How to Open an Online Stock Account (5 Steps)

Learn how the stock market works fully before starting an online stock account. Having a stock account doesn't provide you with help making decisions about where to invest, how much to invest or when to sell. Therefore, you must be able to make these decisions for yourself.
Know what discount brokers are. Discount brokers are the most common type of online stock account. As their name implies, they do not provide you with stock advice but rather the ability to invest in stocks. Compare several companies for costs and for the services they offer before you open an account. Commissions range from a few dollars up to 10 percent or more of the profit you make, but they may also charge per transaction.
Choose an online stock account providing real-time information and stock quotes. Find out how often stock prices are updated so you have the freshest information available before making investments.
Determine which account offers the features you are interested in. Some allow you to use a credit card; others do not. Some stock accounts provide you with more ability to research information. Others offer consulting services.
Select the best online stock account for you and fill out the application. You may need to send a hard copy to the broker before you can trade. Most allow for immediate access to the markets to trade. You may have to deposit funds into your account before being able to perform transactions, and some accounts allow you to have an initial credit line.

How to Calculate a 3

Understand that stock splits do not give greater ownership in a company. Stock splits simply give you more shares of a stock while the value per share declines proportionately. Stock splits do create some tax advantages when stock is sold. Consult an accountant for professional advice.
Calculate a 3-for-1 stock split by knowing the number of shares you own prior to the effective date of the split. A stock split is merely a ratio: 3-for-1 means you now own three shares for every share previously owned. If you owned 1000 shares pre-split, you would now own 3000 shares post-split. The market value of your investment remains the same, however.
Calculate the new, adjusted earnings per share, cash flow per share, and other per share calculations by multiplying the pre-split amounts by 1/3. Know that at the time of a split announcement companies usually make pre- and post- balance sheets available.
Do not confuse a 3-for-1 stock split for a 1-for-3 split. This is also referred to as a reverse stock split. In a reverse stock split the value per share rises 3-fold and the outstanding number of shares declines by 2/3s. This technique is used for companies whose share price has dropped below margin.
Use the above technique for any ratio of stock split. Remember that the assets, liabilities and net worth stay the same. Only proportionate, per share amounts, change.

How to Be a Stock Broker in India

Take a course in stock brokering. The National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), among other institutes, offer certified courses in stock brokering. These courses are related to capital markets, investment, financial planning, equity research, securities and portfolio analysis and other certificate courses.
Work at a stock brokering firm. One of the criteria for becoming a stock broker in India is to have a minimum of two years' work experience at a stock brokering firm or in a field related to securities or financial services.
Determine what type of services you want to offer as a stock broker. Some brokers offer a wide range of financial products such as stocks, bonds, derivatives and insurance. They may also offer services that include investment advice, investment strategies and in-depth research and analysis. Other brokers may only execute trades without offering investment advice, and may charge lower fees.
Ensure that you have adequate infrastructure and finances to register and operate as a stock broker. One of the criteria the Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI) considers while evaluating your application as a stock broker is whether you have the required office space, equipment and manpower to work effectively as a stock broker. If you intend to become an online stock broker, you must provide a reliable online stock trading platform that offers access to stock exchanges and depositories and functions without technical glitches.
Register as a stock broker with SEBI. Stock brokers in India are governed by the SEBI Act of 1992, which requires stock brokers to first register with SEBI, who will evaluate your application to see if you are eligible to become a stock broker before issuing you a registration certificate.
Become a member of a stock exchange. Besides registering with the SEBI, stock brokers must become members of one or more stock exchanges such as the NSE and the BSE. The application forms are closely evaluated by the exchanges before granting membership. Most major exchanges require stock brokers to pay a security deposit and a membership fee, which usually involve a considerable expense.
Market your services as a stock broker to attract clients. Word-of-mouth publicity and customer referrals are usually the best ways to get more business as a stock broker. If your portfolio performs well, leverage that to win the confidence of potential customers.