FAQs: Opening

There is no minimum to open a new account; however, a $2,000 deposit is required to be considered for margin and certain options privileges, regardless of any promotional offer.

Opening an account online is the fastest way to open and fund an account. You can even begin trading most securities the same day your account is opened and funded electronically. You may also speak with a New Client consultant at 800-454-9272. We're here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

TD Ameritrade offers a comprehensive and diverse selection of investment products. You can trade stocks, options, mutual funds, ETFs, futures, forex, and bonds and CDs in a standard account. Please note that investment choices may vary in less common account types such as Trust accounts, 529 education accounts, and pension plans. Each plan will specify what types of investments are allowed. See Account Types and Investment Products for more information.

Yes. As you're completing the Account Application, simply complete the margin and/or options section. We'll review the information, and if appropriate, extend margin and/or options privileges to your account.

Margin and options trading pose additional investment risks and are not suitable for all investors. In addition, certain account types may not be eligible for margin, options, or advanced options trading privileges. Please read Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options, Margin Disclosure Document, Margin Account Handbook, and Day Trading Margin Requirements.

TD Ameritrade has a comprehensive Cash Management offering. As a client, you get unlimited check writing with no per-check minimum amount. Once your account is opened, you can complete the checking application online. A Cash Management account also gives you access to a free debit card with nationwide rebates on all ATM fees. Please note: your TD Ameritrade account is not FDIC-insured or bank guaranteed.

Yes. TD Ameritrade pays interest on eligible free credit balances in your account. Simple interest is calculated on the entire daily balance and is credited to your account monthly. This service is subject to the current TD Ameritrade rates and policies, which may change without notice. View Interest Rates.

Funds typically post to your account 1-2 days after we receive your check or electronic deposit. Once the funds post, you can trade most securities.

Electronic deposits can take another 3-4 business days to clear; checks can take 5-6 business days.

Until your deposit clears, we restrict withdrawals and trading of some securities based on market risk. This includes—but isn’t limited to—options and most stocks priced under $5 per share.

All electronic deposits are subject to review and may be restricted for 60 days. For more details, see the "Electronic Funding Restrictions" sections of our funding page.

We believe in fair, straightforward pricing and for you that means $0.00 commissions on online exchange listed US stock, domestic and Canadian ETF, and option trades, regardless of account balance or how many shares you buy. For options trades a $0.65 per contract fee applies. You won't be charged any platform, inactivity, or market data fees. Please review our Commission and Fees for complete details.

If you lose cash or securities from your account due to unauthorized activity, we'll reimburse you for the cash or shares of securities you lost. We offer you this protection, which adds to the provisions that already govern your account, in case unauthorized activity ever occurs and it was through no fault of your own. Explore more about our Asset Protection Guarantee.


TD Ameritrade is a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation ("SIPC"), which protects securities customers of its members up to $500,000 (including $250,000 for claims for cash). Explanatory brochure is available on request at www.sipc.org.

Additionally, TD Ameritrade provides each client $149.5 million worth of protection for securities and $2 million of protection for cash through supplemental coverage provided by London insurers. In the event of a brokerage insolvency, a client may receive amounts due from the trustee in bankruptcy and then SIPC. Supplemental coverage is paid out after the trustee and SIPC payouts and under such coverage each client is limited to a combined return of $152 million from a trustee, SIPC and London insurers. The TD Ameritrade supplemental coverage has an aggregate limit of $500 million over all customers. This policy provides coverage following brokerage insolvency and does not protect against loss in market value of securities.

Yes. Over-the-counter bulletin board (OTCBB), pink sheets, and penny stocks can be bought and sold via the web, IVR phone system, or with a broker for the same flat, straightforward pricing that you get with other types of trades. Before placing an order for OTCBB security, please review the OTCBB Securities Trading Rules. You should also take the time to carefully research the company and examine your investment objectives.

On the back of the certificate, designate TD Ameritrade, Inc. as the attorney to transfer the stock. This means the securities are negotiable only by TD Ameritrade, Inc. and can be mailed safely. Then all you need to do is sign and date the certificate; you can leave all the other areas blank. Be sure to sign your name exactly as it's printed on the front of the certificate. Requirements may differ for entity and corporate accounts. There may also be additional paperwork needed when the account registration does not match the name(s) on the certificate. For more information, see funding.