I agree. But the TAP program IS there if you are lucky enough to know about it (or stumble across it somehow). And if somebody does want to park the $$$$ with Ameritrade without much risk (or trading commisions) for the required 9 months, TAP is a great way to do it and get ~3% interest in the process.

Anyone have the phone number to call at Ameritrade to talk with someone about getting the necessary forms for the TAP arrangement? I've looked on their website but can't find any phone numbers. As everyone switches more and more to online it gets more and more difficult to talk with a real live person about anything.

upgrader - click contact us on the bottom menu and the number is there - ask them to email you the forms - they did so for me last evening

tho this account is not fdic insured and may lose value

Fyi
 

Be aware ----I've just had conflicting information from Ameritrade -
If your stock 'deposit' goes below the required minimum for the promotional bonus (ie - $25,000 for 20,000 SPG pts.) your promotion may be at 'risk'....my stock has been dropping so I added cash to my account to keep the promotion 'alive'...(The first half has already posted) - At first I was told when the promotion 'kicked in' you were protected even if the stock dropped - but another phone call told me that the minimum must be kept for the 9 months.........
And, thanks for the info. - I asked for and am being sent the TAP application forms for the (interest) 'sweep' for the cash in the account.....

Almost all, if not all, "stock" accounts are not FDIC insured, and they may lose value.

As long as its devaluing based on market value you are ok as you are not actively transferring funds out

Any promos out there that give you a certain number of free trades? or any promo for existing accounts depositing under $10k?

I know TD waterhouse has free trades for a month via their online ads (check yahoo finance, etc). The funny thing is they are merging w/ Ameritrade, becoming TD Ameritrade on 1/24 (official deal close). so you can get your free trades. Plus they have a free Ipod Nano for anyone depositing over 50K to TDW via one of their branches.

Can you fund an Ameritrade account with a debit card?

Please tell us what you find out when you ask them. Also please tell us if you may chose to use the card as a credit card, not a PIN based transaction.

Thanks.

Apparently you cannot. Thought it would be perfect to buy through DL AMEX and use for Ameritrade. Does anyone know of any online trading companies that let you do this. Im surprised since it comes straight out of your bank, it's easier than sending in a check in my opinion.

Many will let you fund through ACH which also comes straight from your bank and w/o a pesky %-based transaction fee.

Yeah, but I was hoping to earn miles for it everytime I funded the account:)

Would you or anyone have copy of the promo where with $50,000 new money you received 35,000 AW ff miles?