Full-service broker vs. discount broker: What's the difference?
There's a big distinction between full-service and discount brokers. You'll find differences in the level and types of services as well as costs when you consider a full-service vs. discount broker. The choice you make can have a big impact on your investing experience as well as how much you have to pay to invest.
Discount brokers
A discount broker is a company that typically allows you to buy and sell stocks or other investments online. Think of this as a self-service option for investors. Despite their name, discount brokers tend to have many favorable traits such as low commissions and trading fees, and easy-to-use online trading platforms. Many discount brokers also have educational tools and resources available to help guide your investing, but there's typically not an advisor placing your orders.
Discount brokers are a great option for many, if not the majority of investors -- especially beginners looking for a brokerage.
Full service brokers
In a fully managed investment account, the brokerage company has full discretion to trade on your behalf. This often appeals to busy people who don't have the time or inclination to manage their own investments.
The main downside to a full-service brokerage is the high cost. Commission rates aren't quite as high as they once were, but you can still expect to pay a lot more per trade with this kind of service than you will with a discount broker. Those who take advantage of management services often pay a percentage of their total assets in fees each year. Typical full-service offerings are priced from 1% to 2% or more. You could pay thousands of dollars in annual management expenses for a $100,000 brokerage account.
For some, that might seem well worth the cost not to have to worry about investments. But as you'll see below, investing with a discount broker isn't as hard as you might think.
Fact Checked
Eric McWhinnie
