TD Ameritrade and Webull both feature $0 commission trades on stocks and exchange-traded funds with no account minimums. Their available investments, trading software, and account options follow distinct paths.
TD Ameritrade Covers Traditional Investments While Webull Offers Cryptocurrencies
TD Ameritrade supports traditional assets, including stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds, bonds, futures, options, and foreign exchange (forex). It does not support direct cryptocurrency trading; exposure to digital assets is limited to indirect investments like futures, mutual funds, and ETFs.
Webull offers direct cryptocurrency trading with over 40 digital currencies, including bitcoin and ethereum, starting at a $1 minimum trade. It includes a built-in crypto wallet, with transactions handled by Apex Crypto rather than SIPC-insured coverage. Webull does not offer mutual funds, bonds, futures, or forex.
| Asset Class | TD Ameritrade | Webull |
|---|---|---|
| Stocks & ETFs | Available | Available |
| Options | Available | Available |
| Mutual Funds & Bonds | Available | Unavailable |
| Futures & Forex | Available | Unavailable |
| Cryptocurrencies | Indirect only | Available (40+) |
Thinkorswim Offers Advanced Technical Analysis While Webull Focuses on Market Tracking
TD Ameritrade, founded in 1975 and acquired by Charles Schwab, uses the thinkorswim platform for active trading. Available on web browsers, desktop software, and mobile apps for Android and iOS, thinkorswim includes chart customization, technical analysis tools, and 24/5 trading on select assets. That trading window runs continuously from Sunday at 8 p.m. ET through Friday at 8 p.m. ET.
Webull, founded in 2017 under parent company Fumi Technology and operating in the U.S. as Webull Financial LLC, focuses on mobile market tracking. The platform lets users track price charts, check dividend calendars, and view top-performing stocks or industry sectors.
Both brokerages offer paper trading accounts, allowing investors to test strategies with virtual funds before using real cash.
Webull Supports Fractional Share Purchases While TD Ameritrade Requires Whole Shares
Webull allows fractional share trading, so investors can buy a portion of a stock with exact dollar amounts instead of paying full price for a single share.
TD Ameritrade does not offer fractional shares for individual equities, requiring investors to buy whole shares.
If an investor has a set budget for a stock with a high share price, Webull accepts fractional orders for that set dollar amount. On TD Ameritrade, the investor must have enough capital to buy at least one full share.
TD Ameritrade Extends Beyond Standard Accounts Into Trusts and Education Savings
Both brokerages provide standard taxable accounts and tax-advantaged retirement accounts. Each also offers margin trading, which requires a $2,000 minimum deposit and exposes traders to larger potential losses from borrowed money.
TD Ameritrade adds specialized account options, including 529 education savings plans, individual trusts, and pension plans. Webull limits account options to taxable brokerage accounts and retirement accounts.
Contract Fees, Wire Fees, and IPO Access Vary by Platform
Neither platform charges account minimums or base commissions on stocks, ETFs, or options. Other contract fees and service charges apply:
- Options Contracts: TD Ameritrade charges a 65-cent fee per options contract. Webull charges options contract fees up to 58 cents, alongside standard ETF management fees.
- IPO Access: Webull lets investors request Initial Public Offering shares directly through its app with a $100 minimum account balance. TD Ameritrade requires a phone call to join its IPO participation list.
- Cash Withdrawals: Webull charges $0 for ACH withdrawals to U.S. bank accounts and $25 for wire transfers.
TD Ameritrade fits strategies that rely on mutual funds, bonds, trusts, complex charting tools, or futures and forex trading. Webull suits investors seeking direct cryptocurrency trades, fractional stock purchases, and lower-cost options contracts within a mobile platform.
