1DB Investor Site

It is a special type of account designed specifically for Individual Investors who prefer to handle their finances online with little or no broker contact.

How secure is this Trading site?

One way we provide a high level of security for our customers is by using RSA encryption to ensure a secure connection. RSA encryption is considered by most experts to be the best security available on the Internet. To trade on the Internet with your account, you will need to provide a User Id and password to enter the secure area of the site, as well as an additional password to place trades. Clients can trade via the Internet, but as an added precaution we only remit account funds to the name and address of record which can only be changed with a signed request from the account holder of record.

What is Secure Sockets Layer?

SSL is a protocol designed by Netscape Communications Corporation to provide secure communications on the Internet. SSL really does three things. First, it authenticates or ensures that the server you've connected to is the one it purports to be. Second, SSL creates a secure communications channel by encrypting all packets in transit between the user's SSL-capable Web browser and the SSL-capable server. Finally, SSL creates a cryptographic checksum to ensure data integrity. (the checksum provides a count of the number of bytes in a document. With SSL, the checksum is encrypted so it can't be modified. If a message is not received in its entirety, it's rejected and another copy of the message is sent automatically.)

What can I do to safekeep the security of my account?

Never reveal your password to anyone. Never write it down where anyone can find it or figure out what it is. Change your password often, and be sure that you do not use words that can be found in a dictionary, or numbers in a series. Never access this site from a computer that an untrusted individual may have access to.

What is a cookie and why do you want to send them to me?

A cookie is a text file created by our Web Server that is temporarily stored on your PC for your security. It is used by us to keep track of your activity within our Secure Trading site and it is set to expire after an extended period of time of inactivity. If the cookie expires, we will automatically log you out of our site and require you to log back in with your password to gain access to your account information.

How do I tame the cookie monster?

Cookies are used in several places within our site for your protection. To speed your movements around this site, we recommend disabling this feature within your browser. If you are using Netscape Navigator, simply click Options, then select Network Preferences, then remove the X from the box marked "Show an Alert before Accepting a Cookie." If you are using Microsoft Internet Explorer click View, then options and select Advanced, remove the check from the box marked "Warn before accepting cookies."

Which web browsers can I use to access this Net site?

We currently accept secure browsers that utilize SSL Technology. The site is best viewed using Netscape Navigator (Version 4.0 or higher) or Microsoft Internet Explorer (Version 4.0 or higher), the leading secure browsers.

How do I get the most out of this site?

We have a couple of suggestions, most importantly you should use a version of Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer version 4.0 or higher. If using one of these leading browsers, check your options on your web browser and make sure your java or javascript is enabled. For speed purposes you can disable the cookie feature on your browser, and use a modem that connects at 28.8 kbps or higher.

I already have Netscape 2.0, do I have to download a more recent version of Netscape Navigator in order to have access to this site?

Yes, we highly urge you to download a more recent version of Netscape such as version 4.0 or higher, to take advantage of our technologically advanced website. By using an older version you may run into some limitations surfing our site.

What do I do if I can’t get to my computer to place a trade?

Call your broker - see the "Contact Us" page.

Can I open an account even if I am a resident of a Foreign Country?

Yes. You will, however, be required to fill out a W-8 form if you are a foreign resident. This form will be mailed to you in the new account package if you select foreign resident during the registration process. Payment for trades can only be accepted in U.S. funds, and we require these cleared funds to reside in your account prior to placing trades.

How do I transfer other securities and cash balances to an account?

If you are transferring funds from another firm altogether, you will need to request a transfer form which must be filled out, signed, and sent back to us for processing. This is called an ACAT transfer and normally takes three weeks to complete from the time we receive your paperwork. (Make sure to include a copy of your most recent statement from the firm you are transferring from).

When can I get real-time quotes and how much will they cost?

Clients may recieve up-to-the-second real time quotes from the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange, NASDAQ, and OPRA, including mutual funds and ticker search capabilities. Real time quotes are free to all registered account holders. Realize that “time” can be a misnomer in the Internet world, since commonly experienced network bottlenecks and slowdowns in transmission can affect timeliness.

I am new to the market and don’t understand many of the financial terms. Where can I find out information?

This site provides a financial glossary in the documents and forms section to assist individual investors in understanding the complex financial terms associated with investing.

How can I speed up the amount of time it takes for me to place an order?

Unfortunately, we can not speed up the phone lines that connect you to your account. You can, however, bookmark the Trading page as a way to bypass this site's Introduction pages. Simply proceed to the trading screen and bookmark this screen for quick access in the future. Also, you should check the tips in our FAQs regarding cookies.

Is there any account protection?

Securities held in your account are protected up to $100 million dollars. Our clearing firm is Ridge Clearing & Outsourcing Services, Inc., a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), which protects customer securities of its members up to $500,000 (including $100,000 for cash claims). The additional $99,500,000 protection is provided by Asset Guaranty Insurance Company.

Where do I send my initial deposit?

You can mail your check, made payable to Ridge Clearing and Outsourcing Services, to:

1st Discount Brokerage
Attn: Electronic Services
515 N Flagler Dr Suite 703
West Palm Beach, Fl 33401

Please remember to write your account number or social security number
on the memo line of your check.

Do we accept wire funds instructions for your accounts?

Yes. In order for us to accept wired funds you must have an account number and instruct your bank to send the funds as follows:

ABA# - 021000018
Bank of New York/NYC
Account # : 8661169975
Account: Ridge Clearing
FBO: Your name and account #

How do I trade Bonds on your web site?

We do not offer this service via the Internet at this time. You must contact your broker in order to trade bonds at this time. Please, always remember, we never accept any orders via e-mail.

How do I create stock lists to keep track of my favorite securities?

Select Portfolio Tracker from the Quotes and Markets page to sign up for this free service. You can track up to 300 securities and indicies, and receive updates via e-mail.

Can I use my internet account to keep updated on my portfolio during the day?

Yes! You can keep track of the market and your portfolios (up to 300 securities and indicies) at any time by signing up for our Portfolio Tracker. We can also e-mail a market brief and information on your portfolio twice daily if you wish. Proceed to Portfolio Tracker in the in the Quotes and Markets section to set up your portfolios.

Do you offer access to mutual funds?

Yes, we offer access to more than 1,500 fund options (load and no-load).

Can I trade commodities/futures contracts?

No, clients can not trade these products with our firm.

Who is your clearing firm?

Ridge Clearing & Outsourcing Services, Inc. is your clearing firm.

Do you accept Stop or Stop/Limit orders on NASDAQ (OTC NMS and Small Cap) securities and/or OTC Bulletin Board securities?

No. We do not accept Stop/Limit orders on NASDAQ or Bulletin Board securities due to the inconsistencies prevalent in this dealer-based market. However, we will accept Stop orders eligible on NASDAQ securities (but Not on Bulletin Board securities). We will also accept Stop or Stop/Limit orders for listed securities.
Note: We will not be responsible for the entry or possible execution of Stop or Stop/Limit orders in ineligible securities described above.

Why wasn’t my OTC limit order executed? I saw it trade at my limit.

In most cases with OTC (over the counter) stocks, this is a function of the bid and ask. The bid is the highest price a prospective buyer (one who is buying your stock) is prepared to pay at a particular time for a trading unit of a given security; the ask is the lowest price acceptable to the prospective seller (one who is selling you the stock) of the same security. The difference between the bid and ask is called the spread. While you may see your stock trade at your limit price, it may be at the ask if you are trying to sell or at the bid if you are trying to buy, therefore your order would not be executed. Even if the stock is trading in the spread, you are not guaranteed an execution. Only if your limit is at the bid (in case of a sell) or the ask (in case of a buy) will you have the chance of your order being executed. Unlike listed securities (ie. NYSE stocks), OTC’s are not guaranteed an execution.

I am an existing customer, do I need to open a new account to trade via the Internet?

No. If you already have an existing account go to the link account page and insert your account number(s) and we will approve your request and activate your internet privileges. You can open a new account online and get started trading in one business day or request an application via regular mail. You will receive an e-mail message within one business day after we have received your account request indicating that you are able to access your account via the internet.