• Reasonable rates- when you buy or sell, you are charged on a sliding scale. The more shares you buy or sell in a single transaction, the less you’ll pay- and in some cases, the rates can be negotiable.

• Fees- Make sure that you read the fine print carefully.  For example, some online brokers charge to withdraw money early. All fees should be clearly listed in the account terms and conditions.

• Access to support staff- As is the case with any other website, a brokerage site is susceptible to crashes and server downtime. Also, problems on the user’s end, such as ISP downtime, power outages, and the like can prevent traders from accessing the information they need. A good broker will have a fully staffed customer service line.

• Access to funds- Brokers shouldn’t make it hard to get to your money. Most brokers will allow you to link a check or debit card to your online account.  And, as stated earlier, they shouldn’t charge exorbitant fees for withdrawals.

When you compare online brokers, seek out the ones that WANT your business- the ones that offer free trades and market reports. These will help you get started and become successful in online trading.