Watch just how easy it is to place a stock and ETF trade with tips on how to choose an order type and order duration.
Check out additional resources:
- Step-by-step guide with 6 simple steps
- FAQs on order types, settlement, and more
Step-by-step guide
1. Select the account you want to trade in. | ![]() |
2. Enter the trading symbol. | ![]() |
3. Select Buy or Sell. | ![]() |
4. Choose between Dollars and Shares, then enter an amount. | ![]() |
5. Choose an order type: Market or Limit. Use the definitions to help make a choice. Read more about using order types | ![]() |
6. For limit orders, decide how long the order will stay open. Day or Good 'til Canceled (GTC). Use the definitions to help make a choice. | ![]() |
After you've entered these details, preview your order and if all looks good, click Place Order and you're done placing your trade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Order types
An order
Trading order impact
Market order
Limit order
Time in force
Time in force
Day order
Good 'til canceled explained
Settlement
Owning the stock after a trade
Settlement date
On Settlement date
Timing for trade settlement
Why is the trade settlement date important?
The trade settlement date is important because it's the date when you actually own the stock or exchange-traded fund you've bought, or if you've sold a security, it's the date when you can expect to access the cash from the sale.