TradeStation is an online brokerage platform for trading stocks, options, futures, and crypto. This review covers key details, features, pricing, and more.
What is TradeStation?
TradeStation is an online brokerage founded in 1982 that provides trading platforms, analysis tools, and brokerage services aimed at active traders.
Some key things to know:
- TradeStation offers downloadable desktop and web-based trading platforms.
- The platforms provide advanced analytics, automation, scanning, backtesting, and more.
- TradeStation caters to frequent traders who rely on technical analysis.
- The brokerage supports trading of stocks, ETFs, options, futures, forex, and crypto.
- Pricing and account minimums are geared for active trading.
Overall, TradeStation’s strengths are robust trading platforms, analysis capabilities, and competitive commissions for active traders. More casual investors may prefer other discount brokers.
TradeStation Trading Platform – Overview
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1982 |
| Headquarters | Plantation, Florida |
| Key Offerings | Trading platforms, brokerage, market data, analysis, crypto |
| Account Minimum | $0 for cash account |
| Stock/ETF Trades | $0 + $0.01/share commission |
| Options Trades | $0 + $0.60/contract |
| Platforms | Desktop, web, mobile apps |
| Account Types | Individual, joint, IRA, trust |
| Customer Service | Phone, chat, email support |
Tradestation Paper Trading
TradeStation offers paper trading accounts to practice trading risk-free:
- Paper trading accounts mirror real trading platforms.
- You can test strategies without putting real capital at risk.
- Accounts use real-time streaming market data for an accurate experience.
- Place simulated buy/sell orders, set stop losses, track P&L, and use analysis tools.
- No actual trades are executed, so you don’t lose or earn money.
- Useful for beginners to learn and experienced traders to test strategies.
- Accounts can switch between paper trading and live trading.
Overall, TradeStation’s paper trading provides an effective way to practice trading skills without capital risk before going live.
What is TradeStation Investments?
TradeStation Investments is the business unit within TradeStation Group that provides self-directed investing accounts and trading services. Key offerings include:
- Brokerage accounts to invest in stocks, ETFs, options, futures, futures options, forex, and crypto.
- Individual retirement accounts like Traditional and Roth IRAs.
- Sophisticated trading platforms for analysis, automated trading, and monitoring.
- Trading apps for mobile access to accounts.
- OTCBB/penny stocks trading.
- Cash management solutions like debit cards and bill pay.
- No account minimums and competitive trade commission pricing.
TradeStation Investments equips active self-directed traders with trading platforms, analysis tools, and low-cost trades.
TradeStation Investments Account Login
You can log in to your TradeStation Investments account online:
- Go to www.tradestation.com and click “Login”.
- Enter your unique username.
- Input your password.
- Accept the terms and conditions.
- Enter your two-factor authentication code if enabled.
- Your TradeStation account dashboard will load.
- View balances, positions, orders, statements, and more.
- Access the trading platforms, analysis tools, and market data.
- Trade stocks, futures, options, ETFs, and other products.
- Use the logout button when finished for security.
Bookmark the login page to access it quickly. Contact support if you have login issues.
TradeStation Platforms & Tools Available
TradeStation offers several trading platforms and analysis tools:
Desktop Platform
- Downloadable Windows-based platform.
- Advanced charting, strategy backtesting, and market scanning.
- Automated trading system development and debugging.
- Algo orders, matrix, basket trading, and other advanced order types.
Web Trading Platform
- Browser-based with full trading capabilities.
- Charting, analytics, account management.
- Syncs across devices.
Mobile Trading Apps
- Android and iOS apps to monitor, and trade.
- Analysis tools, customization, notifications.
Market Data & Analysis
- Real-time streaming data.
- Charting, trading signals, screening, price alerts.
- Paper trading, risk monitoring.
TradeStation provides multi-platform trading tailored to active traders along with robust analytics.
How to withdraw money from a brokerage account?
Follow these steps to withdraw money from your TradeStation account:
- Log into your TradeStation account dashboard.
- Go to the Accounts page and select your account.
- Click on Withdraw Funds and enter the withdrawal amount.
- Choose Withdrawal Method – bank transfer, wire, check, etc.
- Enter your bank account information if required.
- Review and submit the withdrawal request.
- Allow 2-3 days for electronic transfers.
- Checks can take 5-10 days to receive and clear.
- Monitor your account Activity and monthly statements.
Ensure your account has sufficient cash before withdrawing. Contact support if any issues.
How do you add money to a Brokerage account?
You can fund your TradeStation brokerage account through:
- ACH Transfers – Electronically transfer from your linked bank account.
- Wire Transfers – Initiate a wire from your bank.
- Checks – Mail personal, cashier’s, or money order checks.
- Account Transfers – Transfer assets/cash from another brokerage.
- Credit/Debit Cards – Use the card to deposit cash quickly.
Log into your TradeStation account and go to the Funding page. Ensure enough buying power before trading. Make repeated deposits to maintain balances.
TradeStation Brokerage fees
TradeStation’s main brokerage fees include:
- $0 account minimum balance.
- $0 monthly account maintenance fees.
- $0 for real-time streaming market data.
- $0 base commission for stock/ETF trades + $0.01 per share.
- $0 base commission for options trades + $0.60 per contract.
- Margin interest rates from 9.25% to 9.50%.
- No fees for account transfers or paper statements.
- Inactivity fees after 12 months of no trading.
- Additional fees may apply for foreign trades, mutual funds, wires, etc.
Pricing is competitive for active traders with no minimums, solid base commissions, free market data, and waived common fees.
How to buy & Sell stock through a brokerage account?
Buying Stocks @ tradestation.com
- Log into your TradeStation account and access the trading platform.
- Search for the stock symbol you want to buy.
- Select Order Type – Market, Limit, Stop.
- Enter the share quantity and review the estimated cost.
- Submit the buy order.
- The order will be executed if it meets the market price.
Selling Stocks @ TradeStation Trading Platform
- Log into your TradeStation account.
- Navigate to the Positions page.
- Select the stock position you want to sell.
- Enter the share quantity and order type to sell.
- Review and submit the sell order.
- The order will be executed at the current market price.
Ensure you have enough buying power before buying stocks. Monitor order status until filled.
TradeStation Customer Service
TradeStation customer service options include:
Client Services & Technical Support
Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET
800.822.0512 U.S. (toll-free) 954.652.7900 U.S. (direct)
008.007.777.6543 Europe (toll-free) +1.954.652.7900 International (direct)
Trade Desk
To place a trade, and for balance position, and margin inquiries.
800.822.0512 U.S. (toll-free) 954.652.7900 U.S. (direct)
008.007.777.6543 Europe (toll-free) +1.954.652.7900 International (direct)
- Phone Support – Call 1-800-808-9336 24/5 for trading platform and account help.
- Live Chat – Chat with a support rep during market hours through the online chat widget.
- Email – Email support@tradestation.com for assistance.
- Support Center – Search the FAQ articles and video library for self-help.
- Account Notifications – Enable alerts and notifications through your account.
- Social Media – Follow TradeStation on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube for updates.
Overall, TradeStation provides solid customer service access via phone, email, chat, and educational resources.