The Best Low Cost Online Brokers For IRA, Stocks and Options Trading – Reviews and Commissions

If you are thinking of investing in the stock market or just looking to start an IRA then you need an online broker. In today’s online world there are lots of good choices, but the key things to look for are cost, convenience and customer support. Here’s a summary of leading online brokers that meet this criteria from which you should be able find at least one that meets your trading needs.

Broker Pricing Structure and Review Get More Info Scottrade*^ $7 stock and option trades; +$1.25 per option contract Provides low cost trading and sound educational resources online and at its 450 branches around the country OptionsHouse^ $3.95 per stock trade; $5 for up to 5 option contracts Amongst the lowest cost brokers, with a sophisticated trading platform for stock and option traders Zecco*^ $4.95 stock and option trades; +65¢ per option contract Investors can leverage the Zecco community to share ideas and save money with ultra-low commisions TD Ameritrade*^ $9.99 stock and option trades; +75¢ per option contract #1 rated stock broker in 2011, with a range of trading tools. Great for educational resources and research E*Trade*^ $7.99-$9.99 trades; +75¢ per option contract Arguably the most well known discount broker with a one stop trading, banking and research platform TradeKing* $4.95 per trade; +65¢ per option contract Highly rated for customer service as well as for its “Trader Network” that enables investors to interact to share ideas

* Good for new or beginner investors; ^ Offers IRA and Roth IRA Accounts