8 Essential Direct Investing Self-Serve Tools, Tips and Resources (2024)

Written byThe Inspired Investor Team|Published onMarch 19, 2020

Last updated December 2023

The last few years have changed how many of us are working and living, which has made digital technologies even more relevant as we look for ways to meet our day-to-day needs most effectively.

To help ensure that you've got the most essential self-serve tools at your fingertips to meet your investing needs as quickly as possible, we've put together some of our best online resources and tips to address the questions our service representatives get asked most often.

While some tools and site references are specific to our clients, most articles are accessible to all.

Before we get into specific questions, we want to share one of our favourite features: theSEARCHfunction. In the top-right corner of each page when you are signed into your account, you'll see a "search for symbol or keyword" prompt. Not only can you type in the name or symbol of a security you're searching for, but you can also use keywords to find hundreds of useful articles.

Now for our FAQs:

1)How Do I Know if My Account Has Been Opened?

As soon as your account is opened, you'll receive an email from us. While you're waiting, check out ourGuide to Getting Started.

2)How Do I Place a Trade?

The fastest way to place a trade is online or through theRBC Mobile1 banking app. Your go-to resources online can be found under "Trade & Transfer," where you can choose the type of trade you want to place. On mobile, you can select "Place Order." Check out I’m Ready to Place a Trade for a step-by-step videothat will walk you through how to buy and sell a stock or exchange-traded fund.

3)How Do IAccessor TransferFunds?

Cash transfers, contributions, withdrawals and foreign-exchange transactions can all be done online – including in-kind transfers. On the secure site, you can find the resources you'll need under "Trade & Transfer." For a quick how-to overview, check out theHow to Fund Your Accountvideo or find out more inTransfers, Foreign Exchange and Contributions FAQs.

4) How Do I Check My Order Status?

The best way to check the status of your orders is online or through the mobile app. You can view your order status through "Transactions" under "Trade & Transfer" online, or under "Order Status" on mobile. One tip: always check the status of your previous orders before placing a new order or modifying/cancelling an existing one.

5) I Still Need Tax Documents. How Can I Get Them?

You can accesstax documents issued by RBC electronically when you sign up for eDocuments. Once signed up, which you can do through "View & Manage Documents" under your profile, you can view and download your personal tax documents right away. Plus, you'll have access to an archive of tax slips starting with your 2018 documents.

6) How Do I Find and/or Submit Forms?

Many accountforms and agreements– also found under your profile –can be filled out and submitted online. For those that can't be accepted online, we encourage you to mail them to:

RBC Direct Investing Inc. Royal Bank Plaza
200 Bay Street, North Tower
P.O. Box 75
Toronto, Ontario M5J 2Z5

7) How Do I Confirm My Beneficiary Information?

You can verify your beneficiary designations online through "View & Designate Beneficiaries" under your profile. You'll also find links to the relevant forms for any account on which you haven't named a beneficiary. You can find out more about your beneficiary choices inNaming a Beneficiary: Choices for Your Account Type.

8) How Can I Learn More About the Online Site?

There is a full series of how-to videos that can help you learn to navigate the online site, put money into your account, read a stock quote, transfer assets and more. You can start withGetting to Know the RBC Direct Investing Site, and you'll find the full library of how-to videoshere.

View Legal Disclaimer

RBC Direct Investing Inc. and Royal Bank of Canada are separate corporate entities which are affiliated. RBC Direct Investing Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada and is a Member of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada and the Canadian Investor Protection Fund. Royal Bank of Canada and certain of its issuers are related to RBC Direct Investing Inc. RBC Direct Investing Inc. does not provide investment advice or recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of any securities. Investors are responsible for their own investment decisions. RBC Direct Investing is a business name used by RBC Direct Investing Inc. ® / ™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. © Royal Bank of Canada 2023. All rights reserved.

1RBC Mobile is operated by Royal Bank of Canada, RBC Direct Investing Inc. and RBC Dominion Securities Inc.

The views and opinions expressed in this publication are for your general interest and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of RBC Direct Investing. Furthermore, the products,services and securities referred to in this publication are only available in Canada and other jurisdictions where they may be legally offered for sale. If you are not currently resident of Canada, you should not access the information available on the RBC Direct Investing website.

8 Essential Direct Investing Self-Serve Tools, Tips and Resources (2024)

FAQs

How long does it take to open a RBC direct investing account? ›

Due to the demand, it is taking several days longer than our typical 24 hours to open your account. We will notify you by email as soon as your account has been opened.

Can you invest through TD? ›

If you're looking to get started with self-directed investing, we can help. At TD Direct Investing, we understand no one starts off as an expert. That's why we have a range of trading platforms, tools, and educational resources to meet you at this stage of your investing journey.

How do I contact RBC Direct Investing? ›

Contact an investment services representative at 1 800 769-2560 for assistance. Alternatively, you may select Option 3 from the automated telephone service menu and simply follow the prompts.

Can I invest on my own? ›

There are several ways you can invest on your own, including Online Investing, Direct Investing, and Dividend Reinvestment Plans.

Is direct investing worth it? ›

Direct investing (also known as self-directed or discount brokerage investing) can offer a wide variety of investment choices from which you can build your investment portfolio. It can give you personal control over your portfolio at lower fees than full-service brokerage/investment firms would charge.

How long does it take to get $100 from RBC? ›

The Bonus Amount, if earned, will be credited directly to your Eligible Personal Banking Account within 8 weeks of completing the Qualifying Criteria.

How much does TD Direct Investing pay? ›

The average TD Direct Investing salary ranges from approximately $42,022 per year (estimate) for a Wealth Information Specialist to $113,189 per year (estimate) for a Senior Manager.

What is the withdrawal fee for TD Direct Investing? ›

Withdrawal fees

TD Direct assesses a $125 withdrawal fee if you empty your account, though this fee won't apply to RESPs, TFSA, RRIFs and RDSPs, accounts that are by design born to be emptied. Transferring to another brokerage is even pricier; TD Direct will assess a $75 fee.

Is the TD money market safe? ›

Money market funds are considered very low risk because they deal in high-quality, highly liquid assets. Although they are not insured by the CDIC, they are considered a low-risk investment to store your savings because they've rarely lost money.

Is RBC a good investment company? ›

Safety. Backed by its parent, the Royal Bank of Canada, which has a long history of banking and is publicly listed, RBC Direct Investing is considered to be safe.

How do I withdraw money from RBC Direct Investing? ›

Withdrawing money from RBC Direct Investing - a step-by-step guide
  1. Log in to your account.
  2. Move your cursor over 'My Portfolio' to open the drop-down menu.
  3. Click on 'Transfer Cash'.
  4. Choose the account to withdraw from, the amount, currency and method.
  5. Choose which account to transfer to.
  6. Initiate the withdrawal.

Do you have to pay for RBC Direct Investing account? ›

RBC maintenance fees

RBC charges their customers $25 a quarter ($100 annually) to maintain a Direct Investing account. The fee is waived if you have more than $15,000 of assets, spread across all of their accounts.

What is the best money investment right now? ›

11 best investments right now
  • High-yield savings accounts.
  • Certificates of deposit (CDs)
  • Bonds.
  • Money market funds.
  • Mutual funds.
  • Index Funds.
  • Exchange-traded funds.
  • Stocks.

Can I invest $1000 and make money? ›

Investing can help you turn your money into more money, even when you start small. A $1,000 investment—whether you pay down debt, invest in a robo-advisor, or get your 401(k) match—can help lay the foundation for a prosperous financial journey.

How long does it take to open an investment account? ›

The online account application process only takes about 10 minutes. Key steps include: Choosing the type of brokerage account (individual or joint) Providing your personal, employment, and financial information.

How long does it take to set up an investment account? ›

You can typically complete an application online in under 15 minutes. (In most states, you'll need to be 18 to open your own account. Here's how parents can set up a brokerage account for their kids.) Once you've opened the account, you'll need to deposit or transfer funds.

How long does it take to open a stock account? ›

How long does it take to open a trading account? After the verification process, the trading account is usually activated in 3-4 days.

How long does it take to open a business account with RBC? ›

Open Your RBC Business Account Today

Apply online and receive your RBC Digital Choice Business Account package number in less than 15 minutes.

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