Choose Best Online Broker

Professional traders are a demanding bunch. That’s because the margin between success and failure in markets can be paper thin—and having the right trading platform can make all the difference. Day traders earn their living by entering and closing out multiple trades in a day in pursuit of profits. This strategy requires fast and reliable trade execution, the lowest possible commissions and access to customer service when things go awry.

Brokers generally offer a similar menu of investment options: individual stocks, options, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds and bonds. Some will also offer access to cryptocurrencies, futures trading and foreign currency exchange markets. Also you can have financial applicationfrom a reliable broker.

The investments offered by the broker will dictate two things: whether your investment needs will be satisfied and how much you’ll pay in commissions. Pay careful attention to the commissions associated with your preferred investments:

Individual stocks: Some brokers still charge a commission to buy and sell stocks, either per trade or per share. However, the vast majority of online brokers now charge no commission.

Options: Options trades often incur the stock trade commission (if charged by the broker), plus a per-contract fee.

Mutual funds: Some brokers charge a fee to purchase mutual funds. You can limit mutual fund transaction costs or avoid them completely by selecting a broker that offers no-transaction-fee mutual funds.Some brokers charge a fee to purchase mutual funds. You can limit mutual fund transaction costs or avoid them completely by selecting a broker that offers no-transaction-fee mutual funds.

ETFs: ETFs trade like a stock and are purchased for a share price, so they are often subject to stock trade commissions, if the broker charges them. But many brokers offer a list of commission-free ETFs.

Cryptocurrencies: More and more brokerages are starting to offer access to a few cryptocurrencies, but be sure you understand the risks and fee structures that may be associated with these trades.More and more brokerages are starting to offer access to a few cryptocurrencies, but be sure you understand the risks and fee structures that may be associated with these trades.

Bonds: You can purchase bond mutual funds and ETFs at no charge by using no-transaction-fee mutual funds and commission-free ETFs. Brokers may charge a fee to purchase individual bonds, with a minimum and maximum charge.