Firstrade Securities

by · June 8, 2012

Firstrade is a leading discount online brokerage serving investors for over 25 years. In addition to online stock trading, they also offer options, mutual funds, ETFs, bonds and more on their online trading platform. Firstrade is an online investment firm offering a full line of investment products and tools designed to help investors take control of their financial future. Since its founding in 1985, Firstrade has been committed in providing high value and quality services to our customers.

Combining proprietary trading technology, a highly intuitive user interface, outstanding customer service and mobility applications, Firstrade offers a comprehensive solution for all investing needs.

What they offer: $6.95 per trade, no fee IRA accounts, education savings plans, wide selection of mutual funds, service in English and Chinese (Cantonese & Mandarin), new mobile trading apps and social media features. Member of FINRA & SIPC (Securities Investor Protection Corporation). International accounts are available for some countries outside the U.S., but not for Canadians right now.

Fees/Commissions:

Stocks, ETFs: $6.95 (unlimited shares)
Options: $6.95 + $0.75 per contract (no minimum)
Mutual Funds (No transaction fee & load funds): $0
Mutual Funds (No load funds): $9.95
$19.95 fee if fund is held for less than 180 days.
For orders where the stock price is under $1.00 and over 5,000 shares, add 1/2 cent per share for the entire order.

Investments Offered:

Equity stocks (NYSE, AMEX, NASDAQ, OTC), ETFs, Bonds/CDs/Fixed Income Investment Vehicles, Mutual Funds (over 11,000 funds to choose from), Equity options, Free automatic dividend reinvestment plans.

Trading/Investment Tools:

  • Streaming quotes, real time charts.
  • Stock reports from S&P analysts.
  • Streaming news updates.
  • In depth ETF research info.
  • Ability to filter investments to fit your personal criteria.
  • Extended trading hours for eligible stocks (8am – 9:25am & 4:05pm – 5:30pm).

Customer Service/Support:

Firstrade is known for having quick and friendly customer service, and they provide service in both English and Chinese (Mandarin & Cantonese). Customer service can be reached through their 24/7 live chat, Facebook, Twitter, phone or email.

History

The remarkable story of Firstrade began 25 years ago as the discount broker First Flushing Securities, serving the investment needs of the local community. Achieving steady and organic growth, the company caught sight of the benefits to be gained from tapping into the capabilities of the Internet. Truly a pioneer in online trading, Firstrade.com was launched in 1997 joining only a handful of other online stock brokers on the web.

Firstrade’s commitment to offer the most for the least struck a chord with investors. Firstrade.com grew rapidly, providing self-directed investors with fast order execution, excellent customer service, and exceptional site performance. Major industry publications including Barrons, Forbes, and SmartMoney have all rated Firstrade among the best online brokers for consecutive years. In 2005, Firstrade was named the “Best Deal” in the online discount broker category by Smart Money Magazine, and continued the streak in 2006 when Kiplingers Magazine called Firstrade the “Clear Winner in the Mutual Funds Category” and “Top Clean-Hands Firm”.

Many competitors have come and gone, but Firstrade continues to serve our customers with the same friendly, dedicated, and personal touch that has been our principle since day one.

Awards:

  • 4 Stars in Customer Service (Kiplinger’s 2011)
  • 2005 Smart Money “Best Deal”
  • 2006 Kipplingers “Top Clean Hands Firm” & “Clear Winner in the Mutual Fund Category”

Over the years, major industry publications including Barron’s, Forbes, and Smart Money have all rated Firstrade as one of the best online brokers. In 2005, Firstrade was named the “Best Deal” in the online discount broker category by Smart Money Magazine, and continued the streak in 2006 when Kiplinger’s Magazine called Firstrade the “Clear Winner in the Mutual Funds Category” and “Top Clean-Hands Firm”.