TD Ameritrade 2025 Review: Everything You Need to Know
TD Ameritrade has established itself as a formidable player in the online brokerage landscape, especially following its acquisition by Charles Schwab in 2020. Overall, the brokerage is well-regarded for its commission-free trading, extensive educational resources, and robust trading platforms. However, some drawbacks, such as the lack of fractional shares and direct cryptocurrency trading, have been noted by users and experts alike.
Note: It is essential to consider that TD Ameritrade operates under different regulatory entities based on the region, which could affect user experience and service availability. This review aims to provide a balanced and accurate assessment of TD Ameritrade based on various sources and expert opinions.
Rating Summary
We evaluate brokers based on user feedback, expert reviews, and industry standards.
Broker Overview
Founded in 1975, TD Ameritrade has evolved into one of the leading online brokerages in the United States, boasting over $6 trillion in customer assets and more than 28 million clients. The brokerage offers a comprehensive suite of trading platforms, including the highly acclaimed thinkorswim platform, which caters to both novice and experienced traders. TD Ameritrade provides access to a wide range of asset classes, including stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, options, futures, and forex. It is regulated by top-tier authorities, including the SEC, FINRA, and CFTC.
Detailed Sections
Regulated Geographic Areas
TD Ameritrade operates primarily in the United States and is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). This regulatory framework ensures that the brokerage adheres to strict standards of financial conduct and provides a layer of protection for investors.
Deposit/Withdrawal Currencies/Cryptocurrencies
TD Ameritrade supports deposits and withdrawals primarily in USD. While it does not offer direct cryptocurrency trading, clients can access bitcoin futures and certain cryptocurrency trusts through over-the-counter markets.
Minimum Deposit
There is no minimum deposit requirement to open a standard TD Ameritrade account, making it accessible for new investors. However, a minimum deposit of $2,000 is required for margin and options trading privileges.
As of 2025, TD Ameritrade does not offer any promotional bonuses for new clients. However, it provides commission-free trading on stocks, ETFs, and options, which is a significant draw for many investors.
Tradable Asset Classes
TD Ameritrade offers a wide array of tradable assets, including:
- Stocks
- ETFs
- Mutual Funds
- Bonds
- Options
- Futures
- Forex
This extensive selection allows investors to diversify their portfolios effectively.
Costs (Spreads, Fees, Commissions)
TD Ameritrade has eliminated commissions for online stock and ETF trades. Options trades incur a fee of $0.65 per contract, while futures trading costs $2.25 per contract. Additionally, there is a $75 fee for full account transfers, but no inactivity or annual fees.
Leverage
The brokerage offers margin trading with a minimum account balance of $2,000. The margin rates are competitive but can be on the higher end compared to some other brokers.
TD Ameritrade provides multiple trading platforms, including:
- Web-based platform
- Thinkorswim desktop platform
- Thinkorswim mobile app
These platforms offer a range of tools and features that cater to both casual and active traders.
Restricted Regions
While TD Ameritrade is primarily focused on the U.S. market, it does not operate in certain international jurisdictions, including the UK and Canada.
Available Customer Service Languages
Customer support is available in English, and clients can reach out through various channels, including phone, email, live chat, and social media. The brokerage also offers in-person support at over 250 branch locations across the U.S.
Rating Summary (Revised)
Detailed Breakdown
Account Conditions
TD Ameritrade excels in providing flexible account conditions with no minimum deposit requirements for standard accounts. The absence of inactivity fees is a significant advantage for casual investors. However, the requirement for a minimum balance for margin trading may deter some users.
The brokerage offers a wealth of educational resources, including webinars, articles, and live market analysis. The thinkorswim platform is particularly noted for its advanced trading tools, making it suitable for both novice and experienced traders.
Customer Service and Support
Customer service receives high marks for availability and responsiveness. Clients can access support 24/7 via multiple channels, although some users have reported longer wait times during peak periods.
Trading Experience
The trading experience on TD Ameritrade is generally smooth, with intuitive platforms that allow for easy navigation. However, some users have noted occasional glitches, particularly during high-volume trading periods.
Trustworthiness
TD Ameritrade is considered a trustworthy brokerage, regulated by top-tier authorities. The additional coverage through SIPC provides peace of mind for investors.
User Experience
User experience is rated highly, with the mobile app receiving praise for its functionality. However, some users have expressed a desire for additional features, such as fractional shares.
In conclusion, TD Ameritrade remains a strong choice for investors seeking a reliable and comprehensive brokerage platform. While it has some limitations, such as the lack of direct cryptocurrency trading and fractional shares, its extensive educational resources and robust trading tools make it a competitive option in the online brokerage space.
