SpeedTrader DetailsTrading PlatformsAssetsPopular Alternatives To SpeedTraderCommissions & FeesLeverageMobile AppPayment MethodsDemo AccountDeals & PromotionsRegulation & LicensingAdditional FeaturesAccount TypesBenefitsDrawbacksTrading HoursCustomer SupportTrader SecuritySpeedTrader VerdictAccepted CountriesAlternatives to SpeedTraderFAQ
SpeedTrader is an online brokerage aimed at active clients. Users can trade US stocks and options through a high-speed web platform and mobile app. This review covers the broker’s trading services, including demo and margin accounts, regulatory status, and fee structure.
SpeedTrader Details
SpeedTrader is a New York-based online broker established in 1999. The company is part of Mint Global Markets and is registered with FINRA & SIPC.
Aimed at experienced traders, the broker offers competitive fees and powerful trading tools. In return, clients must meet hefty minimum deposit requirements and receive minimal hand-holding in terms of educational resources.
Trading Platforms
SpeedTrader PRO
SpeedTrader PRO is a powerful, desktop-based trading platform. The software promises advanced trading options, account management tools, and real-time streaming.
The interface is laid out so that features are easy to find and use on both Mac and Windows devices. Traders get access to stock scanners, 25 routing options, and 100 hotkeys. There’s also a decent level of customisation so users can find a look and feel that works for them. Reviews of the platform are generally positive and it will meet the needs of experienced traders.
SpeedTrader PRO platform
ActiveWeb
ActiveWeb is a browser-based HTML5 trading platform packed with market data, options chains, live streaming news, and real-time level 1 quote data. The easy-access program also offers a suite of risk management tools, multiple screen support, and comes with a built-in Twitter feed. ActiveWeb ticks the box if you’re looking for a hassle-free direct market access platform.
SpeedTrader ActiveWeb platform
Assets
SpeedTrader has a relatively narrow product range with users only able to trade US stocks, options, bonds, and mutual funds. Clients looking to trade forex, futures, cryptocurrency, or commodities will be disappointed. With that said, it does means tools and resources are focussed on the few asset-types that are available.
Popular Alternatives To SpeedTrader
Show Filters ▾
Review
Reliable and affordable trading since 2009. Join over 900,000 others trading on 400+ CFD products over assets like forex, gold, indices, cryptocurrency and shares from 0.0 spreads through TradingView, MT4 or MT5. Vantage is ASIC regulated and client funds are segregated. Open an account in under 5 minutes.
Reliable and affordable trading since 2009. Join over 900,000 others trading on 400+ CFD products over assets like forex, gold, indices, cryptocurrency and shares from 0.0 spreads through TradingView, MT4 or MT5. Vantage is ASIC regulated and client funds are segregated. Open an account in under 5 minutes.
Review
Leading forex and CFD broker regulated in Ireland, Australia, Canada and South Africa. Avatrade are particularly strong in integration, including MT4
Leading forex and CFD broker regulated in Ireland, Australia, Canada and South Africa. Avatrade are particularly strong in integration, including MT4
Review
A regulated bank, Saxobank offer Equities and Forex trading on 40,000+ markets via the SaxoTrader Pro and SaxoTrader Go platforms
A regulated bank, Saxobank offer Equities and Forex trading on 40,000+ markets via the SaxoTrader Pro and SaxoTrader Go platforms
Show All 90 Brokers ⇩
Commissions & Fees
SpeedTrader’s commission structure permits clients to choose between a per trade or per share charge. Per-trade pricing begins at $2.95, per-share at $0.0025, and options pricing at $0.30 per contract. An inactivity fee of $30.00 will also be charged to accounts if fewer than 15 trades are executed per quarter.
See the Commission Fees section of the website for further details.
Leverage
Leverage up to 1:400 is available and 1:200 on overnight trades. Leverage provides an opportunity for greater exposure with minimum equity, but whilst it can earn big returns, it does carry risk. Leverage levels are flexible and there are potential discounts on margin interest rates. Contact the customer support team to negotiate a leverage package that works for you.
Note, as per PDT rule, any margin account identified as belonging to Pattern Day trader should have a minimum balance of $25,000.
Mobile App
SpeedTrader offers a mobile app for trading on-the-go. The app offers all the features of the desktop experience including level 2 data, advanced charting, options chains, order management tools, news updates, and more. The app is only available to download on iOS devices.
SpeedTrader mobile app
Payment Methods
Funding your SpeedTrader account can be done via wire or electronic transfer. Domestic transfers (US) will take up to 24 hours to clear, and international transfers up to 48 hours. The minimum deposit is $30,000 and the maximum daily deposit permitted is $50,000.
Withdrawals can be requested via electronic transfer or check. Electronic transfers are free of charge while checks may be charged an overnight delivery fee of $40.00. Overnight delivery cannot be made to international addresses.
Demo Account
SpeedTrader offers users a 14 day free trial of the PRO platform. The paper trading account is a great way to explore trading software, market simulators, plus advanced charting tools and stock scanners. No credit card is required and the demo account registration and login processes are quick and easy.
Deals & Promotions
There were no welcome deposit bonuses or other sign-up offers at the time of writing. However, the broker has been known to offer $100 of free trades to new clients in the past, so it’s worth checking their website for offers before you open an account.
Regulation & Licensing
SpeedTrader is authorised by the US Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC). Client funds are insured up to $500,000 and the company’s clearing policy provides additional coverage of up to $24.5 million per client as outlined by SIPC. Accounting for both coverage policies, clients are protected up to a total of $25 million, including up to $1 million for cash balances.
Note, SpeedTrader isn’t available in Canada but does offer services to foreign countries, including the UK, Australia, and Europe.
Additional Features
SpeedTrader offers additional resources in the form of webinars, a blog, and a Short List tool that locates specific tickers that may be eligible for shorting. The broker also offers a rebate on a market intelligence tool – Trade Ideas, plus a discount on Ticker Tocker, an intuitive trading platform that offers an algorithm builder, amongst other features.
The additional resources available are targeted towards experienced traders, so beginners may find the education tools limited.
Account Types
SpeedTrader offers two account plans for stocks and options trading – COR and ETC. The COR account offers per trade and share options. The ETC account offers only per-share trade options. The price structure on the ETC account starts at $0.0039 per share. Fees on the COR account begin at $3.95 per trade and $0.00039 per share.
Regardless of account type, platform and routing fees are an additional cost passed onto the trader. Account login can be found in the top right corner of the broker’s homepage.
Benefits
If you take SpeedTrader vs competitors, such as Thinkorswim by TD Ameritrade, TradeZero, or Centerpoint Securities, the broker scores highly in the following areas:
Top of the line trading software
Competitive commission rates
Multiple routing options
Short selling aids
Drawbacks
No APIs
$30,000 minimum deposit
Limited choice of tradeable assets
Not suitable for beginners or infrequent traders
Mobile trading is limited to iPhone & iPad users
Trading Hours
SpeedTrader platforms are available to view 24/7, however trading hours follow general market opening and closing times. Standard US trading hours are from 09:30 to 16:00 local time, Monday through to Friday. The only exception to this is a reduced schedule over holiday periods, details of which the broker will publish on their website.
On the SpeedTrader blog, users can find information on pre-market and after-hours trading.
Customer Support
Customer support is located in the bottom right of the homepage. Help is available via:
Email – info@speedtrader.com
Phone number – 800-874-3039
SpeedTrader also offers a live chat function. Live chat is available from 08:00 through to 17:00 ET, Monday to Thursday, and 08:00 to 16:30 ET on a Friday.
Users can also find SpeedTrader on Facebook and Twitter, as well as helpful videos on YouTube.
Trader Security
Trading platforms, payment methods and information shared over customer support are all secured using industry-standard measures, including firewalls and SSL protocols. SpeedTrader provides a safe trading environment for its clients.
SpeedTrader Verdict
If you take SpeedTrader vs the likes of Lightspeed, Interactive Brokers, Suretrader, or eToro, it’s clear the broker can hold its own in terms of market access and trading fees. For active traders seeking a high-speed platform and access to US markets, SpeedTrader is a credible option. Beginners or intermediates not willing to put up $30,000 to open an account may want to consider alternatives.
Accepted Countries
SpeedTrader accepts traders from Australia, Thailand, United States, United Kingdom, South Africa, Singapore, Hong Kong, India, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Italy, Denmark, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Luxembourg, Qatar and most other countries.
Traders can not use SpeedTrader from Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Belarus, Cambodia, Canada, Congo, Cuba, Korea, Ethiopia, Ecuador, France, Ghana, Indonesia, Iraq, Jamaica, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Mongolia, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sao Tome And Principe, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Turkey, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zimbabwe.
Alternatives to SpeedTrader
If you are looking for alternatives to SpeedTrader we have compiled a list of the top 5 brokers that are similar to SpeedTrader below. This list of brokers like SpeedTrader is in order of similarity and only includes companies that accept traders from your location.
IronFX – IronFX offers online trading in forex, stocks, futures and commodities
ZacksTrade – ZacksTrade: Built for the active trader. Stock & ETF trades from $3, 75¢ options contracts and 3.56% margin rate (lower on occasion)
SimpleFX – SimpleFX is a CFD broker offering its own SFX WebTrader platform & low fees.
Global Prime – Global Prime is a multi-regulated trading broker offering 100+ markets.
ActivTrades – ActivTrades offers online trading on the MT4, MT5 and ActivTrader platforms.
FAQ
Where is SpeedTrader regulated?
SpeedTrader is registered with the US FINRA and SIPC. Traders can open an account in the knowledge that the broker may be subject to sanctions if it acts inappropriately.
Does SpeedTrader offer a demo account?
Yes, SpeedTrader offers a 14 day free trial of the SpeedTrader PRO platform. Prospective clients can test the range of trading tools and instruments available.
How much capital do I need to trade with SpeedTrader?
The minimum account requirement is $25,000. This is significantly higher than the amount needed to create an account at other brokers, which may deter less-experienced traders.
Is SpeedTrader a trustworthy broker?
SpeedTrader has a credible reputation and is subject to regulatory oversight from the US FINRA and SIPC. With that said, there are always risks involved with day trading, so users should only invest what they can afford to lose.
Does SpeedTrader accept foreign accounts?
Yes, SpeedTrader does accept clients from outside the US. Clients from Europe are advised to speak to customer support about creating an account. Note, clients from certain countries, including Canada, are not able to open a SpeedTrader account.