I've just done this for the 2nd time with Ameritrade ---- no problem taking out (2) 'new' accounts for hubby and me......just transferred over stock....

When you're ready to 'close' the account (stocks, mutual funds whatever ) the brokerage house you are transferring to will usually pick up the fees (sometimes only 'up to $50') - but you shouldn't have to pay Ameritrade any 'close account' fees ....

It will be interesting to see what happens in 9 months because I'm (also) using TD Waterhouse, (opened (2) accounts there justa few months ago for their promo' - with miles to American)- and now the 2 are merging!

FYI - The Promo 'kicks in the date new account at Ameritrade opens - so even if the stock goes below the $25,000 at a later date - you will get the maximum Promo miles!

The account does not have to be maintained at $25,000...(There might be a minimum to maintain for no fees - but I didn't check what the minimum is - I don't expect my stock to go down much! (Hopefully it will go UP!)

I don't do anything with the opened accounts - just let the stock sit until time is up and I can close the account - and do again for more miles with another brokerage house. - So far so good! Easy miles! ^

Just keep moving the same stocks around!