What it does
Lightspeed serves active equity and options users with customizable platforms, order routing, market scans and API access. Lightspeed Trader Pro links charts, watchlists and order tools, with controls for share size, routes, offsets and risk limits. Platform, data and brokerage costs are separate components.
A useful platform comparison starts with the controls you need. Trader Pro supports custom layouts and hot keys, order-size and position limits, multiple routing destinations and basket strategies using reference prices and offsets. Lightscan follows volume and volatility activity, while option chains expose Greeks and implied volatility. Request a demo is the public route for inspecting the workspace.
Budget for the whole setup
Stock commissions can be charged per share or per trade, with volume-based schedules. The lowest advertised rate is not the default for every account. Trader software is charged at up to US$130 monthly, reduced by that month’s commissions. Data subscriptions, routing and regulatory fees remain separate. Accounts below US$15,000 can face a US$25 monthly minimum commission charge.
Open an Account starts the application, and the Trader Pro page lists a US$5,000 account minimum. For approved accounts, ACH bank linking and transfers must begin inside the Lightspeed customer portal through My Account and Fund Transfers. An ACH transfer initiated directly at an outside bank will be rejected.
Strengths
- Configurable order routes, sizes and offsets support precise workspace setup
- Risk controls include order-size and position-size limits
Watch out for
- Software, data and routing can add to transaction commissions
- Low-balance accounts can incur a monthly minimum commission charge
Best for
- Experienced equity and options users configuring an active workspace
- Developers evaluating automated order-entry connections
Sources
- Lightspeed Trader Pro controls and account minimum (Oct 27, 2026)
- Lightspeed stock commission schedules (Oct 27, 2026)
- Lightspeed account access, fees and ACH instructions (Oct 27, 2026)
- Lightspeed current platform and maintenance fee FAQ (Oct 27, 2026)