TD Ameritrade Review

Our Verdict

TD Ameritrade is the best platform for options traders.

GetASearch Score: 8.5/10

Rating: 4.5/5 (2156 reviews)

Score Breakdown

What is TD Ameritrade?

TD Ameritrade, now fully integrated into the Charles Schwab ecosystem, remains one of the most powerful trading platforms available to retail investors. Known for its legendary thinkorswim platform, TD Ameritrade offers commission-free trading on stocks, ETFs, and options, along with sophisticated tools for technical analysis, options strategy building, and paper trading. The thinkorswim platform is the crown jewel - a desktop application packed with over 400 technical studies, customizable charting, real-time Level II quotes, and a scripting language (thinkScript) for building custom indicators. Active traders can execute complex multi-leg options strategies, analyze risk with probability tools, and backtest strategies against historical data. The platform also includes a paper trading mode with virtual funds, perfect for learning without risk. For less active investors, the TD Ameritrade website and mobile app provide a streamlined experience with research from Morningstar, CFRA, and other providers. The education center is among the best in the industry, featuring webcasts, in-person events, courses, and articles covering everything from stock basics to advanced options strategies. TD Ameritrade supports stocks, options, futures, forex, mutual funds, fixed income, and ETFs - all from a single account. Account minimums are $0 for most account types, and the platform offers a wide range of retirement accounts including traditional and Roth IRAs, SEP IRAs, and 401(k) rollers. Margin rates are competitive, and the platform provides free real-time quotes and news feeds. Customer support is available 24/7 via phone, chat, and in-person at local branches. As part of the Schwab family, TD Ameritrade clients benefit from SIPC protection up to $500,000 and additional insurance through Lloyds of London. The integration brings access to Schwab banking products, fractional shares, and an expanded branch network while preserving the thinkorswim experience that active traders rely on.

Integrations: TradingView, Morningstar, CFRA

thinkorswim: The Options Trader's Dream

thinkorswim is the most sophisticated options trading platform available to retail investors. The Analyze tab lets you model any options strategy and visualize profit/loss at any price point.

Education: Learn While You Invest

TD Ameritrade's education platform is the most comprehensive in the brokerage industry. Live webcasts, hundreds of on-demand courses, and a paper trading simulator.

TD Ameritrade Features

Key Specifications

TD Ameritrade Pricing

• Stock/ETF: $0
• Options: $0.65/contract
• Futures: $2.25/contract

Best For

• Options traders using thinkorswim
• Research-driven investors

Not Ideal For

• Crypto traders
• International investors

Final Verdict

TD Ameritrade is the best platform for options traders.

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