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Self-Directed Trading

$0 commissions.

That's right – you can trade commission-free with Ally Invest Self-Directed Trading.

Intelligent investing for the independent type.

We give you the tools. You take it from there. 

Connect with the market 24/7.

Research investments, analyze your portfolio or place trades from wherever you happen to be.

More about our award-winning experience

Commission-free ETFs from Vanguard, GlobalX, iShares, and more.

We partnered with market leaders to offer you simple, high-quality ETFs that complement your portfolio, so you can diversify your strategy with little impact to your bottom line.

Take a closer look at ETFs

No account minimum to get started.

It only takes a few minutes to open an account. You don’t need to add money right away, but the faster you fund the sooner you can start trading.

Get up to $3,500 in bonus cash when you open an invest account with us. 

Learn More

  • Get up to $3,500 in bonus cash when you open an invest account with us. 

Learn More

Build your own investment strategy.

Diversify your portfolio with our broad range of options.

Stocks and ETFs

COMMISSION

$0

NO ACCOUNT MINIMUMS

More about stocks and how we compare

Commission-free ETFs

COMMISSION

$0

Take a closer look at ETFs

Options

COMMISSION

$0

+50¢ PER CONTRACT FEE

Take a closer look at options trading

Bonds

STANDARD PRICING AND
SELECT PRICING

$1

PER BOND

(MINIMUM $10)

More about bonds

Mutual Funds

BUY AND SELL NO-LOAD
MUTUAL FUNDS

$9.95

PER TRADE

More about mutual funds

Low Priced Securities

FOR STOCKS PRICED LESS THAN $2.00

$4.95

+$.01 PER SHARE

Low-priced securities information 

Move over your other investment accounts completely online.

Transfer individual stocks or all your investments online from most major brokerages. We also reimburse up to $150 in transfer fees when you make a one-time transfer of $2,500 or more.

About transfer fee reimbursement

Move over your other investment accounts completely online.

Transfer individual stocks or all your investments online from most major brokerages. We also reimburse up to $150 in transfer fees when you make a one-time transfer of $2,500 or more.

About transfer fee reimbursement

Before you decide, know every aspect of investing with us. 

View details and disclosures  |  About our commissions |  Straight talk fees guide 

Before you decide, know every aspect of investing with us. 

View details and disclosures

 About our commissions 

Straight talk fees guide

Penny stock pricing information

A powerful platform for traders.

An award-winning experience designed to help you make more informed investing decisions.

 

Streaming charts Watchlists Profit/loss graph Probability calculator Research & market data ETF screener Option chains Mobile trading

Streaming charts

Streaming charts

View eight chart types (including candlestick, bar, mountain, and line) with 117 chart studies and 36 drawing tools that analyze the performance of stocks, ETFs and indices. Customize settings and utilize interactive charts for prices and studies.

Streaming charts

View eight chart types (including candlestick, bar, mountain, and line) with 117 chart studies and 36 drawing tools that analyze the performance of stocks, ETFs and indices. Customize settings and utilize interactive charts for prices and studies.

Watchlists

Watchlists

Create custom watchlists to stay on top of, and view market data on, groups of securities.

Watchlists

Create custom watchlists to stay on top of, and view market data on, groups of securities.

Profit/loss graph

Profit/loss graph

Crunch the numbers with our profit/loss calculator to understand more of a trade’s potential before placing it.

Profit/loss graph

Crunch the numbers with our profit/loss calculator to understand more of a trade’s potential before placing it.

Probability calculator

Probability calculator

This tool uses implied volatility to help you determine the likelihood of hitting your targets.

Probability Calculator

This tool uses implied volatility to help you determine the likelihood of hitting your targets.

Research & market data

Research and market data

Get market stats, news and detailed metrics on companies you’re interested in. You can also find company quotes, charts, high/low prices, dividend dates, news, peer performance comparisons and more.

Research and market data

Get market stats, news and detailed metrics on companies you’re interested in. You can also find company quotes, charts, high/low prices, dividend dates, news, peer performance comparisons and more.

ETF screener

ETF screener

Research, analyze, and compare performance and price data for thousands of ETFs. Search by symbol, fund family, or company name, narrow down your choices with our predefined ETF categories, or filter by criteria that matters to you, such as price range or Morningstar Analyst Ratings™.

ETF screener

Research, analyze, and compare performance and price data for thousands of ETFs. Search by symbol, fund family, or company name, narrow down your choices with our predefined ETF categories, or filter by criteria that matters to you, such as price range or Morningstar Analyst Ratings™.

Option chains

Mobile trading

Our mobile app lets you connect to the market anytime, anywhere you are. You’ll have everything you need to explore opportunities, gain insight or place trades whenever the mood strikes. 

Option chains

Our intuitive display makes it easy to see what’s available and place trades.

Mobile trading

Mobile trading

Our mobile app lets you connect to the market anytime, anywhere you are. You’ll have everything you need to explore opportunities, gain insight or place trades whenever the mood strikes. 

Awards & Recognition

Changing investing for the better, and it shows.

"…among the bank and brokerage combinations, Ally shines and competes with the best in the industry."

- Blain Reinkensmeyer, Head of Research at Stockbrokers.com

"…Ally Invest does it all…"

- NerdWallet.com, 2020 review

Nerdwallet Best brokers for stock trading 2019
Top 10 ranked, consumer advocate’s 2019 online stock brokers

Stockbrokers.com

The StockBrokers 2020 Online Brokers Review awarded Ally Invest 4 out of 5 stars.

  • Based on a scale of 1 to 5 stars by assessing 236 separate variables across 8 core categories 
  • Categories include commissions and fees, investment offerings, platforms, tools, research, customer service, mobile trading, education, and ease of use
  • Each participating broker is required to complete an annual in-depth data profile and participate in an executive annual update meeting prior to review
  • Ally Invest didn’t pay to be included in this list

 

More information

Nerdwallet

The NerdWallet 2020 Ally Invest Review awarded Ally Invest 5 out of 5 stars based on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. 

  • Award primarily focusing on fees, account minimum, tools, and promotions
  • Review covered 12 features including account minimum, trading and account fees, trading platform, mobile app, research and data, customer support options, and promotions
  • NerdWallet’s editorial team analyzes all offers promoted on the site and maintains the ratings models that determine an offer's star rating
  • Ally Invest and NerdWallet are marketing partners but any payment made to NerdWallet doesn’t ensure a favorable review

 

Read full review

"…among the bank and brokerage combinations, Ally shines and competes with the best in the industry."

- Blain Reinkensmeyer, Head of Research at Stockbrokers.com

"…Ally Invest does it all…"

- NerdWallet.com, 2020 review

Top 10 ranked, consumer advocate’s 2019 online stock brokers
Nerdwallet Best brokers for stock trading 2019

Stockbrokers.com

The StockBrokers 2020 Online Brokers Review awarded Ally Invest 4 out of 5 stars.

  • Based on a scale of 1 to 5 stars by assessing 236 separate variables across 8 core categories 
  • Categories include commissions and fees, investment offerings, platforms, tools, research, customer service, mobile trading, education, and ease of use
  • Each participating broker is required to complete an annual in-depth data profile and participate in an executive annual update meeting prior to review
  • Ally Invest didn’t pay to be included in this list

 

More information

Nerdwallet

The NerdWallet 2020 Ally Invest Review awarded Ally Invest 5 out of 5 stars based on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. 

  • Award primarily focusing on fees, account minimum, tools, and promotions
  • Review covered 12 features including account minimum, trading and account fees, trading platform, mobile app, research and data, customer support options, and promotions
  • NerdWallet’s editorial team analyzes all offers promoted on the site and maintains the ratings models that determine an offer's star rating
  • Ally Invest and NerdWallet are marketing partners but any payment made to NerdWallet doesn’t ensure a favorable review

 

Read full review

Want a more hands-off investing approach?

A professionally managed portfolio keeps you on track, so you can focus on other goals.

Explore Managed Portfolios

FAQs

We have answers.

Yes. All marginable U.S. equities and selected American Depository Receipts (ADRs) priced at $4 or more that trade either on an exchange or quotes on NASDAQ are eligible for DRIP. Dividends are reinvested on your behalf on the dividend payable date by our clearing firm. The reinvested position will reflect in whole and fractional shares. The reinvestment price will be the prevailing market price at the time the order is entered on the payable date.

We can set up your entire account so that any eligible security that you currently hold will be subject to DRIP. Any eligible securities that you purchase thereafter will be automatically enrolled in DRIP. A security will need to be enrolled for DRIP prior to the ex-dividend date in order for the dividend to be reinvested.

You can also always request individual positions in your account to be enrolled for DRIP at no charge.

Still have questions? Visit our Help Center.

You can find background on Ally Invest Securities at FINRA’s BrokerCheck. Options involve risk and are not suitable for all investors.

 

Review the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options brochure before you begin trading options. Options investors may lose the entire amount of their investment in a relatively short period of time.

 

Product screenshots are provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered as advice to buy or sell any particular security.

 

If you have questions regarding your taxes, please visit IRS.gov or consult a tax professional. Ally Invest does not provide any tax advice.

Which username did you forget?

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About Transfer Fee Reimbursement

We must receive your online transfer request within 15 days of opening your account. To complete the form online, log in to your account and select Transfers, then Invest Transfers.

 

What else you should know

Account owners who complete a first-time ACAT transfer of $2,500 or more are eligible to receive a transfer fee credit of up to $150 to cover the outgoing transfer fee from the current brokerage firm. This credit will be deposited into the new account within 30 days of receiving proof of charge. Keep in mind, this credit can’t be applied to termination or maintenance fees.

About Commission-free ETFs

Information provided by Ally Invest, including information about commission-free ETFs, is for educational purposes only and isn’t a recommendation or investment advice

 

  • Commission-free ETFs offered by Ally Invest Securities are available when placed online in an Ally Invest Securities self-directed brokerage account
  • Ally Invest Securities may require a minimum balance to be eligible to purchase commission-free ETFs
  • Other fees may apply for trade orders placed by phone
  • Ally Invest Securities reserves the right to change the ETFs made available commission-free
  • Ally Invest Securities receives compensation from certain ETF sponsors and/or their affiliates that participate in the Ally Invest Securities commission-free ETF program , which varies with the ETF sponsor and can be asset based or a fixed fee per ETF

 

Before investing in any exchange-traded product, you should consider its investment objective, risks, charges and expenses, as there may be more suitable ETFs for you that aren’t on the commission-free platform. Ally Invest’s commission-free ETF program is a limited offering and no recommendations are intended or provided by the inclusion or exclusion of any ETF on the list.

 

30-day holding period for commission-free ETFs

Ally Invest Securities’ commission-free ETFs are subject to a holding period with any purchase that extends through the following 30 calendar days. An account owner must hold all shares of a commission-free ETF position for a minimum of 30 calendar days without selling to avoid a short-term trading fee of $9.90 per transaction. There’s no limit to the number of purchases in the holding period. Any order to sell within 30 calendar days of last purchase (Last In, First Out) will cause an account owner's account to be assessed a short-term trading fee of $9.90 for the buy and the sell transactions: $4.95 for the buy transaction and $4.95 for the sell transaction.

 

What it means

The day of purchase is considered Day 0, and Day 1 begins the day after the date of purchase. The short-term trading fee may be applicable to each purchase of each commission-free ETF where such commission-free ETF is sold during the 30-day holding period. The short-term trading fee may be more than applicable standard commissions ETFs that aren’t commission-free.

 

We’re available 24/7 if you have questions

 

Give us a call at 1-855-880-2559 if you’d like a copy of the commission-free ETFs prospectus, which includes important features and facts about this type of security to help you make an informed investing decision. We recommend you read it carefully before investing.

 

You should also review the Ally Invest Securities’ Exchange Traded Products Risks disclosure document for information about ETFs and ETNs.

About Our Awards

Consumers Advocate

"The ConsumersAdvocate.org team did more than 200 hours of research on online stock brokerage services. Beginning with a list of 20+ of the most popular platforms, each was evaluated using a methodology that prioritized features, usability, price, and customer satisfaction. Online tools and multiple investment vehicles were important, but they were weighed against how clear and user-friendly the company's interface was. High marks were also given to those brokerages with transparent and low fee structures. Finally, reputation for customer service, along with creditworthiness as determined by financial strength ratings, were examined. Ally Invest came out on top across all categories because of its low fees, robust and easy to use online tools, and excellent customer service."

 

Nerd Wallet

“Ally Invest was highlighted by NerdWallet as one of the Best Brokers for Stock Trading of 2019 as an annual award and also listed as one of the Best Options Trading Brokers and Platforms of October 2019 which is updated monthly. NerdWallet is compensated by their partners which may influence which products they review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects their recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Their partners cannot pay them to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of their partners. NerdWallet's ratings for brokers and robo-advisors are weighted averages of several categories, including investment selection, customer support, account fees, account minimum, trading costs and more. The survey of brokers and robo-advisors includes the largest U.S. providers by assets under management, plus notable and/or emerging players in the industry. Factors considered, depending on the category, include advisory fees, branch access, user-facing technology, customer service and mobile features. The stars represent ratings from poor (one star) to excellent (five stars). Ratings are rounded to the nearest half-star.”

 

Benzinga

"Ally Invest is the recipient of Benzinga's Best Online Brokerage Award for their 2018 Brokerage Reviews. Ally Invest placed #1 in Commission & Fees, Platform & Tools, and Customer Service, earning 5 stars in each category. Ally Invest's determination to appeal to all levels of traders, dedication to mobile trading, and ease of use are additional, essential factors that earned Ally their top placement. Benzinga's annual brokerage review consists of an intensive analysis of over 65 brokers, investigating variables such as Commissions & Fees, Research, Ease-of-Use, Platforms & Tools, Education, Offerings, Customer Service, and more.

Benzinga is a fast-growing, dynamic and innovative financial media outlet that empowers investors with high-quality, unique content."

More About Bonds

Essentially a loan to a corporation or government, bonds are a form of debt security where an investor lends money to an entity in return for interest. The bond acts as an IOU, so once it matures the bond issuer pays you back in full plus interest. Make sure to take a moment to learn about each bond’s unique characteristics before you purchase. Generally, the higher the interest rate, the riskier the investment.

More About Mutual Funds

An easy way to diversify a portfolio, a mutual fund includes money from multiple investors to purchase a group of securities. Because the investments are diversified across a number of securities, they’re often considered lower risk than many other investments. With us, you can choose from more than 12,000 funds, some of which may charge a fee.

More about stocks and how we compare

The most common type of security, stocks let you own a piece of a company. Investors usually buy stocks because of their potential for growth. We have thousands of stocks to choose from and multiple ways to invest.

Standard Pricing

Ally Invest

$0

No account minimum

Schwab

$0

TD Ameritrade

$0

E*Trade

$0

Wells Trade

$5.95

Ally Invest requires a minimum opening purchase of $100 per order in OTCBB and Pink Sheet stocks and adds 1 cent per share on the entire order for stocks priced less than $2. We don’t charge commissions for stocks and ETF trades. There’s also no commissions on options trading and 50c per contract fee. Ally Invest charges an additional 35 cents per contract on certain option index products where the exchanges charge fees. Ally Invest doesn’t accept opening trades for stocks below 1 cent per share. Commissions and fees from published web sites as of 10/09/2019. Some brokers may offers more competitive  fees than the ones published if certain balances or levels of activity are met. Please contact each broker individually to confirm their commissions schedule. 

  • Ally Invest

    $0

  • Schwab

    $0

  • TD Ameritrade

    $0

  • E*Trade

    $0

  • Wells Trade

    $5.95

Ally Invest requires a minimum opening purchase of $100 per order in OTCBB and Pink Sheet stocks and adds 1 cent per share on the entire order for stocks priced less than $2. We don’t charge commissions for stocks and ETF trades. There’s also no commissions on options trading and 50c per contract fee. Ally Invest charges an additional 35 cents per contract on certain option index products where the exchanges charge fees. Ally Invest doesn’t accept opening trades for stocks below 1 cent per share. Commissions and fees from published web sites as of 10/09/2019. Some brokers may offers more competitive  fees than the ones published if certain balances or levels of activity are met. Please contact each broker individually to confirm their commissions schedule. 

Options Trading

Options involve risk and are not suitable for all investors. Options investors may lose the entire amount of their investment in a relatively short period of time.

Prior to buying or selling options, investors must read the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options brochure (17.8 MB PDF), also known as the options disclosure document. It explains in more detail the characteristics and risks of exchange traded options.

November 2012 Supplement (PDF)

October 2018 Supplement (PDF)

You can also request a printed version by calling us at 1-855-880-2559.

Straight Talk Fees Guide

With any investing approach, high expenses can have a big impact on your returns. That's why we have affordable, competitive fees and low commissions that won't get in the way of your financial goals.

  • SEC

    $0.0218 per $1,000 principal (sells only)

  • ORF (Options Regulatory Fee)

    $0.0357 per contract (buys and sells)

  • TAF (Trading Activity Fee)

    $0.000119 per share (equity sells)

  • TAF (Trading Activity Fee)

    $0.002 per contract (option sells only)

Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) transaction fee (TAF) This fee is charged on all stock and ETF sales at a rate of $.000119 per share with a minimum charge of $0.01 and a maximum charge of $5.95. This fee is rounded up to the nearest penny. Bonds are also subject to a TAF fee and can be charged up to $0.75 per bond traded, regardless of the bond's par value.

  • IRA Annual Fee

    None

  • IRA Transfer Fee

    $50.00

  • IRA Closure Fee

    IRA closure fee is charged for full IRA distributions and full ongoing account transfers.

    $25.00

  • ACAT Transfer Out

    $50.00

  • Partial ACAT Transfer Out

    $50.00

  • Outgoing Domestic Wire Transfer

    $30.00

  • Overnight Delivery

    $50.00

  • Check Withdrawal

    $5.00

  • Check Stop Payment

    $30.00

  • Returned Checks

    $30.00 Plus interest for any trades from the earlier of the settlement date or date of deposit

  • Returned ACH

    $30.00

  • Returned Wires

    Applies to attempted third-party wires

    $30.00

  • Pre Pay Settlement Fee

    $20.00

  • Stock Certificate Deposit DTC Rejection Fees

    $175.00

  • Stock Certificate Deposit Processing Fee

    Commission on stock certificate deposited into Ally Invest will be equal to 5% of the principal amount of the trade. Stock Certificates cannot be used to fund a new account.

    $300.00 per certificate

  • Non-transferable security charge per position.

    $20.00 per month

  • Vault Fee

    Restricted certificates held for missing paperwork, certificates for securities that are not DTC eligible, etc.

    $60.00 per year charged monthly

  • Outgoing DTC

    Electronic delivery of individual certificates via Depository Trust Company

    $25.00 per position

  • DWAC Transfer Fee Per Position

    $50.00 + Any transfer agent fees up to $150.00

  • DRS Transfer Fee Per Position

    $115.00 per position

  • Paper Statements

    $4.00 per account statement

  • Phone Assisted Orders

    $20.00 + regular commission

  • Limited Trading Authorization (LTA) paper statement fee

    Required for all accounts that have LTA

    $4.00 per account statement

  • Paper Confirmations

    $2.00

  • 1099 Request for Exempt Accounts

    $50.00

  • Tax document requests by fax and regular mail

    $50.00

  • Option Exercise

    $0

  • Option Assignment

    $0

  • Option Position Management

    $100.00 regular commission

  • Option Expiration Sellouts

    $40.00 + regular commission

  • Margin Sellouts

    $40.00 + regular commission

  • Restricted Accounts, and Broker-Assisted Trades

    $20.00 + regular commission

  • Short Stock

    Loan charges on hard to borrow stock.

    Daily charge at cost

  • Worthless Securities Processing

    $30.00 Other fees may apply

  • Reg T Extension

    $10.00 + interest to settlement date

  • Foreign Stock Transaction Fee (not ADRs)

    $50.00 + regular commission

  • Foreign Stock Incoming Transfer Fee

    $50.00 per position

  • ADR and other foreign stock semi-annual charges

    At cost

  • Voluntary Reorganization

    $50.00

  • Entity Account Opening Fee

    None

  • Entity Account Annual Fee

    None

  • Index Products

    Ally Invest charges this additional per contract cost on certain index products where the exchange charges fees. See a full list of index options that incur additional fees.

    $0.35 per contract

  • Low-Priced Securities

    For equities priced below $2 there’s a $4.95 base commission plus one cent per share on the entire order and the maximum commission charge generally doesn’t exceed 5% of the trade value. If the principal value of the order is less than the base, the commission is equal to the full trade value.

    $0.01 per share

  • OTCBB and Pink Sheet Stocks

    Minimum investment of $100 per trade

  • Unit Investment Trust

    Purchase: $0 (Subject to charges from the UIT), Sale: $9.95

Other Transfer Agent and Trade Settlement charges for certain securities may be passed through to you by our clearing firm.

About Our Commissions

Commissions and fees from published websites are current as of 10/09/2019. Some brokers may offer more competitive fees than the ones published if certain balances or levels of activity are met. You should contact your broker to confirm their commission schedule.

Low-Priced Securities Pricing

We require a minimum opening purchase of $100 per order on OTCBB and Pink Sheet stocks. We don’t charge commissions for stocks and ETFs priced $2 and higher. Low-priced securities are charged a $4.95 base commission plus one cent per share on the entire order. We define a low-priced security as any equity below $2.00. In general, the maximum commission charge doesn’t exceed 5% of the value of the trade. If the principal value of the order is less than the base, the commission is equal to the full trade value.

Commissions for Mutual Funds

LOAD

Purchases: $0 (subject to change from mutual fund)  Sale: (subject to change from mutual fund)

NO LOAD

Purchases: $9.95 Sales: $9.95

  • LOAD

    Purchases: $0 (subject to change from mutual fund)  Sale: (subject to change from mutual fund)

  • NO LOAD

    Purchases: $9.95

    Sales: $9.95

Commissions for Bonds and CDs

BONDS

$1.00 per bond ($10.00 minimum, $250.00 maximum) per transaction. 

TREASURIES

$1.00 per bond ($10.00 minimum, $250.00 maximum) per transaction. 

CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSITS

$24.95 per transaction

  • BONDS

    $1.00 per bond ($10.00 minimum, $250.00 maximum) per transaction

  • TREASURIES

    $1.00 per bond ($10.00 minimum, $250.00 maximum) per transaction

  • CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSITS

    $24.95 per transaction

Ally Invest may act as principal on any fixed-income transaction. When acting as principal, we will add a markup to any purchase, and subtract a markdown from every sale. This markup or markdown will be included in the price quoted to you and you will not be charged any commission or transaction fee for a principal trade.

Pricing information for low-priced securities

We require a minimum opening purchase of $100 per order on OTCBB and Pink Sheet stocks. We don’t charge commissions for stocks and ETFs priced $2 and higher. Low-priced securities are charged a $4.95 base commission plus one cent per share on the entire order. We define a low-priced security as any equity below $2.00. In general, the maximum commission charge doesn’t exceed 5% of the value of the trade. If the principal value of the order is less than the base, the commission is equal to the full trade value.

 

About low-priced securities