BankFiesta.com - Best deals in savings accounts, checking accounts, CD rates, credit cards and personal finance

TD Ameritrade was started as a brokerage firm way back in 1971. It was founded in Omaha, Nebraska, USA. By 2008 it was listed 746 in the list of largest business firms in the US. It has seen a steady growth in its user base and financial standings through a number of acquisitions. TD Ameritrade was one of the pioneering firms to start the quote and order entry system through the touch tone phone networks. Even on the online scene they were one of the first firms to offer internet brokerage schemes. In March of 1997 TD Ameritrade went public with an Initial Public Offering of $15 per share.

This firm offers one of the widest ranges of investment schemes for customers. The pricing here is also the most competitive among the plethora of online brokerage firms that are available now. Given its four decade history, TD Ameritrade offers some of the best customer service and business research in the market. Clients can choose from a range of mutual funds, treasury bonds, CD bonds, and ETF and option trades to invest in.

Customers on this online portal are generally attracted by the fair pricing provided here. Any internet based transaction for trading attracts a commission of $9.99. IVR telephone system trading costs $34.99 and broker assisted trading is rated at $44.99. Mutual funds can be traded with no commissions attached. Treasury bonds at auction are charged a single fee of $25. Other bonds and CD trades are charged on a net yield basis. TD Ameritrade also offers a lucrative Individual Retirement Account option. As an additional feature, this firm offers customers the option to do bulk trading on a single day, and charge just a single commission on the trading.

Users of the TD Ameritrade online portal can access the basic account or a special Apex account. The Apex account is activated either by transacting 15 trades per quarter or by having a $100,000 balance in the account. The Apex account offers added features such as high level software and research tools. These users can access Level 2.0 Quote Scope, which gives real time feed of share prices and stock options.

Specialized services also come in a package for account holders with TD Ameritrade. Included in the IRA package are tax benefit investment ideas and consultation, portfolio guidance for a secure future and along term investment planning. Not only are articles and research ideas and trading tools available, but actual consultants who can aid in creating the right business portfolio are right at hand for users here.

The trading tools offered on this portal are powerful market analysis software. They include Command Center, to study market trends and isolate patterns of individual stocks, Pattern Matcher, Strategy Desk and many more. These tools are used by traders to identify the most appropriate stocks to invest in and make a profit. A variety of order types are available such as trailing stops, bracket orders etc. This allows users to plan strategies in advance and garner maximum returns, while minimizing losses from any deviant stocks.

This veteran of brokerage and trading firms understands the value of good customer service. There are help lines available for various regions with customer service in Spanish, Mandarin, and Cantonese and also a TTY service for the auditory challenged.

One of the main reasons people widely prefer to use this seasoned service provider is the security it offers for the funds and finances of its customers. Clients can rest assured as to the safety of their funds due to the Asset Protection Guarantee and various other security measures provided on this portal. This expansive firm offers a solid security and stability that is fast disappearing in the shaky financial condition of the economy today.

A long line of innovative business minds have been at the head of this immense enterprise. The current CEO is the charismatic Fred Tomczyk having taken over the post in 2008. A further acquisition of various business firms is continuously expanding this firms business and financial standing. In an effort to consolidate this wide spread company, a proposal is underway to create a headquarters to reflect the strength and impact of this company on the business community. Plans are to unveil a complete new headquarters by 2012, housing the business offices and call centers in a single complex. This building has been started in Omaha, considering the large number of employees based here.