Ameritrade periodically sends out targeted offers to existing customers. My father, for instance, got a mini-ipod and Bose docking station for adding 50K to his account. I have personally got offered some sort of golf driver for 25K (declined that one...).

I have heard a lot of negative things about Etrade's customer service, so if those were my only two options I would probably go with Ameritrade.

Unless you want to wait on the phone for literally 2 hours stay away from Etrade. Ameritrade is okay but there are better services out there. Since you want the miles you should probably stick with Ameritrade.

they are and after the combo is launched ameritrade will be 10x better than etrade. ive been with them for 3 years and very happy.

Palm Treo Smartphone and 25 free trades
 

Ameritrade has this promo now, until April 12th. The phone can be used w/Sprint, Verizon, or Cingular (or could be sold on Ebay - retails for around $300)

http://www.ameritrade.com/offer/flat...nt=offer&a=pok

I just applied for the Ameritrade Starwood promo and it was pretty painless to do online.

just an FYI, there is one point in the application where they ask for an offer code and I couldnt find one anywhere. So I called in and they told me to use 353 (if funding with 25K).

-- Tex

But isnt this offer for new accounts only?

You're mistaken
 

You can setup an ACH account with Ameritrade so that you can both fund and withdraw your money over the web. I have had this option active in my account for several years and find it quite convenient.

Also, though it is not a great rate, Ameritrade does pay you interest on your cash balances. I broker with BrownCo, TD Waterhouse (recently acquired by Ameritrade) and Ameritrade and I will say that the best overall broker is Ameritrade.

Welcome to Flyertalk. Note that the post you're quoting from Gary was from 2002. Things presumably have changed since then. In fact Ameritrade offers both a cash sweep (Total Asset Plan) and EFT now.

Has anyone opened an Ameritrade account, received the points, closed the account, waited a while, and then tried again? Do you think one could receive points the second time around?