Tradier is an end-to-end, FINRA-registered trading platform that has been around since 2012. However, its services have advanced considerably since the company’s inception. This platform uses APIs to offer investor services from multiple platforms, ranging from stocks to bonds and options. Tradier lets you customize platforms online and via mobile at a reasonable price for different investing purposes. If you are looking for additional investing advice, a financial advisor can walk you through building a portfolio.
Tradier Overview
Consider the following overview to help you get a snapshot of what Tradier has to offer.
Tradier Overview
| Pros | – Wide range of available platforms – Largely customizable based on your trading needs |
| Cons | – Abundance of options makes for a potentially confusing interface – Must call in to place certain trades |
| Best For | – Active options traders – Experienced investors who know what they want |
Tradier: Brokerage Fees
Tradier’s fees are relatively low when compared to the industry standard. For less active traders, you can sign up for a Standard account that charges $0 in fees for every order and just $0.35 in fees for every contract. This plan gives access to the web platform and mobile app.
More active traders will likely prefer the Pro package, which costs $10 per month. This provides users access to commission-free equity and option trades. This plan also gives access to the web platform and mobile app. However, Single Listed Index Options are subject to a fee of $0.35 per contract. You’ll also be on the hook for exchange, Options Clearing Corporation and regulatory fees.
Tradehawk, Tradier’s proprietary front-end trading platform, has a similar fee schedule. The mobile version is $10 per month and incurs no contract fees. The Pro version includes both desktop and mobile services and also costs $0.35 per contract with no ticket charge or minimums.
The table below is a full overview of Tradier’s fee schedule:
Tradier Fee Schedule
| Fee Type | Rates |
| Money Transfers | – Automated Customer Account Transfer (ACAT): $75 – Wires: $30 – Returned check/ACH/Wire/Stop payment: $35 – Broker-assisted phone trades: $10 + regular commission per trade |
| Reorganization | – Mandatory: $0 – Voluntary: $50 |
| IRA Fees | – Annual: $30 (Waived with the active Pro Plan) – Termination: $60 |
Margin trading is also available at Tradier with an interest rate of 9%. There are no minimums to open an account on this platform, though those with less than $2,000 and who make fewer than two trades per year will be charged an inactivity fee of $50. Broker-assisted orders cost $10 per transaction.
Tradier: Services and Features
What makes Tradier stand out from other brokerages is the way it incorporates APIs and other investment platforms into its products. Investors get access to third-party platforms such as Orion Multi Trader, Esignal, 1Option, Stockstotrade, Eva, more than 50 in all, which allow them to trade on multiple platforms at once. Some of these allow Tradier customers to trade futures and forex.
All in all, users have access to numerous stock exchanges and options markets. Some trades, like mutual funds, must be made over the phone, though. Investors can also create their own platforms through the Sandbox feature to help them trade and create indicators that prioritize specific strategies or goals.
Tradier’s proprietary trading platform is Tradehawk, and it allows investors to work directly with the brokerage platform instead of using APIs on the network. Tradier has also partnered with a network of educators to help investors bolster their financial and investing knowledge. Investors can also take advantage of practice tools to learn how to trade with virtual capital.
For technical help, investors can contact customer support directly through the brokerage platform. Live specialists will access investor screens directly to troubleshoot any issues. Customer support is also available through email or phone daily from 8 am to 5 pm EST.
Tradier: Online and Mobile Experience
Tradier’s online experience is relatively straightforward and basic. However, some more junior investors might be overwhelmed by the options that are available. When you use Tradier, you’ll have access to a wide range of features, including every API that the platform partners with, as well as Tradehawk. You can trade most securities at the touch of a button, but you’ll need to call in to trade mutual funds and some other securities.
While features that include APIs and other trading platforms aren’t available as a mobile app, there is a Tradehawk mobile app that allows you to use Tradier’s proprietary trading software on your smartphone. You’ll need to pay to use the mobile app, but it’s certainly a benefit to trade on the go.
The app is available via the Android and Apple marketplaces, but both apps have very limited reviews. At the time of this writing, the Android app averages 3.7 stars out of 5, and the Apple app averages 4.5 stars out of 5. Overall, however, the app interface is easily navigated and gives users access to the same features that are available on desktops.
What’s the Catch?
Tradier incorporates a lot of useful features. This can be useful to investors, but it also has a tendency to become overbearing. As a result, the platform may become confusing to work with at times. This is why Tradier may not be the best option for investors who are new to trading.
Another potential drawback for some users of the Tradier platform is that you can’t trade certain securities on your own. You’ll need to phone in those trades, and you currently can’t buy futures at all unless you use one of the third-party platforms that Tradier links to. Tradier’s educational resources are also relatively limited, so you may want to supplement them with research from other trusted sources.
How Tradier Compares to Other Companies
Tradier offers a very competitive product when compared with other brokerages, especially given the customizable nature of the trading platform. While others like Robinhood may be simpler or easier to figure out, Tradier generally provides more options for a cheaper price than its direct competitors.
Brokerage Comparison
| Brokerage Firm | Fees | Minimum | Best For |
| Tradier | $0 to 10/month | $0 | – Those looking for a multifaceted investment platform – Self-sufficient investors |
| E-Trade | $0 for stocks, ETFs and options | $0 | – Frequent traders – Anyone who prefers strong customer service |
| Merrill Edge | $0 for stocks, ETFs and options | $0 | – Advanced investors – Bank of America account holders |
Bottom Line
Fortunately for its investors, there isn’t much ground that Tradier doesn’t cover. You can use its proprietary trading platform Tradehawk and work within the Tradier platform exclusively, or you can take advantage of the multiple APIs that the platform can incorporate. This allows you to trade using outside platforms and even create your own trading platforms to prioritize specific goals. For a reasonable price, Tradier is a solid brokerage account option for anyone looking to trade on their desktop or on their mobile phones.
Investing Tips
- If you have questions about investing, a financial advisor can help you create a portfolio to help you reach your goals. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
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Photo credit: Brokerage.Tradier.com, PR Newswire, Options Cafe