Overall Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.4/5.0)

TD Ameritrade is one of the most respected names in the online brokerage industry, particularly for US-based traders. Known for its comprehensive trading tools, no-commission stock and ETF trading, and world-class educational content, TD Ameritrade stands out as a top choice for stock, options, and ETF investors. While it doesn’t focus on forex and CFDs as heavily as global brokers, it offers robust access to futures, options, and mutual funds, making it ideal for serious investors and active traders alike.

In this review, we’ll explore TD Ameritrade’s key features, regulatory backing, trading platforms, and why it remains one of the most trusted brokers in the US in 2025.

Key Features

TD Ameritrade blends cutting-edge technology with traditional investment services, catering to everyone from passive investors to active traders.

• Trading Platforms:
  • thinkorswim (desktop and mobile) – advanced charting, options tools
  • Web-based trading platform – user-friendly for all skill levels
  • Mobile app – includes real-time quotes and order management
• Markets Offered:
  • Stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds, futures, forex, bonds
  • No crypto CFDs (offers access to crypto futures only)
• Account Types:
  • Individual, joint, retirement (IRA), custodial, and margin accounts
• Leverage:
  • Standard margin up to 2:1 for approved accounts
• Minimum Deposit:
  • $0 to open standard account
• Funding Methods:
  • ACH transfer, wire transfer, cheque deposit

Regulation and Security

TD Ameritrade is highly regulated in the United States, making it one of the safest brokers globally.

• Regulated by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
• Member of FINRA and SIPC
• SIPC insurance covers up to $500,000 per account
• Advanced encryption and biometric login options
• Owned by Charles Schwab, adding further trust and financial backing

Pricing and Costs

TD Ameritrade is competitively priced, particularly for US equities and ETFs, with no trading commissions on most products.

• Stocks and ETFs:
  • $0 commission
• Options:
  • $0 base + $0.65 per contract
• Futures:
  • $2.25 per contract
• Mutual Funds:
  • Over 4,000 no-transaction-fee funds
• Forex:
  • Spread-based pricing (no commission)
• Inactivity Fee:
  • None

Educational Resources and Customer Support

TD Ameritrade is unmatched when it comes to investor education and analytical tools.

• Education:
  • Interactive courses, live webinars, in-person workshops
  • Content tailored to beginner, intermediate, and advanced traders
• Market Analysis:
  • Comprehensive research tools, screeners, analyst reports
  • thinkorswim includes paper trading, backtesting, and charting packages
• Customer Support:
  • 24/7 live support via phone, chat, and email
  • Local branches for in-person support

Risk Management Tools

TD Ameritrade offers a full suite of risk tools across its platforms, especially within thinkorswim.

• Custom alerts, conditional orders, stop-loss, trailing stops
• Real-time risk/reward analysis for options trading
• Portfolio margining for qualified accounts
• No guaranteed stop-loss (standard US brokerage structure)

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Regulated by SEC, FINRA, and SIPC insured
• No commissions on stocks, ETFs, and options
• thinkorswim platform is one of the best in the industry
• Comprehensive educational library and paper trading
• 24/7 customer support

Cons

• Available only to US residents
• No access to crypto spot trading or CFDs
• Forex trading not available to non-professional clients
• No MetaTrader or cTrader platforms

Conclusion: Is TD Ameritrade the Right Choice?

TD Ameritrade is a premier choice for US-based traders looking for a well-regulated, feature-rich platform with no commissions, exceptional education, and deep market access. While it lacks some global products like crypto CFDs or offshore leverage, its combination of thinkorswim, regulatory safety, and customer service makes it ideal for stock and options traders at all experience levels.