TradeStation fees

TradeStation costs refer to the fees users incur while using the TradeStation trading platform for various securities, including stocks, options, futures, crypto, and more. Understanding these costs is essential if you’re considering whether the platform fits your trading strategy or financial plan. While TradeStation offers some commission-free trading options, there are certain fees associated with specific trade types, account activities, and services. This review provides a comprehensive breakdown of TradeStation’s fee structure, covering stock and crypto trading fees, account charges, hidden fees, and comparisons with other platforms to help you make an informed decision.

What is TradeStation?

TradeStation is an American trading platform and brokerage service catering to active traders, institutional investors, and retail users. Founded in the early 1980s, it initially specialized in charting software before evolving into a full-service brokerage. TradeStation offers the ability to trade:

• Stocks and ETFs

• Options

• Futures and futures options

• Mutual funds

• Cryptocurrencies

The platform includes advanced charting tools, automation features, customizable order types, and API access, making it an attractive choice for algorithmic traders and developers.

TradeStation’s pricing varies based on asset classes, trading volumes, and personal preferences. Understanding when and how fees are applied is important for investors choosing the platform.

Stocks and ETF Fees

TradeStation’s most notable feature is its zero-commission stock and ETF trading, available to customers on the TSgo plan, which is designed for individual traders buying and selling via the web or mobile platform.

• TSgo Plan:

  • Commission: $0 for stocks and ETFs

  • Routing Fees: Additional fees may apply for direct routing instead of smart routing

  • Platform Usage: Free on mobile and web; desktop trading incurs a charge for this plan

The TSgo plan is great for casual traders, but it doesn’t provide access to TradeStation’s advanced desktop software without extra charges.

• TS Select Plan:

  • Commission: $0 for stocks and ETFs

  • Platform Access: Includes free access to the desktop platform

  • Routing: More control over order execution, fewer restrictions

The TS Select plan is better suited for experienced traders, offering more advanced features and free access to the desktop terminal.

Options Trading Fees

Options trading on TradeStation is not commission-free but remains highly competitive.

• TSgo Plan:

  • Per contract fee: $0.50

  • Commission per trade: $0

  • Direct Routing: Not available in this plan

• TS Select Plan:

  • Per contract fee: $0.60

  • Commission per trade: $0

  • Access: Includes full platform tools for more sophisticated options strategies

Regulatory fees are applied for all options trades, and these are directly charged to clients.

Futures and Futures Options Fees

Futures traders face a distinct fee structure that charges per contract, with additional exchange and clearing fees.

• Pricing for Futures:

  • Per side, per contract: $1.50

  • Additional fees: Exchange, clearing, and NFA fees

  • Minimum requirements: $1,500 to initiate a futures account

Futures options are priced similarly at $1.50 per side, with additional costs.

Day traders can qualify for volume discounts, but these are typically negotiated based on their trading activity rather than advertised publicly.

Cryptocurrency Fees

TradeStation also supports crypto trading, functioning more as a crypto broker rather than an exchange, where clients buy/sell against TradeStation Crypto instead of using a public order book or on-chain transactions.

• Fee Structure: Tiered maker-taker model

  • Up to $100,000 monthly volume: 0.60% taker, 0.30% maker

  • $100K – $1M: 0.30% taker, 0.15% maker

  • Above $1M: 0.10% taker, 0.05% maker

Crypto withdrawal fees may apply based on network congestion, and unlike traditional assets, TradeStation holds crypto with third-party providers rather than in clients’ wallets.

Maintenance of Accounts and Inactivity Fees

TradeStation charges low maintenance fees, with some specifics:

• Inactivity Fee: $50/year if no trades are made and the balance is below $2,000

• Annual Fee for IRA: $35 for IRA accounts

• Paper Statement Fee: $1.50 per statement unless enrolled in e-delivery

• Outbound Transfers: $125 each for full account transfers to an external broker

Most of these fees can be avoided through basic account activity or opting for electronic communication.

Data and Platform Fees

TradeStation may assess fees depending on the user’s plan and tools:

• TSgo Users:

  • Web and mobile: Free

  • Desktop access: $10/month

• TS Select Users:

  • Desktop applications: Free

  • Market data: Additional expenses may apply based on selected exchanges

Paid features like Level 2 market data can incur extra monthly charges, depending on asset classes.

How TradeStation Fees Compare

Compared to other brokers, TradeStation keeps stock and crypto costs competitive, particularly with its $0 commission on stock transactions. However, investors focusing on options, futures, or high-end features will find fees higher than brokers like Robinhood or Webull, which offer zero-fee trading for many asset classes.

TradeStation’s features and APIs are more advanced, making it worth the extra cost for active traders.

Tips for Managing TradeStation Fees

• Select an appropriate plan: TSgo for infrequent users, TS Select for desktops and high-volume traders

• Avoid inactivity: Trade at least once a year to prevent paying the inactivity fee

• Use e-delivery: Go paperless to avoid statement fees

• Know your routing: Bypass extra routing fees if necessary

• Watch your crypto volume: Higher volumes get lower trading fees

• Pay attention to minor differences: Stay informed to avoid unnecessary costs.

Conclusion

TradeStation fees vary based on your trading strategy and asset types. For stock and ETF investors, the $0 commission model on the TSgo plan is fantastic, but fees for options, futures, and crypto trading can be higher, especially with extra data or routing charges. By understanding TradeStation’s fee structure and selecting the right plan, traders can access powerful features while keeping costs in check. As with any brokerage, be sure to check the latest fee schedule on the TradeStation website before making significant trades or joining the platform.