A More Seamless and Personalized App Experience Starts Here
We’re excited to introduce the latest update to our mobile app—built with one clear goal in mind: improving the way you interact with your investing tools every day.
We’re excited to introduce the latest update to our mobile app—built with one clear goal in mind: improving the way you interact with your investing tools every day. By focusing on speed, clarity, and personalization, this update reflects our long‑term commitment to delivering a platform that continues to evolve with your needs.
New Display Preferences & Retro Theme
You can now customize your up/down colors, including a “red‑up, green‑down” option. A new Retro Theme has also been added to the interface.
Update Your Address Effortlessly
You can now update your physical address directly under Account → Personal Profile, making account maintenance simple and convenient.
24/7 In-App Customer Support
Help is available whenever you need it—whether through our smart virtual assistant or by connecting instantly with a live agent.
More Intuitive Navigation
Cleaner balance tab layout
Overall performance enhancements
Built With Your Experience in Mind
Every improvement in this update is driven by user feedback and our commitment to delivering a platform that feels reliable, intuitive, and modern. We’ll continue enhancing your experience and look forward to bringing you more updates soon.
Disclaimer:
Firstrade is an online brokerage platform for self-directed investors. It does not provide investment, financial, legal, or tax advice. All investments involve risk, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Options trading has additional risks and not suitable for all investors. Diversification cannot assure a profit or protect against loss in a declining market. Investors should carefully consider their objectives, costs, and associated risks, as losses may exceed the principal invested. Options trading privileges are subject to approval. Review the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options brochure before trading options. Any securities mentioned in the image are for illustrative purposes only. Firstrade Securities Inc is a registered member of FINRA and SIPC. For more information, visit https://www.firstrade.com.
Top 25 Most Traded Stocks & ETFs by Investors at Firstrade in January
Here’s the full list of top favored stocks and ETFs among Firstrade investors in the last month:
1. Tesla, Inc. (TSLA)
2. Ondas Holdings Inc. (ONDS)
3. NVIDIA Corp (NVDA)
4. Micron Technology Inc (MU)
5. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (TSM)
6. Sandisk Corporation (SNDK)
7. Intel Corporation (INTC)
8. Microsoft Corp (MSFT)
9. Direxion Daily TSLA Bull 2X Shares (TSLL)
10. Broadcom Inc. (AVGO)
11. Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X Shares (SOXL)
12. ProShares UltraPro QQQ (TQQQ)
13. Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR)
14. Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD)
15. Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ)
16. iShares Silver Trust (SLV)
17. Vanguard 500 Index Fund ETF (VOO)
18. Netflix, Inc. (NFLX)
19. Alphabet Inc Class C (GOOG)
20. Apple Inc (AAPL)
21. Alphabet Inc Class A (GOOGL)
22. Rocket Lab Corporation (RKLB)
23. Meta Platforms Inc (META)
24. Oracle Corporation (ORCL)
25. Oklo Inc. Class A (OKLO)
Backdoor Roth IRA for Small Business Owners: A Smart Strategy (and How to Do It at Firstrade)
As a small business owner, your income can be “lumpy”—some years are good, some are great. A strong year can limit your ability to contribute directly to a Roth IRA, which can feel frustrating when you’re trying to save more for the future.
The Backdoor Roth in 30 Seconds
A backdoor Roth isn’t a special account—it’s a two-step method:
Step 1: Make a nondeductible contribution to a Traditional IRA.
Step 2: Convert those dollars to a Roth IRA.
This approach can be useful because Roth conversions are generally permitted regardless of income, even when direct Roth contributions are limited by income.
Business Owner Watch-Out: The Pro-Rata Rule
If you have Traditional IRA money elsewhere—including SEP or SIMPLE IRAs—those balances can make part of a conversion taxable under the IRS pro-rata rules. In plain English: even if your new contribution is after-tax, your conversion may be partially taxable if you have pre-tax IRA money elsewhere. The IRS looks at your total IRA balances for the year when determining the taxable portion of a conversion.
Mind Your Tax Bracket
A Roth conversion can increase taxable income for the year. For business owners, timing matters because income can swing based on profit, deductions, and year-end planning. Converting “just enough” to fit your overall tax plan is a common approach—but it’s worth modeling with a tax professional.
Plan Ahead: The 5-Year Rules
Roth IRAs have multiple “5-year rules.” Depending on your age and what you withdraw (contributions vs. converted amounts vs. earnings), taking money out too soon can trigger taxes and/or a 10% early distribution penalty. If there’s a chance you’ll need these funds in the next five years—especially if you’re under 59½—get advice before converting.
Ready to Do a Backdoor Roth at Firstrade?
Are you ready to move ahead and start maximizing your retirement savings? Follow this link to get started!
What is the process of Backdoor Roth Conversion at Firstrade?
You need two IRA accounts: a Traditional IRA and a Roth IRA (both available at Firstrade). Don’t have an IRA account at Firstrade yet? Click here to open IRA accounts.
Deposit funds into your Traditional IRA account.
Complete Firstrade’s Roth IRA Conversion Form and upload it online or send it to Firstrade.
Firstrade will process your request, and you’ll be set.
Final reminder: Backdoor Roth contributions are more complicated than a standard Roth contribution. If you have multiple IRAs or you’re uncertain about pro-rata taxation and the tax impact of a conversion, it’s wise to work with a qualified tax professional to avoid costly errors.
Important disclosure: This article is for general educational purposes only and isn't tax or legal advice. Small business retirement accounts can change the tax results of a Roth conversion. Consider consulting a qualified tax professional before acting.
Top 25 Most Traded Stocks & ETFs by Investors at Firstrade in December
Here’s the full list of top favored stocks and ETFs among Firstrade investors in the last month:
1. Tesla, Inc. (TSLA)
2. NVIDIA Corp (NVDA)
3. Ondas Holdings Inc. (ONDS)
4. Broadcom Inc. (AVGO)
5. Direxion Daily TSLA Bull 2X Shares (TSLL)
6. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (TSM)
7. Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X Shares (SOXL)
8. Micron Technology Inc (MU)
9. ProShares UltraPro QQQ (TQQQ)
10. Alphabet Inc Class A (GOOGL)
11. Alphabet Inc Class C (GOOG)
12. NuScale Power Corporation (SMR)
13. Oracle Corporation (ORCL)
14. Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ)
15. Netflix, Inc. (NFLX)
16. Vanguard 500 Index Fund ETF (VOO)
17. iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT)
18. Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR)
19. Bitmine Immersion Technologies, Inc. (NVDL)
20. Rocket Lab Corporation (RKLB)
21. Intel Corporation (INTC)
22. CoreWeave, Inc. (CRWV)
23. Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD)
24. Astera Labs, Inc. (ALAB)
25. SoFi Technologies Inc. (SOFI)
Boost Your Retirement Savings with Firstrade’s Year-End IRA Bonus
As we approach the end of the year, many investors take this time to reassess their financial goals and retirement planning strategies. To support your long-term saving efforts, Firstrade is offering a special IRA bonus from December 15 to January 31, 2026.
As we approach the end of the year, many investors take this time to reassess their financial goals and retirement planning strategies. To support your long-term saving efforts, Firstrade is offering a special IRA bonus from December 15, 2025 to January 31, 2026.
Earn More with Contribution & Transfer Bonuses
3% Contribution Bonus
When you open a new eligible Traditional, Roth, or Rollover IRA and contribute within 30 days of account approval, Firstrade will match 3% of your Net New Contribution.
*This bonus does not count toward IRS contribution limits.
2% Transfer Bonus
Moving an existing IRA or rolling over an old 401(k)? Firstrade will match 2% of your Net IRA Transfer or 401(k) rollover, up to $20,000.
Why Open or Transfer an IRA Now?
✔ Year-end is a practical moment to review retirement strategy
✔ IRA contributions may benefit from tax advantages
✔ Consolidating accounts can simplify your retirement management
✔ The bonus adds immediate value to your funding or transfer decision
How It Works
Open Your IRA Account: Use the "Open an Account" button on the IRA Deposit Bonus Promotion page to complete your application during the promotional period.
Fund Your Account: Make qualifying contributions or transfers via ACH, ACAT, wire transfer, or check within 30 days of successfully opening your account. Withdrawals during this period may reduce your eligible amount.
Earn Your Bonus: Firstrade will match 3% of qualifying contributions and 2% of eligible transfers.
The Firstrade Advantage
✔ No Account Fees: Firstrade IRAs have no annual fees, no maintenance fees, and no inactivity fees.
✔ Transfer Fee Rebate: Switching to Firstrade? We’ll reimburse up to $250 of your transfer fees.
✔ Trade with confidence in the IRA: Get commission-free trading on stocks, ETFs, options, and mutual funds, plus access to bonds and CDs.
Important Details:
To qualify for this promotion, new IRA accounts must be opened using the "Open an Account" button on the promotional page. Each account type is limited to one offer, and this promotion is non-transferable. Additionally, the offer is only available to U.S. residents.
The end of the year is a meaningful financial checkpoint — and with Firstrade’s IRA bonus, you have an opportunity to help reinforce your retirement savings with added value.