Fees/Commissions:  

NobleTrading has one of the best pricing structures of any online broker we’ve reviewed. There are two basic plans. Plan A is a per trade plan that runs at the straight commission price of $7.95 per trade. This plan is best for large block traders. Plan B is more appropriate for smaller trades, basing the price on a per share basis. Plan B costs $0.008 per share with a $3.95 minimum.

The minimum account requirement for NobleTrading is only $500. Options trading is available for only $7.95 and an additional $1 per contract. (1 contract for $8.95, 5 for $12.95). There is a $25 maintenance fee, but it only applies to accounts that use less than 10 trades per year.

Investments Offered:  

NobleTrading accommodates trading for a wide array of investment types. Of course the online broker offers the ability to trade standard stocks, options, and mutual funds. But the service also allows for trading of bonds (corporate, convertible, and zero-coupon), custodial accounts, 529 plans, and even Coverdell ESAs.

There are a few uncommon investments that NobleTrading doesn’t support, like unit investment trusts and municipal bonds, but overall, NobleTrading offers an extensive menu of investment types.

Ease of Use:  

The NobleTrading system is designed to accommodate a variety of user levels. Relatively speaking, NobleTrading is easy to use. Let’s be honest here, online stock trading interfaces can be confusing just by the sheer mass of information that they convey. And a streamlined, modern interface would be hard to come by. That being said, NobleTrading does have a comprehensive set of usable tools, presented right at hand in the program.

New users will have to take some time to get familiar with the system and its tools, but it’s certainly not difficult. NobleTrader even includes the ability to customize and utilize hotkeys, so you can set the software to work how you want it to.

Trading/Investment Tools:  

NobleTrading offers a variety of tools and features for online stock trading. In fact, they offer four distinct software options to accommodate different users. They offer a web-based program, trader software, "The Shield" for active traders and a platform for FOREX trading.

The web based trading platform is a basic but powerful program to help you monitor the market and manage your portfolio in real-time.

The NobleTrader is an in-depth program that includes a robust set of graphs and tools on a single screen. The main interface includes windows with detailed charts, tick-for-tick updates on Level 1 and Level 2 bids and offers, top 20 stocks, and even customizable market tracking.

Some additional user-friendly tools include alerts and triggers (automated selling when a stock reaches a defined level). NobleTrader also incorporates customizable hotkeys, so you can set up a personalized system with advanced speed and efficiency. The software also has the ability to export your trade information to Excel.

The advanced software options include The Shield, complete with batch monitoring and ordering, and features to accommodate all major ECN’s and greeks.

They also offer a free market newsletter, watch lists, market reports, news and more, depending on which software option you choose.

Support/Customer Service:  

NobleTrading has a variety of helpful resources available online, including online manuals (one for each software option), a FAQs section, and even a company blog. You can get personalized, professional assistance over the phone, through email, or by connecting almost immediately with a representative through online chat. Our experience with the NobleTrading staff for additional help was timely, professional, and more than adequately beneficial.

NobleTrading is a great option for online stock trading. Combining competitive commission rates, a variety of software options with advanced features, and excellent security, NobleTrading is certainly a service worth looking into. Though not the highest performing service available, NobleTrading offers a comprehensive online stock trading service with a unique combination of advantages you won’t find elsewhere.