Best Stock Trading Accounts in the USA – 2025
1. 🟢 Robinhood
- Best For: Beginners, commission-free trading
- Benefits:
- $0 commission on stocks, ETFs, options, crypto
- Simple mobile app interface
- No account minimum
- Eligibility:
- 18+ years old
- U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or visa holder
- Valid SSN
- Required Documents:
- Social Security Number (SSN)
- Valid government ID (Driver’s License or Passport)
- Bank account for funding
- Apply Link:
🔗 https://robinhood.com
2. 🔵 Fidelity Investments
- Best For: Long-term investors, retirement accounts
- Benefits:
- $0 commission for U.S. stocks, ETFs
- Wide range of investment options (stocks, mutual funds, IRAs)
- Excellent customer support
- Eligibility:
- U.S. resident, 18+
- SSN and valid U.S. address
- Required Documents:
- SSN
- Government-issued ID
- Employment/income info
- Apply Link:
🔗 https://www.fidelity.com/open-account
3. 🟣 Charles Schwab
- Best For: All-in-one investment services
- Benefits:
- $0 commission on stocks, ETFs
- Fractional share investing
- Robo-advisory (Schwab Intelligent Portfolios)
- Eligibility:
- 18+, U.S. resident or ITIN holder
- Required Documents:
- SSN or ITIN
- ID and address proof
- Apply Link:
🔗 https://www.schwab.com/open-account
4. 🔶 TD Ameritrade (Now part of Schwab)
- Best For: Advanced traders, powerful tools (Thinkorswim)
- Benefits:
- $0 stock and ETF commissions
- Advanced trading platform
- Paper trading available
- Eligibility:
- U.S. resident, 18+
- SSN and valid address
- Required Documents:
- SSN
- ID proof
- Bank account for funding
- Apply Link:
🔗 https://www.tdameritrade.com
5. 🔴 Webull
- Best For: Active traders, free tools
- Benefits:
- $0 commission trades
- Pre-market & after-hours trading
- Advanced mobile app for charting
- Eligibility:
- Age 18+
- U.S. citizenship/ITIN/SSN
- Required Documents:
- SSN
- ID (Driver’s license, passport)
- Bank account details
- Apply Link:
🔗 https://www.webull.com
✅ How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Choose a broker that suits your needs (Robinhood, Fidelity, etc.)
- Visit the apply link and click “Open Account”
- Fill out your personal details (name, address, SSN, employment info)
- Upload documents (ID, SSN verification if required)
- Link your bank account to deposit funds
- Submit and wait for approval (instantly or within 24–48 hours)
📄 Required Documents Summary
| Document Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| SSN or ITIN | Identity verification |
| Government ID | Identity proof |
| U.S. Address Proof | Residency confirmation |
| Bank Account Details | For deposits and withdrawals |
🎁 Common Benefits
- Free trades on stocks, ETFs, and options
- Real-time data and charts
- Access to IPOs (some platforms)
- Mobile & desktop platforms
- Educational resources and paper trading
📘 Stock Trading Account – FAQ (USA)
❓1. Who can open a stock trading account in the USA?
👉 Anyone who is:
- At least 18 years old
- A U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or valid visa holder
- Has a Social Security Number (SSN) or ITIN
- Has a U.S. address and bank account
❓2. What documents are needed to open a stock trading account?
📄 You typically need:
- Social Security Number (SSN) or ITIN
- Government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license or passport)
- U.S. residential address
- Bank account information for deposits/withdrawals
❓3. How much money do I need to start trading?
💰 Most platforms allow you to start with $0–$100. Some offer fractional shares, so you can invest with small amounts (e.g., $5 or $10).
❓4. Which trading platform is best for beginners?
✅ Robinhood and Webull are great for beginners due to their:
- Easy-to-use apps
- Commission-free trades
- No minimum deposit
❓5. Is stock trading safe for beginners?
📉 Yes, but you must:
- Understand the risks involved
- Never invest money you can’t afford to lose
- Use demo accounts or “paper trading” to practice
- Consider starting with ETFs or blue-chip stocks
❓6. Do I have to pay taxes on profits?
🧾 Yes. You must report:
- Capital gains (profits from selling stock)
- Dividends (income from stocks)
Your broker usually provides a Form 1099 for tax filing.
❓7. Can non-U.S. residents open a stock trading account?
🌍 Yes, some brokers like Interactive Brokers allow non-U.S. citizens. But most U.S.-based platforms require a:
- SSN or ITIN
- U.S. residential address
❓8. What’s the difference between a cash account and a margin account?
📊
- Cash Account: You can only trade using the money you deposit.
- Margin Account: You can borrow money from the broker to trade (riskier; interest applies).
❓9. How long does it take to open an account?
⏱️ Most online brokers approve your application within:
- Minutes to 24 hours for basic accounts
- Up to 3 business days if manual review is needed
❓10. What are the risks of trading stocks?
⚠️
- Market volatility (prices go up/down)
- You can lose your invested money
- Scams and misinformation (always trade via licensed brokers)
- Emotional decision-making