Vanguard vs TD Ameritrade
Vanguard is a good choice for ETF and mutual fund investors interested in Vanguard-sponsored investments. How does it compare to TD Ameritrade? Read our comparison chart below.
Vanguard offers low stock trade prices (starting at just $2) for investors with account balances over $500k. For those with smaller balances, it's best for less active traders, as trade prices go up after 25 trades/year. Vanguard offers 125+ no-transaction-fee mutual fees and 55+ commission-free ETFs. There is no minimum deposit and service fees can be waived by signing up for electronic statements.
While TD Ameritrade offers $0 commission online stock, ETF, and option trades. This online broker also has more than 100 branch locations. There is no minimum deposit, no maintenance fee, and no inactivity fee.
Compare Vanguard with TD Ameritrade, side-by-side. Read on for an in-depth look, including ratings, reviews, pros and cons.
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 |  | |
Vanguard | TD Ameritrade | |
|---|---|---|
Commission-Free Trading - Online Stock, ETF and Option Trades - | ||
Benefits and Features | ||
| Stock Trading | Less than $50,000: $7 per trade for the first 25 trades per year, then $20. $50k - $500k: All trades $7. $500k - $1M: All trades $2. $1M - $5M: First 25 trades per year free, then $2. $5M+: First 100 trades per year free, then $2 | $0 commission for online stock, ETF, and option trades |
| Options Trading | Less than $500,000: $7 + $1 per contract. $500,000+: $2 + $1 per contract | |
| Minimum Deposit | ||
| Mutual Fund Trading | $0 for no-transaction-fee funds. For transaction-fee funds: $20 for account balances less than $500,000; $8 for account balances $500,000+ | $0 for no-transaction-fee mutual funds $49.99 for no-load mutual funds $0 for load mutual funds |
| Commission Free ETFs | Around 1,800 ETFs from about 100 other companies | |
| Penny Stocks |  | |
| Broker Assisted Trades | ||
| Customer Service | ||
| Inactivity Fee | ||
| Maintenance Fee | $20/year. Waived if account owner signs up for e-delivery service OR have at least $10,000 in Vanguard ETFs and mutual funds | |
| Banking | Cash Management account offers free ATM withdrawals, no monthly maintenance fees, free online bill pay, and free check writing. | |
| Mobile App | | |
| Desktop App | ||
| Forex Trading | | |
| Futures Trading | $2.25 per contract (plus exchange & regulatory fees) | |
| Locations | More than 100 locations in 34 states | |
| Online Community | ||
| Seminars | ||
| Virtual Trading | Paper Trading to practice/test strategies and ideas. | |
CreditDonkey® Reviews | ||
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| Stock Trading |   |  |
| Options Trading | | |
| Mutual Fund Trading | | |
| Mobile App | | |
| Commissions and Fees | | |
| Ease of Use | | |
| Research | | |
| Banking | | |
| Online Community | | |
| Trading Platform | | |
| Pros & Cons | Pros:
| Pros:
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| Bottom Line | Good choice for ETF and mutual fund investors interested in Vanguard-sponsored investments... | Good online broker for long-term investors... |
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Blank fields may indicate the information is not available, not applicable, or not known to CreditDonkey. Please visit the product website for details. Vanguard: Pricing information from published websites as of 09/15/2019. TD Ameritrade: Pricing information from published website as of 07/18/2019. TD Ameritrade: TD Ameritrade has not influenced the content of CreditDonkey. CreditDonkey may earn compensation for accounts opened at TD Ameritrade. | ||
Which is Better: Vanguard or TD Ameritrade?
Still need help deciding which investing is better? Read the in-depth reviews below. You may also be interested in comparing Vanguard or Ally Invest.
In short: TD Ameritrade's mobile app and research are impressive.
Articles on Vanguard
Vanguard
Articles on TD Ameritrade
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TD Ameritrade Customer Service
Which Do You Think is Best?
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