025. Legendary low-cost funds, no PFOF. But dated platform and limited trading features. Best for pure buy-and-hold.

3 min read
ExplainersOct 13, 2026

Understanding Brokerage Fees: Every Fee Explained

Complete guide to brokerage fees in 2025. Learn about commissions, margin rates, options fees, account fees, and hidden costs at every major broker.

5 min read
GeneralOct 13, 2026

Tax Implications of Switching Brokers

Good news: transferring your brokerage account is usually tax-free. But there are exceptions and gotchas. Here's what you need to know before you move.

6 min read
ReviewsOct 13, 2026

Tastytrade Review 2025

Tastytrade review 2025. Built for options traders with capped commissions, advanced platform, and educational content. Up to $5,000 bonus.

2 min read
ReviewsOct 13, 2026

SoFi Invest Review 2025

SoFi Invest review 2025. 2% IRA match, banking integration, simple interface. Best for SoFi ecosystem users, limited for active traders.

2 min read
ReviewsOct 13, 2026

Charles Schwab Review 2025

Charles Schwab review 2025. thinkorswim platform, 400+ branches, excellent education. Full analysis of fees, features, and who it

3 min read
ComparisonsOct 13, 2026

Robinhood vs Fidelity: The Disruptor vs The Establishment

Robinhood vs Fidelity compared. Free options and 3% IRA match vs no PFOF and 24/7 support. Which broker should you choose?

4 min read
ReviewsOct 13, 2026

Robinhood Review 2025

Robinhood review 2025. 3% IRA match, free options, simple app. But also SEC fines and PFOF concerns. Our honest assessment.

4 min read
ComparisonsOct 13, 2026

Public vs Robinhood: Is the "Ethical" Broker Actually Better?

Public vs Robinhood: No PFOF vs 3% IRA match. Lowest margin rates vs free options. Which commission-free broker is actually better?

5 min read
ReviewsOct 13, 2026

Public.com Review 2025

Public.com review 2025. 4.9% margin rates (lowest), no PFOF, free options. The ethical alternative to Robinhood.

3 min read
ExplainersOct 13, 2026

Payment for Order Flow: The $943M Business Behind "Free" Trading

Robinhood made $943M selling your orders in 2024. Citadel handles 41% of all retail trades. Here

4 min read
ReviewsOct 13, 2026

Moomoo Review 2025

Moomoo review 2025. 8.1% promo APY, free Level 2 data, up to $1,000 bonus. But Tencent-backed Chinese ownership raises questions.

3 min read
ReviewsOct 13, 2026

Merrill Edge Review 2025

Merrill Edge review 2025. Preferred Rewards perks, BofA integration, solid research. Best if you

2 min read
ReviewsOct 13, 2026

J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing Review 2025

J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing review 2025. Chase integration, clean app, but limited features. Best for Chase banking customers.

2 min read
ReviewsOct 13, 2026

Interactive Brokers Review 2025

Interactive Brokers review 2025. Lowest margin rates, global market access, powerful platform. Best for active traders and sophisticated investors.

3 min read
ComparisonsOct 13, 2026

Interactive Brokers vs Fidelity: The Power Broker Showdown

IBKR vs Fidelity compared across fees, platforms, margin rates, and features. Find out which broker is best for your investing style.

4 min read
How-To GuidesOct 13, 2026

How to Transfer Brokers Without Losing Money

Step-by-step guide to transferring your brokerage account. Avoid fees, capture bonuses, and keep your cost basis intact.

5 min read
How-To GuidesOct 13, 2026

How to Open a Brokerage Account in 2025

Open a brokerage account in 15 minutes. Step-by-step guide covering what you need, which account type to choose, and how to fund your account.

6 min read
GeneralOct 13, 2026

How Brokers Made $10.4 Billion From Your Uninvested Cash

Schwab alone made $10.4B in net interest revenue in 2024. Here

4 min read
ReviewsOct 13, 2026

Firstrade Review 2025

Firstrade review 2025. $0 everything including options. Limited-time 3% IRA match. Basic platform, good for cost-conscious traders.

2 min read
ComparisonsOct 13, 2026

Fidelity vs Vanguard: The Ultimate Index Fund Showdown

Fidelity vs Vanguard: Which broker is better for buy-and-hold investors, index funds, and retirement accounts? Complete comparison.

4 min read
ReviewsOct 13, 2026

Fidelity Review 2025

Comprehensive Fidelity review for 2025. No PFOF, 24/7 support, zero commissions. See fees, features, pros and cons.

4 min read
ExplainersOct 13, 2026

Why Fidelity Refuses Payment for Order Flow

Robinhood made $943 million from PFOF in 2024. Fidelity could easily collect hundreds of millions too. They don't. Here's the fascinating reason why—and what it means for your trades.

4 min read
ComparisonsOct 13, 2026

E*TRADE vs TD Ameritrade: Post-Merger Reality

E*TRADE vs TD Ameritrade (now Schwab): How do these platforms compare after the Schwab merger? See which is better for you.

3 min read
ReviewsOct 13, 2026

E*TRADE Review 2025

E*TRADE review 2025. Up to $10,000 bonus, Power E*TRADE platform, $0.50 options. Now part of Morgan Stanley.

3 min read
ComparisonsOct 13, 2026

Cash Account vs Margin Account: Which Should You Choose?

Cash account or margin account? Understand the differences, benefits, and risks of each brokerage account type. Plus: why most investors should have margin anyway.

6 min read
GeneralOct 13, 2026

How Brokers Make Money Lending Your Shares

When you own stock at most brokers, they can lend your shares to short sellers—and keep the profits. Here

5 min read
ComparisonsOct 13, 2026

$277,000 vs $7,700: The Account Size Gap Nobody Talks About

The average Fidelity account holds 36x more than the average Robinhood account. This single statistic explains why these brokers are completely different businesses—and why they treat you…

4 min read
Best PicksOct 13, 2026

Best Broker for Beginners in 2025

The best brokers for beginners in 2025. We compare ease of use, education, fees, and support to find where new investors should open their first account.

6 min read
ReviewsOct 13, 2026

Ally Invest Review 2025

Ally Invest review 2025. Excellent banking integration with high-yield savings. Brokerage is functional but not exceptional.

2 min read
ExplainersJul 15, 2026

Wash Sale Rule Explained

The wash sale rule disallows tax losses if you buy back the same security within 30 days. Here

7 min read
How-To GuidesJul 15, 2026

Margin Trading: Complete Guide

Margin lets you borrow from your broker to buy more stock. Here

9 min read
How-To GuidesJul 15, 2026

Investing for Kids: Complete Guide

Want to invest for your child? Compare UTMA, UGMA, 529 plans, and custodial Roth IRAs. Complete guide to building wealth for kids.

10 min read
How-To GuidesJul 15, 2026

How to Transfer Your Brokerage Account

Switching to a new broker doesn't mean selling everything. The ACATS system lets you transfer stocks, ETFs, and more directly. Here's exactly how it works.

11 min read
How-To GuidesJul 15, 2026

How to Make Your First Investment

Investing can seem intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. Here's a complete guide to going from zero to your first investment—today, if you want.

9 min read
Best PicksJul 15, 2026

Best Broker for Options Trading

Comparing options brokers: fees, platform quality, approval requirements, and which broker is best for your options strategy.

6 min read
How-To GuidesJul 15, 2026

How to Roll Over Your 401(k) to an IRA

Leaving a job? Your 401(k) doesn't have to stay behind. Here's the complete guide to rolling over to an IRA—the right way, without triggering taxes or penalties.

9 min read
How-To GuidesJul 15, 2026

Backdoor Roth IRA: Complete Guide

Make too much for a Roth IRA? The backdoor Roth strategy lets high earners contribute anyway. Here

8 min read
How-To GuidesJul 15, 2026

Sector ETFs Guide

Sector ETFs let you invest in specific industries like tech, healthcare, or energy. Here

3 min read
ComparisonsJul 15, 2026

Robo-Advisors vs Self-Directed

Robo-advisors automate investing for a fee. Is the convenience worth it, or should you manage your own portfolio?

3 min read
How-To GuidesJul 15, 2026

International Investing Guide

How to invest internationally: ADRs, international ETFs, and which brokers offer the best global market access.

3 min read
How-To GuidesJul 15, 2026

REIT Investing Guide

REITs let you invest in real estate without buying property. Here

3 min read
ExplainersJul 15, 2026

Index Fund Investing

Index funds are the most important innovation in investing history. They're simple, cheap, and beat most professional investors. Here's everything you need to know.

3 min read
How-To GuidesJul 15, 2026

Day Trading: Beginner's Guide

Day trading guide for beginners: requirements, strategies, risks, and which brokers are best. Honest advice before you start.

4 min read
How-To GuidesJul 15, 2026

Dividend Investing Guide

Dividend investing guide: how to build a portfolio that pays you. Yields, payout ratios, dividend aristocrats, and which brokers are best.

3 min read
GeneralJul 15, 2026

Crypto at Traditional Brokers

Many brokers now offer crypto trading. Compare fees, coins available, and whether you can withdraw. Plus: SIPC doesn

3 min read
ExplainersJul 15, 2026

T+1 Settlement Explained

As of May 28, 2024, US stock trades settle in one business day instead of two. Here's what changed and why it matters.

3 min read
ExplainersJul 15, 2026

Bond Investing Basics

Bond basics for beginners: how bonds work, types of bonds, bond ETFs, and why bonds belong in your portfolio.

3 min read
How-To GuidesJul 15, 2026

Schwab-TD Ameritrade Merger: Complete Guide

The largest brokerage merger in history is complete. Here's what changed, what stayed the same, and what former TD Ameritrade customers need to know.

3 min read
ExplainersJul 15, 2026

Robinhood's $45M SEC Fine Explained

Robinhood paid $45 million to settle SEC charges in 2024. Here

4 min read
GeneralJul 15, 2026

IRA Contribution Limits 2025

2025 IRA contribution limits: $7,000 (or $8,000 if 50+). Plus income limits for Roth IRAs and deduction limits for Traditional IRAs.

3 min read
ExplainersJul 15, 2026

GameStop Trading Restrictions Explained

In January 2021, Robinhood and other brokers restricted GameStop trading. Here

4 min read
GeneralJul 15, 2026

Chinese-Owned Brokers: Should You Be Concerned?

Webull and Moomoo have Chinese ownership. Congressional scrutiny has raised data security questions. Here

4 min read
GeneralJul 15, 2026

Broker Consolidation: Fewer Choices Than Ever

Major brokers keep merging: Schwab-TD Ameritrade, Morgan Stanley-E*TRADE. Here

3 min read
ExplainersJul 15, 2026

Tax-Loss Harvesting Explained

Tax-loss harvesting can save you thousands in taxes. Learn how to use investment losses to reduce your tax bill legally.

4 min read
ExplainersJul 15, 2026

What Is SIPC Insurance?

SIPC protects your brokerage account up to $500,000 if your broker fails. Here

4 min read
GeneralJul 15, 2026

Pattern Day Trader Rules

Pattern Day Trader (PDT) rules require $25,000 minimum equity. Learn how PDT works, how to avoid it, and what happens if you break the rules.

4 min read
ComparisonsJul 15, 2026

Limit Orders vs Market Orders

Market orders execute immediately at any price. Limit orders only execute at your price or better. Here

4 min read
ExplainersJul 15, 2026

Options Trading Basics

Learn options trading basics: calls, puts, strike prices, expiration dates. Simple explanations with real examples for beginners.

4 min read
GeneralJul 15, 2026

How Margin Calls Work

What is a margin call? How does it work? What happens if you can

5 min read
ExplainersJul 15, 2026

Fractional Shares Explained

Fractional shares let you buy portions of expensive stocks. Here

4 min read
ComparisonsJul 15, 2026

ETF vs Mutual Fund

ETFs and mutual funds are similar but different. Learn the key differences in trading, fees, taxes, and when to use each.

4 min read
GeneralJul 15, 2026

After-Hours Trading

After-hours trading lets you buy and sell stocks outside regular hours. Learn how extended hours work, the risks, and which brokers offer it.

3 min read
GeneralJul 15, 2026

How Dividend Reinvestment (DRIP) Works

DRIP automatically reinvests dividends to buy more shares. Learn how dividend reinvestment works and whether you should use it.

4 min read
ComparisonsJan 5, 2025

Robinhood vs Webull: Battle of the Free Trading Apps

Robinhood vs Webull compared head-to-head. Free trading, IRA matches, margin rates, and features. See which app is better for your trading style.

4 min read
ComparisonsJan 5, 2025

Fidelity vs Schwab: Which Giant Wins in 2025?

Fidelity vs Charles Schwab compared across fees, features, research, and customer service. See which giant wins for your investing style.

4 min read
How-To GuidesJan 5, 2025

Commission-Free Brokers: The Complete Guide

"Free" trading isn't really free—someone always pays. We'll show you exactly how commission-free brokers make money, and which ones actually give you the best deal.

6 min read
GeneralJan 5, 2025

Every Broker Sign-Up Bonus for January 2025

Complete list of stock broker sign-up bonuses for January 2025. We verified every promo code, minimum deposit, and expiration date. Get up to $10,000 in bonuses.

6 min read
ComparisonsJan 5, 2025

Broker Margin Rates Compared: Who Has the Lowest in 2025?

Compare margin rates at every major broker for 2025. From Public

5 min read
ComparisonsJan 5, 2025

Best Online Stock Brokers 2025: Complete Comparison & Rankings

Compare the best online stock brokers for 2025. Unbiased rankings based on fees, platforms, research tools, and real user experience. Updated January 2025.

9 min read
Best PicksJan 5, 2025

Best IRA Match Programs: Free Money for Your Retirement

Compare IRA match programs from Robinhood, Webull, SoFi, and others. Get up to 3.5% free match on your retirement contributions.

6 min read