Quote Originally Posted by Toukshare View Post
I have now completed my full ACAT transfer from TD Ameritrade to Firstrade.

Bear in mind that during an ACAT transfer, your TDA website access will be blocked, and so you spend a few days not knowing what your positions are.
I've also finished setting up IB and all transfers are complete.
The TDA account was viewable the whole time the transfer was happening. mine took longer because the two accounts are named slightly differently.
but both companies worked together and got everything transferred with a minimum of fuss.

I've bought one thing already and it was no hassle at any level. A small commission fee which we all know about, but nothing that is an issue.

BUT
Wow, getting money to and from NZ is easy, free and fast. and the Fx rates are the best I've seen in ages (ASB is not great and Paypal is really poor).
also, the stock lending programme looks like it will give me a small amount each month that will be more than the commissions I'll be paying. so I'm better off than TDA on that thought.
Add to that the ability to buy in a lot of extra countries and it seems I am better off overall.