TD Ameritrade
TD Ameritrade
If you are an experienced trader looking for solid research and a well-equipped desktop trading platform, we definitely recommend TD Ameritrade.
Founded in 1975, TD is one of the biggest US-based stockbrokers and is regulated by top-tier authorities like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
This online broker is considered safe as it has a long track record, is listed on a stock exchange, has a banking background, discloses its financials and is overseen by top-tier regulators.
Pros
- Wide range of educational content available in many different formats
- Expansive trading tools and resources for all types of investors
- Well-designed mobile app and website
- Excellent client support
Cons
- Fractional shares are not offered
- No direct crypto trading
- No automatic enrollment for the cash sweep program
TD Ameritrade
TD Ameritrade is one of the most well-known brokers in the country, attracting a wide range of investors thanks to a far-reaching offering that enables all users to pursue their preferred investment strategy, regardless of experience level. Beginner investors will find it easy to get started with no balance minimums and straightforward pricing. Educational content is also outstanding for the breadth and scope of material covered. Advanced traders can leverage TD Ameritrade’s renowned thinkorswim platform, which offers a powerful combination of top-tier research tools, screening functions, and financial calculators. While some features aren’t available, such as fractional shares, it’s no accident that TD Ameritrade won four of our “best broker” categories as the platform resonates with a wide spectrum of users. Bear in mind that, even though Charles Schwab has acquired TD Ameritrade, the broker still operates as a separate entity. 1 Next, we’ll explore TD Ameritrade in detail so you can see all that they offer. TD Ameritrade was established in 1975 as a full-service broker in a discount package and has built a brand as a leader in trading innovation, client experience, and education over the years.
In 2020, Charles Schwab announced it had acquired TD Ameritrade for $26 billion, a merger that’s expected to be complete in 2023. 2 TD Ameritrade’s platform appeals to all kinds of traders. New investors have access to a wide range of educational tools, which are available in a variety of formats and cover a broad assortment of topics. Customer service is easily accessible through several different channels, providing new investors with needed support and peace of mind. No balance requirements and relatively low, transparent pricing also lets beginners feel comfortable getting into the market. Another standout area for TD Ameritrade is their dynamic, intuitive portfolio tools. All types of users, regardless of experience level or investing preference, can leverage a comprehensive range of trading features and analysis tools that are customizable to their personal strategies. A well-implemented design makes it easy to find what you’re looking for and execute your desired investment strategy effectively.
Desktop, web, and mobile experiences are all easy to navigate, with full feature parity across each version. TD Ameritrade may be best known for their flagship trading platform, thinkorswim. This powerful offering combines sophisticated research tools, screening features, and financial calculators with backtesting capabilities, letting investors experiment with their investment approach based on historical data before entering the market. New product enhancements continue to roll out, such as updated charting functionality and a portfolio digest feature announced in July, 2022. 3 Users report that TD Ameritrade’s overall intuitive design, extent of trading tools, and consistent innovation are some of the top things to like about the platform. Some notable pieces are missing from their lineup, however, such as fractional share trading and direct crypto exposure. On the whole, however, TD Ameritrade’s robust investment options paired with mostly low fees, outstanding client support, and a deep educational catalog, resonates with investors of all backgrounds.