Scottrade, Sharebuilder, or Ameritrade are better choices.
I use Scottrade.
NO account maintenance, service, or inactivity fees.
Free real time stock quotes and charts.
Free real time Dow Jones news.
Free "GainsKeeper" software for cost basis accounting.
Excellent research sources.
Excellent trading platforms (very user friendly).
Excellent customer service (398 Branch offices nationwide).
Tutorial and webcast available to customers.
$500.00 minimum to open an account.
$7.00 online trading commission for stock over $1.00 a share.
Commission comparison:
Sharebuilder (Commission for real time trades) = $9.95
T.D. Ameritrade = $9.99
Schwab (standard commission) = $12.95
E-Trade (standard commission) = $12.99
E-Trade charges a $40.00 account service fee (ASF) each quarter if you do not qualify for exemption.