TD Ameritrade Account Opening

First you need to fill a registration form to apply for an account. Your application needs time to be verified [1-3 days] after which you can deposit and start trading.

TD Ameritrade account opening step-by-step guide

1. Go to TD Ameritrade's website to start the account opening process.
2. Follow the account opening process: it is self-evident, but you might need help at some point. Don't worry, we cover the main issues here.

Which TD Ameritrade account to choose?

If you want to explore the possibilities offered by this broker, you will need to choose an account type, and for that, you should consider how experienced you are in trading and investing.

We have more details about the available account types in our review for you to explore.

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Which base currency to choose?

TD Ameritrade has 1 base currency available, which is USD.

You might have to pay a conversion fee if:

• You trade with assets not in USD
• You make a deposit in a different currency other than USD

Once you have filled the form, uploaded your documents, chose your account type, base currency and finished the trading survey, TD Ameritrade will verify your account very shortly.

Why do I need to fill the trading experience survey?

It might seem scary at first, but it is nothing to worry about. This is standard procedure, as brokers need to make sure that you have a basic financial knowledge and you are aware of the risks of trading.

Also don't worry if the broker asks questions about your financial background e.g. your available assets, salary range. This is also part of the risk assesment process - to make sure you don't take on investments and trades you can't afford.

To do your first trade, you have to fund your account. Generally, brokers offer a Bank transfer / ACH / Credit or debit card / E-wallet transfer solution.

Is there a minimum deposit at TD Ameritrade?

Luckily, no. You can deposit to TD Ameritrade, without having to do a large commitment.

Also, if you feel like this service is not your cup of tea: no worries. You can opt out and withdraw your funds anytime.

If you received your verification email, you are good to go to fund your account and start investing!

Here's how to start after funding your account:

• First, check the products on the platform. You can also search for assets using its search tool,
• Here, you'll see a list of assets by certain categories, like asset classes,
• Click/tap on an asset to see its chart,
• After this step, it is easy to specify the transaction size, order types, and terms.

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Yes, TD Ameritrade can be considered a legit broker, as it is regulated by at least one top-tier regulator, which is a great sign for reliability.

For you, this means that your money is in good hands and you will most probably not become a victim of a scam by TD Ameritrade.

Throughout the account opening process at TD Ameritrade, you won't be required to pay anything to create your account. Also, you can close your account anytime you like.

Every time you are planning to dive into finances, make sure you know who you trust your money with. Make sure that the broker is considered trustworthy. We, at BrokerChooser, only recommend regulated brokers on our site, meaning the broker's operations are overseen by a trusted body.

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You are awesome for having read through this article! Opening an account might seem cumbersome at first, but the best time to start dealing with your finances is always right now.

We want to help you along the way, so if you are stuck somewhere, have a question, or a suggestion, please drop us an email at [email protected].

What is needed to open a TD Ameritrade account?

You need to complete a registration form on TD Ameritrade’s site. You’ll need a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), foreign tax ID, passport, or visa number (if you're not a citizen or permanent resident of the US.) You will need to give your employer’s name and address too. The application needs time to be verified (1-3 days) after which you can deposit and start trading.

How long does it take to open a TD Ameritrade account?

First, you need to fill out a registration form to apply for an account. Your application needs time to be verified, usually 1-3 days, after which you can deposit and start trading.

Can non-US citizens open a TD Ameritrade account?

TD Ameritrade's services are available mainly in the US and a few other countries, including China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, and Canada (through TD Direct Investing), and you can trade only on US markets. Note that services offered may vary from country to country based on the residence of the trader. For example, clients from Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore can't trade mutual funds and forex, only stocks, ETFs, and options.

Can I open a TD Ameritrade account online?

Yes, you can open an account fully online at TD Ameritrade. 

Does TD Ameritrade have a monthly fee?

TD Ameritrade does not charge a commission to trade stocks, options or ETFs. A $0.65 per contract fee applies for options trades. A $6.95 commission applies to trades of over-the-counter (OTC) stocks, which includes stocks not listed on a US exchange. However, there are no inactivity or annual fees, nor is there a fee to make partial transfers out of your account. If you want to transfer out your full balance, you'll pay $75. Check out the details on fees in our dedicated article.