text: best online stock trader for me? i am 18, i am going to invest 500. probably have investments in 1-3 buisnesses at one time. i've been looking at ameritrade, scottrade, and fidelity. if you could say the pros and cons that would be great (or any input would be great). if you are going to invest only 500 then definetely scotttrade as they are the cheapest at 7 dollars a trade. they are efficient and much better than the other brokers. if you're looking for investment advice along with a broker than maybe td waterhouse or schwab but if you don't need advice and will do your homework then scottrade is the best option.