If you're comparing Scottrade and TD Ameritrade, here's the key fact first: neither exists as an independent broker anymore. Scottrade was acquired by TD Ameritrade (completed 2017), and TD Ameritrade was itself acquired by Charles Schwab, with client accounts fully migrated by 2024.
What happened to Scottrade?
TD Ameritrade acquired Scottrade in 2017. Scottrade accounts, cash and positions moved to TD Ameritrade and the Scottrade brand was retired. You can no longer open a Scottrade account.
What happened to TD Ameritrade?
Charles Schwab acquired TD Ameritrade (deal completed 2020) and, over the following years, migrated TD Ameritrade clients onto Schwab's platform — a transition completed across 2023–2024. TD Ameritrade's well-known thinkorswim platform lives on at Schwab, but the TD Ameritrade brand has been retired.
Where those customers are now
Former Scottrade and TD Ameritrade clients are with Charles Schwab today. For US residents comparing large stock brokers, the modern equivalents are Charles Schwab, Fidelity and E*TRADE (Morgan Stanley).
Alternatives for international traders
Schwab, Fidelity and E*TRADE mainly serve US residents. If you're outside the US and want a modern multi-asset online broker — forex, indices, commodities, and stock and crypto CFDs — these accept international clients (check availability for your country on each):
- FxPro — multi-asset, with MT4, MT5 and cTrader. Open an account at FxPro →
- XM — forex, stocks, indices and commodities; low minimum deposit. Open an account at XM →
- AvaTrade — regulated across multiple jurisdictions, wide asset range. Open an account at AvaTrade →
Bottom line
A "Scottrade vs TD Ameritrade" choice no longer applies — both were absorbed into Charles Schwab. US residents should look at Schwab (which now runs thinkorswim); international traders can compare the multi-asset brokers above.