Online Stock Brokers

Investors should know the best online stock brokers to trade with. The following top stock brokers offer investors the most value for their portfolios. Some online stock brokers are known for their award winning customer service while others are known for inexpensive stock trades or powerful trading tools. This guide will highlight some of the best stock brokers available today with tips and advice for selecting a new broker.

1. TD Ameritrade

TD Ameritrade was ranked #1 Online Broker 2012 – 2015 by StockBrokers.com* even with its $9.99 stock trades. Its platforms thinkorswim (ranked “#1 Desktop Platform” 2016) and Trade Architect are loaded with tools and features. Add to that TD Ameritrade’s education, robust research, mobile apps, etc and what you pay for is what you get.

TD Ameritrade Offer: Trade free for 60 days + Get up to $600 with any new account.

2. ETRADE

ETRADE shines for its mobile apps and all-around offering. ETRADE was rated #1 for Mobile Trading in the StockBrokers.com 2016 Review* and provides customers research tools similar to TD Ameritrade and Scottrade. Like TD Ameritrade, ETRADE charges $9.99 per trade but offsets high cost with a positive customer experience. 

ETRADE Offer: Trade free for 60 days + Get up to $600 with any new account.

3. OptionsHouse

OptionsHouse is the perfect marriage of discounted trade commissions fantastic options trading tools. OptionsHouse has been rated #1 for Options Trading the past five years and #1 for Commissions & Fees. OptionsHouse offers $4.95 flat fee stock trades alongside options trades for $4.95 + $.50 per contract. 

OptionsHouse Offer: Trade Free for 60 Days. 

4. TradeKing

TradeKing offers investors competitive $4.95 stock trades, quality customer service, and research tools that are better than its discount broker peers. TradeKing merged with Zecco in 2012, acquired MB Trading in 2015, and continues to expand its reach with new tools like TradeKing LIVE, the broker’s mobile friendly trading platform. 

TradeKing Offer: Get $100 in Free Trade Commissions.

5. Scottrade

Scottrade has over 500 local branch offices which is the largest network out of any of the online brokers. Known for its customer service, Scottrade has been awarded #1 Overall Client Experience the past five years. Regular stock trades are $7 each which is less than competitors TD Ameritrade and ETRADE but more than OptionsHouse and TradeKing. 

Scottrade Offer: $2,000 in Cash Bonus and 50 Free Trades.