My experience with Fidelity, TDAmeritrade, Etrade
I have accounts (IRAs and some non-IRAs) with Fidelity Investments, TD Ameritrade, and Etrade. I am a medium to high volume trader, and buy/sell Stocks, EFTs, options, and to a lesser extent mutual funds. My overall ranking would be:
1. Fidelity
2. TD Ameritrade
3. Etrade
Some of my comments on each:
Etrade > decent tools and charts, user interface pretty logical, highest commission charges of the three, especially highest option commission prices. Decent bill paying functionality.
TDA > By far the best trading tools of the three, especially related to options. Commission prices seem higher than Fidelity but less than Etrade. Have not used bill pay with TDA
Fidelity> technical trading tools are OK, but not as good as TDA, but seem to be getting better. By far better commission prices and better execution prices (and speed) generally than the others, and overall I like Fidelity the best.
But I have to be honest here....I often use TDA's charts and tools to make my trading decisions, and then switch to Fidelity to make most of my trades. Part of that is because my Fidelity accounts have most of my money, but I can't live without TDA's charting. I belong to some investor groups and have heard a few other traders say similar things, ie use TDA analytical tools (Thinkorswim, etc), then use other brokers to make the trades....