Cheap online stock trades are every stock trader's dream. We all want lower commissions on trades. The following is an excerpted SmartMoney Magazine list of 5 online discount stock trading companies considered top of their class in 2009. Like almost everything, you can count on higher commissions in general in the future as well as changes in terms and features. Contact each of the companies listed online via email or phone and ask if in doubt. This list focuses on cheap online stock trading for active traders. Special offers and features are also listed to help you make a decision about which one you should use for your stock trading. All commissions are based on your having $50,000 deposited with them and if you make at least 20 trades per year:

Broker Name	Commission ($)	SmartMoney’s Rank	Special Offers and Features
E*Trade	$9.99	1	Recommended. 100 commission-free stocks and options trade for new Power E*TRADE accounts opened with $1,000 minimum deposit. To qualify for Power E*TRADE, you must execute at least 30 stock or options trades during a calendar quarter.
Fidelity	$10.95	2
Charles Schwab	$12.95	3
TradeKing	$4.95	4	TradeKing will refund transfer fees on NON IRA accounts charged by your current broker up to $150.
TD Ameritrade	$9.99	5	30 Days of free trades, plus $100 cash when you fund your account with $25,000 or more (expires 9/30/2009)

E*Trade is my recommendation. It's been around for awhile and $9.99 per trade is still inexpensive in my book. E*Trade will also give you full banking services through its Complete Savings Account without extra charges and fees. Of course this could all change  in the coming years but for now, this is the case. E*Trade facilitates the paying of your bills online,instant cash transfers, and ATM fee rebates.

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