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Schwab IRA vs Tradestation IRA

Updated on May 30, 2024

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Charles Schwab offers a self-directed IRA with an easy-to-use, low-cost trading account from the broker that pioneered low-commission trades.

TradeStation offers a self-directed IRA with a sophisticated trading platform for advanced investors who value screening & data, and want to trade widely.

Find & move your old 401(k)s into your new IRA
Provider
Charles Schwab
Self-Directed IRA
TradeStation
Self-Directed IRA
Fees
Charles Schwab
$0 online trades for stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs)
TradeStation
$0 online trades for stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs)
What they invest in
Charles Schwab
Stocks & ETFs, Mutual Funds, Options, Futures, Bonds
TradeStation
Stocks & ETFs, Mutual Funds, Options, Futures, Crypto, Bonds
Limitations
Charles Schwab
Schwab does not offer direct investments in cryptocurrency.
TradeStation
Might be a little heavy-duty for inexperienced traders.
Human advisor available?
Charles Schwab
Good: market data and some third-party research on stocks, mutual funds & markets (e.g. Morningstar, Credit Suisse, Argus).
TradeStation
Good: lots of data and charting tools, less access to fundamental third-party research.
Account minimums
Charles Schwab
$0
TradeStation
$0
Ease of use
Charles Schwab
Star filledStar filledStar filledStar filledStar half
4.5 stars
TradeStation
Star filledStar filledStar filled
3 stars
Rollover

Fund a Charles Schwab IRA with a 401(k) rollover

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Fund a TradeStation IRA with a 401(k) rollover

Get Started
COMPARE

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Find & move your old 401(k)s into your new IRA