Founded in Scottsdale, Arizona in 1980, Scottrade has easily grown to become a recognizable competitor in the “discount broker” generation that has included well-known companies like E*Trade, Charles Schwab, & TD Ameritrade. Taking pride in its advertised low-commission rate of being “still just $7,” Scottrade boasts one of the lowest comparable commission rates in respects to its rival competitors. Compounded with zero hidden fees and no maintenance costs, Scottrade packs a one-two combo punch that serves as an instant hit for the individual investor on the more constrained budget.

Perhaps it’s the trendy title that symbolizes the changing times, but E*Trade was quick to becoming the household name for the modern stock broker. With the introduction of online trading, E*Trade was among the first to offer low-commission trading as part of the new generation of “discount” brokers. While limiting its financial advice services as the trade-off, E*Trade has helped to usher in and empower a growing generation of self-reliant internet stock traders.