TD Ameritrade

TD Ameritrade is a premier US brokerage with roots dating back to 1975, making it one of the oldest and most established retail brokerages in America. The firm has become synonymous with the thinkorswim trading platform, widely regarded as the most powerful retail trading platform ever built. Now part of Charles Schwab following a $26 billion acquisition, TD Ameritrade continues to serve millions of active traders and investors with industry-leading technology and comprehensive market access.

Regulated by the SEC, FINRA, and SIPC, TD Ameritrade operates under the most stringent regulatory framework in the retail brokerage industry. SIPC membership provides securities protection up to $500,000 (including $250,000 for cash claims), and TD Ameritrade carries additional insurance beyond SIPC limits. The firm offers commission-free trading on stocks and ETFs, competitive options pricing at $0.65 per contract, and access to forex, futures, and mutual funds.

TD Ameritrade's strength lies in its comprehensive offering that serves everyone from buy-and-hold investors to active day traders. The combination of commission-free stock trading, the sophisticated thinkorswim platform, extensive research and education, and multiple account types (including IRAs, Roth IRAs, trusts, and education savings) makes it one of the most complete brokerage solutions available to US investors and traders.

TD Ameritrade offers $0 commission on online stock and ETF trades, matching the industry standard set by the 2019 commission elimination wave. Options trading costs $0.65 per contract with no base fee, which is competitive though slightly higher than some competitors. Futures trading is priced at $2.25 per contract plus exchange fees. Forex trading is commission-free with competitive spreads.

The broker has no minimum deposit requirement for standard accounts, making it accessible to investors at all levels. There are no inactivity fees, no annual account fees, and no platform fees for thinkorswim. ACH transfers for deposits and withdrawals are free, while bank wire transfers carry a fee. Margin rates are competitive for larger balances but can be higher than discount brokers for smaller accounts.

Compared to peers like Charles Schwab (its parent company), Fidelity, and Interactive Brokers, TD Ameritrade's pricing is competitive across the board. Interactive Brokers may offer lower costs for very active traders and options traders, but TD Ameritrade's zero-commission stocks and comprehensive free platform access make it an excellent value for the majority of retail traders and investors.

The thinkorswim platform is TD Ameritrade's crown jewel and is widely considered the most powerful retail trading platform available. Originally designed for options traders, thinkorswim has evolved into a comprehensive trading workstation featuring advanced charting with over 400 technical studies, real-time scanning tools, options analytics including probability analysis and Greeks visualization, futures ladders, and paper trading capabilities.

thinkorswim's scripting language (thinkScript) allows traders to create custom studies, strategies, and scanners, providing limitless customization. The platform includes a Social Sentiment indicator, economic data overlays, and the ability to analyze options strategies visually before execution. The platform is available as a desktop application, web version, and mobile app, though the desktop version provides the most complete feature set.

TD Ameritrade operates under the most stringent regulatory framework in the retail brokerage industry, regulated by the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission), FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority), and SIPC (Securities Investor Protection Corporation). SEC and FINRA regulation requires strict compliance with US securities laws, regular examinations, and mandatory financial reporting.

TD Ameritrade is widely recognized for having one of the most comprehensive educational programs in the retail brokerage industry. The education center offers hundreds of articles, videos, webcasts, and courses covering everything from investing basics to advanced options strategies. The immersive curriculum includes the TD Ameritrade Network, a live financial media network that provides real-time market commentary, analysis, and educational programming throughout the trading day.

Research tools are equally impressive, with access to third-party research from Morningstar, CFRA, Credit Suisse, and others. thinkorswim integrates fundamental data, earnings analysis, social sentiment indicators, and real-time news. The platform's screener tools allow investors to filter stocks, ETFs, options, and mutual funds by dozens of criteria. The combination of world-class education and institutional-grade research makes TD Ameritrade the gold standard for self-directed investors who value learning and analysis.

TD Ameritrade provides customer support via phone, live chat, email, and social media, with 24/7 availability for phone support. The firm operates over 175 branch locations across the United States, providing in-person assistance for investors who prefer face-to-face interactions. This branch network is a significant advantage over online-only brokers.

Support quality is consistently rated among the best in the industry, with knowledgeable representatives who can assist with everything from basic account questions to complex options strategies. The firm also offers dedicated support for thinkorswim users and a community forum where traders share strategies and tips.

TD Ameritrade is ideal for US-based active traders who want the most powerful retail trading platform (thinkorswim) with zero-commission stock trading and comprehensive options/futures capabilities. It is equally suitable for long-term investors who value extensive research, education, and multiple account types including retirement accounts. The platform serves everyone from beginners learning to invest to professional day traders executing complex options strategies. TD Ameritrade is less suitable for international investors (US-focused), those seeking the absolute lowest margin rates, or traders who need access to international stock exchanges.