TD Ameritrade rushes to calm trading clients amid site outages

TD Ameritrade rushes to calm trading clients amid site outages
Charles Schwab executives had hinted at possible hiccups ahead of the massive account migration coming in September.
APR 14, 2023

TD Ameritrade’s website and its Thinkorswim trading system were experiencing intermittent outages late Friday morning, company messages to numerous upset customers show.

As of early afternoon, Charles Schwab indicated that service had been restored but it did not comment on the cause of the outages.

"An earlier, intermittent platform issue has since been resolved," a spokesperson said in an email. "Some clients may have been unable to access the web page, tdameritrade.com. Clients were able to access their accounts for all trading needs at invest.Ameritrade.com."

TDA and Thinkorswim had earlier confirmed the outages in exchanges with clients on Twitter.

“Can’t trade on #Thinkorswim [at the moment]. Not sure what’s going on with platform. Not showing order execution or positions,” one user wrote.

Others were more open about their feelings.

“Pissed. @TDAmeritrade and @thinkorswim ate at my profit today because of failed/delayed executions and an absolute Active Trader nightmare. Unacceptable,” another user wrote.

The company directed users to its mobile app, customer service hotline and trading log-in page.

https://twitter.com/TDAmeritrade/status/1646887054410764290

“We regret to hear of any inconvenience as we investigate intermittent issues with the website,” the company said on Twitter.

Customers could have their trades reviewed by calling the 800 number, it stated.

One client asked about voluntarily migrating an account to Charles Schwab’s system. On Sept. 5, Schwab is converting the TDA custody business to its own system, a move that will affect an estimated $1.3 trillion in assets across as many as 20 million accounts. That transfer will switch 7,500 financial advisors from TDA to Schwab’s system.

“You can move now, but you'll lose the account history and documents, settings and bank instructions. We'll move it all if you wait for your transition date,” TDA wrote in response to the question about migrating early.

It’s unclear how the companies will address customer trade issues that were caused by the outages today. In January, Schwab chief operating officer Joseph Martinetto, noted that ahead of the account migration, “Despite all of our best efforts, we know that there are going to be some glitches that are going to happen.”

Why custom direct indexing will be the next big thing on Wall Street

Latest News

Edward Jones announces C-suite shakeup with eye toward next chapter
Edward Jones announces C-suite shakeup with eye toward next chapter

The leadership changes coming in June, which also include wealth management and digital unit heads, come as the firm pushes to offer more comprehensive services.

Harvard muni bonds a buy amid battle with Trump White House, Barclays says
Harvard muni bonds a buy amid battle with Trump White House, Barclays says

Strategist sees relatively little risk of the university losing its tax-exempt status, which could pose opportunity for investors with a "longer time horizon."

The great wealth transfer demands a wealth management revolution
The great wealth transfer demands a wealth management revolution

As the next generation of investors take their turn, advisors have to strike a fine balance between embracing new technology and building human connections.

Independent Financial Group taps industry veteran Keefe as new president, COO
Independent Financial Group taps industry veteran Keefe as new president, COO

IFG works with 550 producing advisors and generates about $325 million in annual revenue, said Dave Fischer, the company's co-founder and chief marketing officer.

Net Positive Consortium gains momentum with new members, first strategic partner
Net Positive Consortium gains momentum with new members, first strategic partner

Five new RIAs are joining the industry coalition promoting firm-level impact across workforce, client, community and environmental goals.

SPONSORED Compliance in real time: Technology's expanding role in RIA oversight

RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.

SPONSORED Advisory firms confront crossroads amid historic wealth transfer

As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.