Firstrade Review: Is it Best for Mobile Investing?

By Wilbert S

January 10, 2024   •   Fact checked by Dumb Little Man

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If you’re looking for $0 commission-free trading tools for stocks and options trading strategies, then this Firstrade review might be helpful.

It is one of the best online brokers that allows users to trade and lend stock ETFs and mutual funds. Not only that, but it is suitable for options trading and transferring mutual funds.

It is one of the many trading platforms in which the traders don’t have to pay any account fees and have zero commission fees.

You can have mutual fund investors that allow you to make the right investment choices by analyzing the market data by using up-to-date research and education tools.

Firstrade Review: What Is Firstrade?

Firstrade mobile app is designed for investors that are interested in wanting to trade conventional stock trading exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and even bonds. Today, it offers online brokerage services for more advanced traders.

Not only that, but it also offers incredible trading options and even an account management system with research tools incorporated. However, it is essential to notice that it is not suitable for all traders as online trading involves risk.

The Firstrade mobile app brings this trading platform to your phone, making it easier for stock and options traders to find and connect with other active traders.

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How does Firstrade work?

What’s excellent about Firstade is that it is one of the best all-in-one trading platforms. For active traders that are interested in stocks, ETFs there is the Firstrade Navigator. The navigator is based on a single-page layout that has modules. It is essential to notice that this navigator is only available for the desktop version.

The users have to apply with email. Although it might seem difficult to follow at first, many iPad can now gain access to it via the App Store and without having to do the whole application process.

Not only that, but they can also stream mutual funds, quotes, and data imported from real-time.

It is essential to know that many of the advanced traders that have a brokerage account have to pay some fees as Firstrade doesn’t price on data improvement and spray routing.

The whole ordering process on Firstrade goes mainly through Credit Suisse and Apex clearing corporation.

This puts this trading account in a complicated situation as it is trying to get the best prices while paying low fees.

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What are the Features of the Firstrade platform?

Firstrade is best for stock and options trades. Not only that but there are several other features that make it stand to from other brokers.

Education

What’s great about this options trades platform is that it offers research in investment. This is typically done through third parties such as Zack, Morningstar, Benzinga, and Briefing.com.

There is also a Youtube channel that offers updates and reports about the market.

Not only that, but there is also a library that investors can use.

For example, there are various articles that explain the basics when it comes to investing.

There are also e-books, webinars, insights, calculators, podcasts, and many other educational tools.

Range of Offerings

What’s also great about this platform is that you can trade mutual funds, ETFs, stocks and bonds, and options.

Not only that, but you can get access to penny stocks ETFs which you can only trade in the U.S. markets.

Mutual fund trading can be done on international markets as well.

You also get a case management account that comes with paper checks and a credit card.

Flushing securities lending program

Many of the users can gain access to customers service by contacting them through email, phone, and even chatbots. You can contact the customer’s service from 8 am to 6 pm Monday-Friday.

When it comes to security, you get basic security in the form of a Firewall.

It has 128-bit account encryption and mobile app authentication.

It also has the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) coverage and $900,000 for cash from Apex Clearing Cooperation.

It is also important to notice that this insurance won’t compensate for any mutual fund losses.

Photo: Unsplash

Firstrade Pricing and Plan?

There are many trading platforms that offer discount brokers and no fees when it comes to commissioning ETFs and trading stocks. Firstrade’s platform offers trading services that are completely free of any fees.

This means that it is one of the few brokers that does not charge a per-contract fee for options. This means that you will have extended hours trading stocks without having to deposit money into any financial institutions.

But that isn’t all. Firstrade offers securities that provide trading ideas and online brokerages that you don’t have to pay any fee to. Unlike other brokers, you have fixed-income investments when trading stocks, ETFs, and such.

Redemption Fees

There are some redemption fees you have to pay. For example, you have to pay a fee if you hold your mutual funds for less than 90 days. This is also known as an early redemption fee.

If you happen to be interested in fixed-income investments, you will be charged based on your net yield basis. However, there is an exception to this. If you want to set up primary market C.D.s ( certificates of deposit ), you have to pay a $30 set up fee.

Live Brokers

If you want help to trade stocks, ETFs, and options trades, you can pay a $1995 live broker service that can help you set up your Firstrade account. Firstrade offers options contracts which can be done via a phone service as they charge $19.95 plus $0.50 per options contract.

Firstrade receives payment by order flow with profit and loss simulations. What this means is that this trading platform makes its money mostly by having user traffic from third-party market makers.

This might be a downside as instead of getting a discount broker on your account balances, you will get stock trading for a worse price than usual.

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Who is Firstrade Best For?

Firstrade is ideal for self-directed investors that are interested in finding mutual fund investors on this trading platform. It is good for anyone that wants to use this web trading platform for stock and option trades, trading ETFs and free stock.

What’s great about it is the fact that it doesn’t charge a per-contract fee for options. Not only that but it is most suitable for international investors especially account holders whose primary language is Mandarin or Cantonese.

But that isn’t all. It also has a customer service that is translated into traditional and simplified Chinese. Although it offers a limited range of products, it is overall good for international trading.

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Firstrade Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Option fees are not charged on a contract-by-contract basis.
  • There is a good selection of research and teaching materials, particularly for alternatives.
  • Conditional orders and trailing stops are examples of advanced trading orders.
  • Chinese investors who speak Mandarin or Cantonese will find excellent help.

Cons

  • There will be no trading in foreign exchange, futures, cryptocurrency, or fractional shares.
  • There is no international trade, only access to U.S. marketplaces.
  • Only basic research tools are provided.
  • Margin rates that are unusually high

Firstrade User Experience

Desktop Version

The desktop version is easy to use. Most of the blanks are filled in advance, which makes it easy for even the typical account holder to read the tables. The setup is convenient and easy to use, even for beginners.

What’s great is that there is also Firstrade customer service for traders that come from approved foreign markets. Not only that, but the whole navigation process is quite easy to use.

You can enter them no matter what your location on the site is. You can also customize it by removing modules or dragging them to different places on the screen.

Firstrade offers an option called the Firstrade navigator, which provides more advanced technical charting, market data, and research and graph widgets that may be customized.

There is another incredible option that is known as options wizard. The options wizard is an analytics tool that has more than 65 technical profit and loss simulations, technical indicators, and stock exchange strategy modeling.

Mobile app version

Firstrade’s mobile app is a simplified version of the web standard version. You have smart menus that allow you to access your mutual funds, account transactions, retirement accounts and can even view your past performance.

Firstrade vs. Competitors

1. Firstrade vs. Tradestation

Although both Firstrade and Tradestation work in similar ways, Tradestation can be pretty pricey when it comes to trading free stock.

For example, non-brokerage traders have to pay a monthly subscription of $99, while professional trades as much as $199 a month.

On the other hand, Firstrade offers an entirely free service when it comes to trading.

This means that there are no fees when it comes to keeping an account minimum.

Not only that, you can even use other professional services and features such as Firstrade Navigator completely free.

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2. Firstrade vs. Robinhood

Even though Robinhood is an excellent trading platform, there are several downsides that come with it.

You can trade only stocks, crypto, and ETFs. Unlike Robinhood, with Firstrade, you can even trade mutual funds and options trade.

Not only that, but Firstrade doesn’t earn money from your business.

This is a good thing as you don’t have to, in a way, pay taxes as you would do with Robinhood.

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3. Firstrade vs TD Ameritrade

These two online brokers offer incredible options trading services. Although both are pretty reputable, Firstrade account fees are much lower than T.D. Ameritrade.

Not only do you get free stock trading, but you also can get fast access to your mutual funds

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Choose Asia Forex Mentor for Your Forex and Crypto Trading Success

If you have a keen interest in establishing a successful career in forex trading and aspire to achieve substantial financial gains, Asia Forex Mentor stands as the optimal choice for the best forex, stock, and crypto trading course. Ezekiel Chew, renowned as the visionary behind trading institutions and banks, is the driving force behind Asia Forex Mentor. On a personal note, Ezekiel consistently achieves seven-figure trades, a distinction that truly sets him apart from other educators in the field. Here are the compelling reasons that underpin our recommendation:

Comprehensive Curriculum: Asia Forex Mentor offers an all-encompassing educational program that covers stock, crypto, and forex trading. This well-structured curriculum equips aspiring traders with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in these diverse markets.

Proven Track Record: The credibility of Asia Forex Mentor is firmly established through its impressive track record of producing consistently profitable traders across various market sectors. This achievement serves as a testament to the effectiveness of their training methodologies and mentorship.

Expert Mentors: At Asia Forex Mentor, students benefit from the guidance and insights of experienced mentors who have demonstrated remarkable success in stock, crypto, and forex trading. These mentors provide personalized support, enabling students to navigate the intricacies of each market with confidence.

Supportive Community: Joining Asia Forex Mentor brings access to a supportive community of like-minded traders pursuing success in the stock, crypto, and forex markets. This community fosters collaboration, idea-sharing, and peer learning, enhancing the overall learning experience.

Emphasis on Discipline and Psychology: Success in trading necessitates a strong mindset and disciplined approach. Asia Forex Mentor provides crucial psychological training to help traders manage emotions, handle stress, and make rational decisions during trading.

Constant Updates and Resources: The financial markets are dynamic, and Asia Forex Mentor ensures that students remain up-to-date with the latest trends, strategies, and market insights. Continuous access to valuable resources keeps traders ahead of the curve.

Success Stories: Asia Forex Mentor takes pride in a multitude of success stories where students have transformed their trading careers and achieved financial independence through their comprehensive forex, stock, and crypto trading education.

In summary, Asia Forex Mentor emerges as the premier choice for those seeking the best forex, stock, and crypto trading course to carve a rewarding career and achieve financial prosperity. Through its comprehensive curriculum, experienced mentors, practical approach, and supportive community, Asia Forex Mentor provides the necessary tools and guidance to mold aspiring traders into accomplished professionals across diverse financial markets.

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Conclusion: Is Firstrade really the Best for Mobile Investing?

If you’re wondering whether Firstrade is the best for mobile trading, then look at this. Firstrade offers the ability to have an account minimum and still make incredible investment choices.

Not only that, but it also provides you with several incredible features such as Options Wizard, option trades, and zero account fees.

This means that you don’t have to pay any account fees and still participate in options trades, access your mutual funds, and trade with other online brokers.

But that isn’t all. You can connect with other options traders and get a discount broker when making options trades.

Although the investments involve risk, this won’t be a problem as the Options Wizard can help you analyze markets and get investment advice.

RECOMMENDED TRADING COURSE

REVIEW

VISIT

Asia Forex Mentor Resize v3

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Firstrade FAQs

Is Firstrade Safe and Legit?

Firstrade is safe and legit as it is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

Is Firstrade a good app?

Firstrade is a good app if you want to gain access to discount brokers, options trading, and accessing your mutual funds. It is one of the best online brokerages that allow you to make investment choices even via a mobile app.

Who is Firstrade owned by?

It is owned by Firstrade Securities investor protection corporation, which is a private-held company.

RECOMMENDED TRADING COURSE

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VISIT

Asia Forex Mentor Resize v3

#1 Forex, Crypto and Stocks trading course. Ranked most comprehensive by Investopedia and Best by Benzinga. Free to Try!

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Wilbert S

Wilbert is an avid researcher and is deeply passionate about finance and health. When he's not working, he writes research and review articles by doing a thorough analysis on the products based on personal experience, user reviews and feedbacks from forums, quora, reddit, trustpilot amongst others.

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