The Internet along with the computer has brought online stock trading available to anyone with an Internet connection and some money to invest. Having easy access to a trading account has a disadvantage. If you are not careful in selecting your stocks, you could easily lose all of your money. How to pick winning stocks will be addressed in a different article. We will concentrate here on how to open an online stock trading account.
Online stockbrokers come in two forms. The first type is what is called a discount broker. The second type is called the deep discount broker. It should be obvious that the main difference between these two types of online stockbrokers is the commissions they charge. Discount stockbrokers have commissions that range between $7 and $12 per trade. The deep discounted broker has a commission rate as low as one dollar per trade.
Regardless of which type of stockbroker you choose, you will not be dealing with a person. All stock transactions and communication will be done over the Internet. That is how they can charge such a small commission. If you need to talk to a live person, there is often a charge for that. Be aware of the fees and policy before you sign up.
It is important to know if the stockbroker you choose has real time access to stock trading prices. Sometimes there will be a fee for real-time access. Make sure the website clearly states that they offer real-time quotes. Because the commission rates on deep discounted broker's is so low, they often charge extra for real-time price quotes. If the broker you are considering does not offer these real-time quotes, look elsewhere. Unless you are a long term trader you need up to the minute quotes. The time lag between the actual quoted price and delayed price quote could end up costing you more than the commission would have otherwise been. Therefore, be prepared to pay a higher commission for a more accurate, real-time stock quote.
Once you have done your research and have chosen a broker, you will then need to complete the online application form. In most cases you can fill out the form online and submit it. Be prepared however to print out the application and send the hard copy to the broker as confirmation before you will be allowed to trade online.
Competition is very strong in this field. Because of that, you will probably not have to pay any additional fees. Many times the broker will offer incentives for you joining and trading at their site. The incentive is often a certain number of trades for free for the first month. There may be an inactivity fee, however. That means if you have not had a trade in a certain number of months, they would charge you an inactivity fee. Read the documentation closely so that you are aware of this charge. If your account is an IRA, the inactive fee does not apply.
Once your application is completed and sent to the broker, you will be instructed as to how to deposit your money with them. They may accept a credit card as deposit. If not you will have to make a physical payment into their bank. This can either be done with a check or a wire transfer. Once your account is funded, you are ready to start trading.
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