TradeStation vs TD Ameritrade

TradeStation vs TD Ameritrade Comparison Table 2024
TradeStation TD Ameritrade
3.5

TradeStation is #13 in our CFD broker rankings.

4

TD Ameritrade is #35 in our broker rankings.

United States Flag Traders from US accepted
United States Flag Traders from US accepted

TradeStation is a popular, SEC-regulated broker offering stock, CFD and futures trading through powerful proprietary trading platforms. Available assets vary by region, with CFD trading available on the global branch. The US-based broker has different pricing methods split to cater for active day traders, or longer term stock holders.

TD Ameritrade is a leading discount brokerage offering a vast range of instruments including forex, stocks, futures, options and crypto. The company has nearly 40 years of experience and authorization from the SEC, FINRA and CFTC. Trading takes place via its well-known thinkorswim platform, which offers sophisticated tools and features including stock screeners and calculators.

Comment by Reviewer
"TradeStation is a secure, tried-and-tested broker for stock traders who want a powerful, flexible platform. The $500 minimum deposit makes this broker a better fit for experienced traders." "Traders who want access to a huge range of stocks from a reputable broker with low fees should consider TD Ameritrade. On the downside, we miss access to the familiar MetaTrader 4 software."
Pros
  • Reputable brand with oversight from top US regulators
  • Powerful trading platform with desktop, webtrader and mobile app
  • Support for third-party platform add-ons
  • Fast and responsive customer service
  • Quick, straightforward account setup
  • Competitive commissions on US stocks
  • Advanced order types, including OCO and brackets
  • Automated trading capabilities, including robo-advisors
  • Several trading platforms including proprietary award-winning software
  • TD Ameritrade provides rich in-depth research and educational resources
  • Extended 24/7 trading hours allow for international access to the markets
  • The broker facilitates automatic syncing between desktop and mobile trading platforms
  • There is access to over 350 technical studies, 20 drawing tools and 8 Fibonacci tools
  • Active chat rooms to share ideas and communicate with thousands of experienced traders
  • The Economic Data tool allows access to a range of data about the health of global economies
  • Management Services and Essential Portfolios. Reviews of which show high levels of customer satisfaction
  • Portfolio margin gives some users increased leverage by basing margin requirements on total portfolio risk
Cons
  • Limited ETF options with no commission-free ETFs
  • Expensive subscription fees for many add-ons
  • Pricing disadvantages less active traders
  • Limited free data and in-depth research
  • CFD trading not available
  • No MT4 or MT5 integration
  • Fractional shares are not offered
  • No direct cryptocurrency trading
  • Broker-assisted trade commissions are around $25
  • Stringent margin maintenance requirements and high fees
  • New traders may be overwhelmed by the vast amount of information and tools available
Awards
  • Best Broker for Beginners 2022 - Investopedia Best Online Broker Awards
  • Best Online Broker for Stock Trading Platform and Research 2022 - NerdWallet's Best-Of Awards
  • #1 Platform & Tools, #1 Active Trading, #1 Options Trading, #1 Customer Service, and #1 Phone Support 2022 - StockBrokers.com Online Broker Review
Instruments
CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Futures, Commodities Forex, Stocks, ETFs, Cryptos, Futures, Options, Commodities, Bonds
Demo Account
Yes Yes
Minimum Deposit
$500 $0
Trading Platforms
  • MT4
  • eSignal
  • AutoChartist
Payment Methods
Minimum Trade
Min lot size will vary $0
Regulator
SEC SEC, FINRA, CFTC
Margin Trading
No Yes
STP Account
No No
ECN Account
No No
DMA Account
Yes Yes
MAM Account
No Yes
PAMM Account
No No
LAMM Account
No No
Demat Account
No No
AI / Machine Learning
No No
Robo Advisor
No Yes
Negative Balance Protection
No No
Market Maker
No No
P2P Trading
No No
Spot Trading
No No
Mobile Apps
iOS, Android and Windows iOS & Android
App Review

TD Ameritrade offers currency trading via Android and iOS mobile and tablet apps. Users can speculate on over 75 currency pairs with low fees and advanced trading tools. Deposit funds and manage accounts in a few clicks.

Auto Trading
Yes - Auto trading available via bots
Copy Trading
No No
Social Trading
No No
Trade Signals
Yes
VPS Hosting
No No
Tournaments
No No
Demo Competitions
No No
Ethical Investing
No Yes
Custodial Account
No Yes
Guaranteed Stop Loss
No No
Inactivity Fee
$0
Islamic Account
No No
Account Currencies
  • USD
  • EUR
  • GBP
  • CAD
  • AUD
  • JPY
  • CHF
  • USD
Stock Exchanges
Commodities
CFD Trading
Trade CFDs on popular asset classes, including forex and stocks. FX CFD commissions are competitive at 0.6 basis points while for shares it's a minimum of $3 per order. CFD trading not offered
Leverage
1:20
FTSE Spread
N/A
GBPUSD Spread
N/A
Oil Spread
0.06 pips
Stocks Spread
0.2% Var
Forex Trading
Speculate on 26 currencies including majors. Top-tier liquidity is available from 17 of the biggest forex dealing banks, alongside dynamic order management and low commissions. Trade 70+ forex pairs including majors, minors or exotics via the desktop, mobile or webtrader app with no commission and 1:2 leverage. The choice of currencies is wider than most forex brokers.
Forex App

TD Ameritrade offers currency trading via Android and iOS mobile and tablet apps. Users can speculate on over 75 currency pairs with low fees and advanced trading tools. Deposit funds and manage accounts in a few clicks.

GBPUSD Spread
Variable Variable
EURUSD Spread
Variable Variable
EURGBP Spread
Variable Variable
Assets
26 75+
Cryptocurrency
Crypto trading not offered Gain exposure to cryptocurrency markets through OTC crypto trusts, mutual funds and ETFs and Bitcoin futures. This offers portfolio diversification opportunities and trading vehicles beyond standard crypto CFDs.
Spread
Commission fees apply
Coins
  • BTC
  • ETH
  • MBT
  • MET
Crypto Lending
No No
Crypto Mining
No No
Crypto Staking
Yes No
Auto Market Maker
No No
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