10 Best Trading Brokers of 2017

Brokers are usually the individuals who deal with customers’ orders to buy and sell securities. Trading brokers are intermediaries operating between the securities that trade on the market and the investors that buy them. It is imperative for investors to find the best trading brokers to handle their transactions. In this article, you will be informed about the firms that have recruited these talented people and how they can help you with trading securities. We will also detail each firm’s commission costs per trade, minimum balance requirements and what type of investors they fit best.

In this article, you will be informed about the firms that have recruited these talented people and how they can help you with trading securities. We will also detail each firm’s commission costs per trade, minimum balance requirements and what type of investors they fit best.

The Best Trading Brokers You Need to Know in 2017

Before one becomes a certified stockbroker in the United States, one has to pass two licensing examinations issued by the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD). The examinations are the Series 7 and the Series 63. The purpose of these tests is to ascertain that a broker is well aware of what they are selling and that they are knowledgeable of the rules and regulations that govern the securities domain. The following trading brokers have proven to be the best by bringing their customers’ investments to fruition.

1. TD Ameritrade

If you want to buy and sell stocks, or maybe trade options, TD Ameritrade is one of the best trading brokers available. The firm has an excellent customer support, advanced trading platforms, and no trade minimum. Moreover, TD conducts extensive market researches whose findings are free for its customers. Some of its most impressive features include a $0 minimum balance requirements, a commission of $6.95 per trade, and its promotion ranges from $100 to $600 in cash bonus, depending on the account size.

In addition to the appealing bonuses, TD has numerous subsidiaries. It also offers trading and investing services to over 7 million funded accounts that sum up to more than $750 billion in assets. TD has over 5700 independent registered investment advisors (RIAs). The firm is best suited for advanced traders, beginner investors, and investors who want portfolio-building advice.

2. Fidelity Investments

Fidelity Investments boasts of numerous services that include securities executions and clearance, discount brokerage services, annuities, and wealth management services, among others. Research is usually key when it comes to stock trading and Fidelity is well equipped to provide its investors with the tools to conduct extensive stock analysis research.

The firm charges a trade commission of $4.95, which is quite inviting. Fidelity also demands an account minimum of $2,500 and has a promotion of $300 that is commission-free and which trades with qualifying deposit. It provides its services to businesses, individual investors, financial advisors, and institutions. Fidelity stands out among other brokers because it has a lineup of research from more than 20 providers. It also invests in fixed income markets and in the public equity globally.

3. Charles Schwab

This broker offers high-quality customer service, a large selection of commission-free exchange traded funds, and competitive trading platforms. In addition, the firm offers no-transaction-fee mutual funds. The firm is committed to offering its clients more value and a better experience through constant improvement.

It has two trading platforms and a low minimum investment requirement. The features make it suitable for both active and new traders. It also has a trade commission of $4.95, a $1000 account minimum requirement, and a $100 promotion referral award for first-time customers. Charles Schwab is best suited for advanced traders, beginner investors, those who value no-minimum index funds, and the investors seeking commission-free ETFs.

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4. E*TRADE

E*TRADE is among the best trading brokers operating via an online platform. Customers prefer this firm for its full-court-press advertising and marketing practices. Furthermore, this broker offers a user-friendly website and a high-quality mobile experience. It also offers its clientele a thorough research that guarantees customer satisfaction.

In addition to the research material, E*TRADE’s trading platforms are designed to enable easy navigation. The firm demands a commission of $6.95 with volume discounts available. It also has a $500 account minimum requirement and a promotion that offers 60 days of commission-free trades with deposits exceeding $10000. Usually, E*TRADE is best suited for retirement planning assistance, research and data, commission free exchange-traded funds, frequent traders, and beginner investors.

5. Merrill Edge

Merrill Edge is a full-service broker that offers equities and options trade. The firm’s accounts are linkable to any Bank of America account. It also offers up to 100 free trades per month via the Preferred Rewards Program. Merrill Edge has competitive pricing and efficient customer service. Moreover, its clients have access to investment advice from over 2,000 Bank of America locations.

The firm takes a commission of $6.95 per trade with no additional charges for stocks less than $1 per share. Its account minimum requirement is $0, and it has a promotion of $100 to $600 cash bonus depending on the account size. It is best suited for Bank of America customers, penny stock traders, high-balance customers, commission-free trading, and investors who value customer service.

6. Ally Invest

Many stockbrokers require no minimum investment to open an IRA. However, the price charged to open a regular brokerage account is usually higher. Ally Invest, however, cuts trading costs to $3.95 for the investors that place 30 or more trades for each quarter and those that carry a balance of $100,000. The broker demands a commission of $4.95, has no account minimum requirement and discounts are available depending on trade volumes. They suit active, options and forex traders best.

7. OptionsXpress

OptionsXpress is a great brokerage firm for individuals/investors who do not have a specific interest in stock trading. It offers a variety of investing products such as ETFs, options trading, mutual funds, stocks, and bonds. Moreover, it has an excellent trading platform. The firm offers a trading commission of $4.95, an account minimum requirement of $0, and a promotion of 50 commission-free trades with qualifying deposits.

8. Interactive Brokers

This is yet another great brokerage firm that guarantees investors very low commission costs. The firm is ideal because of its high-quality trading platform and international trading capabilities. However, it demands a high minimum investment and charges an inactivity fee. As such, it may not be suitable for infrequent investors and beginners. Interactive Brokers charge a commission with fixed-rate and volume tiered pricing starting at $1, has an account minimum of $10,000, and its promotion has special terms for customers aged 25 and below.

9. Scottrade

Scottrade has about 500 offices across the country and is one of the best trading brokers in the country. It is preferable for investors that require constant customer service because it offers its clients both online and phone support issued from over 1000 of its consultants. The firm requires a commission of $6.95 per trade, has an account minimum requirement of $0 for IRAs and $2,500 for brokerage. Additionally, its promotion comprises of 50 commission-free trades with deposits of $10,000 and above.

10. Motif Investing

Motif Investing is a brokerage firm that is best suited for advanced traders, stock traders, and traders who plan on investing in motifs (30-stock or ETF baskets). The firm offers its investors flat rate commissions of $4.95 for stocks and ETFs. Moreover, it has an account minimum requirement of $0 for trading accounts and a $1,000 minimum for their Motif Impact accounts.

Conclusion

Choosing the best trading brokers entails a number of things. It is imperative that an investor chooses the best trading broker if he/she wants to succeed as a trader. The best trading brokers provide low-cost stock trading, offer reliable trading tools, and have easy to use platforms. The cost associated with a broker should be low. The broker should also have reliable analytic tools to aid with forecasting and risk assessment. It is also essential that you assess the educational resources that a stockbroker offers before settling for one.