Choosing the Right Stock Broker: Full-Service, Discount, or Online?

Most of the buying and selling in the stock market is facilitated by stock brokers on behalf of their clients, the investors. There are different types of brokerage services available, each offering unique benefits to investors.

Full-Service Brokers
“Full-service brokers” offer various services to help clients achieve their investment goals. They can give advice on which stocks to buy and sell, and often have large research teams that analyze market trends and predict stock movements for their clients.
However, these services come at a cost—full-service brokers charge the highest commission rates in the industry. Deciding to use a full-service broker depends on your level of self-confidence, your knowledge of the stock market, and how often you make trades.

Discount Brokers
Investors looking to save on commission fees often use discount brokers. Discount brokers charge lower commissions but do not offer advice or market analysis. They are ideal for investors who are confident in making their own trading decisions and those who trade frequently.

Online Brokers
Online brokers take the discount concept a step further and are the most affordable way to trade stocks. Many traditional brokers also offer discounts for online orders, but some operate exclusively online, offering the lowest rates.

Account Requirements
Whichever broker you choose, the first step will be opening an account. Minimum balance requirements vary, typically between $500 and $1,000. Make sure to read the fine print about fees, as some brokers charge annual maintenance fees, while others have charges for falling below a minimum balance.

Cash or Margin Accounts
Brokerage accounts come in two basic types. A “cash account” allows you to buy stocks without any credit—you pay the full price of the stock. A “margin account,” on the other hand, allows you to buy stocks on margin, meaning the brokerage provides a loan for part of the cost. Margin accounts carry greater risks, as the value of the client’s portfolio must cover the margin. If the portfolio falls below a certain value, the investor will need to add funds or sell stocks. Margin accounts provide more opportunity for gains but also for losses and are generally not recommended for inexperienced traders.

Selecting the Right Broker for You
You should consider your needs as an investor before choosing a broker. Do you need advice on which stocks to buy? Are you uncomfortable making trades online? If so, a full-service broker may be your best option. If you’re comfortable with online transactions and have the knowledge and confidence to make your own decisions, an online discount broker may be more suitable.
Once you decide on the type of broker, compare various options. Differences in fees can significantly affect your costs. Estimate how many trades you plan to make each year, the amount of cash you can deposit, whether you want to use margin accounts, and which services you require. With this information, you can make an educated decision about which broker best suits your needs.