Why choose TradeStation
TradeStation is a US stockbroker regulated by FINRA, a top-tier US regulatory body.
TradeStation has great web and mobile trading platforms, which are user-friendly and well-designed. Trading fees are average across the board, and we also liked TradeStation's research and educational tools.
On the negative side, similarly to most US brokers, TradeStation doesn't support deposits by bank card. Forex trading is not available, and customer service could be improved.
BrokerChooser gave TradeStation a 4.4/5 rating based on analyzing 600+ criteria and testing via opening a live account.
- Great web and mobile trading platform
- High level of investor protection
- High-quality research and education tools
Fees
- Low non-trading fees
- Low fees for stock index options
- Free ACH withdrawals
We compared TradeStation's fees with two similar brokers we selected, tastytrade and Interactive Brokers. These competitors were selected based on objective factors like products offered, client profile, fee structure, etc. See a more detailed comparison of TradeStation alternatives.
Low stock and ETF commission
TradeStation US stock fees are higher than the industry average. US stock fees are calculated as follows: $5 per trade for non-US clients. For US clients, commission-free up to the first 10,000 shares per trade.
Broker | US stock |
---|---|
TradeStation | $5.0 |
tastytrade | $0.0 |
Interactive Brokers | $1.0 |
Stocks and ETFs comission is $5 per trade. Commission-free trading of equities and ETFs is available if you are a US resident.
High margin rates
TradeStation USD margin rate fees are higher than the industry average. USD margin rate fees are calculated as follows: For positions less than $50,000: 13.5% per year
Broker | USD margin rate |
---|---|
TradeStation | 13.5% |
tastytrade | 11.0% |
Interactive Brokers | 6.8% |
Low options commission
TradeStation US stock index options fees are slightly lower than the industry average. US stock index options fees are calculated as follows: For US clients, $0.6 contract per contract
Broker | US stock index options |
---|---|
TradeStation | $11.0 |
tastytrade | $7.5 |
Interactive Brokers | $6.5 |
Non-US clients can trade options for $5 per trade + $0.65 contract.
Low inactivity fee, average withdrawal fee
Broker | Inactivity fee | Withdrawal fee |
---|---|---|
TradeStation | $35 | |
tastytrade | $0 | |
Interactive Brokers | $0 |
An inactivity fee of $10/month applied, but waived if 10 or more trades placed in prior 90 days OR $5000 average end of month balance.
There is no fee for deposits and for withdrawals using ACH. However, for bank wire or international bank wire withdrawals, there's a $25 and $35 fee, respectively.
Other commissions and fees
Average mutual fund commission: trading mutual funds involves the following charges - $14.95 per transaction.
Low futures fees: US index futures fees are as follows - $1.5 per contract for standard products, $0.5 per contract for micro products.
Low bond commission: US treasury bonds come with the following charges - $14.95 + $5 per bond.
Broker | Mutual fund | US micro e-mini stock index futures |
---|---|---|
TradeStation | $15.0 | $5.0 |
tastytrade | - | $8.5 |
Interactive Brokers | $15.0 | $2.5 |
Safety
- Majority of clients belong to a top-tier financial authority
- High level of investor protection
- Financial information is publicly available
- Parent company listed on stock exchange
Deposit and withdrawal
- No deposit fee
- Quick deposit and withdrawal - within 3 days
- ACH withdrawal is free
Account opening
- Fast
- Fully digital
- User-friendly
Mobile app
- User-friendly
- Two-step (safer) login
- Good variety of order types
Desktop platform
- Good customizability (for charts, workspace)
- Good variety of order types
- Price alerts