scottrade, ameritrade, etrade, schwab.,..etc which one is best for basic online trading every so often and i dont plan on putting in more than 00 less if i can open an account with less.

 
  • Al in NC 1:01 pm on October 21, 2009 Permalink

    Scottrade.

    I use it because :

    NO account maintenance or inactivity fees.
    Free "GainsKeeper" software for cost-basis accounting.
    Free real-time stock quotes and charts.
    Free real-time Dow Jones news.
    Excellent trading platforms (very user friendly).
    Excellent customer service.
    Excellent research sources.
    Member of SIPC (Securities Investor Protection Corporation).
    Scottrade also has customer account protection in excess of SIPC.
    $500.00 minimum to open an account.
    $7.00 online trading commission for stock over $1.00 a share.

    For comparison purposes:

    Sharebuilder’s real-time online trading commission is $9.95.
    T.D. Ameritrade’s online trading commission is $9.99.
    Schwab’s standard online trading commission is $12.95.
    E-trade’s standard online trading commission is $12.99.

  • Mike L 1:01 pm on October 21, 2009 Permalink

    I use Scottrade and i think it is the best first of all it only requires $500 as the minimum account requirement and second it has one of the cheapest commission fees out of any online broker only $7 to buy and sell stocks over $1, they have a nice streaming quote system that you can use great market research tools and also you have access to a bunch of local offices you just send a check and it clears next business day by 12 pm thats service and you can call virtually anytime and if your local office is closed the national branch will answer and help you, hope this helped