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What Is a Brokerage Account?

By Catherine Brock – Updated Jul 1, 2025 at 12:16AM

Key Points

  • Brokerage accounts trade assets like stocks and ETFs; taxes apply on gains and dividends annually.
  • Choose between self-service, automated, or full-service accounts based on your investment needs.
  • Opening a brokerage account is similar to a bank, choose carefully between cash or margin types.

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