Important Update: TD Ameritrade was acquired by Charles Schwab and no longer exists as of 2024. The TD Ameritrade API was discontinued on May 10, 2024, making direct integration with TradingView impossible. This guide explains what happened and provides alternative solutions for automated trading through TradersPost and other active broker APIs.
What Happened to TD Ameritrade?
The Schwab Merger
Charles Schwab completed its acquisition of TD Ameritrade in 2024, resulting in:
- Account Migration: All TD Ameritrade accounts were transferred to Schwab
- API Discontinuation: TD Ameritrade's API ceased operations on May 10, 2024
- Platform Integration: thinkorswim now operates under Schwab
- No Replacement API: Schwab has not yet launched a retail trading API
Impact on TradingView Integration
The discontinuation means:
- No direct connection between TD Ameritrade and TradingView
- Existing integrations stopped working in May 2024
- Former TD Ameritrade users must find alternative solutions
- thinkorswim cannot be automated via API
Alternative Brokers for TradingView Integration
Since TD Ameritrade is no longer available, consider these brokers that offer active APIs and can be connected to TradingView through TradersPost:
Interactive Brokers
Best for Professional Traders
- Comprehensive API with multiple language support
- Real-time data and complex order types
- Global market access
- Works seamlessly with TradersPost
Alpaca Markets
Best for Algorithmic Trading
- Commission-free trading
- Developer-friendly API
- Built-in paper trading environment
- Excellent TradingView integration via TradersPost
Tradier
Best for Options Traders
- API-first broker design
- Competitive options pricing
- RESTful API with clear documentation
- Strong TradersPost compatibility
TradeStation
Best for Futures Trading
- Advanced order types
- Professional-grade tools
- Futures and equities support
- Direct TradersPost integration
How to Connect TradingView to Alternative Brokers
Step 1: Choose Your Broker
Select a broker based on your trading needs:
- Stocks & ETFs: Alpaca or Interactive Brokers
- Options: Tradier or Interactive Brokers
- Futures: TradeStation or Interactive Brokers
- Global Markets: Interactive Brokers
Step 2: Set Up TradersPost
TradersPost bridges TradingView with your chosen broker:
- Sign Up: Create an account at TradersPost.io
- Connect Broker: Add your broker credentials
- Get Webhook URL: Copy your unique webhook endpoint
- Test Connection: Verify the broker link works
Step 3: Configure TradingView Alerts
Create automated alerts in TradingView:
- Open Your Strategy: Load your Pine Script strategy
- Create Alert: Right-click chart and select "Add Alert"
- Set Conditions: Choose your strategy conditions
- Add Webhook: Paste your TradersPost webhook URL
- Configure Message: Format your trading instructions
Step 4: Define Your Trading Logic
Structure your alert messages for TradersPost:
{
"ticker": "{{ticker}}",
"action": "{{strategy.order.action}}",
"quantity": "{{strategy.order.contracts}}",
"price": "{{close}}"
}
For Former TD Ameritrade Users
If You're Now with Schwab
While you can't automate trades via API, you can:
- Use thinkorswim for manual trading
- Access paperMoney for practice trading
- Utilize advanced charting and analysis tools
- Wait for potential future Schwab API (no timeline available)
Migration Recommendations
For Active Traders:
- Open an account with Alpaca or Interactive Brokers
- Transfer strategies to new broker
- Set up TradersPost integration
- Test thoroughly before live trading
For Options Traders:
- Consider Tradier for competitive pricing
- Interactive Brokers for complex strategies
- Ensure your new broker supports your option types
For Long-term Investors:
- Stay with Schwab if automation isn't critical
- Use thinkorswim for analysis
- Consider partial automation with supported brokers
Best Practices for Broker Migration
Testing Your New Setup
- Paper Trade First: Test strategies in simulation
- Start Small: Begin with minimal position sizes
- Monitor Closely: Watch initial automated trades carefully
- Document Everything: Keep records of strategy performance
Risk Management
- Set appropriate position sizes for new broker
- Understand fee structures and their impact
- Configure stop losses and risk limits
- Test order types supported by new broker
Why TradersPost?
TradersPost offers several advantages for former TD Ameritrade users:
Universal Connectivity
- Connect multiple brokers simultaneously
- Switch between brokers without changing strategies
- Maintain consistent execution logic
No Coding Required
- Simple webhook integration
- Visual strategy builder
- Pre-built strategy templates
Advanced Features
- Position management
- Risk controls
- Performance analytics
- Multi-account support
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use thinkorswim?
Yes, thinkorswim is now part of Schwab and available to Schwab clients. However, it cannot be automated via API for retail traders.
Will Schwab release a trading API?
Schwab has mentioned plans for an API but hasn't provided a timeline as of 2025. Don't wait - consider available alternatives now.
Which broker is most similar to TD Ameritrade?
Interactive Brokers offers the most comprehensive features similar to what TD Ameritrade provided, including extensive market access and advanced order types.
Can I transfer my Pine Script strategies?
Yes, Pine Script strategies work with any broker through TradersPost. You'll just need to update your webhook URL and message format.
Conclusion
While the loss of TD Ameritrade and its API has disrupted many traders' automation setups, excellent alternatives exist. Interactive Brokers, Alpaca, Tradier, and TradeStation all offer robust APIs that can be connected to TradingView through TradersPost.
The key is choosing the right broker for your specific needs and taking time to properly test your new setup. With TradersPost as your integration layer, you can maintain the automation capabilities you had with TD Ameritrade while potentially accessing even better features with modern broker APIs.
Don't let the TD Ameritrade closure stop your automated trading journey. Visit TradersPost.io today to connect your TradingView strategies to a supported broker and continue trading with confidence.