What Are Brokerage Checking Accounts?
Brokerage checking accounts combine the everyday usability of a checking account with the investment potential of a brokerage account, allowing you to manage both your bills and investments from a single platform. Often referred to as a “cash account” or “cash management account,” these accounts offer flexibility — you can buy, sell, or trade securities whenever you wish without facing penalties.
Understanding what a brokerage checking account is and how it works can help you determine if this type of account makes sense for your banking needs.
Key Features of Brokerage Checking Accounts
Investing can become quicker when you have an investment checking account, especially for active traders or those combining their checking and investment accounts. It gives you direct access to the stock market without the delays of traditional transfers between accounts.
Similar to other brokerage investment accounts, these accounts are not tax-advantaged. Here are some other noteworthy features.
💡 Quick Tip: Are self-directed brokerage accounts cost efficient? They can be, because they offer the convenience of being able to buy stocks online without using a traditional full-service broker (and the typical broker fees).
Linked to Brokerage Investment Accounts
Brokerage checking accounts let you invest directly from your account, so there’s no waiting for transfers to start investing. Instead of opening one with a bank or credit union, you’ll need to go through a brokerage firm to get a brokerage checking account. Brokerages typically charge fees for opening and maintaining them.
Debit/ATM Card Access to Funds
Brokerage checking accounts generally offer checks, a debit card, and ATM access, similar to other types of checking accounts. Depending on the brokerage you choose, you might also get perks like ATM fee refunds or earn interest on your account balance.
Some brokerages may even waive foreign transaction fees when you travel abroad.
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Benefits of a Brokerage Checking Account
Brokerage accounts with checking offer features like traditional bank checking accounts, but they often come with additional benefits not typically found in standard checking accounts.
Easily Move Money Between Investments
For active investors who trade regularly, investment checking accounts may simplify the trading process. Depending on your brokerage’s rules, you may be able to buy securities straight from it. This can make investing quicker and more convenient, streamlining the whole process.
💡 Quick Tip: Look for an online brokerage with low trading commissions as well as no account minimum. Higher fees can cut into investment returns over time.
Potential for Higher Interest Earnings
Depending on the brokerage you choose, some accounts stand out by offering high annual percentage yields (APYs), allowing you to earn more interest on your money compared to regular checking accounts. This can make them a good choice for growing your savings while still having easy access to your funds.
Integrated Money Management
Instead of juggling separate accounts for savings, spending, and investing, investment checking accounts let you manage all your money under one umbrella. This means you can handle everything from one place, making it potentially easier to keep track of your finances.
Potential Drawbacks
While brokerage accounts with checking have many advantages, there are a few drawbacks to consider.
May Require Minimum Balances
While some brokerages let you open accounts with no upfront cost, others require an initial deposit. Additionally, you may need to keep a specific balance in your account to avoid incurring maintenance fees.
Fees for Certain Transactions
While brokerage checking accounts typically have low relative fees, you might still encounter some costs for opening and maintaining your account. Additionally, certain brokerages may require you to connect a separate investment account, which could come with additional fees. It’s a good idea to check the specific terms and conditions of each brokerage to understand all potential costs.
No In-Person Service
If you choose an online brokerage firm, remember that you may not have access to in-person services. These firms operate entirely online, so you won’t be able to visit a physical branch for face-to-face assistance. Instead, all your interactions will be digital, through their website, app, or customer service hotline.
Eligibility and Account Opening
Before selecting a brokerage account with checking, make sure to compare your options by looking at fees, interest rates, and accessibility. Then once you’ve picked a brokerage firm, you can usually get started by opening your account online. If you opt for an online brokerage firm, that’ll be your main route.
You’ll need to have your personal details ready and transfer money from another account to fund your investment checking account. Most of the time, there’s no need to meet a minimum balance requirement just to get things up and running.
Comparing To Traditional Checking
Choosing asuitable checking account depends on what you need and what you’re looking for in your banking experience. Whether it’s easy access, fees, or extra features, understanding the differences between traditional and brokerage checking accounts can help you make a smart choice. Let’s break down the main factors to compare.
• Opening and maintenance fees: Traditional checking accounts usually have minimal opening fees and low maintenance costs, especially if you use your account abroad or maintain a minimum balance. Brokerage checking accounts also tend to have low fees, but some may require a significant initial deposit or a linked investment account, which could involve additional fees.
• Access: Traditional checking accounts offer convenient in-person access through branches and ATMs. On the other hand, brokerage accounts with checking linked to online brokerages may not have in-person services, although they typically provide ATM access.
• Features: Both account types generally include essentials like check-writing, debit card access, and online bill pay. Brokerage checking accounts often go further by offering investment options such as direct investing from the account and sometimes perks like ATM fee reimbursements.
• FDIC Insurance: Money in traditional checking accounts are FDIC-insured up to $250,000, ensuring your money is protected. Similarly, some brokerage checking accounts may hold your uninvested funds in FDIC-insured banks, providing comparable security. But you may need to opt-in, and generally, this may not be standard practice.
The Takeaway
Brokerage checking accounts may give you the best of both worlds:allowing you to handle your everyday banking needs while also offering investment opportunities. In effect, you can manage your bills and investments all in one place, with direct access to the stock market. However, before you decide if a brokerage checking account fits your needs, be sure to compare fees, interest rates, and how accessible it is for your financial goals.
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FAQ
What banks offer brokerage checking?
Online and traditional brokerages may offer brokerage checking accounts, but keep in mind they can differ significantly. So, take your time to shop around and find one that really suits your needs, with the features you want and fewer fees.
Can I have multiple brokerage checking accounts?
Similar to how you can have multiple investment accounts, you can have multiple brokerage checking accounts.
Are brokerage checking accounts FDIC-insured?
Brokerage accounts are backed by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) if your brokerage firm shuts down. For uninvested money, brokerage checking accounts usually keep it in FDIC-insured banks, just like regular banks do. Some firms might also offer extra FDIC coverage by using multiple banks.
About the author
Ashley Kilroy
Ashley Kilroy is a seasoned personal finance writer with 15 years of experience simplifying complex concepts for individuals seeking financial security. Her expertise has shined through in well-known publications like Rolling Stone, Forbes, SmartAsset, and Money Talks News. Read full bio.
Photo credit: iStock/miniseries
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¹Probability of Member receiving $1,000 is a probability of 0.026%; If you don’t make a selection in 45 days, you’ll no longer qualify for the promo. Customer must fund their account with a minimum of $50.00 to qualify. Probability percentage is subject to decrease. See full terms and conditions.
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