SpeedTrader Review 2024

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SpeedTrader is a global broker based in the US. Online trading opportunities include US stocks and options on two trading platforms; PRO and ActiveWeb. Our SpeedTrader review will cover UK account registration and login, platform features, routing fees and commissions, minimum deposit requirements, and more.

About SpeedTrader

SpeedTrader, a division of Mint Global Markets Inc, was founded in 1999. The broker has headquarters in New York, USA, and is licensed with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC).

The broker’s services are primarily aimed at experienced, high-volume traders, with flexible pricing, 25+ routing options direct from the market, and a 4,500+ ticker shortlist tool.

Trading Platforms

The broker offers two trading platforms; SpeedTrader ActiveWeb and SpeedTrader PRO. ActiveWeb is a browser-based platform with no software download required. SpeedTrader PRO can be downloaded to desktop devices and is powered by DAS Inc, an industry leader in direct access trading technologies. Both platforms were designed with active day traders in mind.

SpeedTrader ActiveWeb

Features of the web-accessible platform include:

• Options chains
• Profit/loss display
• Real-time charting
• Risk management tools
• Integrated Twitter feed
• Multiple screen support
• View full trading history
• Create custom watch lists
• Advanced order routing options
• Trending data and market sentiment indicators
• Live news streaming and real-time market data with level 1 quotes

SpeedTrader PRO

Features of the advanced trading software include:

• 100+ hotkeys
• Powerful charting
• Ultra-fast executions
• Advanced order types
• Point and click trading
• Custom stock scanners
• Excellent customer reviews
• Custom multi-screen layout
• Multiple chart types & technical indicators
• Direct access order routing from 25+ options
• Live news streaming with real-time market data and level 2 quotes

Products

The broker offers UK traders investment opportunities in bonds, options, US stocks and mutual funds. Unfortunately this is a limited selection of instruments compared to other providers.

Leveraged trading on cryptos, precious metals, energies and indices is not offered. Spread betting products are also not available. As a result, SpeedTrader will suit a narrow range of active traders.

Fees

The broker offers two pricing models. UK clients can select from a cost per trade option or a per share arrangement. These are listed as starting from $2.95 per trade or $0.0025 per share with options pricing from $0.30 per contract.

Other fees to consider include a $30 inactivity charge per quarter unless 15 trades per year are executed. Various software, data, and routing fees also apply. These include $49 per month for level 1 users and $79 per month for level 2 users. Pricing can be waived if monthly volume thresholds are met. Visit the broker’s website for more details.

UK Leverage

SpeedTrader offers leverage up to 1:400 for intra-day trades and 1:200 for overnight trades. Clients are advised to contact the customer support team to discuss margin trading arrangements. Individual limits and requirements are subject to the broker’s discretion.

Mobile Trading

SpeedTrader provides a mobile app for trading, account management, and portfolio tracking. iSpeedTrader is available for free download to iOS devices only.

Features include:

• Real-time data
• Latest market news
• Analyse options chains
• Enter and exit positions with multiple order types
• Market viewer to manage watch lists and monitor market sentiment
• Advanced charting with multiple chart types, timeframes and technical indicators

Payments

Deposits

Minimum deposit requirements are high at $30,000. This is similar vs Lightspeed, Cobra, and CenterPoint Securities, which are also designed for active traders.

SpeedTrader only accepts bank wire or electronic transfer (ACH). Bank transfers from UK clients can take 48 hours to process. Electronic transfers are subject to a 24 – 48 hour processing window and come with a $50,000 funding limit per day.

Note, SpeedTrader only accepts USD as the account currency so conversion charges may apply.

Withdrawals

The minimum withdrawal via electronic transfer is $100. Funds cannot be withdrawn for 5 business days due to the firm’s clearing policy. Withdrawal methods include:

• Cheque – Overnight delivery fee of $40
• Bank wire transfer – $60 fee for international wires
• Electronic transfer – No fee, 24 – 48 hour processing time

Demo Account

SpeedTrader offers a free demo account. This is common practice at many global platforms including Interactive Brokers, SureTrader, TD Ameritrade’s Thinkorswim and TradeStation.

Currently, the paper trading account is only available on the SpeedTrader PRO terminal. The simulator is a good way to test strategies risk-free with access to real-time data streams. Prospective clients can place trades while learning how to navigate the platform with virtual funds.

Contact the broker’s customer support via email to get started or use the online registration form. Credit card details are not required.

Regulation

SpeedTrader is authorised and regulated by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). This is a respected body in the financial markets. UK traders should feel assured of this protection with fraud security and segregated client funds. The broker is also a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC). Under this license, clients can receive compensation up to $500,000 in the case of business insolvency.

SpeedTrader is not regulated by the FCA or an agency in Europe. Still, US regulators are respected and generally hold online brokers to high standards.

Additional Features

SpeedTrader offers various day trading education tools. These include video tutorials and webinars on a range of topics from margin rates and stock shorting to algo strategies and level 2 trading data. Blogs with trade ideas, stock price analysis, pre-market strategy tips, and news updates are also published on the broker’s website.

SpeedTrader offers a short list tool that locates specific tickers to help qualify short-selling opportunities. Lists are updated daily but clients can use the live chat function to inquire about real-time availability and pricing.

SpeedTrader Accounts

The broker offers two different trading accounts. The main difference between the accounts is the commission structure. UK clients with a COR account can select per trade pricing from $2.95 per trade plus/minus routing fees, or per-share pricing from $0.0025 per share. The ETC account offers only per-share trade options from $0.0025 per share.

ETC accounts do not support options trading or electronic account funding methods. Discounted rates may be available based on trading activity. Additional platform fees and charges for market data are applied across both accounts.

Registration requirements include providing personal identity documents and proof of residence.

Pros

Reasons to open a SpeedTrader account include:

• Short selling tools
• Multiple routing options
• Choice of clearing firms
• Competitive commission pricing
• Advanced trading platforms and mobile app
• Member of Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC)
• Regulated by Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)

Cons

Downsides of signing up for a SpeedTrader account include:

• No API access
• Limited range of trading assets
• Mobile app only available on iOS devices
• Not suitable for new or inexperienced traders
• High minimum deposit balance requirements of $30,000

Trading Hours

The broker operates Monday to Thursday 8 am – 5 pm and Friday 8 am – 4:30 pm. Note, trading hours may vary by instrument. Head to the SpeedTrader website for a breakdown of hours by asset.

Contact Details

You can get in contact with the customer support team via several channels:

• Email – info@speedtrader.com
• Office address – 1717 Route 6, Carmel, NY, 10512
• Telephone – +1 (845) 531-2487 or +1 (800) 874-3039
• Live chat – located at the bottom right of the broker’s website

Security

The broker observes industry-standard data privacy protocols and ensures payment protection and secure platform logins. This includes SSL encryption on PC and mobile applications. With that said, trading on the financial markets is risky so UK traders should always be careful when depositing funds.

Should You Trade With SpeedTrader?

SpeedTrader provides a secure trading environment for experienced investors. Our review was pleased to see the advanced Pro and ActiveWeb platforms, shorting tools, various routing options, and regulation by FINRA and SIPC. Minimum deposit requirements are high but fees are competitive. It is disappointing to see no forex, commodities, futures, or crypto opportunities, but the access to US markets and options trading is credible.

FAQ

Top 3 SpeedTrader Alternatives

These brokers are the most similar to SpeedTrader:

1. IG Index - Founded in 1974, IG is part of IG Group Holdings Plc, a publicly traded (LSE: IGG) brokerage. The brand offers spread betting, CFD and forex trading across an almost unrivalled selection of 17,000+ markets, with a range of user-friendly platforms and investing apps. For 50 years, IG has maintained its position as an industry leader, excelling in all key areas for traders.
2. Interactive Brokers - Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a premier brokerage, providing access to 150 markets in 33 countries, along with a suite of comprehensive investment services. With over 40 years of experience, this Nasdaq-listed firm adheres to stringent regulations by the SEC, FCA, CIRO, and SFC, amongst others, and is one of the most trusted brokers for trading around the globe.
3. Swissquote - Swissquote is a Switzerland-based bank and broker that offers online trading and investing. The company has a high safety score and is listed on the Swiss stock exchange. The firm offers a huge range of products, from stocks, ETFs, bonds and futures to 400+ forex and CFD assets. Hundreds of thousands of traders have opened an account with the multi-regulated brokerage. Clients can get started in three easy steps while 24/7 customer support is available to assist new users.

SpeedTrader Feature Comparison

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