TradeStation Review

Active traders using stocks, options and futures

SEC CFTC FINRA NFA

Why investors choose this broker

$0 stock and ETF commissions in the pricing table
Options fall to $0 per contract above 10,000 monthly contracts
Micro futures commissions start at $0.25 per contract, per side
FuturesPlus has no platform fees

Review summary

TradeStation offers active trading in stocks, ETFs, options, futures, mutual funds and bonds, with desktop, web, mobile, FuturesPlus and API tools.

Pros

$0 stock and ETF commissions in the pricing table
Options fall to $0 per contract above 10,000 monthly contracts
Micro futures commissions start at $0.25 per contract, per side
FuturesPlus has no platform fees
Simulated trading supports paper trading and backtesting
API access supports custom multi-asset execution workflows
Cash balances over $100,000 can earn 0.15%

Cons

$10 monthly inactivity fee unless minimum activity is met
Outgoing account transfers cost $125
Sending wires cost $25 or $35 depending on account type
Mutual fund trades cost $14.95 per transaction
Sub-dollar and OTC equity trades cost $0.005 per share
FuturesPlus futures trades cost $1.75 per contract, per side
Margin positions require a minimum of $2,000
Non-brokerage platform access costs $99.99/$199.99 monthly

Company background

TradeStation is an active trading broker offering stocks, ETFs, options, futures, futures options, mutual funds, margin trading, fixed income transactions, and simulated trading. The broker lists individual and joint accounts, entity accounts for corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, trusts and sole proprietorships, and retirement accounts including Traditional IRA, Roth IRA and SEP IRA options.

TradeStation is based at 8050 SW 10th Street, Plantation, FL 33324, USA. TradeStation Securities, Inc., TradeStation Europe B.V., TradeStation International Ltd, and TradeStation Technologies, Inc. are wholly owned subsidiaries of TradeStation Group, Inc.

Fees and pricing

TradeStation uses volume-based pricing across several asset classes. Its pricing table lists stock and ETF commissions at $0, while sub-dollar and OTC equity trades are charged $0.005 per share. Options commissions range from $0 to $0.80 per contract, per side, with index option fees from $0.60 to $1.00 per contract, per side.

Futures commissions range from $0.50 to $1.75 per contract, per side, and micro futures range from $0.25 to $0.50 per contract, per side. Futures options are listed at $0.85 per contract, per side. Mutual fund trades cost $14.95 per transaction, treasuries cost $50, and fixed income transactions cost $14.95 plus $5 per bond or note. The inactivity fee is $10 per month unless the account meets minimum activity.

Regulation and safety

Securities and futures trading is offered by TradeStation Securities, Inc., a broker-dealer registered with the SEC and a futures commission merchant registered with the CFTC. TradeStation Securities is a member of FINRA and NFA.

TradeStation Securities is also a member of SIPC. SIPC protection covers securities customers up to $500,000, including $250,000 for claims for cash, and applies only to securities and cash held in connection with securities activity in eligible equities and equities options accounts.

Platform experience

TradeStation offers several platform choices. These include TITAN X, TradeStation Desktop, Web Trading, mobile apps for iOS and Android, FuturesPlus for futures options, simulated trading, API access, and third-party integrations such as TradingView, Option Alpha and TipRanks.

TradeStation Desktop includes tools such as RadarScreen, advanced charting, robust backtesting and order entry. FuturesPlus includes Vol Curve Manager, Trade Monitor, risk analysis through Greeks, a FuturesPlus mobile app and no platform fees.

Pros and cons

The main advantages are fee schedules that reward higher trading volume, $0 stock and ETF commissions in the pricing table, detailed derivatives tools, simulated trading, and API access for custom workflows. The main limitations are specific service fees, including a $10 monthly inactivity fee, $125 outgoing account transfers, wire fees, mutual fund transaction fees, and additional charges for certain OTC, sub-dollar, direct-routed, FuturesPlus, and service transactions.

Ready to open an account at TradeStation?

Open an account directly with the broker. Confirm current fees and account eligibility on the broker's website before depositing.

Open Account

Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply.

Trading fees & commissions

TradeStation lists $0 commissions for stocks and ETFs, while sub-dollar and OTC equity trades cost $0.005 per share. Options commissions range from $0 to $0.80 per contract, per side, futures range from $0.50 to $1.75 per contract, per side, and mutual fund trades cost $14.95 per transaction. The inactivity fee is $10 per month unless the account meets minimum activity.

Fees

Item	Fee
Bonds	Treasuries $50; fixed income $14.95 + $5/bond or note
Funds	$14.95 per transaction
Margin	11.75%, 10.75%, 6.25%, or 4.25% depending on debit balance
Account	Inactivity fee $10 per month (FREE if account meets minimum activity)
Futures	$0.50 to $1.75 per contract, per side; micros $0.25 to $0.50 per contract, per side
Options	$0 to $0.80 per contract, per side; index option fee $0.60 to $1.00 per contract, per side
Platform	TradeStation platform with RadarScreen® $99.99 for non-professionals/$199.99 for professionals for non-brokerage customers; OptionStation® Pro Included
Sending Wires	$25 for equities account; $35 for international account
Futures Options	$0.85 per contract, per side
Receiving Wires	$0
Account Transfer	$125 outgoing account transfer
Broker Assisted Trade	$25

Trading platform & features

Platforms

TITAN X
TradeStation Desktop
Web app
iOS app
Android app
FuturesPlus
API
TradingView
Option Alpha
TipRanks

Regulation and investor protection

TradeStation Securities, Inc. is registered with the SEC as a broker-dealer and with the CFTC as a futures commission merchant. It is a member of FINRA, NFA and SIPC, with SIPC protection up to $500,000 including $250,000 for cash claims in eligible securities accounts.

Broker FAQs

Is TradeStation safe?

TradeStation Securities, Inc. is registered with the SEC as a broker-dealer and with the CFTC as a futures commission merchant. It is also a member of FINRA, NFA and SIPC.

Is TradeStation a scam?

No. TradeStation Securities, Inc. is registered with the SEC and CFTC and is a member of FINRA, NFA and SIPC.

Is TradeStation regulated and by whom?

TradeStation Securities, Inc. is registered with the SEC and CFTC. It is a member of FINRA and NFA.

What happens to my money if TradeStation goes bankrupt?

TradeStation Securities is a member of SIPC, which protects securities customers up to $500,000, including $250,000 for claims for cash. SIPC coverage applies only to securities and cash held in connection with securities activity in eligible equities and equities options accounts.

What products does TradeStation offer?

TradeStation lists stocks, options, futures, futures options, ETFs and mutual funds as trading products. Its pricing pages also list treasuries, fixed income transactions and margin trading.

Does TradeStation offer ETFs?

Yes. TradeStation offers ETFs and ETPs, with the pricing table listing $0 commissions for stocks and ETFs.

Does TradeStation offer options?

Yes. TradeStation offers options and futures options. Options commissions range from $0 to $0.80 per contract, per side, depending on volume tier.

Does TradeStation offer futures?

Yes. TradeStation offers futures and futures options. Futures commissions range from $0.50 to $1.75 per contract, per side, and micro futures range from $0.25 to $0.50 per contract, per side.

Does TradeStation have simulated trading?

Yes. TradeStation offers simulated trading for forward testing, backtesting and paper trading.

Does TradeStation have a mobile app?

Yes. TradeStation offers mobile apps for iOS and Android.

What does TradeStation charge for stock trades?

TradeStation lists stock and ETF commissions at $0. Sub-dollar and OTC equity trades cost $0.005 per share.

Does TradeStation charge an inactivity fee?

Yes. TradeStation lists an inactivity fee of $10 per month, which is free if the account meets minimum activity.

What are TradeStation margin rates?

TradeStation lists equities margin interest rates of 11.75%, 10.75%, 6.25% and 4.25%, depending on debit balance. A minimum of $2,000 is required to open and maintain a margin position or a short stock position.

What does TradeStation charge for wire transfers?

TradeStation lists receiving wires at $0. Sending wires cost $25 for an equities account and $35 for an international account.

What account types does TradeStation offer?

TradeStation offers individual and joint accounts, entity accounts and retirement accounts. Entity accounts include corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, trusts and sole proprietorships.

How do I open an account at TradeStation?

TradeStation describes a four-step process: review account types, open an account, fund your account and start trading.

What platforms does TradeStation offer?

TradeStation offers TITAN X, TradeStation Desktop, Web Trading, mobile apps, FuturesPlus, simulated trading and API access. It also lists third-party integrations such as TradingView, Option Alpha and TipRanks.

Bottom line

TradeStation suits active traders who want stock, ETF, options, futures and futures options access with advanced platforms and volume-based pricing. It may be less suitable for investors who want to avoid inactivity fees, account transfer fees, wire fees or mutual fund transaction charges.

TradeStation

Active traders using stocks, options and futures

Open Account

Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply.