• «
• »

Online Brokers Should Meet Your Needs

Do you trade frequently?

Low commissions will be very important to you, but so will... speed of execution, web site reliability and perhaps the ability to trade from multiple platforms (e.g., handheld wireless device, stand-alone software, telephone, etc.).

What if you're a buy-and-hold investor who only makes a few trades per year?

You want a decent price on commissions, and you want to look carefully at the fees your broker charges.

Low-commission discounters that charge a lot of fees are rarely worth it for inactive investors.

What if you're the kind of person who likes simplicity?

You want to keep everything in one place.

Then you'll need an online broker that offers stocks, bonds, mutual funds (preferably a large selection of no-transaction-fee funds) and perhaps other services, like banking, annuities, college savings accounts and life insurance. (Are you sure you're getting the service you deserve? Learn more here.)

And of course, everyone wants (and frankly, deserves) web site reliability, ease of navigation and good customer service.

If your discount broker isn't set up to meet your individual investing needs, it's time to switch.

NEXT: Does Your Online Broker Really Want You?