Top FAQs
Increased market activity has increased questions. Here's how to get answers fast.
TD Ameritrade and Charles Schwab
What can I expect with a combined company?
What’s going to happen to thinkorswim?
When can I expect my accounts to move to the combined company platform?
Trading
What is short selling? What is a short squeeze?
What is the Pattern Day Trader rule and how can I be sure I'm not breaking it?
Funding and Transfers
How do I set up electronic (ACH) transfers with my bank?
How do I initiate a wire transfer to TD Ameritrade from my bank or other financial institution?
How do I deposit a check?
When will my funds be available for trading?
How do I transfer an account or assets from another brokerage firm to my TD Ameritrade account?
How do I transfer between two TD Ameritrade accounts?
Market Volatility and Breaking News
With the current market conditions, are there any restrictions on certain securities?
How can I learn more about investment strategies to consider in the current market conditions?
Protecting Your Investments
How is TD Ameritrade positioned to help ensure my investments are well protected?
What is Securities Investment Protection Corporation(SIPC)?
What is the Federal Deposition Insurance Corporation(FDIC)?
IPOs and Direct Listings (DPOs)
Can I trade IPOs?
What is a direct listing?
What are the differences between a direct listing and an IPO?
How are the price and number of available shares determined for a direct listing?
Are there eligibility requirements or an indication of interest form to fill out to participate in a direct listing?
What other companies have gone public via a direct listing?
Where can I learn more about investing in a direct listing?
Stock Splits
What is a forward stock split?
Where can I learn more about stock splits?
Margin Calls
What is a margin call?
What should I do if I receive a margin call?
Good Faith Funding
What is a good faith violation?
What’s a specific example?
What happens if there are multiple good faith violations?
Where can I learn more?
For New Clients
How can I learn to trade or enhance my knowledge?
How can I learn to set up and rebalance my investment portfolio?
What is a wash sale and how might it affect my account?
What is a corporate action and how it might it affect me?
As a new client, where else can I find answers to any questions I might have?
Opening a New Account
What is the minimum amount required to open an account?
What is the fastest way to open a new account?
What types of investments can I make with a TD Ameritrade account?
Can I trade margin or options?
Are there any fees?
Is my account protected?
Can I trade OTC bulletin boards, pink sheets, or penny stocks?
How does TD Ameritrade protect its client accounts?
Login Help
What if I can't remember the answer to my security question?
What if I forgot my user ID and/or password?
Tax Questions and 1099 Tax Form
Will I get a 5498-IRA From, and when will it be available?
Where can I find my consolidated 1099 tax form and other tax documents online?
I received a corrected consolidated 1099 tax form after I had already filed my taxes. What should I do?
TD Ameritrade Branches