Are you ready to dive into the world of investing? If yes, then the first thing you need to do is open a brokerage account. Don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it may sound. In fact, we have put together a step-by-step guide to make the process a breeze.
The key to finding the right brokerage account is understanding what type of account you want and comparing several online stock brokers to see which one fits your needs. Lucky for you, we’ll take you through the entire process of opening an investment account.
So, let’s get started on this exciting investment journey together!
Table of Contents
1. Identify the suitable brokerage account type for your requirements
When it comes to investing, it’s important to identify your objectives before diving into opening a brokerage account. Let’s take a look at the different types of accounts and which one would work best for you.
Traditional Brokerage Account: If you’re looking to invest for a rainy day or a near-term goal, a traditional brokerage account is the way to go. This type of account doesn’t have any tax advantages, but the biggest perk is that you can withdraw your money anytime you’d like. A traditional brokerage account is also known as a taxable brokerage account since you may need to pay taxes on your investment profits and dividends.
Cash Account or Margin Account: When applying for a traditional brokerage account, your broker may ask if you want a cash account or a margin account. With margin privileges, you can borrow money to buy stocks, using the stocks in your portfolio as collateral. However, investing on margin comes with inherent risks, and you’ll have to pay interest on the borrowed money.
Individual Retirement Account (IRA): Saving for retirement? An IRA is your best bet. A traditional IRA can get you tax deductions on your contributions, but you can’t use your money until you’re 59-1/2. On the other hand, contributions to a Roth IRA don’t give you a tax benefit upfront, but qualified withdrawals will be tax-free.
In addition, you can withdraw your Roth IRA contributions anytime you want, but not your investment profits. Self-employed individuals can explore other IRA options such as a SIMPLE IRA, SEP-IRA, or individual 401(k).
Multiple Brokerage Accounts: Lastly, many people opt to open multiple brokerage accounts, such as a taxable account and an IRA, to keep their money in separate baskets.
2. Evaluate the pricing and incentives
Now that you’ve decided on the type of brokerage account that’s right for you, it’s time to choose an online broker. Here’s what you need to keep in mind while evaluating the pricing and incentives offered by different brokers.
Commission-Free Trading: Most of the major discount brokers today offer commission-free trading as a standard feature. They may also offer you discounts or cash bonuses for transferring a large investment account from another broker. However, it’s important to review each broker’s pricing schedule in detail, especially if you plan on trading anything other than stocks. Options, mutual funds, ETFs, and bonds may have additional costs.
Cost of Trading Options and Other Securities: For instance, options trading usually comes with a cost of around $0.50 to $0.75 per contract. So even if the broker doesn’t charge a base commission, options trading won’t be completely free. Similarly, mutual funds and ETFs may have transaction fees and expense ratios that can add up.
Incentives: Lastly, brokers offer various incentives to attract business, and you don’t need to be a millionaire to take advantage of them. Cash bonuses, free trades, or even a new smartphone are some examples of incentives that brokers may offer. While incentives shouldn’t be the sole reason for choosing a broker, they can certainly be a factor to consider when comparing options.
3. Consider other features
While pricing is important, there are other factors to consider when selecting a brokerage. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Access to Research: Many brokers provide their own stock ratings, as well as access to third-party research from firms like Standard & Poor’s and Morningstar. If you’re looking for professional guidance and research on your investments, this is an important feature to consider.
Foreign Trading: If you plan on trading on international stock exchanges, look for brokers that offer the ability to convert your account’s currency to foreign currencies. Make sure to check whether your chosen broker allows this before opening your account.
Fractional Shares: Fractional shares can be a great option for new investors who can’t afford to buy entire shares of their favorite stocks. Not all brokers offer fractional shares, so be sure to check if this is important to you.
Trading Platforms: Brokers offer a variety of trading software and mobile apps, and many allow prospective clients to test-drive their platforms before opening an account. Look for user-friendly platforms with features that suit your needs. Also, check out some reviews of brokers’ mobile apps if accessing your account on-the-go is important to you.
Convenience: Some brokerages have large networks of local branch offices where you can get investment guidance, while others do not. Brokerages operated by banks offer customers the ability to connect their brokerage and checking accounts, transferring money between accounts in real-time. Also, some banks may offer a “relationship discount” for using both their brokerage and checking accounts.
Other Features: Before choosing a broker, take some time to explore its website and check out any additional features that it offers. This is not an exhaustive list, so be sure to choose the broker that meets your unique needs.
4. Select a brokerage firm
Now that you’ve evaluated different brokers based on their costs, fees, features, and conveniences, it’s time to make your final decision. Here’s how to weigh the pros and cons of each broker and choose the one that fits your investment objectives.
Compare the Pros and Cons of Each Broker: Take a look at the list of brokers you’ve compiled and compare the pros and cons of each one based on your needs. Consider which broker offers the features and services that are important to you.
Prioritize Your Investment Objectives: Remember the investment objectives you identified earlier? Make sure to prioritize them and choose the broker that best aligns with them. For instance, if you’re a new investor looking for guidance, a broker with a large network of local branch offices may be the best choice for you.
Consider Your Investment Experience and Goals: Your investment experience and goals also play a big role in your decision. For instance, if you’re an experienced investor looking for advanced trading platforms and features, you may want to choose a broker with a sophisticated trading software.
Finalize Your Decision: Once you’ve compared the pros and cons of each broker and aligned them with your investment objectives, it’s time to make your final decision. Choose the broker that’s the best fit for you, open your account, and start investing!
5. Complete the application for a new account.
Now that you’ve made your decision, it’s time to open your brokerage account. Here’s how to do it:
Apply for a New Account Online: Applying for a new account online is usually quick and painless with online brokers. Simply head to the broker’s website and fill out the application form. You’ll need some identifying information, such as your Social Security number and driver’s license.
Complete Additional Forms for Margin and Options Trading: If you’re requesting margin privileges or the ability to trade options, you may need to sign additional forms. The broker will also need to collect information about your net worth, employment status, investable assets, and investment goals. This is to ensure that the broker is providing you with appropriate investment guidance and services.
Provide All the Required Information: Make sure to provide all the required information accurately and honestly. This will help prevent any delays or issues with your account in the future. Also, keep in mind that some brokers may require you to make an initial deposit to open your account.
Wait for Approval: Once you’ve submitted your application and all required information, you’ll need to wait for approval from the broker. This usually takes a few business days. Once your account is approved, you’ll be able to start investing!
6. Fund your new account
Now that you’ve opened your new brokerage account, it’s time to fund it. Your broker will likely offer several options for moving money into your account. Here’s what you need to know:
Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT): Transferring funds from a linked checking or savings account is a convenient way to fund the account. In most cases, the funds will post to the account on the following business day. This is a common method that most brokers offer.
Wire Transfer: A wire transfer is the quickest way to fund your account. Since it’s a direct bank-to-bank transfer of money, it often takes place within minutes. However, this method may involve additional fees.
Checks: Checks are also a common way to fund your account, but acceptable forms of check deposits and fund availability vary between brokers. Some brokers may require a specific type of check or may hold the funds for a certain period before making them available for trading.
Asset Transfer: If you’re rolling over a 401(k) or transferring existing investments from another broker, asset transfer is a good funding option. Your new broker will guide you through the process and help you transfer your assets.
Stock Certificates: If you have a paper stock certificate, it can be deposited via mail into an online brokerage account. This method is more time-consuming and may involve additional fees.
When funding your new account, be sure to keep your broker’s minimums in mind. Many brokers have different minimums for taxable accounts, retirement accounts, and margin accounts.
7. Start building a portfolio
Congratulations on opening your new brokerage account! Now, let’s start investing. Here are some tips to help you choose stocks, bonds, or funds, and create a well-diversified portfolio.
Learn the Basics of Responsible Investing: Before diving in, it’s important to learn the basics of responsible investing. This includes understanding how to evaluate stocks, bonds, and funds based on their financial health, potential growth, and overall market trends. You should also learn about the risks and potential rewards associated with different types of investments.
Create a Well-Diversified Portfolio: A well-diversified portfolio is a key to successful investing. This means investing in different asset classes, such as stocks, bonds, and funds, and spreading your investments across different industries and geographic regions. Diversification helps minimize risk and maximize potential returns.
Consider Your Investment Goals and Risk Tolerance: Your investment goals and risk tolerance should also play a role in choosing investments. If you’re a new investor, consider starting with low-risk investments like index funds or mutual funds. If you’re comfortable taking on more risk, you can explore individual stocks or higher-risk funds.
Keep an Eye on Fees and Expenses: Fees and expenses can eat away at your investment returns, so be sure to keep them in mind when choosing investments. Look for funds with low expense ratios and avoid funds with high fees or commissions.
Stay Up-to-Date with Market News and Trends: Staying up-to-date with market news and trends is important for responsible investing. Follow reputable financial news sources and keep an eye on the performance of your investments. Don’t let short-term market fluctuations discourage you from staying the course with your long-term investment goals.
