TradeStation is a widely known trading platform that provides its users with many options, such as trading in stocks, testing, ETFs, and futures. It is one of the leading platforms when it comes to trading and brokerage. Still, not a lot of information can be found online in regards to its origin and history.

What do we know about TradeStation?

TradeStation boasts itself as being one of the fastest and most trusted platforms whose performance is compared to that of a great race car. As the race car driver can modify some features to enhance the car’s power, the TradeStation users can adjust the platform to ensure a flawless trade execution.

Some of the platform features include the usage of a market scanner, an auto trade strategy, backtesting (based on historical data) and the possibility of setting up charts.

In 2000, you could use TradeStation as a paid software for trade automation, and it had a monthly cost of $99. However, since the trading platforms market is very competitive, the company that owns TradeStation has decided to waive the fee.

Furthermore, Barron’s magazine has ranked it high on its list of Best Online Brokers. Still, is that reason enough for anyone to choose it over other trading platforms? Let us try to answer this question by taking a closer look at its tools and products.

What exactly does TradeStation offer to its users?

 

TradeStation University

If you are an absolute beginner in the world of trade or if you feel like extending your trading knowledge and upgrading your skills, TradeStation has got you covered. Hence, one of the greatest features the platform offers is the TradeStation University. In addition, all information it provides is completely free.

Upon choosing the topic of their interest, users are introduced to twelve professors. Each morning they organize pre-market briefings to update everyone on the latest market news. If for whatever reason you miss your lesson, you can read all the material at any point.

TradeStation Account Types

When someone decides to sign up for this platform, they can choose from five different account types:

  • A personal account with only one owner.
  • This is a shared account owned by two or more individuals. In case one of the account owners should die, there are two ways in which the interest of the deceased can be handled.
  • This is a retirement account that offers four different options to a user in regards to the retirement accounts or a retirement plan.
  • An account that concerns U.S. business entities. There are six different sub-accounts: corporate, general partnership, limited partnership, trust, limited liability company, sole proprietorship.
  • An account managed by an adult on behalf of an underaged individual (who can be either 18 or 21 years old, depending on the state of residence and the laws that apply).

 

Once you decide which account you will use, you then have to choose how you will fund it. The options are: via wire transfer, check deposit or electronic transfer (ACAT).

Stock and options accounts are the most inexpensive choices as they require $ 500 for cash and $ 2,000 for margin. However, initial funding for Futures Trading, on the other hand, is $ 5,000.

TradeStation Costs

When using TradeStation, the following prices will apply. Still, bear in mind that each option includes a software, premium tools and real-time data free of charge:

  • Stocks and ETFs – $ 5 per trade.
  • Options – $ 0.50 per contract plus $ 5 per trade. When you trade in small blocks, you can save $1.00 per contract with no base/ticket charge. The minimum, in this case, is one contract market or limit.
  • Futures – $ 1.50 per contract.
  • Mutual Funds – $ 14.95 per trade. Users can choose from many funds that are provided by 79 fund families.
  • Bonds – $ 14.95 plus $ 5 per bond to trade government, corporate and municipal bonds.

If someone is an active trader, additional pricing options are available. However, If you are a beginner, bundle pricing might be your safest option.

 

TradeStation – pros and cons

Pros:

 

  • Free training (TradeStation University)
  • Excellent customer support
  • The possibility of backtesting trading strategies and accessing your account anywhere, anytime (there’s even a mobile app).

Cons:

 

  • It is difficult to navigate the platform.
  • There is not enough information about the safety of one’s funds
  • There is no free trial.
  • The background of TradeStation, for the most part, remains unfamiliar.

 

If you want to try out the app and its features, you can do so by visiting https://www.tradestation.com.

 

 

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