where to open an account?
 

I've never invested in stock before, but I want to give it a try. I only have about $2,000 to invest, and I'm not sure where I want to open my account. I think I would like to just buy a few shares and hold on to them at first, and diversify my portfolio gradually, as I continue to save money. The problem is that I can't seem to find a brokerage house that will offer an account with terms I find acceptable. Schwab won't let me open an account with less than $10,000. E-trade charges a $40 quarterly maintenance fee if I don't make at least 2 trades. I want to be able to buy and hold, and don't want to be forced to buy more if I don't feel like it just to avoid a fee. What I would like is an account that charges a reasonable commission, and won't penalize you for not trading. Any suggestions?

Re: where to open an account?
 

Thanks to GeorgeF we now know of www.freetrade.com

Re: where to open an account?
 

free trade is no longer allowing new accounts.

Re: where to open an account?
 

That sucks, was going to open an account this summer when I had more money to invest.

Re: where to open an account?
 

[ QUOTE ]
That sucks, was going to open an account this summer when I had more money to invest.

[/ QUOTE ]

Ameritrade Izone isn't bad. $5 trades.

Re: where to open an account?
 

to open an account there you need atleast 2 years experience with a discount broker.

Re: where to open an account?
 

www.BuyandHold.com - you can't time your trades (they lump them during the day), but you can buy partial shares.

Re: where to open an account?
 

ameritrade charges no fees for accts. with at least 2000.

Re: where to open an account?
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
That sucks, was going to open an account this summer when I had more money to invest.

[/ QUOTE ]

Ameritrade Izone isn't bad. $5 trades.

[/ QUOTE ]

Believe you need 5000 for Izone. also, it has to be a margin acct.

Re: where to open an account?
 

I might have misunderstood your post, so pardon the following if I did.

Ameritrade is a 2k minimum start up. You get 30 free transactions in the first 30 days then it is $10.99 a trade.