Closing an Account at TradeStation
Deleting a TradeStation account is possible, although there are lots of details you need to be aware of before deciding to take the plunge.
Timing of a TradeStation Account Termination
Because TradeStation has a $10 per month inactivity fee, you may want to close an account before this fee is charged. It is assessed once per year on the date the account was originally funded.
Closing a TradeStation Account With ACAT
The ACAT electronic transfer system is the easiest method we know of to delete a TradeStation account. Assets in the TradeStation account are transferred to a second account at another brokerage firm, and the TradeStation account is automatically closed.
The disadvantage of this method is that TradeStation charges a hefty $125 for every outgoing ACAT
transfer. If you can afford this charge or if you can find a broker to reimburse you (some brokers,
such as Charles Schwab, will), then here are the steps:
First, open a new brokerage account at an outside firm that is the same type you have at TradeStation. It will also need the same name on it.
Second, prepare the TradeStation account by closing out option contracts that expire in less than a week and removing any assets that can’t be moved through the ACAT network (these include futures).
Third, prepare the new account by adding margin and option trading, if necessary.
Fourth, request the ACAT transfer. This will be handled by the incoming broker-dealer. When TradeStation receives notification, it will close the account and send over the assets.
Keep in mind that an ACAT transfer takes up to 9 business days to complete. Also note that a partial
ACAT transfer won’t close the TradeStation account. Be sure to specify a full transfer with the outgoing broker-dealer (usually there’s a simple online form).
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Futures Accounts and Other Situations
As already mentioned, futures positions can’t be sent through the ACAT system, so that route won’t work for them. Because TradeStation relegates such assets to discrete accounts, securities won’t appear in them, so there’s really no point to try to send a balance from one of these accounts through the ACAT network.
Also, if you won’t to eliminate a securities account altogether, then transferring it won’t work, either. So, a few more steps are required.
The first task in any of these situations is to exit all investments. These include futures or securities, depending on the account type. Both long and short positions need to be eliminated.
Once holdings have been liquidated, it’s time to move out the cash. This is easy enough to do with TradeStation’s cash transfer tool. This appears both on the website and the mobile app.
On the website, it will be located under the Transfer Funds tab in the top menu. On the transfer page, find the link for Smart Transfer. This is the ACH tool. There is no charge for using this one. There is also a wire transfer tool, although it costs $25 per withdrawal ($35 if using a foreign bank).
On the mobile app, the cash transfer tool will be found by tapping on the main menu icon (three horizontal lines in the upper-left corner) and then hitting the Transfer Funds link.
After requesting a cash withdrawal, the transfer can be tracked online. Go back to the Transfers page and select the history tile. This will display both scheduled and completed transfers.
Once the account has been drawn down to $0, it’s time to close it. This can be accomplished by contacting a TradeStation representative. On the support page on the website, there is a chat feature that is available during the weekday. The broker can also be contacted by phone (800.822.0512) during the same hours. In case you’re not available during these hours, there is always email: ClientServices@tradestation.com.
Closing a TradeStation IRA Account
Sales of assets inside an Individual Retirement Account won’t produce a Form 1099 at the end of the year because the IRA is tax-deferred. However, withdrawing cash proceeds from such an account could trigger a fine and taxation from Uncle Sam in some cases. Before deciding to do this, make sure you have consulted with a CPA or other tax advisor.
TradeStation Account Closing Fee
TradeStation does not charge account closing fees for taxable accounts. Closing an IRA costs $50.
TradeStation ACAT Fees
If you decide to move your TradeStation account to a different firm through ACAT, TradeStation will
charge you $125 fee for a full account transfer. Partial account transfers have no charge. If you move your account to
Charles Schwab, they will reimburse this ACAT fee (must be at least $10,000)
Updated on 12/12/2025.
Chad Morris is a financial writer with more than 20 years experience
as both an English teacher and an avid trader. When he isn’t writing
expert content for Brokerage-Review.com, Chad can usually be found
managing his portfolio or building a new home computer.
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