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Investing » J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing vs. Robinhood : Compare Brokerage Accounts

J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing vs. Robinhood : Compare Brokerage Accounts

JP Morgan wins when it comes to fundamental investing tools, but Robinhood is better for technical analysis and trading. Here's why:
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Interest Rates Last Update: April 1, 2025
The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Interest Rates Last Update: April 1, 2025

The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.

We earn a commission from our partner links on this page. It doesn't affect the integrity of our unbiased, independent editorial staff. Transparency is a core value for us, read our advertiser disclosure and how we make money.

The information provided on this website is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. We do not provide personalized investment recommendations or act as financial advisors.


robinhood- logo

J.P. Morgan Self Directed Investing
Robinhood
Monthly Fee
$0 $0 online commission on U.S. listed stocks and ETFs and $0.65 per-contract
$0 – $6.99 $0 for basic account, $6.99 for Robinhood Gold
Account Types
Brokerage, Retirement
Brokerage, Retirement, Crypto
Savings APY
0.01% – 3.99%
1.00% – 4.50% You’ll earn 0.01% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) as a Robinhood Gold member on your uninvested brokerage cash that is swept to the banks in our program.
Minimum Deposit
$0
$0
Best For
Existing Chase Customers, Active Investors Looking To Minimize Fees
Active Traders, Tech Savvy Investors
Read Review
Read Review

JPM Self-Directed vs Robinhood: Compare Features

JPM surpasses Robinhood in its more comprehensive research tools and ability to trade a broader range of assets with a focus on long-term growth. 

Robinhood
JPM Self-Directed Investing
Investing Options
Over 5,000 securities, most U.S. stocks and ETFs listed on U.S. exchanges
800 stocks and ETFs, 8,000+ mutual funds
Investing Types
Stocks, Options, Futures, ETFs, Crypto, Margin, Fractional Shares
Stocks, Options, ETFs, Fixed Income, Mutual Funds
Automated Investing
No
No
Paper Trading
No
No
IPO Access
Yes
No
Dedicated Advisor
No
No

However, Robinhood excels in providing a dynamic and flexible trading environment with better technical analysis tools and the ability to trade around the clock.

JP Morgan Self-Directed Investing is our winner when it comes to self-investing due to its better research options and simplicity, while Robinhood has broader investment types, including crypto.

JP Morgan investment options
Investment options (Screenshot taken by our team from J.P Morgan app)

JPM Self-Directed Investing excels in providing a more traditional and comprehensive range of research and fundamental analysis tools. 

research stocks by filters on JPM self directed
Research stocks (Screenshot taken by our team from J.P Morgan app)

It offers a robust selection of resources, including proprietary research, portfolio analysis tools, and ESG/SRI research. 

research stock dividend
Research stock dividend (Screenshot taken by our team from J.P Morgan app)

This platform is particularly strong in helping users create and maintain a diversified portfolio through advanced screeners, personalized market alerts, and detailed investment comparison tools.

see top funds holding a stock on JPM self directed
Top funds holding a stock analysis (Screenshot taken by our team from J.P Morgan app)

Robinhood excels in simplicity and ease of use, making it ideal for newer investors who want a straightforward, commission-free trading experience, including for options trading.

Robinhood get started with options
Get started with options (Screenshot taken by our team from Robinhood app)

Its highly intuitive platform has user-friendly charts and basic fundamental data that are easy to navigate, making stock analysis accessible to everyone.

For example, you can get news and analyst ratings on chosen stocks:

get news on specific stock on Robinhood app
Get news also on specific stock on Robinhood app (Screenshot taken by our team from Robinhood app)

Robinhood is our winner when it comes to technical analysis features. However, both platforms are definitely good enough for the average trader.

RSI chart example on Robinhood app
RSI chart example on Robinhood app (Screenshot taken by our team from Robinhood app)

Robinhood lets customers analyze different technical analysis indicators, including charts like moving averages, RSI, MACD, and more:

technical analysis indicators charts, Robinhood app
Robinhood technical analysis charts (Screenshot taken by our team from Robinhood app)

Its trading interface is clean and straightforward, allowing users to execute trades quickly.

stock analysis graph example, Robinhood app
(Screenshot taken by our team from Robinhood app)

When it comes to technical analysis tools, JPM’s offerings are good for the average trader but don't include advanced options.

JP Morgan brokerage technical analysis
Technical analysis indicators (Screenshot taken by our team from J.P Morgan app)

The platform offers essential tools like charting and stock screeners. Customers can generate specific graphs based on various indicators such as volume, momentum, and trends. 

buy ETF on JP Morgan
Buy ETF (Screenshot taken by our team from J.P Morgan app)

The platform also allows the use of upper and lower indicators, such as moving averages, linear regression, and high/low ratios, to gain deeper insights and make more informed technical analysis decisions.

JPM Self-Directed Investing and Robinhood do not offer traditional robo-advisor or automated investing options.

Robinhood, on the other hand, offers some features that simplify investing. Robinhood’s portfolio-building tools offer recommendations based on your risk tolerance, but they still require manual input to manage and adjust investments.

Recommended portfolio
My recommended portfolio (Screenshot taken by our team from Robinhood app)

Robinhood offers more options investment options for retirement accounts and also offers great perks, which are not available on JP Morgan Self-Directed Investing.

Robinhood offers a straightforward approach to retirement investing, making it easy for users to open traditional, Roth, or rollover IRAs. 

Open retirement account on Robinhood
Open retirement account on Robinhood (Screenshot taken by our team from Robinhood app)

One of Robinhood's standout features is its IRA match, even for non-employer plans. This match, which can go up to 3% for Gold members, is a unique offering that adds extra value to retirement savings, especially for those just getting started.

Robinhood gold 3% IRA matching
Robinhood gold 3% IRA matching (Screenshot taken by our team from Robinhood app)

JP Morgan Self-Directed Investing providing traditional and Roth IRAs without annual fees and offering commission-free trades.

JP Morgan Roth IRA contributions
Roth IRA contributions example (Screenshot taken by our team from J.P Morgan app)

Robinhood is our winner when it comes to platform fees.

JPM charges no commissions on stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds making both platforms appealing for cost-conscious investors.

Robinhood, on the other hand, is known for its completely commission-free trading on stocks, ETFs, options, and even cryptocurrencies.

Robinhood
JPM Self-Directed Investing
Fees
$0 – $6.99 $0 for basic account, $6.99 for Robinhood Gold
$0 $0 online commission on U.S. listed stocks and ETFs and $0.65 per-contract

However, JPM has a $0.65 per contract fee for options trades and charges for certain services like broker-assisted trades and account transfers.

Robinhood premium features, known as Robinhood Gold, require a monthly fee.

When it comes to banking options, neither JP Morgan Self-Directed Investing nor Robinhood offer attractive options, but Robinhood Gold's interest rate and credit card are interesting features if you use Gold.

Robinhood
JPM Self-Directed Cash APY
Savings APY
1.00% – 4.50% You’ll earn 0.01% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) as a Robinhood Gold member on your uninvested brokerage cash that is swept to the banks in our program.
0.01% – 3.99%

JPM Self-Directed Investing is closely tied to Chase, which gives it an edge for those already using Chase for their banking needs.

Chase ultimate rewards
Chase Ultimate Rewards (Screenshot taken by our team from Chase app)

However, there is no stand-alone cash management for JPM self-directed customers, and the interest rates on uninvested cash are quite low, typically around 0.01%

Robinhood customers can earn competitive interest rates on uninvested cash, and the funds are FDIC-insured through partner banks. Also here, checking account features are limited.

Robinhood gold credit card
Robinhood gold credit card (Screenshot taken by our team from Robinhood app)

 

The Robinhood Cash Card also provides everyday rewards, making it appealing for users who want to earn while they spend, with features like 5% cash back on travel booked through Robinhood's portal.

JP Morgan is our ultimate winner here as Robinhood doesn't offer wealth management.

J.P. Morgan offers two levels of personalized financial advisory services: Personal Advisors and Private Client Advisors, both designed to help you achieve your unique financial goals.

All investments Summary
A potential candidate for wealth management (Screenshot taken by our team from J.P Morgan app)

 

  • With Personal Advisors, you get the convenience of virtual financial planning, along with ongoing advice and access to expert-built portfolios that even come with tax-smart technology.
  • But if you’re after something more exclusive, the J.P. Morgan Private Client Advisors are perfect for you. Focusing on clients with $100,000 or more in investable assets, they offer a one-on-one relationship, a custom portfolio, and holistic management of your investments and retirement plans.

Bottom Line

JPM is ideal for those who value comprehensive research tools, traditional retirement planning, and seamless integration with Chase banking services.

Robinhood, on the other hand, is best suited for newer or more active traders who prioritize ease of use, mobile accessibility, and low costs.

Compare Robinhood Side By Side

Schwab offers more options for investors, including robo advisors and wealth management, while Robinhood is best for beginners and traders.

Schwab vs. Robinhood: Which Brokerage is Right for You?

 

Vanguard offers more options for investors, including retirement, robo advisors, and wealth management, while Robinhood is best for traders.

Vanguard vs. Robinhood: Which Broker is Best For You?

Merrill Edge is best for long-term investments, including retirement, while Robinhood is perfect for active traders who value simplicity.

Merrill Edge vs. Robinhood: Compare Brokerage Account Options

Fidelity is our winner for diversified long-term investing, while Robinhood shines in cost-effective options for active traders and beginners.

Fidelity vs. Robinhood: Compare Brokerage Account Options

Robinhood is an excellent choice for beginner and casual investors, but IBKR is better suited for experienced investors and advanced traders.

Interactive Brokers vs. Robinhood: Compare Brokerage Account Options

Robinhood is best for low-cost platform for various trading needs, including Crypto. Etrade is better for one stop shop, including banking.

E*TRADE vs. Robinhood: Compare Brokerage Account Options

Robinhood is best for traders looking for easy, cost-free trading, while Stash is great for beginner investors who need a financial management tool

Stash vs. Robinhood: Which Investing App Is Better?

While Robinhood caters to traders and advanced investors, Acorns focuses on automated investing and banking. Here's our full comparison.

Robinhood vs. Acorns: How They Compare?

Webull is better suited for experienced traders needing advanced tools, whereas Robinhood caters to beginners and those who prefer simplicity.

Robinhood vs. WeBull: How They Compare?

How J.P. Morgan Self Directed Compares to Other Online Brokers

Both offer similar tools for the average investor or trader, but Merrill is better at automated investing. Here's our full comparison:

J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing vs. Merrill Edge: Compare Brokerage Accounts

If you're an experienced investor or trader, IBKR may be a better option. If you're a Chase customer or prefer simplicity, consider JP Morgan.

Interactive Brokers vs. J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing: Which Broker Wins?

Vanguard offers a better approach for serious investors, while JP Morgan's self-directed is better for beginners and advanced traders

Vanguard vs. J.P. Morgan Self-Directed: Which Broker is Best For You?

Schwab surpasses JPM self-directed in most categories, including self-directed investing, robo advisory, and technical analysis.

Schwab vs. J.P. Morgan Self-Directed: Which Brokerage Is Best?

JP Morgan is best for the average investor seeking a simple platform or wealth management, but E-Trade is our overall winner. Here's why.

J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing vs. E-Trade: Which Broker Wins?

Fidelity is our winner due to its investment options, research tools, advanced trading features, and excellent retirement planning services.

J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing vs. Fidelity : A Side-by-Side Comparison

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Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
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Promotion:
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Investing, Banking & Retirement Options

Wide Range of Cryptocurrencies
Supports a large number of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and many altcoins.
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Provides a non-custodial wallet where users have control over their private keys, supports a wide range of crypto assets and decentralized applications (DApps).

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This website does not include all card companies or all card offers available in the marketplace. This website may use other proprietary factors to impact card offer listings on the website such as consumer selection or the likelihood of the applicant’s credit approval.

This allows us to maintain a full-time, editorial staff and work with finance experts you know and trust. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impacts any of the editorial content on The Smart Investor.

While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we think you will find relevant, The Smart Investor does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof.

Learn more about how we review products and read our advertiser disclosure for how we make money. All products are presented without warranty.