General information
TradeStation is an online broker and trading platform providing tools for investors and traders to make their own investment decisions. Founded in 1982, it has a long history of innovation in the financial industry. The company also offers a variety of products and services designed to meet the needs of both new and experienced traders, including streaming real-time quotes, access to advanced charting capabilities, customizable indicators and strategy-building tools, mobile trading applications, educational resources, customer support, and more.
Features
TradeStation offers a variety of features designed to make trading easier and more accessible for users. This includes:
| Educational resources: | A comprehensive library of educational resources for new and experienced traders, including video tutorials, webinars, and articles. |
| Real-time data: | Stream real-time quotes from multiple markets around the world with one click. |
| Advanced charting tools: | Access advanced charting capabilities such as customizable indicators, drawing tools, and strategy-building tools. |
| Customer support: | Dedicated customer service representatives are available to answer questions or provide assistance with any issue. |
| Mobile trading app: | The TradeStation mobile app enables traders to manage their accounts and place trades on the go. |
Trading Platforms
The TradeStation platform provides access to a wide range of asset classes across multiple markets around the world. Traders can place trades directly from charts or through the easy-to-use order entry feature with one click from any device. The platform is available in both web and mobile versions, allowing traders to access their accounts anytime, anywhere.
Markets & Products
TradeStation offers access to Forex, Futures, Equities, Options, and ETFs in major global markets including the U.S., Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America. Customers can trade on both desktop (Windows) and mobile devices (iOS/Android). In addition to traditional trading accounts such as individual retirement accounts (IRAs), customers may also open margin accounts which allow them to borrow money from their broker to increase their buying power.
Commissions & Fees
TradeStation offers competitive commission rates, with no minimums or annual fees. Equity trades are $5 per trade and options are $0.50 per contract. ETF and mutual fund trades are free for select funds and there is no fee for buying stocks on margin. There is no inactivity fee for not trading, and customers can benefit from the company’s tiered pricing structure which reduces the cost of trading as their account value increases.
Platform & Tools
TradeStation has an easy-to-use platform that provides a wide range of capabilities including charting, technical analysis tools, and market scanners. The platform also offers advanced features such as algorithmic trading, automated order entry, and backtesting. In addition to the desktop platform, TradeStation offers mobile apps for iOS and Android devices that provide real-time market data and secure trading access.
Customer Service
TradeStation provides customer support via email, phone, and live chat. The company also has a comprehensive online help center with FAQs, tutorials, and webinars to help customers get started with their account.
Review of the Different Types of Accounts Available
TradeStation offers a variety of account types to meet the needs of different investors. These include:
- Individual Accounts: Individual accounts are designed for individual traders and offer access to stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds, futures, and forex markets.
- Margin Accounts: Margin accounts allow traders to trade on margin, or borrow up to 50% of the value in their account to increase buying power.
- IRA Accounts: IRAs provide tax-deferred growth for retirement savings with no annual fees or minimum balance requirements.
Step-by-Step Guide for Setting Up a TradeStation Account
Setting up a TradeStation account is easy and only takes a few minutes. To get started:
- Visit the TradeStation website and click “Sign Up” to create an account.
- Enter your personal information, such as name, address, and contact details.
- Select the type of account you would like to open (Individual or IRA).
- Fund your account with cash or securities (if applicable).
- Complete the Risk Disclosure Statement and agree to the Customer Agreement and Privacy Policy.
- Log in to your new TradeStation account to start trading!
Tips for Making the Most out of TradeStation
- Take advantage of all the features and tools available on TradeStation, such as charting capabilities, market scanners, and backtesting tools.
- Make use of customer service representatives who are available to answer questions or provide assistance with any issue.
- Utilize margin accounts for increased buying power when trading stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds.
- Use the mobile app to place trades on the go or keep track of your account while away from your desktop.
- Research different trading strategies and improve your understanding of the markets by taking advantage of free webinars and tutorials offered by TradeStation.
- Set stop-loss orders to limit losses on positions taken in volatile markets or when trading high-risk assets.
- Take advantage of the tiered pricing structure to reduce costs as your account value increases.
What type of securities can I trade on the TradeStation platform?
You can trade stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, options, futures, and forex. In addition, you can buy stocks on margin and leverage your account for increased buying power. You also can invest in select no-fee ETFs and mutual funds.
Review Summary
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Access to multiple markets, including stocks, futures, cryptocurrencies, forex, and mutual funds/ETFs | • Limited customer service (only available during US business hours) |
| • Low transaction costs | • Lack of educational resources for new traders |
| • Advanced charting tools and customization options | • No direct access to other markets, such as options and commodities |
| • Technical analysis tools for identifying patterns and trends |
Summary
Trade is a great online broker for active traders and investors who are looking for an easy-to-use trading platform with advanced features and tools. The company offers multiple types of accounts, including individual and IRA accounts, as well as margin accounts for increased buying power. TradeStation also provides customer service via email, phone, and live chat, as well as online help resources such as webinars and tutorials. Additionally, customers can take advantage of the tiered pricing structure to reduce costs as their account value increases. With its wide range of features and tools, TradeStation is a great option for traders of all levels!