E-trade, Scott trade or similar. Which one???

[junkmanhunter]

Just wondering who on here does their own trading and investing and to what extent.

Looking at opening an account with E-trade, Scott trade or something similar. Anyone with pros and cons on how they work and experiences, whether good or bad.

Which would you recommend and why?


Thanks in advance

[junkmanhunter]

Anyone?

[Je3749]

I used scottrade a couple years back. Made a little and cashed out. I really didn't have any issues with them, just got out of having to watch it all the time.

[COOLDAD1]

I use the Robinhood app on my phone. It is very simple to use, and I buy and sell small stocks all day long.

[labman]

Tradestation, best trading platform out there, imho.

[quarterback]

E Trade has worked pretty well for me. I'm sure all of the bigger trading platforms are good these days. Not sure what the others charge for trades though.

[refugioco]

Fidelity has 4.95 trades and is a full service brokerage.

[GarrettH]

I use the Robinhood app on my phone. It is very simple to use, and I buy and sell small stocks all day long.

I just quickly looked at their site... is it for real free to trade? any catches?

[TejasNW]

I set up a TD Ameritrade account recently and was very happy with the process. All online, no CS involved. Funds cleared in a day. They gave me 500 free trades (expires in a month or so?); so have built a position moving in when the time was right, without any costs.

Overall the process was easy. Trades have been seamless. I have set my price targets, and they have executed without a hitch. Can't be happier.

On the other hand, about a year ago, I tried the same thing with Trade King (now bought by some other online broker.) Funds took 3 weeks to clear. Had to have several conversations with Customer Service, all unsatisfactory. Turned me off online trading for a while.

That has been my experience for what it is worth. More free advice, this market shows a real top; and a huge downstroke on the way. If you must be in the market, be nimble. Don't get greedy; and don't dance far from the door in case the drapes suddenly burst into flames. I invested a small amount of money that I am okay if I lose on oil company stocks trading at 1/50th of their peak value; in hopes they can hang on until sub sea returns. I may lose it all; and am okay with that. Otherwise, I would be as far from the market as I can be (and have been for the past 8 years.)

[axisbuck]

I have used scottrade and meryll lynch both charge a flat charge $6-8. I currently use robinhood no trade commission fees. Downside no website or pc trading only phone app.

[junkmanhunter]

Thanks for input. I have never heard of Robin hood, I will check it out.

[junkmanhunter]

I set up a TD Ameritrade account recently and was very happy with the process. All online, no CS involved. Funds cleared in a day. They gave me 500 free trades (expires in a month or so?); so have built a position moving in when the time was right, without any costs.

Overall the process was easy. Trades have been seamless. I have set my price targets, and they have executed without a hitch. Can't be happier.

On the other hand, about a year ago, I tried the same thing with Trade King (now bought by some other online broker.) Funds took 3 weeks to clear. Had to have several conversations with Customer Service, all unsatisfactory. Turned me off online trading for a while.

That has been my experience for what it is worth. More free advice, this market shows a real top; and a huge downstroke on the way. If you must be in the market, be nimble. Don't get greedy; and don't dance far from the door in case the drapes suddenly burst into flames. I invested a small amount of money that I am okay if I lose on oil company stocks trading at 1/50th of their peak value; in hopes they can hang on until sub sea returns. I may lose it all; and am okay with that. Otherwise, I would be as far from the market as I can be (and have been for the past 8 years.)

Appreciate the thoughts. What I am wanting to do is play with a little money that isn't a big deal if I lose some or all. I currently have a financial advisor and am going to leave everything with him. He frowns on cannibus stocks and other far out stuff I want to gamble on

[jreyna920]

I've been using capitol one which is who bought out sharebuilder. I don't have experience elsewhere but have next to zero issue with the platform for 10 years. I am petty active I would say.

[djc]

I use Schwab. Simple,easy, pretty inexpensive.

[JeffJ]

I set up a TD Ameritrade account recently and was very happy with the process. All online, no CS involved. Funds cleared in a day. They gave me 500 free trades (expires in a month or so?); so have built a position moving in when the time was right, without any costs.

Overall the process was easy. Trades have been seamless. I have set my price targets, and they have executed without a hitch. Can't be happier.

On the other hand, about a year ago, I tried the same thing with Trade King (now bought by some other online broker.) Funds took 3 weeks to clear. Had to have several conversations with Customer Service, all unsatisfactory. Turned me off online trading for a while.

That has been my experience for what it is worth. More free advice, this market shows a real top; and a huge downstroke on the way. If you must be in the market, be nimble. Don't get greedy; and don't dance far from the door in case the drapes suddenly burst into flames. I invested a small amount of money that I am okay if I lose on oil company stocks trading at 1/50th of their peak value; in hopes they can hang on until sub sea returns. I may lose it all; and am okay with that. Otherwise, I would be as far from the market as I can be (and have been for the past 8 years.)

1/1/09 the S&P was at ~865. Today it closed at 2353...