| Many investors stay with the first online discount | | | | free trades each month if you have a minimum |
| broker they start with. Because of this it is | | | | balance of $25,000. But trading fees are only part |
| important to do thorough research into what makes | | | | of the equation. Most discount brokers charge very |
| an online broker right for you. In the last ten year | | | | fews account or maintence fees. The biggest |
| online stock trading has become much more | | | | difference between most brokers is in their IRA |
| common. Internet technology and new companies | | | | accounts. IF you are starting an IRA make sure you |
| have made stock trading possible for much of | | | | look at all the possible fees that may be charged |
| America. In order to stay competitive there are | | | | when you start one. The best online brokers will |
| usually no minimums, no inactivity fees, and best of all | | | | have no fees for IRA accounts. There is an |
| trades are as low as $4.95. Those features are in | | | | exception with closing an IRA (because everyone |
| addition to helpful realtime stock quotes, advanced | | | | charges to close an account). |
| trading capabilities, and ample free research tools. | | | | Ease to open account. Some brokers require much |
| Starting an account is easier than ever and you can | | | | more than other brokers. In almost all cases signed |
| usually start trading within an hour of signing up. But | | | | tax documents are required to be faxed to the |
| what is the best broker. What are the features | | | | broker. The best brokers will allow you to do |
| that matter most. For the majority of investors the | | | | everything online without the need to mail or fax |
| basic service of any company will be more than | | | | anything in. Once your account is created the |
| adaquete. Beyond just the basic usage what else | | | | other issue is funding your account. Bank transfers |
| matters when comparing the best online discount | | | | from your checking account are the easiest way to |
| broker. | | | | fund an account. The best brokers allow you to fund |
| Trading and Service Fees. If you are trading very | | | | an you account within minutes of starting. When |
| frequently or have a small initial sum to invest these | | | | a brokers makes you wait days or have complex |
| fees will make the difference between making a | | | | funding options it delays your potential trading days. |
| profit. With the advent of true discount brokers | | | | Look for brokers that keep you safe but don’t |
| these fees have been driven down to almost | | | | require too much hoop jumping to move money to |
| nothing. One company in particular will give you five | | | | and from your account. |