tastytrade Review 2023

3
/ 5
tastytrade is #33 in our broker rankings.

tastytrade is an options and derivatives broker with trading in a range of equity, forex and crypto markets.


Trusted
$0
Proprietary
Crypto, Stocks, Futures, Options
-
Wire Transfer, ACH Transfer, Automated Customer Account Transfer Service

Forex Trading

Not Available

Stocks Trading

Not Available

CFD Trading

Not Available

Crypto Trading

Not Available

tastytrade, previously tastyworks, is a regulated online brokerage for active investors, where you can trade options, stocks and futures instruments. This review will cover trading fees, minimum deposits, platforms, mobile apps and demo accounts. We also look at the broker’s margin and leverage rates, regulation and extended hours trading, so you can find out whether you should sign up with tastytrade today.

tastytrade Details

tastytrade is a brokerage firm that was founded in 2017 and is dedicated to active options traders. Therefore, the platform is primarily suited to experienced traders, though it also offers stocks and futures. The company has headquarters in Chicago, US and was created by the founders of the Thinkorswim platform, including Scott Sheridan and Tom Sosnoff, along with former CFO Kristi Ross and CTO Linwood Ma.

tastytrade is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and the National Futures Association (NFA). Australian residents are protected by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

tastytrade accepts members from over 50 countries, including European countries like Germany, Greece and the Netherlands, as well as the UK, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the UAE. However, the broker is expanding their list of accepted countries to include the likes of Canada. In 2021, the firm opened up a waiting list for Candian residents. However, the broker does not specify its availability in Hong Kong and Japan.

Trading Platform

tastytrade offers one trading platform that can be accessed via desktop, web and mobile. As the creators of Thinkorswim, the platform has been inspired by this powerful interface. There are several special features included:

tastytrade does not currently offer level 2 data/quotes as they do not offer direct order routing to specific exchanges. Instead, they focus on execution. APIs are also available to download and a Zero Hash account can be opened for cryptocurrency trading. The broker is soon to introduce Lookback, which is a new options backtesting feature.

Assets

As mentioned, tastytrade is specifically dedicated to options trading but also offers stocks and futures. If you wish to trade forex, commodities or mutual funds, then you may want to find an alternative. While this broker offers a limited range of products, options traders can rest assured with a specialised and niche offering that is specifically designed for them. The broker offers the following assets:

Note that this broker only covers US markets. tastytrade does not support OTC or penny stock trading, neither do they offer classic stock screeners.

Fees

When it comes to pricing, tastytrade offers low trading fees. The broker charges $1 per contract for stock options and $2.50 per contract for options on futures when opening a position. Closing a position does not incur any charges. Additionally, the platform does not charge any inactivity fees or account maintenance fees.

Futures contracts are charged at $1.25 per contract, while micro futures contracts have a $0.85 per contract exercise fee. Stock and ETF trading is also commission-free. Other UK alternatives to tastytrade such as Interactive Brokers UK (IBKR) and TD Ameritrade offer zero commission and are also FCA regulated.

tastytrade also caps commissions at $10 per leg on equity options trades and $10 per side for opening and closing crypto trades. All futures trades incur a clearing fee of $0.30 per contract + exchange fees + NFA Fee. tastytrade is confident in its low pricing structure when compared to other popular brokers like Fidelity, E-Trade, CurrencyFair and Schwab.

Leverage

Standard margin trading accounts (non-IRA) have leverage rates of 1:2 for stocks (like GME), according to FINRA regulation. For example, if you have $10,000 of options buying power, your account will have $20,000 of stock buying power. However, the Portfolio Margin accounts allow up to 1:5 leverage. The trading level received is based on how you self-report your Investor Profile. Options approval is key for access to level 3 margin trading. Futures margin calls are typically due T+1 from the day that they are issued, otherwise it might show negative buying power.

Mobile Apps

The tastytrade mobile app is available to download for iOS and Android. The mobile platform is similar to the web platform and shares many of its major functions, such as watchlists, quote information and charts. However, some drawbacks include not enabling price alerts and order notifications. The mobile app also provides two-step/2 factor authentication (2FA) using an authenticator app and QR code.

Payment Methods

tastytrade offers four methods for funding and withdrawing from your account with no deposit fees. However, withdrawal fees are quite high at USD 45 for international wire transfers and USD 25 for wire transfers within the US. The options are:

International accounts can only use the bank wire and Currency Fair methods and payments can only be made in USD. Fund transfers from international sources can take 3 to 5 business days to appear in your trading account. However, withdrawal times can take 1-3 business days on US accounts. The broker does not accept debit/credit cards or Revolut.

Demo Account

tastytrade does not currently offer a demo paper trading account or simulated environment. However, the broker suggests that users can open a tastytrade account without funding it so that they can gain access to the platform. There is also a tutorial video on how to use the web platform.

Deals & Promotions

tastytrade offers a referral affiliate program, which allows members to receive referral credits for each qualified referee. Members can win prizes such as a Google Home, trips to Chicago and even a Tesla Model 5. Members can also take advantage of the broker’s 100 shares or 10 options promos, where they have the choice to receive 100 shares of stock or 10 long options contracts.

The broker is also running a cryptocurrency bonus giveaway for members who open an account up to September 30, 2021. tastytrade is giving away USD 1,000,000 worth of cryptocurrency, gifting new users with $50 in crypto for accounts initially funded with USD 200. Accounts funded with over USD 2,000 are credited with USD 200 worth of crypto.

tastytrade also runs periodic new account sign-up bonuses, like the 250 challenge that provides the opportunity to earn $250 by test driving a simulated tastytrade account. Therefore, it is worth checking out their website for any updates.

Regulation & Licensing

tastytrade is licensed and regulated by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and is a member of the National Futures Association (NFA). US clients are also protected by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) scheme for up to USD 500,000. Note that some investment products, such as futures, are not covered by SIPC.

Australian residents, on the other hand, are protected by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

Education

While tastytrade does not have a dedicated educational centre, Tastytrade’s ‘Learning Centre’ teaches you about how to trade options and futures, the Iron Condor, Pop 50, jade lizard, ZEBRA, indicators stop losses, how to exercise options, selling puts and more.

The broker’s YouTube videos and help centre offer tutorials on how to navigate the platform. This includes how to set up a bracket order also known as a One Triggers a One Cancels Other (OTOCO) order or a One Cancels Other (OCO) order. The help centre also breaks down dividends payment, how to carry out a solo 401k rollover, how to set up a trailing stop loss, orders, net liquidity, building a journal, selling puts, last x size, open interest, maintenance excess, keyboard shortcuts, hotkeys and more. tastytrade also have some unique terms like GTC and quick roll. Therefore, the broker’s help centre provides a glossary.

Account Types

tastytrade offers a range of account types to cater to different needs. While there is no minimum deposit requirement to open a cash account, you require at least a USD 2,000 balance to gain any leverage features.

Coming soon to the platform are custodial account types like UGMA/UTMA and Coverdell.

To open an account, you will need an email address, social security number or ITIN, address and personal details. To view your account number, you must login to the website.

Tastyworks Trusted Contact Referral Code
tastytrade Web Trading Platform

Note that the margin account has a 3-day trade limit in a rolling 5-business day period, otherwise, it will go into PDT. A cash account is not limited to a certain number of day trades, though you can only day trade with settled funds or you receive a good faith violation. tastytrade doesn’t offer fractional shares when you buy or as part of dividend reinvestment.

Benefits

When comparing tastytrade to other competitors like Webull, Robinhood, IG & IBKR, it has the following advantages:

Drawbacks

Trading Hours

tastytrade executes equity security trades during regular trading hours, i.e. Monday through Friday from 08:30 CT until 15:00 CT for equities and from 08:30 CT until 15:15 CT for ETFs.

Extended trading hours are available on the platform from 07:00 until 08:30 CT and 15:00 until 17:00 CT for equities and 07:00 until 08:30 CT and 15:15 CT until 17:00 ETFs.

Customer Support

If the tastytrade platform is not working, keeps crashing, encounters an error code 422 or if your margin check failed, you can contact customer support for help.

There is no listed phone number or email for the customer support team. Nonetheless, the broker’s help centre and countless community pages on Reddit provide additional support, such as reviews, hard to borrow fees, Quicken and release notes.

Information on paying tax for US and non-US residents, such as those in the UK or Malaysia, can be found on our trading taxes guide or a number of online sites.

Safety & Security

The tastytrade trading platform provides a secure trading environment. All futures accounts positions and cash balances are segregated via Apex Clearing Corporation. tastytrade Inc. also adopts high encryption standards and servers are signed with SSL certificates. The mobile platform enables 2FA technology and the broker is regulated by reputable agencies. However, tastytrade does not offer negative balance protection.

tastytrade Verdict

tastytrade, previously known as tastyworks, is a decent broker backed by an experienced team in the financial industry that offers a powerful trading platform with competitive trading fees that are designed to cater to advanced options traders. Additionally, there is a range of educational content and analysis tools on the network alongside a strong selection of account types and order types. If you are an active derivatives trader, you may well find tastytrade to be a good choice.

FAQs

Is tastytrade A Good Broker?

tastytrade is a good broker for active traders that primarily trade stocks, futures and options. It offers a powerful platform inspired by the Thinkorswim platform and has a competitive pricing structure. It is also regulated and backed by good security processes. Therefore, we would consider tastytrade a decent broker to trade with.

Is tastytrade A Direct Access Broker?

No, tastytrade is not a direct market access (DMA) broker. There is no direct-access routing and no Level II data.

How To Close A Position On tastytrade?

There are many ways to close a position on the tastytrade platform. This can be done from the positions tab, then clicking on the symbols group. After selecting the legs you want to close, you can select “close position” to generate a closing order ticket. This can also be done from the right sidebar order window, trade tab and activity tab.

Does tastytrade Have A Demo Or Paper Trading Account?

No. tastytrade do not currently offer a demo account or simulated environment. Instead, the broker suggests that they can open a live account without funding their account to have a look at the platform and markets offered.

How Much Capital Do I Need To Open A tastytrade Account?

There are no account minimums to open an account at tastytrade. However, you will be limited to what you can trade based on your account type and available buying power. Individuals require at least USD 2,000 for margin privileges. Additionally, if your account remains unfunded, it will switch to delayed data quotes.

Accepted Countries

tastytrade accepts traders from Australia, Thailand, Canada, United States, United Kingdom, South Africa, Singapore, Hong Kong, India, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Italy, Denmark, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Qatar and most other countries.

Payment Methods

tastytrade Details

Regulated By SEC, FINRA
Islamic Account No
Mobile Apps iOS & Android
Margin Trading Yes
Volatility Index No
Spot Trading No
Perpetual Swaps No
ELWs No
REITs No
AI / Machine Learning No
Robo Advisor No
P2P Trading No
Negative Balance Protection No
VPS Hosting No
Tournaments No
Demo Competitions No
Managed Accounts No
Market Maker No
Social Trading No
Guaranteed Stop Loss No
Stock Exchanges
  • S&P 500

Cryptocurrency Trading Details

Crypto Lending No
Crypto Staking No
Crypto Mining No
Crypto Auto Market Maker No

Compare tastytrade

Compare tastytrade with similar brokers that accept traders from your location. Among available brokers these are the most similar to tastytrade:

  1. OANDA – OANDA is a popular brand offering exceptional execution, low deposit requirements and advanced charting and trading platform features. The top-rated brand has over 25 years of experience and is authorized by leading regulators, including the CFTC/NFA. Around the clock support is available, alongside flexible contract sizes and automated trade executions.
    Go to OANDA
  2. Webull – Webull is a US-regulated trading app that offers stocks, options, forex, cryptos, ETFs, fractional shares and more. The firm is authorized by the SEC and FINRA with a strong trust rating. Low fees, no minimum investment and generous bonuses have made the discount broker popular with online investors.
    Go to Webull
  3. Forex.com – Forex.com boasts a global reputation with multiple awards and 20+ years experience. Regulated in the US, EU, UK and Canada they offer a huge range of markets, not just forex, and offer competitive fees on a cutting-edge platform. The brand also provides a suite of additional tools, from performance analytics and SMART Signals to advanced charts and strategy builders.
    Go to Forex.com

tastytrade Comparison Table

Compare tastytrade With Similar Brokers
tastytrade OANDA Webull Forex.com
Rating 3 4.5 4.4 4.5
Markets Stocks, Crypto Forex Stocks, ETFs, options, cryptos, forex, ADRs, fractional shares, OTCs Forex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos, Futures, Options
Demo Account No Yes Yes Yes
Minimum Deposit $0 $0 $0 $100
Minimum Trade $0 $5 $1
Regulators SEC, FINRA CFTC, NFA SEC, FINRA CySEC, IIROC, NFA, CFTC, FCA, CIMA, CIRO
Bonus $5,000 welcome bonus with a deposit of $500 Six free stocks
Education No Yes Yes Yes
Platforms MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist MT4, MT5, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
Leverage 1:30 EU, 1:200 Global 1:200
Payment Methods 3 12 3 8
Visit Visit Visit Visit Visit
Review tastytrade
Review
OANDA
Review
Webull
Review
Forex.com
Review

Compare Trading Instruments

Compare the markets and instruments offered by tastytrade and its competitors. Please note, some markets may only be available via CFDs or other derivatives.

Compare tastytrade Trading Instruments
tastytrade OANDA Webull Forex.com
CFD No No No Yes
Forex No Yes Yes Yes
Stocks Yes Yes Yes Yes
Commodities No Yes No Yes
Oil No No No Yes
Gold No Yes No Yes
Copper No Yes No No
Silver No Yes No Yes
Corn No Yes No No
Crypto Yes Yes Yes Yes
Futures Yes No No Yes
Options Yes No Yes Yes
ETFs Yes No Yes No
Bonds No Yes No No
Warrants No No No No
Spreadbetting No No No No
Volatility Index No No No No

tastytrade vs Other Brokers

Compare tastytrade with any other broker by selecting the other broker below.

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tastytrade is an options and derivatives broker with trading in a range of equity, forex and crypto markets.