TD Ameritrade has been long considered as the best online broker in the world. It’s been rated number one by critics in selection, access to research tools, outstanding customer service and is a wonderful platform for both novices and professionals.

Some other factors to consider:​

TD Ameritrade offers an immersive education for traders to give them a competitive edge even if they are new to trading.

They also provide fantastic customer support that’s available 24/7. You can get in touch with trading specialists and even find live help from retired floor trading pros.

Its elegant and easy to use trading platforms is available on your computer, over the web or even through mobile making it easy to trade no matter where you are.

TD Ameritrade goes to exceptional lengths to ensure it delivers 3rd party research and unbiased help

Interactive Brokers is a favorite broker for professional and even institutional traders around the globe. The goal in mind for interactive brokers is to lure experienced investors through intelligent incentives. It combines world-class research tools with lightning speed transactions and low commissions.

However, it’s important to understand that commissions are dynamic on this platform and you should only use Interactive Brokers if you have some good experience under your belt. Novices are rightfully known to struggle with its advanced platform.

Some other factors to consider:​

Interactive Brokers gives traders access to more than 80 different stock exchanges making it easy to access the best opportunities in the world.

Interactive Brokers showcases an incredible selection of stocks that are available for shorting.

Interactive Brokers trade execution is far superior to most of the competition

Interactive Brokers has an immersive trading platform but no research available for traders.

Scottrade is an incredible opportunity for traders who are interested in setting up a Roth IRA account. This broker has a flat $7 trading fee across all trades and has a maximum trade rate of $17 for mutual fund trading.

If you’re struggling and you need help, Scottrade has over 500 branches. Odds are you’ll be able to talk to someone in person, and there’s no substitution for being able to talk to someone face to face about their investments and their future.

Some other factors to consider:​

Tax-free growth and low commissions.

It’s free to open and maintain an IRA account. You can get started with $0.

Free retirement investing education to help guide you through making long-term trades. You can visit your local branch any time for help.

A regular trading account has a minimum of $2,500 but Roth IRA has no minimums so you can start on your future on any budget.

Cheap commissions almost never come with broker assistance, but TradeKing wanted what is best for beginners that are trading on a budget. With staggering low commission rates, it’s rare for brokers to be friendly with traders. However, TradeKing is home to over half a million traders and is praised by its traders for excellent customer service.

TradeKing’s trading platform has real-time streaming and customizable technical analysis tools that are rare for discount priced trading. It’s easy to see why TradeKing is known as the king when it comeS to beginners and novices.

Some other factors to consider:​

It’s natural to get nervous when your stocks look like they’re in a bind. All you have to do is call up for some help, and a trained professional will guide you through your trades for FREE.

TradeKing has a great “social media” network that allows traders to hangout and get to know more about trading. It’s the perfect place for beginners to relax during their down time.

TradeKing is the perfect place to learn more about investing, options and equities. The education includes free weekly webinars.

You can execute orders through mobile which is an important aspect for beginners that are always on the run.

Robinhood is a gem if you’re looking for commission free trading. While there are limitations to available trading options and the lack of a drip feature, Robinhood is a steal for those traders who are looking to buy a couple of stocks at a time free of charge. Robinhood is a sharp trading platform that can be accessed through mobile and the trading execution is surprisingly quick.

Some other factors to consider:​

It’s incredibly easy to sign up and get started.

While there’s a lack of research and technical analysis available, Robinhood supports stop limits, limit orders, and even stop orders.

Robinhood is a member of FINRA and SIPC which protects customers for up to half a million dollars. The platform is also incredibly secure due to its encryption technology. In short, free trading doesn’t mean you're taking a risk with your money and your identity.

Robinhood provides real-time market data which is a massive plus for free trading commissions.