What Is a Trade Call Fee in Financial Trading?

A trade call fee in financial trading refers to a specific charge incurred when an investor places a trade order over the phone with a human broker, rather than using an automated online platform. This charge is an additional service fee for personalized assistance or for transactions requiring manual processing by the brokerage firm. In financial trading, it aligns with what are often called “broker-assisted trade fees” or “call and trade charges.”

What Constitutes a Trade Call Fee

A broker-assisted trade fee is a charge levied by a brokerage firm for executing a transaction through direct communication with a broker. This contrasts with self-directed trades placed via a firm’s website or mobile application. The fee compensates the brokerage for the manual intervention and personalized support provided by a human representative.

These charges are flat fees applied per trade. Some firms may charge around $25 to $30 for a broker-assisted stock or ETF trade. This amount is added to any standard commission or other transaction costs associated with the trade itself. Brokerage firms, including both full-service and discount brokers, impose these fees.

Circumstances Triggering a Trade Call Fee

A broker-assisted trade fee is applied in situations where an investor chooses or needs to interact directly with a broker to place an order. This occurs when a client places a trade over the phone. The fee covers the additional operational costs for the brokerage associated with manual order entry and personalized service.

These fees can also be triggered for specific asset types that may require manual processing, such as certain complex derivatives or less liquid securities. Investors who lack online access, or prefer the guidance of a broker for complex transactions, will also incur these charges. Brokerage firms disclose these fees in their comprehensive fee schedules, available on their websites or upon request.

Trade Call Fees Versus Other Charges

Broker-assisted trade fees are distinct from other charges encountered in financial trading. Commissions, for example, are charges for executing a trade regardless of the method, though many online platforms now offer $0 commissions for standard stock and ETF trades. A broker-assisted trade fee, conversely, is specifically for the method of execution—the direct involvement of a broker.

Regulatory fees are another separate category, mandated by government and industry bodies, rather than being a service charge from the brokerage. These external fees, such as those imposed by the Securities and Exchange Commission, are small and passed on to the investor. Account maintenance fees are recurring charges for holding a brokerage account, paid periodically, and are not tied to individual trades. It is also important to differentiate this fee from financial terms like “call options” or “day trade calls,” which relate to investment products or margin requirements.