This list is for informational purposes only.
Choosing Your Broker Has Never Been Easier
Finding a broker – the right broker, one that’s capable of handling each of your particular needs – requires a variety of considerations. Everything from account minimums, acceptable trade types and commissions fees… to trading platforms, customer service availability, and regulatory standing.
It’s a lot to think about. And the best option, of course, depends on what’s important to you.
Thankfully, there’s never been a better time for making such a choice…
Fierce competition within the brokerage industry has created unprecedented value for individual investors. This is especially true among the major online discount brokers, where firms like TradeStation, TD Ameritrade and Fidelity are continuously driving down commissions, adding account features, and providing their clients with access to an ever-growing list of powerful trading tools.
As a result, you can trade virtually any asset class now, whenever and wherever you want… all for about the cost of a no-frills latte. That’s why we built the comparison table below, to help you navigate the current offerings at the most popular firms.
Of all of the “majors” listed in the table, we like TradeStation the most, especially if you’re new to options trading, as the company’s education and ongoing training materials are top-notch. We also like its fast trading platform, its super low-cost commissions, and its intense focus on customer service. For more information, you can call them at 1.800.328.1982. And please note: We don’t receive any compensation from TradeStation, in any form. We simply prefer their product.
Brokerage Comparison Chart
| Broker | Contact | Types of Trades | Minimums to Open | Pricing |
| TradeStation | tradestation.com 1.800.328.1982 |
Stocks, ETFs, options, futures, mutual funds, bonds | $500.00 | Stocks: $5.00, options: $5.00 + $0.50 per contract. |
| Charles Schwab | schwab.com 1.800.435.4000 |
Mutual funds, ETFs, CDs/money market, domestic and international stocks, bonds, options, futures | $1,000.00 | Stocks & ETFs: $4.95 + $5.00-$25.00 service charge. Options: $4.95 + $0.65 per contract + $5.00 service charge. |
| Fidelity | fidelity.com 1.800.343.3548 |
Mutual funds, IRAs, stocks, bonds, ETFs, and options | $0, or $4.95 for options | All online U.S. equity trades: $4.95. Options: $4.95 per trade + $0.65 per contract. |
| TD Ameritrade | tdameritrade.com 1.800.454.9272 |
Stocks, options, mutual funds, and futures | $0, or $2,000.00 for Margin or option privileges | Stocks and ETFs: $6.95. Options: $6.95 + $0.75/contract. |
| Key Investment Group | keywp.com 1.877.539.1004 |
Trades in markets around the world, local currency, local limit | $100,000.00 | Sliding scale |
| CIBC Wood Gundy (Canada) | woodgundy. cibc.com 1.800.563.3193 |
Stocks, options, bonds, GICs, mutual funds, and alternative investments | $100,000.00 in CIBC products for loyalty pricing or 150 or more trades per quarter for active trader pricing | Equities: $6.95, options: $6.95 + $1.25 per contract. |
| Global Resource Investments Ltd. | sprottglobal.com 1.800.477.7853 |
Investments in precious metals, mining, oil & gas, alternative energy, forestry, agriculture, and water industries |
$1,500.00 | Pay between 1.0% and 2.5% depending on the price of shares and the number of shares traded, subject to a minimum of $60 per trade |
| Fund Advisors of America | fundadvisors ofamerica.com 1.800.438.3040 |
Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs |
Not listed | Compensation is based on a percentage of assets under management rather than commissions or transaction fees. |
Note: Money Map Press is not a broker, dealer or licensed investment advisor. No person listed below should be considered as permitted to engage in rendering personalized investment, legal or other professional advice as an agent of Money Map Press. Money Map Press does not receive any compensation for these services. Additionally, any individual services rendered to Money Map Press by the companies listed are considered completely separate from and outside the scope of services offered by Money Map Press. Any contact and resulting relationship is strictly between you and the company.