I recently signed up for a Brokerage account. I went with Charles Schwab because the brokerage account came free with the Interest Checking account. The good thing about signing up for both together, they wive the minimum balance of $1000 and/or the $100 monthly direct deposit to the brokerage account.
So far I have been very impressed with the service. Calling to setup my moneyLink at 7am, a customer service rep picked up the phone immediately and my account was setup in a few minutes. The online portal is very easy to use, and well organized. Although I don’t have any basis, their layout is very simple. I would assume that most online brokers also have a very nice, easy to use layout.
If you are interested in opening an account, check out this chart of online broker comparisons. The data is in Scottrade’s favor because the chart is from their website. You will have to go to each of the brokers sites to get all the data. The chart is a good starting point though.
I would love to hear what other people are using and what their opinions are.
May 15th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
We’re apparently on the same page.
I’m a Schwab customer myself and am very happy with their service thus far!
May 15th, 2008 at 10:24 pm
Hey Hank. Yea I am very impressed so far as well. How long have you had your account with Schwab?
May 15th, 2008 at 11:03 pm
I’ve actually only been with them since I ditched Edward Jones (about 8 months) check the link to the “ditching” in my name for this comment… I’ve had a good experience for sure with them, I even charted that in a 3 part series on my site too starting HERE.
May 16th, 2008 at 7:35 am
I went with etrade for now. I like the ease of use and I don’t need help making IRA or stock selections. For me the less broker intervention the better…
May 16th, 2008 at 7:50 am
I think most of the online brokers are like that. I know with Schwab, I can ask for help if I want to. Or I can make my trades and decisions on my own. I didn’t open the account because of the support; I opened it for the checking account.
The brokerage account, and great customer service so far, is all a bonus.
May 21st, 2008 at 8:47 am
I got a call the other day from A Schwab representative. He called to thank me for my business, and was introducing himself as my account rep. to answer any questions I had.
We chatted for a few minutes about why I choose Schwab. I knew it was for marketing purposes for him, and the company, but I didn’t mind because the guy was nice. He told me about my accounts and had a few highlights about options and benefits I had. He then asked me if I had any questions he could answer. I did have a few questions and he was able to answer them immediately.
I was really impressed with the care that Schwab has in their customers. They really have people to help you when you need it and for no additional cost!
May 21st, 2008 at 10:18 am
Hmmm this does make me want to switch since e*trade does show as much care. But then again I probably wouldn’t want to talk to the guy that often……
May 21st, 2008 at 10:25 am
I’m not saying anyone should switch. I am just praising the service these top brokers have.
May 21st, 2008 at 10:29 am
Good point