TradeStation vs. tastytrade Introduction
Are you looking for a broker that offers futures, crypto, and stocks with top trading software?
If yes, tastytrade and TradeStation should be among your first choices. Take a look at our comparison before you make your decision.
Comparison Table
|
|
|
| Rating |
|
|
| Stocks |
$0 |
$0 |
| Options (per contract) |
$0.50 |
$0.50 |
| Mutual Funds |
n/a |
$14.95 |
| Initial Funding Requirement |
$0 |
$0 |
| Inactivity Fee |
$0 |
$0 |
| IRA Annual Fee |
$0 |
$0 |
| Full Account Transfer |
$75 |
$125 |
| Partial Account Transfer |
$75 |
$75 |
| Account Closing Fee |
$0 |
$0 |
| Trading Experience & Technology |
|
|
| Mobile |
|
|
| Research Amenities |
|
|
| Portfolio & Analysis Reports |
|
|
| Customer Service and Education |
|
|
Category 1: Tradable Products
TradeStation clients can invest in many products. These include:
- Cryptocurrencies
- Options
- Exchange Traded Funds
- Closed End Funds
- Mutual Funds
- Futures and options on futures
- Stocks, including over-the-counter and foreign stocks
- Fixed Income
tastytrade does not offer bonds, OTC or foreign stocks, or mutual funds. The rest are available.
Neither broker has managed accounts. Everything is self-directed.
Winner: TradeStation
Category 2: Mobile Platforms
You can trade stocks and futures on both brokers' mobile apps. The TradeStation app has some advanced order types, like:
- OCO
- OSO with bracket
- Trailing stop (by % or - $)
TradeStation app charts have many tools—indicators, drawing tools, themes, and an export feature. The downside is the bid/ask box takes up a lot of space on small screens.
tastytrade’s app lets you see more of the chart on the screen in landscape mode, but there are no tools.
tastytrade’s order ticket does not have the advanced types found on TradeStation. It does have bracket orders.
You can trade crypto on the tastytrade app, but not on the TradeStation app. TradeStation clients must use a separate website for crypto.
Winner: tastytrade
Category 3: Websites
TradeStation's web platform solves the mobile chart issue. The platform is simple but powerful. You can display a full-screen chart with a small menu at the top. There is a settings menu and a trade button.
The order form has many professional features. There is also a trade ladder and built-in option spreads.
Crypto and options on futures trade on separate platforms with their own tools.
tastytrade uses a single website platform for all assets. You can quickly switch between long and short trades with one click. The order ticket has different interfaces for trade entry. tastylive provides live shows every market day.
tastytrade’s biggest weakness is the lack of a good charting system on the web platform.
Winner: tastytrade
Category 4: Desktop Programs
tastytrade’s desktop platform has good charting, with over 200 technical studies. For example:
- CAM Indicator
- AlphaJensen
- Leavitt Convolution
Order entry is advanced, with several types of tickets:
- Table
- Curve
- Active
- Grid
- Crypto
- Pairs
The active ticket is a price ladder.
TradeStation also has a powerful desktop system, with over 200 indicators. The platform has many advanced widgets, such as:
- Quick button trade ticket
- Time & sales data
- OptionStation Pro
- Walk-Forward Optimizer
Winner: TradeStation
Promotions
Tastytrade:
Get $250 for each person you refer with this referral link.
TradeStation:
Get $150 for making a $5,000 deposit at TradeStation.
Category 5: Margin
Both brokers offer margin accounts. Only tastytrade has portfolio margin.
TradeStation charges either % or -1% for margin, depending on how much you borrow. Large balances above - $500,000 may qualify for negotiated rates.
tastytrade’s margin rates range from % to -3%.
Winner: tastytrade
Category 6: Swing Trading and Day Trading
Extended Hours: Both brokers offer pre-market and after-hours trading for stocks and ETFs. TradeStation has longer hours. Crypto trades all day and night.
Level II Quotes: Only available at TradeStation.
Direct Access Routing: TradeStation allows direct order routing on all platforms. tastytrade does not.
Shorting: Both allow shorting. TradeStation has a desk to help locate shares for short selling at no charge.
Routing Fees and Rebates: Only TradeStation has these.
Winner: TradeStation
Last Category: Extra Services
Banking Features: Neither broker offers significant cash management features like checks or debit cards.
Initial Public Offerings: TradeStation offers IPO access and secondary offerings through ClickIPO.
Dividend Reinvesting: tastytrade lets you reinvest cash dividends into more shares.
IRA Lineups: Both offer IRAs and allow futures trading in IRAs. TradeStation charges a - $35 annual fee for securities IRAs. tastytrade does not. Both charge for closing an IRA.
Fractional Shares: Neither offers whole-dollar trading of stocks or ETFs. Both allow crypto trades in whole dollars.
Winner: tastytrade
Our Recommendations
Mutual Fund Investing: Use TradeStation (trades must be placed on the main website).
Small Accounts: TradeStation has a yearly fee, so tastytrade is better if you want to avoid ongoing charges. Neither is ideal for small IRAs—consider Schwab instead.
Stock and ETF Trading: For the best experience, use TradeStation’s desktop platform.
Beginners: TradeStation is helpful because all platforms offer simulated trading. tastylive at tastytrade is a good educational resource too.
Retirement Savings and Long-Term Investing: Neither broker is great for retirement planning. Fidelity is better for this.
TradeStation vs Tastytrade Summary
Both brokers let you trade crypto, futures, and stocks in one place. tastytrade has a slight edge, mainly for better pricing.
Free Tastytrade Account
Open Tastytrade Account
Free TradeStation Account
Open Tradestation Account
Updated on 7/25/2025.
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