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TD Ameritrade – A Detailed Broker Review 2023

Through an impartial evaluation process of tradingcritique.com, you can discover more about TD Ameritrade which researches and recommends the finest items and services independently.

TD Ameritrade offers zero-cost trades, amazing trading tools, superior market analysis, industry-leading starter education, and dependable customer support. This exceptional all-around experience marks TD Ameritrade.

TD Ameritrade Broker Review- An Intro

Joe Ricketts created First Omaha Securities, Incorporated in 1975, and here is where TD Ameritrade got its start. Over nearly four decades, the brokerage has grown into TD Ameritrade through a series of acquisitions and an initial public offering (IPO) in March 1997. It was one of the first businesses to provide lower commissions and pioneered internet trading in the 1990s.

Charles Schwab Corp purchased TD Ameritrade in 2020. TD Ameritrade now serves 11 million clients with over $1 trillion in assets and offers investing and trading services. The business also serves as the custodian for over 6,000 registered investment advisers.

Image 1: Home page of TD Ameritrade website.

Screenshot from the Home page of the TD Ameritrade broker website

Image Copyrights reserved to TD Ameritrade

Review on Regulation & Trust ability of TD Ameritrade Broker

 The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission, and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) oversee TD Ameritrade, a brokerage that was created on 1975. It is a publicly listed company that operates a bank and is regulated by four tier-1 authorities, zero tier-2, & zero tier-3 regulators.

For most investors, account coverage is more than enough. The Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) insurance of $500,000 is included. As an extra buffer against firm collapse or insolvency, TD Ameritrade automatically provides $149.5 million of supplemental insurance to each customer. Additional coverage of near to $2 million is provided for cash assets.

Review on Accepted countries of TD Ameritrade Broker

Table 1: Supported Countries of TD Ameritrade

Accepted countries Forbidden countries
Singapore
 
Malaysia
 
The United States
 
Hong Kong 
 
China
 
Taiwan
 
Thailand
 
Egypt
 
Brazil
 Australia
 

 The United Kingdom

 
 Canada
 
 Germany
 
 India
 
 Ireland
 
 Netherland
 
 South Africa
 
 The United Arab Emirates

Account Types Review of TD Ameritrade Broker Review

At TD Ameritrade, there is no minimum deposit for such basic account type. It’s worth noting, however, also that the minimum deposit for several other types of accounts or trading preferences may be higher. Customers will find everything they need, from basic to specialist accounts, including:

Types of Standard accounts

Individual account

Individual accounts are standard trading accounts that are owned by a single person. The account holder can choose a beneficiary, who will receive all of the assets in the trading account upon the account owner’s death.

Joint Tenants with Rights of Survivorship (JTWROS)

There are 2 or even more account owners in a JTWROS account, with each owning an undivided stake in the property.

Tenants in Common

A Residents in Common account contains two or even more account owners, each with proportional ownership of the total property. The estate of one of its account owners has the access to its share of the account if that person dies.

Guardian or Conservatorship account

The Conservator or Guardian has access to such account holder’s holdings, which are often those of a juvenile who is unable to care for himself or his property for an extended period.

Community Property Account

Two married persons who earned property during their marriage own a Community Property account (with exceptions). When a couple divorces or dies, the property is divided in half by each spouse.

Tenants by the Entireties

Two married people own a Residents by the Entireties account. This account type is not available to non-resident aliens.

Types of Retirement Accounts

Traditional IRA

A Traditional IRA allows you to put up to $6,000 of tax-deferred income into the account. Owners of accounts aged 50 and up are eligible to make an additional $1,000 contribution.

Roth IRA

The tax advantages of a Roth IRA differ from those of a Traditional IRA. The annual income restrictions apply regardless of whether you qualify for this account, but they are not deductible from your taxes.

Rollover IRA

It is the savings account intended to hold funds provided by an employer’s eligible retirement plan, such as a 401k or 403b (b).

SEP IRA

It is the account of retirement plans for self-employed individuals and small company employees.

Solo 401(k) Retirement plan

For self-employed persons, a Solo 401k retirement plan limits the highest pension contribution (limits or levels). This retirement plan offers generous contribution limits as well as a variety of investment alternatives.

SIMPLE IRA (Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees)

A Simple IRA is a simple-to-manage and salary-deferred retirement account. It is for employees whose employers offer to match their 401(k) contributions.

Pension or profit plan

A company or a self-employed person might create tax-exempt trusts called pension or profit plan accounts for retirement.

Education Account Types

529 Plans

A 529 college savings plan may be a good method to save for college while still receiving tax benefits. Since there are no income restrictions and no requirement for a minimum yearly investment to a 529 plan, it is meant to accommodate the needs of different family budgets.

Coverdell Education Savings Account

The Coverdell ESA is just a savings account designed to help students pay for eligible educational expenditures. Tuition, books, and uniforms, for example, are examples of these expenses. The money is tax-deferred, just like in a 529, permitting your fund to grow quicker.

Custodial Uniform Gift to Minors Act (UGMA)/Uniform Transfer to Minors Act (UTMA):

A minor can hold cash and securities which are managed by a custodian in these sorts of custodial accounts until he or she attains the age of majority within the state where the account is set up.

Specialty accounts

Image 2: Account types of TD Ameritrade website

Image Copyrights reserved to TD Ameritrade

Demo account Review of TD Ameritrade Broker Review

The paper Money simulator from TD Ameritrade gives you $100,000 of virtual money to practise your trading strategies. Customers can use the simulator for no cost, and it makes use of the broker’s robust thinkorswim trading platform. It is allowed for a test run of 60-day for non- U.S customers. You’ll be able to change the site’s layout, backtest your strategy, and do anything else you can on the real-money platform.

Steps to open a TD Ameritrade account

Table 2: Wholly-owned subsidiaries and digital assets of CoinDesk

What you’ll need to get an open account:
    Name and address of your employer
    Individual Identification Number (IIN) or Social Security Number (SSN) (ITIN)
To open a TD Ameritrade account, follow these steps:
   
Select “Set up a new account” from the drop-down menu on the webpage.
   
Fill up your conditions.
   
Create an online account.
   
That’s all there is to it; you’re free to go.

Review on Fees and commissions of TD Ameritrade Broker

TD Ameritrade offers free stock, option, and ETF trading. There have been no fees associated with inactivity or annual transfers from the account, and there are no costs involved with partial transfers. Traders can charge $6.95 if you want to trade over-the-counter stocks (those that aren’t quoted on a stock exchange like the NYSE). You’ll have to spend $75 to transfer your entire balance out. Options transactions are subject to a $0.65 per-contract fee, which is a normal fee charged by all brokers and is only applied to options trading.

Mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have internal costs called expense ratios that are levied by the funds themselves, not by TD Ameritrade. Although the 3,700 mutual funds have no transaction- fees, you’ll have plenty of options. Across over 500 mutual funds on its marketplace with expense ratios of 0.50 percent fewer, more than 1,000 having investing minimums of $100 or less, TD Ameritrade specializes in providing low-cost and low-minimum funds. When you’re fresh to mutual funds, this is a fantastic place to start.

Deposit method Review of TD Ameritrade Broker Review

If you utilize an ACH transfer, you will make free deposits. The depositing method for account funding is easy, and there are no deposit fees. The USD is the only base currency accessible. Checks, ACH, and wire transfers are available to US clients, but only checks and wire transfers are accessible to clients of Singapore, China, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

Credit/debit cards, as well as electronic wallets, are not accepted. It takes one working day to complete the ACH transfer. The minimum amount to transmit is $50. On the other hand, a wire transfer might take several business days.

Image 3: Funding method of TD Ameritrade website

The screenshot of the funding method of TD Ameritrade on the TD Ameritrade broker website

Image Copyrights reserved to TD Ameritrade

Withdrawal method Review of TD Ameritrade Broker Review

The withdrawal is free for ACH transfer. Non-US customers have only one option of withdrawing via wire transfer, which also costs $25.The ACH withdrawal took two business days when we tested it.

Trading Platforms Review of TD Ameritrade Broker Review

The highly regarded thinkorswim platform, in addition to its TD Ameritrade online and mobile platforms, enables expert trade on desktop, Web, and mobile.

Mobile Trading Platform

TD Ameritrade has two mobile applications: TD Ameritrade Mobile for casual investors and thinkorswim Mobile for active traders who want more features.

TD Ameritrade Mobile

TD Ameritrade Mobile is a mobile version of TD Ameritrade. A customizable dashboard is available on TD Ameritrade Mobile accessible for regular investors. The software is easy to use and provides all of the functionality that an investor could want. Your watch lists are synced to your accounts and are completely customizable and stream-able. Meanwhile, stock quotations come with price notifications, headlines, and tidy (and fully-featured) charting, as well as third-party ratings and PDF research papers. It’s simple to place transactions.

Image 4: TD Ameritrade Mobile app of TD Ameritrade website

The screenshot of the Home page of the TD Ameritrade app on the TD Ameritrade broker website

Image Copyrights reserved to TD Ameritrade

Thinkorswim Mobile

For traders, thinkorswim Mobile is one of the best-in-class choices. You are immediately transported to your watch lists after logging in, which are synced also with thinkorswim desktop and browser versions. The software closely resembles the thinkorswim desktop. All 400+ indications from the desktop platform are included in charting, and chart settings are synced in the cloud. All the activities can be monitored and also TD Ameritrade Network and also CNBC; is easily accessible.

Image 5: Thinkorswim Mobile app of TD Ameritrade website

The screenshot of the Home page shows the Thinkorswim Mobile app on the TD Ameritrade broker website

Image Copyrights reserved to TD Ameritrade

Thinkorswim Desktop

The Thinkorswim desktop is the ideal alternative for trading futures, options, and day trades. Only Trade Station’s charting skills come close to matching thinkorswim. Hundreds of visualizations streaming real-time data are just a few mouse clicks away. The 400+ statistical studies provided, which are the most in the business, will satisfy even the most discerning trader.

TD Ameritrade also allows traders to create and perform the existing market scans, share charting, and workspace layout, as well as conduct advanced options research. The rabbit hole will carry any trader as far as their imagination can take them.

Image 6:Thinkorswim Desktop app of TD Ameritrade website

The screenshot of the Home page of the Thinkorswim Desktop app on the TD Ameritrade broker website

Image Copyrights reserved to TD Ameritrade

Thinkorswim Web

Thinkorswim online, in comparison to thinkorswim desktop, allows traders to swiftly manage their accounts while still having access to critical trading functionality. For example, top-tier sources such as Dow Jones Newswire give headlines, and charts include 11 indicators.

While thinkorswim online looks to be uncomplicated on the surface, it has several complex features. From within that trading window on charts, you may make cross options orders and pick from five default strategies.

Image 7: Thinkorswim Web app of TD Ameritrade website.

The screenshot of the Home page of the Thinkorswim Web app on the TD Ameritrade broker website

Image Copyrights reserved to TD Ameritrade

Classic Web Platform

The online trading platform provides you with the knowledge and tools you need to make confident investments. Their cutting-edge tools and services are packed together just to help you better manage your portfolio and invest.

Next-Gen Web Platform

The mobile-focused online site, which builds on the modern amenities of our classic platform, makes it simple to check your money, explore possible investments, and confidently conduct trades on your phone, tablet, or desktop.

Assets Review of TD Ameritrade Broker Review

Stock & ETF

Most all sort of investment is included in equity assets, including American depository receipts, domestic stocks, and many IPO. Commission-free stock & ETF trading are available through TD Ameritrade.

Bond & Fixed income

All deposits and bond certificates, together with various offers and funds, are permitted. The bond and CD wizard allows investors to make specific fixed-income choices depending on their preferences, such as taxable status, maturity, and investment quality. A tool exists to assist investors in the creation of bond & CD ladders.

Options

In a personal retirement plan account, you can successfully trade options. In brokerage accounts, futures options but also portfolio margins are offered.

Futures

To trade futures, you must first get clearance. You may trade futures for 24 hours. The things accessible include stock indexes, oil, platinum, agricultural goods, and interest rates, to name a few.

Mutual Funds

The firm has over 13,000 mutual funds to choose from, none of these are proprietary, resulting in recommendations.

Currency exchange

There is a choice of more than 70 currency pairings to select from 10,000 units. Trading has been done 24/7. Although a charge is represented in the bid-ask spread, there are no commissions. Foreign currency queries can be sent to the trading desk at any time.

Leverage Review of TD Ameritrade Broker Review

Leverage is effectively a loan that allows you to strengthen your position and raise your profits. Margin the other hand might magnify losses. The lowest brokerage industry margin costs can be found at TD Ameritrade. The rate of interest is less when you borrow more.

Image 8: Margin interest rates on TD Ameritrade website

The screenshot of the Home page shows Margin interest rates details on the TD Ameritrade broker website

Image Copyrights reserved to TD Ameritrade

Education Section Review of TD Ameritrade Broker Review

TD Ameritrade is a leader in online financial education. It attempts to deliver courses that are suitable for both novice and experienced traders, such as Basics of Futures Trading and Options for Volatility. There are 200 instructional videos, tutorials, and investment articles available. Webcasts from investment, active trading, portfolio management, and market commentary are all options.

It is part of the TD Ameritrade Network. This live-streaming news station provides market analysis and strategic advice from industry experts.

Image 9: Education section on TD Ameritrade website

The screenshot of the Home page shows the Education section on the TD Ameritrade broker website

Image Copyrights reserved to TD Ameritrade

Research Section Review of TD Ameritrade Broker Review

The company’s investment research tools include third-party expert reports as well as a variety of screeners. It provides up-to-date market data and technical analysis. Predefined screeners based on solid buys, lifespan, best alpha, or lowest expense ratio can help you find chances in stock, options, mutual funds, or ETFs.

The Morningstar Best of the Best Top List is an independent and unbiased resource created quarterly by Morningstar professionals that focus on mutual funds with no transaction costs across 45 categories to present you with choices. The daily morning report brings you the most up-to-date market news, viewpoints, and insights from reliable third-party research firms.

Image 10: Research section on TD Ameritrade website

The screenshot of the Home page shows customer support service on the TD Ameritrade broker website

Image Copyrights reserved to TD Ameritrade

Customer Support Review of TD Ameritrade Broker Review

TDAmeritrade’s customer service is hard to surpass, with 24/7 help through text, fax, live chat, telephone, email, or social media, as well as in-person meetings in more than 250 places. Ask Ted, the digital client service agent who offers automated help by answering inquiries and referring visitors to relevant resources on the site. Clients may also talk live with a service professional without user intervention using TD Ameritrade’s thinkorswim mobile platform.

Many of the salespeople who worked at TD’s trading desk and answered client queries were either veteran floor traders on trading platforms or had been educated by them. For chatbox functions, Meta Messenger, Twitter Direct Messages, Apple Business Chat, and WeChat in Asia were implemented.

Table 3: Customer support of TD Ameritrade

Customer support of TD Ameritrade
Phone

800 454 9272

Twitter

YouTube

Rewards & Risks Review of TD Ameritrade Broker

TD Ameritrade has both the advantages and disadvantages, which are listed in Table 4.

Table 4: Rewards and Risk of the TD Ameritrade

Pros Cons
TD Ameritrade is a publicly-traded company with 4 tier-1 regulatory jurisdictions.
 
Nearly 11 million clients trust TD Ameritrade, which manages nearly $1 trillion in total.
 
It has been a subsidiary of Charles Schwab Corporation, with a collective 28 million clients with $6 trillion in assets.
 
We were so pleased with the thinkorswim platform that we named it the Best Desktop Platform of 2022.
 
In-house research was undertaken by TD Ameritrade's Ticker Tape hub and TD Ameritrade Network.
 Its finance (margin) rates are high.
 

 Credit/debit cards & e-wallets are not accepted for money transfers.

 Only US markets are covered by the product portfolio.

In a Nutshell

Getting into the habit of trading is a great financial asset that you must invest time and effort into developing. To help you get started, Trading critique provide key insights and core information that is both up to date and accurate. For more details about the top brokers, read our broker reviews.

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The screenshot of the Home page of the TD Ameritrade app on the TD Ameritrade broker website

Image Copyrights reserved to Coin Desk

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