Replies to post #2215 on Dime Bancorp Inc (fka DIMEQ)

[rmanton]

Greg ... I am holding a lantern out in front of me looking for an honest online brokerage firm as Diogenes looked for an honest man.

They all have warts. Some are large enough that I discount (no pun) considering them. Seems to come down to the age old adage that you get what you pay for ... sometimes.

I still have some deciding to do but at this moment I am leaning toward Fidelity. They seem to be upfront, no restrictions that concern me and are highly regarded in reviews. I spoke to them for about 45 minutes today and came away feeling comfortable.

A BIG plus for me is they can link my bank account to their brokerage account all self directed by me so that I do not have any of the time lags.

Their number 800-343-3548. Let me know what you think.

Ralph

[rmanton]

Jared, Greg ... and anyone else interested ... my hunt for a new on line discount broker is over.

I really dug deep ... even read some of the faint small print .... hands down Fidelity is best for me.

I have complete control over the electronic transfer of money into the brokerage account and back to my checking account ... "In" is virtually instant and one can use to buy. "Out" can take between 3 and 4 days.

I can sell a security in the Fidelity account and immediate buy with the funds realized from the sale.

Trades are $7.95 with no extras for low priced or large numbers of shares. They have "promotions" ... something like 200 free trades within 3 months if you deposit $100,000 with them of securities or cash. Or (and I am not positive) something like a set number of free trades each month if you deposit less.

I liked the platform. Oh, they use National Best Bid/Ask ... they are not related to any MM and have the highest ranking for executing the most efficient trades at the best prices for client.

I enjoyed speaking to a very literate person in St Louis and they are 24/7 .... including being able to talk to a trader!

So .. that is my decision. I will be paying more than my $5.00 a trade with BofA/ML but if I want to buy 500,000 shares in one trade i can do so. Oh, trades not filled in the same day that carry over are a second commission. Happens rarely to me.

Hope this helps.

Ralph