Commissions on trading are a cost of doing business,just like taxes.
While there is little we can do about taxes,we at least can shop around for a better commission rate. When you do shop for a better commission,you should factor in several things besides the actual cost of each trade.

In our business of trading,we each learn quickly that value has little to do with price. You should search for the appropriate value for your trading style.
Things that should be considered when comparing the value/price ratio of a potential service are:
Newsfeed
Execution
L1 or L2
Streamer
Scanner
Personal Rep.
Charting
Research interface
Ease of use
Customizable screen
Supported styles
Options screen
Money Market sweep
Trade calculator

Will that cheap 4.99 commission be as great a value to an active trader without L2 and a decent screener? Or is it worth an extra $2 a trade to have everything at your fingertips?


Good Luck

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If you cant run with the big dogs,stay on the porch!