Ive only used Scottrade as a brokerage account. Obliviously you get more features with Ameritrade or Schwab but Scottrade is an easy to use platform for a novice investor. I wouldnt advise a trader to use the platform. With that being said, the trades are cheap to execute. The only major complaint I have is their FRIP system instead of DRIP. I really would like an option because I would really prefer to reinvest dividends in the companies that give divs for compounding. Also, their new update doesnt allow live steaming for changes is stock price.