Scottrade

Scottrade

Scottrade is an online brokerage firm that provides a platform for self-directed investing. It allows users to trade stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, and options with low trading fees.
Scottrade image
stocks etfs mutual-funds bonds options trading investing

Scottrade: Self-Directed Online Brokerage Platform

Scottrade offers a platform for self-directed investing, allowing users to trade various financial instruments at competitive rates.

What is Scottrade?

Scottrade is an online discount broker that provides a trading platform and tools for self-directed investors to buy and sell stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds, and fixed income investments. Founded in 1980 and headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, Scottrade pioneered the concept of discounted commissions in the online brokerage industry.

Some key features of Scottrade include:

  • Low stock, ETF, and options trade commissions starting at $6.95 per online trade
  • Access to online trading, mobile apps, research tools, and market data
  • Availability of retirement accounts like IRAs as well as banking products through Scottrade Bank
  • Branch office locations across the country offering localized investment guidance
  • Customer support via live chat, email, phone, and in-person at local branches
  • Education for new investors including webinars, seminars, and a large library of trader education resources

Scottrade competes with other discount brokers like E*TRADE, TD Ameritrade, and Charles Schwab as well as robo advisors like Betterment and Wealthfront. In 2017, Scottrade was acquired by TD Ameritrade.

Scottrade Features

Features

  1. Online trading platform
  2. Low trading commissions
  3. Access to stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, options
  4. Research tools and market data
  5. Mobile and desktop apps
  6. Banking services like checking accounts

Pricing

  • Subscription-Based
  • Pay-As-You-Go

Pros

Low trading commissions

User-friendly trading platforms

Good customer service

Wide range of tradable securities

Educational resources for new investors

Cons

Limited international trading

Less research tools than some competitors

Website can be slow during high trading volume

No futures, forex, or crypto trading


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