Answers to 6 Common Questions About Online Trading

As online trading platforms grow and expand access to, many people are turning to online services for their needs

These platforms allow users to enter buy or sell orders on a mobile device or computer rather than speaking directly with a representative at a brokerage firm

While this might sound straightforward, common misconceptions persist

If you're considering online trading, make sure you re the firm and understand the cess before you invest

Here are answers to some common questions to get you started

Does an online trade involve a brokerage firm

Even if you're not receiving advice or speaking directly with an investment fessional, all trades made by individual investors need to go through a registered brokerage firm

At some firms, you can enter orders online through the firm's app or website

After an order is routed and executed by a brokerage firm, you'll receive a confirmation listing the details of the order, including the order type and the execution price and date

If applicable, a commission and other transaction fees will also be shown on the confirmation total

Are online brokerage firms regulated

Even if they operate solely online, all brokerage firms that do with the public in the U

Must be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and must be members of FINRA

FINRA's mission is to tect investors and safeguard the integrity of capital to ensure everyone can invest with confidence

Among other things, FINRA writes and enforces rules that govern the activities of member firms and their representatives, and examines member firms to ensure compliance with federal law and FINRA's rules

Online brokerage firms are subject to the same rules and regulations as their brick-and-mortar counterparts, and the same investor tections apply

Before you select any firm or investment fessional, verify their registration and re their background using FINRA BrokerCheck

If you believe a firm or investment fessional has treated you unfairly, the firm to see if you can resolve the issue

If you're still unsatisfied with the firm's response, you can file a complaint with FINRA

Is online trading free

Many online trading platforms offer commission-free trading

However, there still may be fees or costs associated with the trade

Platforms may charge fees for upgraded services, which might include access to analyst ratings, re reports or educational resources

Separate from fees charged to customers, firms may be compensated in other ways, such as through interest earned on the uninvested portions of customer funds, bid-ask spreads or payment for order flow

Is online trading more -- or less -- risky than trading through a full-service brokerage firm

There's risk of loss associated with in securities regardless of the method used

You should understand basic concepts, including your risk tolerance and investment goals, before venturing into the market

Do your own re before, and be skeptical of stock advice and tips you see moted online or find on social media

The ease of online trading can also tempt some investors to "overtrade" by trading too frequently or impulsively without considering if the transactions are suitable for their portfolio and goals

Overtrading can negatively affect investment performance, raise trading costs and complicate your tax situation, so make sure you're carefully evaluating each trade before hitting enter on an order

Also consider talking with a tax fessional potential capital gains implications

Are online orders always executed immediately

Firms have a regulatory obligation to seek to execute a market order fully and mptly

However, there's no guarantee that will always be the case, depending on the market for the security

In addition, if you place an order with a price limit or time restriction, the order might not be immediately executable

When placing market orders, also be aware that high trading volume and market volatility can result in prices that are different -- sometimes significantly so -- from the quoted price of the security at the time the order was entered

Moreover, not all online trading platforms are the same; different firms offer different levels of access and system sophistication

The speed of your WiFi or internet connection might also affect order transmittal and execution

Is help available for online trading accounts

Though services may vary, most online trading platforms have phone centers or chat features where customers can speak directly to a customer service representative or receive a call back

A phone number is often vided in case a customer enters an incorrect trade or has questions activity in their accounts

That said, while they often vide basic customer support, brokerage firms that only offer online services might not vide investment advice or recommendations, whether over the phone or face-to-face

In deciding what type of brokerage firm to use, you'll want to consider how comfortable you are making investment decisions without the guidance of an investment fessional

Learn more the and with our online educational resources and tools

The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.