Updated October 23, 2026

TD Ameritrade review covers a brokerage founded in 1975 and known for the thinkorswim platform. Before the details, one point matters more than any other: TD Ameritrade has been integrated into Charles Schwab following their merger, so accounts and services now sit under that brand. This page explains what the platform offered and where it stands today. Updated September 2026.

Current status

Charles Schwab acquired TD Ameritrade and client accounts have been transitioned to Schwab. The thinkorswim platform survived the merger and continues under Schwab, which was the outcome most active traders hoped for, since thinkorswim was the main reason to hold a TD Ameritrade account. If you are choosing a broker now, read the Charles Schwab review for current terms.

TD Ameritrade at a glance

• Founded: 1975, when the SEC removed fixed brokerage rates on 1 May

• Modern era: 1996 merger with electronic trading operator TransTerra

• 2006: acquired TD Bank's US brokerage division, giving TD a 40 percent stake

• 2009: acquired thinkorswim, which became the flagship platform

• Commission: 0 dollars on stocks, ETFs and options

• Broker-assisted trades: 25 dollars; phone trades: 5 dollars

• Regulators: FINRA, SIPC and MAS in Singapore

• Availability: United States and Singapore only

• Support: 24/7 by phone, text and other channels

What made TD Ameritrade stand out

• Zero commissions on stocks, ETFs and options

• An industry-leading asset selection covering thousands of instruments

• A wide range of account types for different investor situations

• thinkorswim, one of the most capable retail trading platforms available

• Extensive education including live webcasts and research

• Customer service rated among the best in the sector, available 24/7

Investopedia named it Best Broker for Beginners and Best Broker for Mobile in past rankings, which captures the unusual combination here: a platform deep enough for professionals paired with an onboarding experience that did not intimidate newcomers.

History

The firm dates to 1975, the year the SEC abolished fixed brokerage commissions and made discount broking possible. The modern business took shape in 1996 with the TransTerra merger, bringing electronic trading in-house. In 2006 Ameritrade bought TD Bank's US brokerage arm, giving TD a 40 percent stake and producing the TD Ameritrade name. The 2009 acquisition of thinkorswim supplied the platform the firm became known for.

What you could trade

The asset range was among the widest in US retail broking: stocks including Alphabet, Apple, Amazon and Bank of America; more than 70 currency pairs; options; futures including Bitcoin futures; over 3,500 ETFs from providers such as Vanguard, Global X and iShares; more than 13,000 mutual funds; bonds including US 10-year; and OTC trusts.

Stocks and ETFs traded at zero commission. Broker-assisted trades cost 25 dollars and phone trades 5 dollars, which is the standard pattern: self-directed is free, human involvement is charged.

Platforms

• Classic web platform

• Next generation web platform

• TD Ameritrade mobile

• thinkorswim web

• thinkorswim desktop

• thinkorswim mobile

thinkorswim desktop was the serious tool: charting depth, options analysis, custom studies and order types that simpler platforms do not expose. Its survival under Schwab is the main reason the merger was received reasonably well by active traders.

Regulation

Oversight came from FINRA, SIPC coverage protected securities accounts against brokerage failure, and MAS regulated the Singapore operation. The broker was not available outside the United States and Singapore, which ruled it out for most international traders.

What to do now

• If you held a TD Ameritrade account: it has moved to Charles Schwab, and Schwab's terms apply

• If you want thinkorswim: it continues under Schwab, so that is where to open an account

• If you are comparing brokers: read the [[Charles Schwab review|/brokers/charles-schwab-review]] for live pricing and accounts

• If you are outside the US: neither brand serves most international clients, so see the alternatives in our [[broker hub|/brokers]]

TD Ameritrade: frequently asked questions

Does TD Ameritrade still exist?

No, not as a separate broker. Charles Schwab acquired the business and client accounts have been transitioned to Schwab.

What happened to thinkorswim?

It survived the merger and continues under Charles Schwab, which was the main concern for active traders using the platform.

What did TD Ameritrade charge?

Zero commission on stocks, ETFs and options. Broker-assisted trades cost 25 dollars and phone trades 5 dollars.

What are TD Ameritrade’s trading accounts?

Thinkorswim platform

TD Ameritrade mobile platform

TD Ameritrade classic web platform

How does the TD Ameritrade platform work?

TD ameritrade products page

TD Ameritrade’s regulators

TD Ameritrade homepage

What is TD Ameritrade?

Was TD Ameritrade regulated?

Yes, by FINRA with SIPC coverage on securities accounts, plus MAS for the Singapore operation.

TD Ameritrade account types

Could international clients use it?

Only in Singapore. Outside the United States and Singapore the broker was not available.

Where should I open an account now?

Charles Schwab, if you want thinkorswim and the former TD Ameritrade services. Compare it against other options before deciding.

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