Originally called First Omaha Securities, Inc. on its inception in 1975, over the year's since TD Ameritrade has grwon to become one of the best online stock trading platforms in US. Is is one of the largest online brokerage companies too, with more than 120 offices and branches nationwide, although its continues to call Omaha home. TD Ameritrade is also one of the best forex brokers, making it a great choice for all round investors who like to trade in stocks and currency.
TD Ameritrade review: The basics
Account minimum amount: None
Commission fee: None
Account fees: Transfer fee may apply
Investment products: Stocks, bonds, exchange-traded funds, mutual funds, Futures, Forex, Margin trading, cryptocurrency trading, managed portfolios, cash management, bonds and fixed income, annuities, IPOs, dividend reinvestment, collateral lending
TD Ameritrade's online stock trading platform offers a vast set of tools for anyone interested in trading, from novice to expert, and stocks to forex. What’s more, new services and solutions are regularly added to the platform, helping to reinforce the competitive advantage held over its rivals.
There's no commission charges and no trade minimums, although the requirement to use a broker means there is a cost attached. On top of its varied and rather impressive online feature set, TD Ameritrade also has branches nationwide so you can manage things face to face if you wish.
TD Ameritrade review: Tools and services
- Free access to all trading platforms
- Free access to real time quotes
TD Ameritrade has plenty to offer the experienced investor, with one of the most impressive tools its thinkorswim platform. Designed specifically for those who want really tight and powerful tools, thinkorswim can assist in investment analysis, testing your strategies, assessing markets and monitoring your performance. If you’re not yet overly familiar with trading or just want to get started with the basics, then TD Ameritrade also has a web platform and mobile trading app that are designed with your needs in mind.
The web platform can be used by any level investor, providing research, educational resources and planning tools. TD Ameritrade also provides free access to a practice trading platform where you can play around with your money, using relevant data, to see how it will work before taking any risks.
TD Ameritrade review: Trading options and Forex
- Long and varied list of investment products
- High broker trade fee
- Securities trading only in the US and Canada
First off, it’s worth mentioning that the TD Ameritrade brokers are only enforced on certain types of investment - stocks, options, and ETFs. However, at $44.99, that fee is relatively high. Other investment products have their own fee structures, where relevant. Countering this, you pay zero commission for online stock, ETF and options trades, and you can use the website and platforms to find out more information about the various stocks and trends for free.
The list of services offered by TD Ameritrade is extensive and every single one comes with an education resource that teaches you the basics. The website is well-designed, making it easy to find the information that you need regarding the different types of investments or how they work – this is what makes TD Ameritrade a great option for novice traders too.
In addition to the range of investments, TD Ameritrade provides insight into retirement planning, futures and forex trading. Forex comes with its own mobile app allowing you to keep tabs on currency movements 24/7.
TD Ameritrade review: Service and support
- Extensive research and free insights
- Superb customer support online and face to face
With branches around the US, a ton of contact options on the website, and the invaluable access to brokers, TD Ameritrade is a good place to start if you need a more hands-on approach to investment. TD Ameritrade has everything from articles to videos to quizzes to help you learn more about investments and how to get the most from yours. The Research platform provides third-party research that can really help refine your investment strategy, including options such as Market Edge, ETF Market Center, Stocks Overview, Stocks Charts, Screeners, and Premier List.
Should you use TD Ameritrade?
TD Ameritrade manages to achieve the balance between providing for the every need of the anxious investor and giving the expert the freedom to invest and enjoy. It has a huge offering, a lot of information, plenty of support and research online, a solid reputation, and limited fees. All in all, the platform offers superb variety and choice for those who want a technically proficient and capable stocks trading platform.
