Firstrade Review - For The Smaller Investers

As of today, Firstrade is already a broker with a name. Though it’s not a so good and so popular name, at least it has already left a mark and an identity in the stock trading industry.

Well, in general, Firstrade is also good broker for casual investors and serious traders. Firstrade is not like most of the stock brokers that offer whooping commission fees. In fact, Firstrade only charge a flat rate of $6.95 per trade and require no minimum account balance.

And there is no commissions on mutual funds that is already 180 days old or more. It’s just that Firstrade only offer enough basic tools and educational sources and not more advanced ones like automatic trading and virtual trading.

Possible Costs

What’s good about Firstrade is actually the price it cost. Firstrade is actually cheaper compared to others. Basically, Firstrade requires no minimum account balance therefore there is also no maintenance fee.

Not to mention the flat rate charge of $6.95 per trade, particularly for market trades, limit trades and even options trade. And for broker-assisted orders you’ll have to pay $26.95 (cheaper compared to those of others) and for options contract the fee would be $1.25.

Investments Provided

Firstrade has actually provided the basic investment vehicles any trader would need – stocks, options, mutual funds , and exchange-traded funds. Fixed income investments like U.S. treasury and municipal bonds, corporate bonds, zero-coupon bonds and certificates of deposit are also made available if in case clients prefer these investment vehicles.

Retirement accounts, IRAs and Roth IRAs and education savings plan, Coverdell ESAs are also offered if in case you want to fund your own or your child’s higher education.

Tools and Features Offered

In terms of trading tools and features, Firstrade has almost extended everything, from the basic tools up to the complexed features. Well, calculators, alerts, a customizable desktop, level I and II quotes, charts and graphs and stock search tool are all available.

Educational resources like streaming news, analyst research/reports, tax information, and blogs, are also provided. Not to mention the internet trading, phone trading and 5 second trade execution guarantee.

Security and Ease of Use

Generally speaking, Firstrade is a secure, efficient online stock aid. Secure because it is a member of SIPC, and has provided a secure website and fraud protection system. While efficient because it’s site is easy to navigate and actually with well-labeled categories and tabs. You will also be provided with everything you need as quick as possible.

Customer Support

If you do have questions about the service of Firstrade or just plainly with regards to trading, you can actually contact Firstrade via telephone, email or live chat. Online documentation, virtual tours/tutorials and FAQ page are also accessible if in case you want to learn some things on your own.

Summary

Firstrade is actually perfect for traders who do not have much money to invest. Basically, Firstrade provides cheaper fees and commissions so money is not really a big deal. It also has a lot of tools, features, educational resources and great customer support that will surely help one make most out of the money he has.

Leave a Reply