An online brokerage account is a portfolio of cash and securities on an online trading platform. Investors can use online brokers instead of conven...

Some online brokerage firms have account minimums that range from several hundred to several thousand dollars. However, the top online brokers that...

To open an online brokerage account, all you have to do is visit a broker’s website. Each firm has its own account opening process, which can be co...

What kind of online brokerage account you should open depends on your financial goals. For example, if your goal is to save for retirement, you sho...

If you’re an experienced investor and you want to actively trade the markets, you might consider opening a margin account instead of a cash account...

Securities regulators require all brokerage firms to know their clients—even online brokers. To open an account, then, you’ll need to provide infor...

A paper trading account is a mock investment account that allows users to pick investments without risking any real money. The account tracks the o...

You can buy stocks without a broker by using a dividend reinvestment plan or investing in a direct stock purchase plan. While these options make it...

Most online brokers don't charge commissions for online stock trades. However, there may be commissions for other types of investments like mutual...

Thanks to zero-commission online stock trading and many brokerage firms offering fractional shares, it's easier than ever to diversify your investm...

Yes. If your account is with a brokerage firm that is a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), cash and securities in you...

This depends on your goals. If you simply want the best platform to buy and sell stocks, a standard (taxable) brokerage account could be the best c...

There's no broker that is inherently safer than all the rest, but there are some important things to look for. First, make sure that your broker is...