TradeStation Review

Matt By: Matt | Last updated April 25, 2019

tradestation logo online stock trading

9.2 / 10

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PROS:

  • TradeStation Labs
  • Mobile App
  • Low fees

CONS:

  • Minimum deposit required
  • No Broker Support
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SUMMARY:

TradeStation is a serious online stock trading solution with a lot to offer. It has many different tools both professional, and beginner users find useful. Its TradeStation University and Labs are a great trove of knowledge about the platform, analytics and the basics of trade and investment.

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COMPLETE REVIEW

Although it didn’t end up in our top five selection, TradeStation is a great online stock trading service that has a lot to offer. The service’s desktop platform is fully customizable, allowing you to easily switch between open windows, as well as set up widgets to help you monitor your account more closely. The platform also gives you a clear overview of your analytic charts, it shows you real-time quotes and it lets you set up watch lists. TradeStation is transparent about how much they charge, and with their different pricing for stocks, options, etc., your earnings directly depend on how much you trade.

Interface and Features

TradeStation has an excellent platform that is fully customizable and easily accessible by users of any online trading experience. The main interface is very well-designed and it allows you to always keep a clear overview of your account by moving and resizing the main windows. At any time, you can also add new windows and different types of widgets. To make the most out of your trading experience, you can create special windows that would contain your position and account information (like your balance). You can also keep track of different stocks you’re interested in, and view their movement on the market on a chart. TradeStation lets you do all this on the go as well. The company’s mobile app is compatible with iPhones, iPads and Android devices. Although the app is stripped of some features you can use on the desktop platform, it’s still a good way of keeping an eye on your account, doing research or viewing analytic charts. The app also lets you make trades and keep track of your position.

Features:

  • Option Strategies
  • Analytic Charts
  • Automated Trading
  • Simulated Trading
  • Mobile App
Pricing

TradeStation has recently changed their pricing. Now, to buy stocks, ETFs or options will cost you $5.00 for every trade, with an extra $0.50 for every options contract. While it’s not the most affordable in our review, TradeStation is reasonably priced considering what you’re getting for the price. Nevertheless, this company charges a penalty fee of $50 if by the end of the month your balance was less than $2000 in average, or if you’ve made less than five sales in the past 12 months.

Other costs you might see on your balance are a $14.95 fee for option exercise or assignment, or a $50 charge for broker-assisted trading. Although it’s overall pricing strategy is in the average values, the broker-assisted fee is the largest in our review. When it comes to interest rates for margin accounts, most are standard, except that in order to get the lowest 6.25%, you have to have a balance of over $10 million dollars which is by far the highest required amount out of all online brokering companies we reviewed.

Help/Support

Phone number: 800.808.9336

Website: www.tradestation.com

Support: www.tradestation.com/education/university/school-of-tradestation-basics

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TradeStation

TradeStation education center has articles, eBooks, guides and other content to help you better understand the platform and everything it entails. The first stop on your learning experience is going to be the TradeStation University, an education center with detailed guides and tutorials best suited for first time users and beginners. This part of the help page is mostly focused on teaching new users how to fully master the platform. TradeStation’s University lacks many essential guides on analytics and investment strategies that are crucial for any trader. The TradeStation Labs are a separate part of the learning center and are essentially a professionally run analytics space. Although beginner users might find this part of the website confusing, as you progress in the world of online investing, you will realize how crucial proper analytics are to any serious trader. If at any time you’d like to contact the customer service, you can do so by email, phone or live chat. While tech support is available 24/7, regular client support can only be reach during office hours.

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Our editorial staff evaluates products and services independently, but Best Review Guide may earn money when you click on links. Read our advertising disclosure.

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