single stocks

[fruitbowlk]

Where do you buy your single stocks?

[bigdaddybus]

I have used Scottrade for a few years. I like both their online setup as well as my local branch office (very helpful guys).

I only buy in $500 or large increments to keep the fees from taking to big of a bite, stick with limit orders, and I don't invest in what I don't understand (options Yes, margin account No)

[KTP]

Switch to optionshouse if you do options bigdaddy. Cheapest place by far.

I have an etrade account and an optionshouse account. Etrade charges me about $30 to do a buy-write covered call on 1000 shares. At optionshouse it costs $13.

[kv968]

I started off with Scottrade (which I kinda consider the AOL of brokerages). It seems like a lot of people start their trading with them just like people back in the day used AOL for internet access. They're pretty decent...ok charting, good community and good educational stuff. They have an "elite" program with better charting and all if you have $25k or average something like 6 trades per 3 months. They aren't too good for options though since to do anything more than just buying an option you have to currently sign up to their "OptionFirst" platform which is different. Not a bad place to start, or stay for that matter. $7/trade on equities.

I mostly use OptionsFirst. Cheaper commissions $3.95/trade (although its going up to $4.75 if you don't have an account by October 1st. Still a great rate). Not much charting, community or educational material but good for what I need it for...cheap options.

I also recently opened an account for my GF at TD Ameritrade/Think or Swim to get access to their trading platform. By far one of the best out there for charting and analyzing trades although there can be a pretty steep learning curve in using it. However they do have customer help available constantly if you need it. Their commissions aren't the best either at $9.99/trade.

So I'd say depending on how much you're planning on trading, what you're trading and what tools you'd like to use the decision differs. I think if you'd like an overall, decent platform with good customer support, go the "AOL way" and at least check out Scottrade.

[MonkeyMama]

Fidelity - I already had an account with them and was one of the more recommended/lower-priced brokers. I don't do any huge level of trading though - just a few trades per year. ($7.95 per trade??)

[KTP]

If you just trade stocks, the best deal by far is Wells Fargo Wellstrade.

With $25,000 in your account, you get 100 free trades a year....zero commissions. Very nice for setting up your own personal index.

[MatthewC]

I recommend Scottrade. Their customer service is great and the cost for trades is low. Yes, other brokerages might be cheaper, although Scottrade is plenty cheap at $7 a trade, but a lot of other places have various things that you want to avoid.. like hidden fees, and some places put hassles in place to keep you from taking your money out occasionally. Scottrade's reputation is worth keeping your account there when you're just trading stocks.