Charles Schwab’s Thinkorswim is a powerful desktop trading platform with robust research and analysis tools. But it’s not the only professional-grade trading platform on the market. Here are five trading platforms to consider if you’re looking for an alternative to Thinkorswim.
E*TRADE's equivalent to Charles Schwab's Thinkorswim platform is the E*TRADE Pro. This advanced desktop platform is designed for professionals and gives you access to real-time quotes, including Level II data. Customize your layouts and charts with over 100 technical studies and helpful drawing tools.
Stay connected to your brokerage account on E*TRADE's web-based platform, Power E*TRADE, which has no account minimums or trading requirements. And unlike the Thinkorswim app, the E*TRADE app lets you trade mutual funds.
Interactive Brokers has a sophisticated, customizable desktop platform called Trader Workstation. Use its robust scanners to search for securities, including over 100 technical studies and useful drawing tools. And you can test drive your trading strategies without risking your dough with Interactive Brokers' paper trading. What sets Trader Workstation apart from Thinkorswim is the ability to trade bonds. And its margin interest rates are between 0.86% and 1.59%, which are significantly lower than Charles Schwab's 7.50% to 9.50%. But to sign up for an account, you'll need a net worth of $20,000.
Fidelity's Active Trader Pro is a customizable desktop platform that gives you access to 6,000 stocks and ETFs. You can find trading opportunities using your own search criteria or get recommendations from independent firms that match your investing style. What sets Fidelity apart from Thinkorswim is its generous option search tools to help you identify single and multi-leg option trades. You can filter by strategy, including calls and puts, or dive into its statistics window to learn about market volume and volatility. But to use its desktop platform, you'll need to trade at least 36 times in a rolling 12-month period.
Webull is a discount brokerage with a strong lineup of analysis research and tools, including technical studies, drawing tools and real-time market data. Its charting capabilities are sophisticated enough for most traders but may not be technical enough for professionals. For example, Webull only offers about 35 technical studies, which is a drop in the bucket compared to Thinkorswim's 400 technical studies. Trading cryptocurrency and its user-friendly mobile app are what makes Webull a good alternative to Thinkorswim. Many Redditors praise Webull's mobile app over Thinkorswim's offering, citing better features and layout.
Here’s why Thinkorswim is a top online trading platform and a few reasons why you may want to consider an alternative.
Pros
No minimum investment amount
Plethora of educational resources
Professional research tools
Cons
Steep learning curve for beginners
Slightly higher commissions than some online brokers
No cryptocurrency
How to transfer your brokerage account
The process to switch brokerage firms may vary depending on your current broker and the firm you’re moving to. While there’s no fee to close your account, Charles Schwab charges $75 to initiate a full account transfer to your new broker. Thinkorswim uses the Automated Customer Account Transfer Service (ACATS) to transfer your account. Here’s what the process might look like.
Complete a transfer form with your new broker.
Your current broker authorizes your request within three business days.
Your previous broker completes the transfer and moves your funds within five to eight business days.
Note: Some brokers won’t accept proprietary funds from other brokers.
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Kimberly Ellis is a personal finance writer at Finder, specializing in banking and financial literacy. After teaching in public and private schools, Kimberly zeroed in on personal financial education to help families and kids develop lifelong money skills. She hails from New York City, graduating summa cum laude from Queens College with a BA in elementary education and mathematics, as well as a New York State teaching certificate. She’s also an aspiring polyglot, always in a book and forever on the hunt for the perfect classic red lipstick. See full bio
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