I use to be a client of TD Ameritrade, but their $9.99 per trade was expensive considering that a portion of my portfolio are short term investments. Is there any other REPUTABLE FDIC INSURED online trading platforms that offer a good rate. I heard that some just charge a monthly fee, but I’m not entirely sure. Thanks for you help!
There are no brokerage firms who are insured by the FDIC, all brokerage firms must be covered by SIPC FDIC only insures banks, but not the brokerage operation of the bank
In the US now reputable brokerage firm charges "monthly fees" , they charge for your transactions, some will charge an "inactive" fee or other fees but not a monthly fee
All major brokerage firms provide their clients with on-line services, including trading platforms, latest market & financial news and research.
Customer need to select the site that is best for them. Traders have requirements in a site, while investors have other requirements.
Although most sites are geared to general securities and commodities, however customers may have special needs for the types of products they trade, and the markets in which they trade. For example I use Fidelity for investing. Scottrade for equities trading and ThinkorSwim for option trading
It seems that the most popular firms for on-line investing/trading all of which provide excellent platforms and services are; Scottrade; Chas.Schwab; TDAmeritrade; Fidelity; E-Trade and Thinkorswim. In your situation, you may be best served if you select Scottrade or Schwab
Although if you feel TDAmeritrade’s fees are too high, maybe you should reconsider you invetment program and look for products that are not "short" term