Full-Service Brokers Tutorial Home >Internet >Online services >Online Investing >Choosing a Brokerage Firm >Full-Service Brokers   Step 1:  Full-Service Overview Most traditional full-service brokerage firms now have an online presence as well. Many offer discounted fees for self-directed online investment accounts in additional to their regular full-service broker-assisted accounts.   Step 2:  Pros and Cons The big advantage to full-service brokers is in its name—service. If you want to work one-on-one with an individual broker who helps you make decisions and make trades, you'll want a full-service broker even if you'd like to view your accounts online. But if you want to make your own decisions, you'll spend more money than you need to with the full-service option.   Step 3:  Sample Firms If you're interested in seeing what full-service firms have to offer and what they charge for this service, check out some of the following top brokerage firms: Morgan Stanley Dean Witter (www.msdw.com), Merrill Lynch (www.merrilllynch.com), Salomon Smith Barney (www.smithbarney.com), Prudential (www.prudential.com/investing), Paine Webber (www.painewebber.com), or A.G. Edwards (www.agedwards.com).   Step 4:  Comparison SmartMoney.com (www.smartmoney.com/si/brokers/fullserv) offers a comprehensive analysis of full-service brokers, providing ratings in each of several categories as well as an interactive tool to help you select the right firm for your needs if you prefer a full-service broker.