Platform Comparison

TD Ameritrade vs Zacks Trade

Compare TD Ameritrade and Zacks Trade on fees, DRIP, fractional shares and research for dividend investing.

Higher Rated
TD

TD Ameritrade

★4.7

The legendary thinkorswim platform lives on under Schwab. All TD Ameritrade accounts have been migrated—new customers should open a Schwab account directly.

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ZT

Zacks Trade

★4

A research-focused brokerage with the famous Zacks Rank system and professional-grade tools—but commissions and minimums make it best for active investors.

Full Review

TD Ameritrade vs Zacks Trade: Fees, Minimums & DRIP Compared

FeatureTD AmeritradeZacks Trade
Our Rating4.7/54/5
Trading CommissionsN/A$0.01/share
Account MinimumN/A$2,500
Fractional SharesN/AN/A
DRIPVia SchwabYes
Research ToolsGoodGood
Best ForFormer TD Ameritrade CustomersResearch-Focused Investors

TD Ameritrade vs Zacks Trade: Pros and Cons

TD Ameritrade

Pros

  • + thinkorswim platform retained and integrated into Schwab
  • + All former TD Ameritrade accounts successfully migrated
  • + Commission-free trading continues under Schwab
  • + 400+ technical analysis tools in thinkorswim
  • + Trading simulator for practice without risk

Cons

  • - TD Ameritrade no longer accepts new accounts
  • - TD Ameritrade API permanently shut down
  • - Some interface changes during Schwab transition
  • - Former TD-only features may differ slightly

Zacks Trade

Pros

  • + Zacks Premium Research ($249/year value) included free
  • + Proprietary Zacks Rank stock rating system
  • + Very low per-share commissions ($0.01/share, $1 min)
  • + Professional research tools and screeners
  • + DRIP available for dividend reinvestment

Cons

  • - NOT commission-free—$0.01/share ($1 minimum per trade)
  • - $2,500 account minimum to open
  • - Higher costs for small, frequent trades
  • - Platform can be complex for beginners

Which Is Better for Dividend Investors: TD Ameritrade or Zacks Trade?

Choose TD Ameritrade if you...

  • Are in TD Ameritrade's core audience: former td ameritrade customers
  • Prefer a higher-rated overall platform

Choose Zacks Trade if you...

  • Are in Zacks Trade's core audience: research-focused investors
  • Need automatic dividend reinvestment

Want the full breakdown of fees, DRIP, and research tools? Read our TD Ameritrade review and Zacks Trade review.

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Investment Disclaimer

Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice.