What distinguishes a discount brokerage from a full-service brokerage?

A discount brokerage is characterized primarily by its reduced commission fees on trades, allowing investors to buy and sell securities at lower costs compared to traditional full-service brokerages. These lower fees are made possible because discount brokerages typically do not provide personalized investment advice or extensive financial planning services, which are hallmarks of full-service brokerages. Investors using discount brokerages often conduct their own research and make their own trading decisions, taking advantage of the reduced costs associated with that independence.

In contrast, a full-service brokerage tends to offer comprehensive financial planning, investment management, and personalized advice, which justifies its higher fees. This distinction in service offerings is why many investors choose discount brokerages if they are comfortable managing their investments independently and seeking lower transaction costs.