Head to head
Firstrade vs tastytrade
Both platforms are scored with the same methodology and the same category rubric. Nothing on this page is influenced by advertising.
29/100 | 53/100Higher score | |
|---|---|---|
| Category rank | #18 | #6 |
| Confidence | High confidence | High confidence |
| External Reputation | — | 66 |
| AI Authority | 0 | 26 |
| Web Authority | 49 | 57 |
| Expert Assessment | 49 | 69 |
| TOP10 User Score | — | — |
| Pricing | $0 per trade (stocks, ETFs, options) — single public schedule · free tier: No subscription or platform fee; $0 commissions on stocks, ETFs, options (including $0 per-contract and $0 exercise/assignment fees) and all mutual fund categories; electronic statements, confirms, tax documents, real-time and streaming quotes, DRIP and ACH transfers all $0 | $0.75 per micro futures contract to open and $0.75 to close, plus $0.30/contract clearing fee + exchange fees + NFA fee · free tier: None — no plans or subscriptions; stocks and ETFs trade at $0.00 commission (clearing fee $0.0008/share + regulatory fee) and event contracts at $0.00 commission |
| Pricing model | Usage-based | Usage-based (per contract / per trade commissions, no subscription tiers) |
| Best for | Cost-sensitive, self-directed options traders with high monthly contract volume who stay mostly invested rather than holding cash, trade within US market hours, and are comfortable resolving issues by email. | US-based active retail traders working micro and E-mini equity-index futures and futures options who want SPAN-based risk tooling in one account and fund by ACH. |
| Avoid if | You need same-day capital mobility or move money frequently between brokers, hold a large cash sleeve, require support outside 8am–6pm EST weekdays, want explicitly disclosed bond commissions, or rely on phone escalation when something breaks. | You are a non-US resident, finance positions on equity margin, trade high-volume futures options expecting the $10 cap, are crypto-led, or may transfer out soon. |
| Markets | Retail investors, Self-directed traders, Options traders | Retail self-directed traders, Active derivatives traders, Small-to-mid account sizes |
| Founded | — | — |
| Headquarters | Flushing, New York, United States | Chicago, Illinois, United States (1330 W Fulton St., Suite 600) |
A higher TOP SCORE means more of the evidence favours that platform on this methodology — it is not a recommendation, and it does not account for your specific requirements. Advertisers are never declared the winner of a comparison.