TradeZero provides a commission free structure that fits an active trader's needs. You can access the TZ locator for sourcing shares for shorting. Mark for credit any locates you no longer need and recoup a portion of your locate costs if and when TradeZero can reallocate your locates to another TradeZero client.
What is TradeZero?
TradeZero is a relatively new brokerage firm based in the United States, with 1-2 years in business and regulated by FINRA and IIROC.
The platform offers a variety of tradable securities including stocks, options, and various borrowing options for short sales and overnight trades. It features a commission-free trading structure, supports margin trading with a 9% margin rate, and does not require a minimum deposit.
TradeZero provides several trading platforms such as ZeroPro, ZeroWeb, ZeroFree, and ZeroMobile. Additionally, it offers educational resources like a blog, learning modules, FAQs, and training videos.
Customer support is accessible via phone and email, and the firm promotes its services with a referral reward program offering $100.
Regulatory Status
IIROC License
The Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) regulates TradeZero Canada Securities ULC, which oversees a wide range of investment services and products.
Based in Toronto, Canada, the firm is licensed to deal in ETFs, mutual funds, stocks, bonds, annuities, and various other financial instruments. IIROC's role in regulating this entity ensures adherence to high standards of investor protection and market integrity, crucial for maintaining efficient and competitive capital markets in Canada.
FINRA License
FINRA, established in 2007 from the merger of NASD and NYSE Regulation, is a key self-regulatory organization in the United States, regulating TRADEZERO AMERICA, INC.
Based in Brooklyn, New York, TRADEZERO AMERICA is licensed under FINRA and deals in a similar range of financial products as its Canadian counterpart, including ETFs, mutual funds, stocks, and more. FINRA's mandate focuses on safeguarding market integrity and protecting investors, pivotal in overseeing trading practices in the OTC markets and operations of investment banks across the U.S.
Pros & Cons
TradeZero offers low rates, no minimum deposit, and is regulated by FINRA and IIROC, enhancing its trustworthiness. It supports a broad array of tradable securities and features diverse trading platforms including ZeroPro and ZeroMobile. Additionally, it incentivizes users with a $100 referral bonus.
However, there are some limitations to consider. TradeZero does not offer 24/7 customer support, which may inconvenience traders needing assistance during off-hours or weekends. This could be a drawback for those who trade on global markets that operate in different time zones.
Tradable Securities
The tradable securities offered by TradeZero include:
Stocks: Stocks represent shares of ownership in a company, making the holder a part owner of the company to the extent of their shareholding. Trading in stocks is one of the most traditional forms of investing in the financial markets, allowing investors to benefit from capital gains and dividends.
Options: Options are financial derivatives that provide the holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an underlying asset at a predetermined price before a certain date. Options trading is used for hedging against risks or speculating on the future prices of assets.
Daily Short Locates: This service involves locating shares that can be borrowed and sold short, typically to capitalize on an anticipated decline in the stock price. Traders use daily short locates to gain access to stocks that are not readily available for short selling.
Overnight Borrow: Overnight borrow allows traders to borrow shares for short selling beyond the usual trading day. This is particularly useful for traders who want to hold a short position for a short period, such as overnight, to take advantage of expected price movements.
Overnight Borrow - Odd Lots: This service is similar to regular overnight borrowing but is tailored for borrowing smaller quantities of shares, known as odd lots. This can be advantageous for smaller investors or for those looking to adjust their portfolio exposures without engaging in larger transactions.
Services
TradeZero offers a range of specialized services tailored to meet the needs of diverse traders, enhancing their trading experience and efficiency. Heres an overview of some key services referred to in the text:
Free Stock Trading: TradeZero provides commission-free trading for stocks listed on major exchanges like NYSE, AMEX, and Nasdaq, making it accessible for traders to execute market and limit orders without incurring costs. This service is especially beneficial for active traders looking to minimize expenses.
Platinum: This premium service is designed for high-net-worth individuals or those maintaining account balances of $30,000 or more. Benefits include access to the 100% free trading platform, discounted short locates, and a personal account liaison with a Licensed Series 7 representative. Platinum members also enjoy enhanced benefits such as discounted rates on locates and additional rebates on trading costs, providing a more refined and cost-effective trading environment.
Locate: TradeZero's locate feature allows traders to find and borrow stocks for short selling, which is crucial for those who speculate on price declines. The platform recently introduced an innovative feature where traders can mark unused locates for credit, potentially recouping part of the initial locate costs if these are reallocated to other traders. This system not only increases flexibility but also enhances cost efficiency for short sellers.
Commissions and Fees
TradeZero maintains competitive fees, particularly with its $0 commission structure for many stock and options trades. The platform also offers specialized fee structures for early trading hours and smaller securities transactions.
Free Orders (Stocks & Options): $0 commission for market and limit orders on stocks and options that trade on the NYSE, AMEX, or NASDAQ and are priced over $1.
Paid Orders: $0.005 per share or up to $7.95 per trade for early morning trades and low-priced equities. This applies to securities traded from 4:00 AM to 7:00 AM ET and for equities trading under $1.00.
Options Fees: No commission per contract, with a contract fee of $0.42 and additional fees for cash-settled index options and regulatory fees.
Other Fees: Various fees apply for daily short locates, overnight borrows, margin debit interest at 9%, and transaction-based fees like TAF, SEC, and ADR pass-through fees.
Assisted Trade and Risk Sellout Fees: $30 for assisted trades and $50 for risk sellout actions.
Platforms
The trading platforms provided by TradeZero are designed to attract a range of traders from beginners to advanced, with various features and capabilities:
ZeroPro: This platform is intended for active traders and includes advanced features such as portfolio management, detailed charting, Level 2 quotes, a news feed, top lists, time and sales, watch lists, alarms, high/low tickers, conditional orders, short locate, and options trading. ZeroPro offers a large suite of tools for in-depth trading analysis and execution.
ZeroWeb: ZeroWeb is a browser-based trading platform that provides real-time dynamic updates and a customizable layout. Features include portfolio and chart windows, Level 2 quotes, hot keys, and watch lists. It's designed for traders who need robust functionality accessible via the web without the need to install software.
ZeroFree: Aimed at beginner traders, ZeroFree offers a no-cost trading solution with essential features like direct hard-to-borrow locates, hot-keys, Level 2 data, real-time charting, and custom watch lists. This platform is browser-based and offers a user-friendly interface for those new to trading.
ZeroMobile: This platform provides mobile access to TradeZero's trading capabilities, ensuring that traders can manage their portfolios, execute trades, and access real-time data from their smartphones or tablets, making trading accessible on the go.
Promotion
TradeZero offers a referral promotion that benefits both the referrer and the referred individual.
When a current account holder refers a new client who opens an account with a minimum deposit of $2,500 USD and executes at least one trade, both parties receive $100 USD credited to their TradeZero accounts.
This promotion is designed to expand TradeZeros client base while rewarding existing customers for their referrals.
Customer Service
TradeZero emphasizes strong customer support by ensuring that their team is readily accessible for client inquiries and assistance.
Clients can contact TradeZeros customer service team by phone at 1-877-4-TRADE-0 during business hours from Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM Eastern Time.
Additionally, customers have the option to email the support team at support@tradezero.us for any queries or support needs outside of telephone hours.
TradeZero is located at 67 35th Street, Suite B450, Brooklyn, NY, 11232, providing a physical presence that further supports their commitment to customer service.
Educational Resources
TradeZero offers a suite of educational resources designed to support both new and experienced traders. These resources are aimed at enhancing trading skills and financial knowledge:
Blog: TradeZero maintains a blog that covers a variety of topics, including market insights, trading strategies, and financial news. This platform serves as a valuable educational tool for traders looking to stay updated on market trends and trading tactics.
Learn: The 'Learn' section on TradeZero's website offers detailed articles and guides that explain trading concepts, investment strategies, and the functionality of their trading platforms. This resource is tailored to help traders understand complex financial instruments and improve their trading skills.
FAQs: The FAQ section provides answers to commonly asked questions about trading, account management, and platform usage. This resource helps traders quickly find solutions to common issues and learn more about the services offered by TradeZero.
Conclusion
TradeZero is a dynamic brokerage firm that attracts both novice and experienced traders with a wide range of tradable securities including stocks, options, and various borrowing options for short sales.
It offers a suite of platforms that suit different trading needs, from desktop to mobile applications. TradeZero distinguishes itself with commission-free trades, competitive margin rates, and a robust educational support system that includes blogs, a learning center, FAQs, and training videos.
The firm is dedicated to providing substantial customer support and innovative trading solutions, making it a favorable option for traders looking for efficient and cost-effective trading experiences.
FAQs
Question: What platforms does TradeZero offer for trading?
Answer: TradeZero provides several trading platforms including ZeroPro, ZeroWeb, ZeroFree, and ZeroMobile, each meeting different trading preferences and requirements.
Question: How can I benefit from TradeZeros referral program?
Answer: TradeZero offers a referral program where both the referrer and the referred new client receive $100 when the new client opens an account, deposits a minimum of $2,500, and makes at least one trade.
Question: Are there any fees for trading options at TradeZero?
Answer: TradeZero offers $0 commission options trading, although certain pass-through fees like the Options Clearing Corp fee and the Options Regulatory Fee may apply.
Question: How can I access customer support at TradeZero?
Answer: Customer support at TradeZero can be accessed via phone at 1-877-4-TRADE-0, email at support@tradezero.us, or through their 24x7 live chat service on their website.