You can trade in stocks only through the stock brokers. You can open an account only if you are a US citizen, or, a resident alien. In both cases you need to provide your valid social security number. You must have become a major, at least 18 years old in your state of residence before you can apply for opening a trading account.

Usually there are four main types of stock trading accounts. They are individual accounts, joint accounts, IRAs ---Individual Retirement accounts, and Education Savings accounts. You have to select one of these accounts according to your personal needs and circumstances. You must be ready to deposit a minimum of $ 2,500 irrespective of the account you open. You can fund your account via free electronic transfer directly from your current bank account. You can also pay by check or wire transfer.

The individual investment account can be opened in the name of one person. Joint account can be opened for two people. It is also mandatory that both the persons should have reached the age of majority in their state of residence.

The third type of stock trading account is IRA or individual retirement account. It is a personal retirement savings account. It offers tax advantages to investors. You can deposit a part of your earnings into a tax-deferred brokerage account. Your contributions are also tax-deductible.

Individual retirement account?IRA-- is of three types.

The first type is traditional IRA. In this account, you can defer the payment of taxes on your earnings until you start taking the money out. The money that you put in is tax deductible in the year you put it in. The investors who are up to the age of 50, or under by the end of the year, can currently contribute up to $ 5000 every year, but those who are up to the age of 70 can contribute $ 4,000.

The benefit of investing under the traditional IRA is that you do not have to pay any taxes on what you earn till the time you start withdrawing the money. This process is known as tax deferment. This account makes sense because by the time you retire, you may be in a lower tax bracket. In that case, you will have to pay less in taxes on earnings from your IRA account.

The second type of retirement category account is Roth IRA. This account is similar to the traditional IRA except that you pay taxes on the money you put in while you can withdraw money without paying any tax. Those who are up to the age of 50 can currently contribute up to $5,000 every year and those who are up to the age of 70 can contribute up to $4,000. You should opt for a Roth IRA if you think you will be in a higher tax bracket when you retire. If you invest under a Roth IRA, your investments can grow tax-free. You can withdraw money after a period of 5 years from the date of opening your account without paying any tax with the proviso that you have turned 59. The withdrawal can also be tax-free if it is used for a first time home purchase up to a limit of $10,000. You will, however, have to pay 10% penalty if you withdraw early.

The third type of account in retirement category is Rollover IRA. A Rollover IRA is a holding account. If you transfer funds or stock from a retirement plan such as a 401(k) or 403(b), the money or stock can be allowed to stay in the Rollover account for a period of 60 days. Thereafter you will have to place the funds into another retirement plan. You can control your account during these 60 days. It must be noted that you cannot avail of this facility more than once a year

The fourth type of account is Education Savings Account or ESA. This account can be opened as a trust to pay educational expenses of the designated minor beneficiary and no contributions can be made after the beneficiary has reached the age of 18. The total contributions cannot exceed $2,000.

The trading account opening process with a stockbroker is very simple. It can be completed minutes. You can choose your own username and password to log into your account and then enter your personal information. You also need to read and confirm the account opening agreement. Thereafter your broker sends you verification email, which you have to respond to confirm having received it. This will ensure that the address you provided was correct.