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Is TradeZero a Scam or is it Safe? TradeZero Review For 2026
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Is TradeZero a Scam?
Have you been thinking about opening a brokerage account with TradeZero? Maybe you want to know whether TradeZero is credible and whether your money would be safe there. If so, keep reading, because we dug into the details and found the answers.
Who owns TradeZero?
TradeZero America is a privately held broker-dealer. According to FINRA BrokerCheck, TradeZero USA Inc. is the direct owner of TradeZero America, while TradeZero Holding Corp. is listed above it as the parent company. TradeZero’s own company history ties the broader business to Daniel Pipitone, John Muscatella, and Giovanni Ferrara.
TradeZero Inc. began in 2015 as an offshore online broker based in the Bahamas, offering access to U.S. markets for eligible non-U.S. clients.
Both companies are privately held. According to FINRA’s BrokerCheck site, executive officers at TradeZero America currently include Antony Carmine Naccarelli (CEO and CCO), Khris Callejas (PFO/FINOP), and Michael A. Shearin (COO).
Background
TradeZero Inc. and TradeZero America were both built with active traders in mind, combining commission-free trading in many cases with tools designed for more demanding market participants.
Compared to simpler commission-free brokers, TradeZero puts much more emphasis on short selling, routing choices, and trader-focused software, which makes it more appealing to experienced traders and day traders.
TradeZero currently offers several trading platforms to its clients, including TZ1, ZeroPro, ZeroFree, and ZeroMobile.
On its website, TradeZero highlights 24/7 customer support, free limit and market orders on qualifying exchange-listed stocks, advanced trading software, and specialized short-selling tools. For TradeZero International clients, the company also advertises no pattern day trading restrictions.
Is TradeZero legitimate?
TradeZero America is regulated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and incorporated in the state of Delaware. Its Reporting File Number is 008-69736.
TradeZero America is also registered as a brokerage firm with FINRA through the Long Island district office, and its CRD# is 282940. TradeZero America does have disclosures listed on FINRA BrokerCheck.
TradeZero Inc. is regulated by the Securities Commission of the Bahamas.
TradeZero Inc. and TradeZero America are both legitimate online broker dealers. TradeZero America reported an increase of 500% in its trading volume in 2020. New accounts increased by 600% while short selling grew by 300%.
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Is TradeZero secure/insured?
TradeZero America is an SIPC member and provides the standard SIPC protection of up to $500,000 in combined securities and cash, including up to $250,000 for cash claims.
TradeZero International describes its protection differently. Instead of saying it is an SIPC member in the same way as TradeZero America, it says client securities and cash may be eligible for SIPC protection on a pass-through basis through one or more SIPC-member clearing firms. In terms of digital account security, TradeZero also publishes support pages covering MFA and supported authenticator apps.
Is TradeZero accredited by the Better Business Bureau?
No, TradeZero America is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). To receive accreditation, a business must apply and go through the BBB process, and TradeZero America has not done so.
TradeZero America does currently have a BBB profile, and the page shows an A+ rating.
Wrapping up: Is TradeZero a Scam?
TradeZero is not a scam. Although it is much newer than long-established brokerage names like Schwab, TD Ameritrade, and Fidelity, TradeZero America is a regulated U.S. broker-dealer, and its customer assets receive SIPC protection. TradeZero International is a separate offshore affiliate regulated in the Bahamas.
If you are looking for a low-cost broker dealer that appeals to active traders, TradeZero may be a good option for you. Just know that you cannot use TradeZero Inc. if you are a U.S. citizen. If so, you will need to use TradeZero America instead.
In the end, if you decide to invest with TradeZero, there is good reason to view it as a legitimate broker-dealer. Still, as with any broker, you should understand which TradeZero entity you are opening an account with and what protections apply to that specific account.
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Updated on 4/22/2026.
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