Do your own online investing review before selecting any brokerage.

The level of customer service across different online brokers can vary. Refer to online reviews of customer service for the different brokerage houses.

Get the customer service number for the brokerage house and test them. See how quickly each one answers the telephone. Make sure they have email options and live chat options Do you want to speak only with your broker or do you want a customer service department/tech support 24 hours a day?

* Make sure the online broker has deposits backed by the SIPC.

Before selecting the brokerage house thoroughly examine their web site and see if it fits your needs. Take an online tour if one is available and test their trading platform.