[eleven11]

Hey gang,

I'm looking to jump back into the online trading world. I'm 29, and did some playing around when I was in college - minimal level of true trading knowledge, and no retention of that now. I leave all of my long-term/do-not-touch investments with my local financial manager; I just want to both learn more about investing, and have fun with it.

I'd like a reliable/reputable site that offers cheap trades, low/no upkeep fees, and is fairly well-balanced. I've read a few reviews, and have my eye on Tradeking and Zecco. As with anything, online "reviews" for the most part are difficult to qualify, so I thought I'd ask you guys. Any opinions? Oh, and before anyone suggests, I have considered starting with a Virtual Broker (I feel the real money aspect will make me focus more, and thus learn more, however).


Thanks.

[sinnet112]

Go with TradeKing. Solid service, cheap rates, and a pretty nice community of other traders too. Format is well laid out and come tax season, they give you all the necessary information in the best format possible (compared to my E-Trade and Ameriprise accounts).

[BigDog]

what do you want to trade? equities? futures? etc?

what frequency are you trading?

[eleven11]

Thanks for the input. Like I'd said, I consider my self a noob when it comes to trading. I'm not sure what type I'll be trading, yet; I plan to read/study a short while before jumping in. Frequency? Not sure, but likely a few times a week.

Sinnet, I've read a few reviews complaining about getting your funds out easily with Tradeking. Have you encountered any of these issues?

[sinnet112]

Originally Posted by eleven11

Sinnet, I've read a few reviews complaining about getting your funds out easily with Tradeking. Have you encountered any of these issues?

I have yet to withdraw funds, but depositing funds is indeed a pain. It takes 5 days to clear if you do a regular bank ACH transfer. Wiring is immediate, so take that into consideration. But the pros outweighed the cons for me so hence I still use it.