Closing an Account at TradeStation
Closing a TradeStation account is possible, although there are several details you should be aware of before proceeding.
Timing of a TradeStation Account Termination
TradeStation has a $10 monthly inactivity fee, so you may want to close an unused account before this fee is charged. The fee is waived if the account maintains an average end-of-month equity balance of at least $5,000 or executes at least 10 trades during the previous 90 days. The inactivity fee is assessed monthly, not annually.
Closing a TradeStation Account With ACAT
The ACATS electronic transfer system is one of the easiest methods of closing a TradeStation brokerage account. Eligible assets in the TradeStation account are transferred to another brokerage firm, and a full transfer generally results in the original TradeStation account being closed.
The disadvantage of this method is that TradeStation charges $125 for a full outgoing ACATS transfer.
If you can afford this charge or find a broker willing to reimburse it (some brokers,
such as Charles Schwab, offer reimbursements), follow these steps:
First, open a new brokerage account at another firm with a compatible account type and the same ownership as your TradeStation account.
Second, prepare the TradeStation account by closing options contracts that expire in less than a week and removing any assets that cannot be transferred through ACATS, including futures positions.
Third, prepare the new account by enabling margin and options trading, if necessary.
Fourth, request a full ACATS transfer through the receiving broker-dealer. When TradeStation receives the request, it will begin transferring eligible assets. The original account will generally be closed after the full transfer is completed.
An ACATS transfer can take up to 9 business days to complete. A partial
ACATS transfer won't close the TradeStation account. Be sure to specify a full transfer when submitting the request through the receiving broker-dealer.
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See who TradeStation's top competitors are.
Futures Accounts and Other Situations
As mentioned above, futures positions cannot be transferred through ACATS, so that method won't work for them. TradeStation maintains futures and securities positions in separate accounts, so futures balances must be handled through the appropriate futures account transfer or withdrawal process.
Also, if you want to liquidate a securities account entirely and withdraw the proceeds, an in-kind securities transfer won't accomplish that goal. A few additional steps are required.
The first step in either situation is to close all investment positions. These may include futures or securities, depending on the account type. Both long and short positions must be closed.
Once the holdings have been liquidated, it's time to withdraw the cash. This can be done using TradeStation's cash transfer tools, which are available on the website and mobile app.
On the website, navigate to the Transfer Funds section and select Smart Transfer to initiate an ACH withdrawal. There is no fee for ACH transfers. Wire transfers are also available, with an outgoing fee of $25 for domestic accounts or $35 for international accounts.
On the mobile app, the cash transfer tool can be found by opening the main menu and selecting Transfer Funds.
After requesting a withdrawal, you can track its status online. Return to the Transfers page and select the transaction history section to view scheduled and completed transfers.
Once the account balance reaches $0, you can request closure by contacting a TradeStation representative. The website's support page has a live chat feature available on weekdays. You can also call 800.822.0512. Client Experience and Technical Support operate Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET. Alternatively, email ClientExperience@TradeStation.com.
Closing a TradeStation IRA Account
Selling investments inside an Individual Retirement Account generally does not create an immediately taxable event because the assets remain within the IRA. However, withdrawing cash from an IRA may trigger income taxes and an early-withdrawal penalty, depending on the circumstances. TradeStation also charges a $50 IRA termination fee. Before requesting a distribution, consult a CPA or other tax advisor.
TradeStation Account Closing Fee
TradeStation does not charge a standard account closing fee for taxable brokerage accounts. Closing an IRA costs $50.
TradeStation ACAT Fees
If you transfer your TradeStation account to another firm through ACATS, TradeStation charges a $125 fee for a full outgoing account transfer. Partial account transfers are free. For an IRA, the separate $50 termination fee may also apply, bringing the combined cost of a full outgoing IRA transfer and closure to $175. If you move your account to
Charles Schwab, you can request reimbursement of the transfer fee, subject to Schwab's eligibility requirements.
Updated on 10/13/2026.
Chad Morris has been analyzing investment firms for Brokerage-Review.com since 2015. Backed by FINRA Series 65, 66, and SIE credentials, his work reflects a deep knowledge of the retail brokerage industry and digital trading tools.
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