Q: Online Trading Accounts - ETrade, Ameritrade???
 

I have a few dollars I'd like to play keep-away with my broker and try to invest myself. I'm tired of consistently beating the market with mock portfolios but never dumping it in my own account.

Any of you satisfied with an online brokerage service? I am interested in strong research and portfolio management tools.

TIA for the advice.

I am using Ameritrade for few years, no issues. Ameritrade is also getting ready to merge with TD waterhouse.

I use fidelity and I am happy with them.

I used to work for TD waterhouse and they did ok.
I had accounts at Datek (now Ameritrade) and Etrade and their trading platform was fun and simple to use. As of late I have an account with Scottrade and i like it a lot. Very simple trading interface and cheap trades.

I have Scottrade as well and I like it as well. Simple to use and cheap.

actually etrade made a bid to buy ameritrade recently. td waterhouse is left on the back burner right now. etrade pulled out of a offer to buy td last year.

as all analysts on wall street have been saying, expect to see more consolidation in this industry in the near future... and its better for the industry if there was more consolidation.

I've used several online brokers. Fidelity was the worst for me; I had several accounts. One of which was a 401(k) and there was one foreign stock I never saw one dividend from, even though they did pay one. When I left a previous employer I moved the 401(k) and I now get the biannual dividend. Fidelity asked what they could do to keep me as a customer, I said pay me the dividends I never got and we'll talk. I still have yet to see the money and it's been several years. I would think twice before using Fidelity. I have most of my money at Schwab and will continue to do so. One of the advantages to Schwab is that you also have mortar locations you can go to. If I'm moving a lot of money around, I prefer to do it in person and not through the Internet and mail.

Guys,
Great feedback. I plan to use your feedback in my decision making process.
Thanks for the help!
Chris