TD
4.7

4892 reviews

TD Ameritrade Review

Now Part of Schwab

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

Merged into Schwab
Status
Still Available
thinkorswim
Complete (May 2024)
Migration
Via Schwab
DRIP

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
  • Schwab's DRIP available with fractional share support
  • Access to Schwab's research and customer service
  • Physical branch access through Schwab locations

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
  • DRIP enrollment moved to Schwab's website (not in thinkorswim)
  • Learning curve for existing TD users adapting to Schwab interface

Merger Status: Complete

Charles Schwab acquired TD Ameritrade in October 2020 for $26 billion. The account migration process completed in May 2024, and the TD Ameritrade platform has been shut down.

All former TD Ameritrade clients now access their accounts through Schwab. If you were a TD Ameritrade customer, your account has been automatically transitioned.

New customers should open accounts directly with Charles Schwab. The TD Ameritrade website now redirects to Schwab.

thinkorswim Platform

The award-winning thinkorswim platform suite (desktop, web, and mobile) has been retained and is now part of Schwab's offerings. Former TD clients can continue using thinkorswim with their Schwab accounts.

thinkorswim Desktop remains fully functional with the same powerful features: 400+ technical indicators, advanced charting, options analysis tools, and the trading simulator.

Schwab has committed to maintaining and improving thinkorswim, recognizing its value to active traders and its reputation as one of the best trading platforms available.

  • 400+ technical analysis tools
  • Advanced options analysis and chains
  • Paper trading simulator
  • Real-time streaming data
  • Customizable layouts and workspaces

Dividend Reinvestment (DRIP)

Dividend reinvestment is now managed through Schwab's website rather than thinkorswim. You can enroll eligible securities in DRIP through your Schwab account's Positions page.

Schwab's DRIP supports stocks, ETFs, closed-end funds, and mutual funds. Options, futures, and forex do not make cash distributions eligible for reinvestment.

DRIP enrollment is simple: log into Schwab.com, click the Accounts tab, select Positions, and choose 'Yes' in the Reinvest column for each security you want to enroll.

What Changed

Account numbers changed during the migration, though account history and positions transferred intact.

The TD Ameritrade API was permanently shut down with the platform closure. Algorithmic traders using the API had to migrate to alternatives like Interactive Brokers, Alpaca, or Tradier.

Some features and interfaces differ between the old TD experience and Schwab, though the core functionality remains.

Why Review TD Ameritrade?

We include this review for historical context and to help former TD Ameritrade customers understand their current situation.

If you're researching brokers and found references to TD Ameritrade, know that its best features—particularly thinkorswim—are now available through Schwab.

For a current review of the platform you'd actually use, see our Charles Schwab review.

Fees & Costs

Transparent breakdown of all fees you might encounter.

Fee TypeCost
Current StatusMerged into Schwab
Stock & ETF Trades$0 (via Schwab)
Options Trades$0 + $0.65/contract (via Schwab)
Account Minimum$0 (via Schwab)
Dividend Reinvestment (DRIP)Free (via Schwab)
thinkorswim PlatformFree (via Schwab)

Who TD Ameritrade Is Best For

Former TD Ameritrade Customers

Your accounts have migrated to Schwab—thinkorswim and core features remain available.

thinkorswim Fans

The platform lives on under Schwab. Open a Schwab account to access it.

Active Traders

thinkorswim's advanced tools are now part of Schwab's offering for active traders.

The Bottom Line

TD Ameritrade as a standalone broker no longer exists—all accounts have been migrated to Charles Schwab as of May 2024. The good news: thinkorswim, TD's legendary trading platform, has been retained and is available to Schwab customers. If you were a TD Ameritrade customer, your transition is complete. If you're a new investor interested in thinkorswim, open a Schwab account directly. For current features, pricing, and DRIP information, see our Charles Schwab review.

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