Firstrade

Firstrade Securities is a U.S.-registered broker-dealer founded in 1985, originally serving the Chinese-American investing community before expanding to a broader retail audience. The firm is headquartered in Flushing, New York, and is regulated by FINRA and the SEC. It offers self-directed brokerage accounts with access to stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, options, and fixed income — all with $0 trading commissions and no account minimum to open.

The platform gained renewed attention after matching the commission-free wave pioneered by Robinhood and Schwab, and differentiating itself by extending $0 commissions to options contracts (not just equities) — a move that still sets it apart from several competitors. However, Firstrade's web and mobile platforms are relatively basic compared to thinkorswim or Tastytrade, and its margin interest rates and uninvested cash yields lag behind peers. It is a reasonable choice for buy-and-hold investors and options traders who prioritize cost savings over advanced tooling.