Are you confused about whether to choose TD Ameritrade vs Firstrade as a broker for your investing needs?
In this side-by-side comparison, we analyse TD Ameritrade vs Firstrade to help you understand how these apps compare on some of the most common features and make a better-informed decision about the best broker for you.
Below, you’ll find the pros and cons of each broker, as well as a comparison table that features the different fees charged, the financial instruments supported, the regulation, and more. Keep reading!
TD Ameritrade vs Firstrade: In a Nutshell
US traders looking for an all-in-one solution
TD Ameritrade is an established online broker with a strong presence in the United States, offering 0% commissions on stocks, ETFs and options.
One of the key advantages of TD Ameritrade is its robust trading platform, thinkorswim. This platform offers advanced charting capabilities and customizable layouts.
TD Ameritrade prides itself on its exceptional customer service, offering 24/7 support via phone, email, and live chat, including a network of physical branches throughout the United States.
US investors looking for US options only
Firstrade is a traditional company founded in 1985 that recently changed its strategy to become a commission-free online trading platform for stocks, ETFs and options.
The broker is considered safe, with a long track record that survived a few crises and top-tier regulators’ supervision.
The main drawbacks are its limited products offering (no European ETFs, stocks,…) and the fact that it only offers fractional shares on reinvested dividends.
Pros and Cons
TD Ameritrade
Pros
- 0% commissions on stocks, ETFs and options
- No minimum deposit
- Good research and educational tools
- Excellent customer support
- Wide investment selection
Cons
- No fractional shares
- The only available market is the US
- No credit/debit cards for deposit/withdrawals
Firstrade
Pros
- Commission-free stock, ETF, mutual fund and options trading
- Good research and educational content
- No inactivity fees
- No minimum deposit
Cons
- You can trade only on US markets
- No 24/7 customer support
- No demo account
- No fractional shares
TD Ameritrade vs Firstrade: Side-by-side Comparison
- General Information
- Founded in
- Demo Account
- Account Minimum
- Interest on unninvested cash (annually)
- Products
- Stocks
- ETFs
- Bonds
- Funds
- Options
- Futures
- CFDs
- Leverage Products
- Forex
- Cryptocurrencies
- Commodities
- Fees
- US stocks
- EU stocks
- ETFs
- Cryptocurrencies
- Custody Fee
- Inactivity Fee
- Withdrawal Fee
- Connectivity Fee
- Currency Conversion Fee
- Security
- Regulators
- Investor Compensation Scheme(per person, per institution)
Franklin is a CFA Level III Candidate with 3 years of experience in Wealth Management as a Fund Research Analyst and the Host of the "Edge Over Hedge" YouTube Channel.
