TD Ameritrade vs Lightspeed Trading Review
First we will break down the commission charges of both brokers for placing stock and options trades. TD Ameritrade charges more than Lightspeed Trading for placing regular stock trades ($6.95 and $4.50, respectively). For options trading, TD Ameritrade has a base fee of $6.95, and Lightspeed Trading a base fee of $0.00. Contracts are pricier at TD Ameritrade, costing $0.75 versus $0.60 at Lightspeed Trading, a difference of $0.15 per contract. Note that flat rate trading is not available everywhere though, so it is important to read the complete commission notes for each broker to know the full breakdown (go to any stock broker review page, then scroll down to the "Commission Notes" section).
Trading fees aside, having access to trade what you want is also an important consideration. TD Ameritrade provides its clients with Stock Trading, Options Trading, Mutual Funds, Forex Trading and Futures Trading while Lightspeed Trading gives clients access to Stock Trading, Options Trading and Futures Trading. As far as mutual funds go, TD Ameritrade boasts an offering of 12851 compared to Lightspeed Trading's 0 available funds. And, commission free ETFs deserve a mention, with TD Ameritrade having the upper hand thanks to its 101 available ETFs compared to Lightspeed Trading's offering of 0.
Finally, by looking at the most popular features and offerings of each broker, we can really see the differences between the two. Both Lightspeed Trading and TD Ameritrade have virtual trading. For mobile trading, TD Ameritrade offers the iPhone App, iPad App and Android App while Lightspeed Trading offers the none of these. Online banking is also used by many clients, and multiple brokerages provide these services. Clients can have Checking Accounts, Debit Cards and Credit Cards at TD Ameritrade while clients at Lightspeed Trading can have none of these. All things considered, when it comes to platform tools, research, and trading via smartphone, TD Ameritrade was rated for Best in Class - Platforms & Tools, Best in Class - Research and Best in Class - Mobile Trading in 2014, while Lightspeed Trading was rated for none of these.
Overall, TD Ameritrade comes out on top with 4.50 stars over Lightspeed Trading's 2.50 stars.
TD Ameritrade
Lightspeed Trading
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All pricing data was obtained from a published web site as of 2/20/2017 and is believed to be accurate, but is not guaranteed. The StockBrokers.com staff is constantly working with its online broker representatives to obtain the latest pricing data. If you believe any data listed above is inaccurate, please contact us using the link at the bottom of this page. For stock trade rates, advertised pricing is for a standard order size of 500 shares of stock priced at $30 per share. For options orders, an options regulatory fee per contract may apply.
TD Ameritrade, Inc. and StockBrokers.com are separate, unaffiliated companies and are not responsible for each other’s services and products.
Options are not suitable for all investors as the special risks inherent to options trading may expose investors to potentially rapid and substantial losses. Options trading privileges subject to TD Ameritrade review and approval. Please read Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options before investing in options.
Offer valid for one new Individual, Joint or IRA TD Ameritrade account opened by 09/30/2017 and funded within 60 calendar days of account opening with $3,000 or more. To receive $100 bonus, account must be funded with $25,000-$99,999. To receive $300 bonus, account must be funded with $100,000-$249,999. To receive $600 bonus, account must be funded with $250,000 or more. Offer is not valid on tax-exempt trusts, 401k accounts, Keogh plans, Profit Sharing Plan, or Money Purchase Plan. Offer is not transferable and not valid with internal transfers, accounts managed by TD Ameritrade Investment Management, LLC, TD Ameritrade Institutional accounts, and current TD Ameritrade accounts or with other offers. Qualified commission-free Internet equity, ETF or options orders will be limited to a maximum of 250 and must execute within 90 calendar days of account funding. Contract, exercise, and assignment fees still apply. Limit one offer per client. Account value of the qualifying account must remain equal to, or greater than, the value after the net deposit was made (minus any losses due to trading or market volatility or margin debit balances) for 12 months, or TD Ameritrade may charge the account for the cost of the offer at its sole discretion. TD Ameritrade reserves the right to restrict or revoke this offer at any time. This is not an offer or solicitation in any jurisdiction where we are not authorized to do business. Please allow 3-5 business days for any cash deposits to post to account. Taxes related to TD Ameritrade offers are your responsibility. Retail values totaling $600 or more during the calendar year will be included in your consolidated Form 1099. Please consult a legal or tax advisor for the most recent changes to the U.S. tax code and for rollover eligibility rules. (Offer Code 264)
TD Ameritrade Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. TD Ameritrade is a trademark jointly owned by TD Ameritrade IP Company, Inc. and The Toronto-Dominion Bank. © 2016 TD Ameritrade IP Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission.