Scottrade

[zipo]

Look into Interactive Brokers.

They have a direct access program you can download with gives fast executions and low commissions - 1 cent a share, 100 share minimum - i.e. 200 shares buy/sell - 2 bucks. 1/2 cent a share over 500 shares. Options trades a buck per contract, no minimum (i.e. one contract, one buck - five contracts five bucks etc). They can do domestic and foreign futures as well provided they are traded on ECN's.

2k minimum to open an account. Real time quotes. 10 bucks a month maintenance fee if you generate less than 30 bucks commissions per month.

I've been using them since 1999 and they're awesome for their range of products, fast executions, and cheap commissions. Their phone service sucks and you will get absolutely no handholding from their staff, although they have a good active forum on their website.