Looking for an options broker that is not insane

[daveblanchard]

I see this subforum is sponsored by IB, which ironically, is one of the insane brokers I'm referring to. They want me to send in a "selfie", to confirm my identity. Yeah, that's not happening. Are you out of your mind? Application cancelled, with prejudice.

Frankly I'm sick of ALL brokers in this dystopian post apocalyptic 1984 shithole banana republic dictatorship that automatically assume I MUST have a mobile phone to exist or do business with them. I don't. Not planning to get one either. Being hard of hearing, and also opposed to having my every move tracked via GPS, I have absolutely no use for one. This also means I despise any broker who wants to force me into two factor authentication, or forces me to call and speak to them in order to get any customer support. And needless to say, requiring me to link my bank account via GIVING THEM MY BANK USERNAME AND PASSWORD is a complete nonstarter, for anyone who has any brains rattling around in their skull.

So what I'm looking for is a broker that will allow me, a US citizen, to easily sign up for an options trading account, to fund said account via simple ACH credit, with email support, not requiring a mobile number to be validated, and that does not force me into their bullshit two factor authentication scheme. It's probably going to be some overseas broker, since there is apparently no sanity left in the USA anymore.

Thanks in advance for any useful suggestions.

 

[Robert Morse]

I guess we are out. We are required to protect our client accounts, so cashiering on our web portal and password updates require a text to a cell phone to confirm. Most wires require a verbal confirm. In the future I expect all financial intuitions that use ACH will use some variation of PLAID, that requires a link to the bank account. This is all done to protect YOU.

 

[Mazedonia]

It's called KYC, any broker that is US or European regulated must do it. What is your problem with sending your passport photo page or driver's license. They want to know who you are and if you have nothing to hide or are not up to no good then there should be no issue.

You can of course go with some broker registered in Cyprus or the Bermudas. Good luck with that. Don't come crying later.

Are you still riding a horse and complain how insane it is that evil governments build all those roads and bridges and tunnels that prevent you to ride the prairie from Oklahoma to Ohio? I frankly don't know how trading or investing could do you any good and would even work for you if you reject even the most important and basic technological advances and innovation. Nobody asks you to snap a selfie. They want your photo on a legal and recognized ID document. Same with a recent utility bill or tax document or rental contract to verify your residential address. If you can't do that then perhaps bartering with your neighbors is the best choice going forward. Not trading or investing.

I see this subforum is sponsored by IB, which ironically, is one of the insane brokers I'm referring to. They want me to send in a "selfie", to confirm my identity. Yeah, that's not happening. Are you out of your mind? Application cancelled, with prejudice.

Frankly I'm sick of ALL brokers in this dystopian post apocalyptic 1984 shithole banana republic dictatorship that automatically assume I MUST have a mobile phone to exist or do business with them. I don't. Not planning to get one either. Being hard of hearing, and also opposed to having my every move tracked via GPS, I have absolutely no use for one. This also means I despise any broker who wants to force me into two factor authentication, or forces me to call and speak to them in order to get any customer support. And needless to say, requiring me to link my bank account via GIVING THEM MY BANK USERNAME AND PASSWORD is a complete nonstarter, for anyone who has any brains rattling around in their skull.

So what I'm looking for is a broker that will allow me, a US citizen, to easily sign up for an options trading account, to fund said account via simple ACH credit, with email support, not requiring a mobile number to be validated, and that does not force me into their bullshit two factor authentication scheme. It's probably going to be some overseas broker, since there is apparently no sanity left in the USA anymore.

Thanks in advance for any useful suggestions.

 

[daveblanchard]

I guess we are out. We are required to protect our client accounts, so cashiering on our web portal and password updates require a text to a cell phone to confirm. Most wires require a verbal confirm.

My credit union does none of these things. I guess they are just irresponsible hillbillies.

In the future I expect all financial intuitions that use ACH will use some variation of PLAID, that requires a link to the bank account.

Me too. Because this is a Brave New World. I also expect in the future that blood, stool, and semen samples will be required, along with proof that one's personal breathing taxes are paid.

This is all done to protect YOU.

Right. Because you care SO MUCH about me. And obviously, I'm too stupid to protect myself, so you've got to force me into doing things a certain way.

"Welcome to Starbucks. We love you!"

 

[daveblanchard]

It's called KYC, any broker that is US or European regulated must do it.

So Fidelity isn't US or European regulated? They are irresponsible outlaws?

What is your problem with sending your passport photo page or driver's license.

I said SELFIE, MORON. SELFIE. I'm not sending a fucking SELFIE. Furthermore, Fidelity requires NONE of this. Bunch of cowboy outlaws over there, I guess. It's just unfortunate their options trading experience is so horrible. Their whole web site sucks.

They want to know who you are and if you have nothing to hide or are not up to no good then there should be no issue.

What do you know about computers, dipshit? If you have no problem being tracked via GPS everywhere you go, you're a moron. But you already established that.

You can of course go with some broker registered in Cyprus or the Bermudas. Good luck with that. Don't come crying later.

I guess you must be one of those "every other country in the world is a corrupt shithole, unlike the fabulous, incorruptible USA" mouth breathers. Protip: lay off the propaganda.

Are you still riding a horse and complain how insane it is that evil governments build all those roads and bridges and tunnels that prevent you to ride the prairie from Oklahoma to Ohio?

Also known as the "but muh roads" argument in favor of government slavery. You are clearly too stupid to participate in this conversation.

I frankly don't know how trading or investing could do you any good and would even work for you if you reject even the most important and basic technological advances and innovation.

I'm a computer programmer. What do you know about anything, fuckwit? Who are you again? Some knuckle dragger, lecturing me about technological 'innovation'? Please, tell me more, O wise one, about my Ludditeness.

Nobody asks you to snap a selfie.

....EXCEPT INTERACTIVE BROKERS, YOU FUCKING MORON!

If you can't do that then perhaps bartering with your neighbors is the best choice going forward. Not trading or investing.

Kill yourself, useless cocksucker.

 

[tiddlywinks]

My credit union does none of these things. I guess they are just irresponsible hillbillies.

For compliance with the Patriot act, your CU requires you to provide photo ID and possibly address verification documentation when you open an account.

 

[Mazedonia]

Way to go, tough guy. Let's see where that attitude of yours gets you. All nicely and perfectly edited quotes and responses. You seem very internet and computer literate and savvy. Just have some serious issues with regulations and procedures and following legitimate instructions.

I hope you find what you look for.

So Fidelity isn't US or European regulated? They are irresponsible outlaws?



I said SELFIE, MORON. SELFIE. I'm not sending a fucking SELFIE. Furthermore, Fidelity requires NONE of this. Bunch of cowboy outlaws over there, I guess. It's just unfortunate their options trading experience is so horrible. Their whole web site sucks.



What do you know about computers, dipshit? If you have no problem being tracked via GPS everywhere you go, you're a moron. But you already established that.



I guess you must be one of those "every other country in the world is a corrupt shithole, unlike the fabulous, incorruptible USA" mouth breathers. Protip: lay off the propaganda.



Also known as the "but muh roads" argument in favor of government slavery. You are clearly too stupid to participate in this conversation.



I'm a computer programmer. What do you know about anything, fuckwit? Who are you again? Some knuckle dragger, lecturing me about technological 'innovation'? Please, tell me more, O wise one, about my Ludditeness.



....EXCEPT INTERACTIVE BROKERS, YOU FUCKING MORON!



Kill yourself, useless cocksucker.

 

[daveblanchard]

For compliance with the Patriot act, your CU requires you to provide photo ID and possibly address verification documentation when you open an account.

Do they require a selfie? No, they do not. Do they require two factor authentication? No, they do not. Do they require voice confirmation for ACH debit/credit? Spoiler alert: NO.

Speaking of the so-called 'patriot' act: that's 'for my protection' also, right? Do you do any commercial flying, by chance? Do you enjoy getting groped and sexually molested by the TSA, citizen? Nevermind--doesn't matter--you WILL enjoy it. Or else. I don't, and won't. It's called having principles, and SELF RESPECT.

 

[daveblanchard]

Way to go, tough guy. Let's see where that attitude of yours gets you. All nicely and perfectly edited quotes and responses. You seem very internet and computer literate and savvy. Just have some serious issues with regulations and procedures and following legitimate instructions.

I hope you find what you look for.

Is there any actual point to this inane comment, or did you just want to exercise your cock smoker some more? We've fully established you are a dumb, useless cunt. Now fuck off and go cry to your boyfriend Uncle Scam. I haven't broken any laws, so quote all you want, you useless PUSSY.

 

[BKR88]

I see this subforum is sponsored by IB, which ironically, is one of the insane brokers I'm referring to. They want me to send in a "selfie", to confirm my identity. Yeah, that's not happening. Are you out of your mind? Application cancelled, with prejudice.

Frankly I'm sick of ALL brokers in this dystopian post apocalyptic 1984 shithole banana republic dictatorship that automatically assume I MUST have a mobile phone to exist or do business with them. I don't. Not planning to get one either. Being hard of hearing, and also opposed to having my every move tracked via GPS, I have absolutely no use for one. This also means I despise any broker who wants to force me into two factor authentication, or forces me to call and speak to them in order to get any customer support. And needless to say, requiring me to link my bank account via GIVING THEM MY BANK USERNAME AND PASSWORD is a complete nonstarter, for anyone who has any brains rattling around in their skull.

So what I'm looking for is a broker that will allow me, a US citizen, to easily sign up for an options trading account, to fund said account via simple ACH credit, with email support, not requiring a mobile number to be validated, and that does not force me into their bullshit two factor authentication scheme. It's probably going to be some overseas broker, since there is apparently no sanity left in the USA anymore.

Thanks in advance for any useful suggestions.

Cell phones can be purchased for $50 with a service plan for $10-15 per month. Pretty cheap.
2FA is becoming more common. I'm surprised you can even have a bank account without a cell.
GPS won't be a privacy issue if you leave the phone at home.
A selfie is no different than a copy of your driver's license.
Plaid bank verification is also becoming pretty common and is easier/faster than verifying with 2 small deposits.

Even if you find a broker now, eventually they'll all "modernize", whether we like the changes or not.