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Account transactions

Online trading

Depending on the type of brokerage account you have, the steps for accessing online trading may vary. For additional trading information, refer to the Trade Glossary within Trade.

Frequently asked questions

How do I trade on an account that I own?
  1. Go to Trade.
  2. If you have more than one trade-eligible account, select the account you'd like to trade on from the dropdown menu.
  3. Select what you'd like to trade: Equities, Mutual Funds or Options.
  4. Enter your order by completing the data fields on the screen.
  5. When you've finished entering your order, click Preview.
  6. Review your order carefully to ensure accuracy and then click Place Order.
  7. From the Order Acknowledgement screen, note the order number and refer to it if you have questions regarding your order.
How do I trade on an account on which I am an authorized person, but do not own?
  1. Go to Trade.
  2. Select the appropriate fiduciary group from the Viewing Group dropdown.
  3. If you are authorized on more than one trade-eligible account, select the account you'd like to trade on from the dropdown menu.
  4. Select what you'd like to trade: Equities, Mutual Funds or Options.
  5. Enter your order by completing the data fields on the screen.
  6. When you've finished entering your order, click Preview.
  7. Review your order carefully to ensure accuracy and then click Place Order.
  8. From the Order Acknowledgement screen, note the order number and refer to it if you have questions regarding your order.
Whom do I contact for help with general questions related to trading or entering an order?

Contact your Ameriprise financial advisor or call Customer Service at 800.862.7919. For more information, contact us.

What accounts are eligible to trade online?

Only non-managed, non-restricted brokerage accounts are eligible for online trading.

What types of securities can I trade online?

You can trade stocks and options, provided an Options Agreement is on file. In addition, you can place trades to liquidate no-load mutual funds.

If I submit an order when the market is closed, how will that affect the execution?

If an order is entered when the market has closed, including the weekend or holiday, it will be accepted and delivered to the marketplace in the order it was received prior to the open of the next trading session. Please be aware there is a risk the actual price of execution may vary significantly from the closing price of the previous trading session.

Can I cancel orders when markets are closed?

Yes, you can submit a cancel request at any time for equity and option orders. You cannot cancel open end mutual fund orders when markets are closed.

Orders placed when the markets are closed are subject to market conditions existing when the markets reopen. All requests to cancel an order are processed on a best-efforts basis. Be aware, the closer to the opening of the market the cancel request is placed, the greater risk the order may be executed before the cancel request is processed.

Can I see orders I've canceled?

Yes. Navigate to the Orders Status tab and select a timeframe from the dropdown box at the top of the tab, then select a status. Equity and option orders canceled or rejected in the timeframe selected will be displayed.

What is the commission and fee schedule for online trades?

Commissions and fees charged by Ameriprise vary based on security type, account type, and trade size. Contact your financial advisor or call Customer Service at 800.862.7919 for additional information.

What is the order handling protocol for equity and option trades?

For details on the order handling protocol for equity and option trades, see Order Handling when you go to Trade.

What securities are eligible for margin borrowing?

Most common stocks above $2.00 per share that trade on a major exchange, closed-end mutual funds (non-leveraged ETFs), open-end mutual funds you’ve owned for 30 days, investment grade bonds, U.S. treasury bills, notes and bonds, municipal bonds and unit investment trusts (UITs) are generally eligible to secure your margin borrowing. Leveraged mutual funds or leveraged ETFs are not eligible for margin borrowing. We reserve the right to withhold lending against any security. To discuss specific securities and margin eligibility, contact your financial advisor.

How do I add margin trading to my account?

To add margin trading to your account, contact your financial advisor for the necessary forms or complete this form. Once the form is completed and submitted, your application will be reviewed to determine if your account is eligible for margin trading and if margin trading is appropriate for you. Margin trading entails greater risk and is not suitable for all investors.

Can I trade options online?

Yes, you can trade options online if you complete the Brokerage Option Approval Form. Contact your advisor or complete the form.

What happens if my account generates a maintenance call?

Should the market value of the securities in your margin account decline and the equity in the margin account fall below the aggregate account minimum equity requirement, a maintenance call will be generated which will represent the difference between your margin equity and the aggregate account minimum equity requirement. You will be required to take action to cover the maintenance call by depositing cash or margin-eligible securities, selling positions from your cash account to generate proceeds toward the maintenance call, or selling positions held in your margin account to lower the aggregate account minimum equity requirement. If you are unable to meet a maintenance call, we may take action by liquidating positions in your account to meet the maintenance call.

What is a Federal Call?

A Federal Call (or Fed Call) is generated when an opening transaction in a margin exceeds the available buying power. Fed Calls are governed by Federal Reserve Regulation T. To meet a Fed Call, you may deposit cash in the amount of the Fed Call, deposit margin-eligible securities equal to twice the Fed Call, or liquidate securities from the cash or margin account. If you liquidate the position that created the Fed call to cover the amount due or if you liquidate a different position on a subsequent trade date, your account may be restricted per Regulation T. If you do not take action to cover a Fed call, we may be required to take action by liquidating positions in your account to meet the call. Margin trading entails greater risk and is not suitable for all investors.

How do I remove margin from my account?

Margin can only be removed from an account after the request is made in writing. This letter of instruction must include the account number, a request to remove margin from the account, and must be signed by all owners of the account. The request can be faxed to the Margin Department at: 612.671.8277 or mailed to: 2636 Margin Department, 70100 Ameriprise Financial Center, Minneapolis, MN 55474.

Do I have to wait to send money out of my account after I've sold a security?

Yes. The proceeds of the sale of securities will be available for withdrawal on or after the settlement date. The settlement date for stocks is typically two business days after the order executes. For options and no-load mutual funds typically the settlement date is the next day after the order executes.

How do I change my dividend and capital gain elections?

Contact your financial advisor or call Customer Service at 800.862.7919.

How do I quickly get to my Gain/Loss or Activity pages?

From the trading pages click the View Account Details link. From this page select the appropriate tab to view the gain/loss or activity for the account. You can also select Activity and Gain/Loss from the Portfolio menu.

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