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– KEY POINTS

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– IS THE ARTICLE INTENT-BASED

Scottrade Site Down? Here’s What to Do When Brokers Crash

Problem	Quick Action
Site won’t load	Check connection, clear cache, switch browser/device
Unsure if widespread	Use DownDetector, Reddit, or Twitter to verify outage
Can’t log in	Try mobile app, call support, or use live chat
Need market updates	Use Yahoo Finance, CNBC, or MarketWatch
Avoiding future issues	Set alerts, use stop-losses, and open a backup brokerage
Missed trades/losses	Review Scottrade’s outage and reimbursement policy

Check if the Problem Is on Your End

• Start local before blaming the platform: Sometimes, the issue isn’t Scottrade—it’s your own connection. Load another website or app to make sure your internet is working. If everything else is running fine, move on to the next step.
• Try another device or browser: Access your Scottrade account from your phone or switch to a different browser. It could be a browser glitch blocking access.
• Clear your browser’s cache: Outdated files and cookies might interfere with login or site functions. Clearing them out may fix the problem.
• Restart your modem and device: Rebooting can resolve temporary connection issues that aren’t obvious at first.

Verify the Outage with External Tools

• Look for confirmation outside your setup: If your checks didn’t help, confirm if other users are experiencing the same thing.
• Use DownDetector or IsItDownRightNow: These websites provide live outage reports and show whether other users are having trouble accessing Scottrade.
• Check social media: Head to Twitter and search “Scottrade down.” You’ll usually find real-time complaints, updates, or confirmation from Scottrade themselves.
• Visit online forums: Reddit communities like r/StockMarket or r/investing often break news faster than official sources. Traders there will talk about issues they’re seeing on their platforms.

Reach Out to Scottrade Support Immediately

• Contact support through multiple channels: If Scottrade is down and it’s not just you, reach out to their customer support.
• Try phone support first: Calling gets you direct help, especially if you need to place a trade quickly.
• Use live chat or email if available: These are good alternatives if call volumes are high or you’re unable to speak by phone.
• Check the mobile app: Sometimes, the desktop version goes down while the app remains operational. Log in using your phone to see if you can still access your account.
• Keep a record of communication: Make note of the time you contacted support, the rep’s name, and what was discussed. This documentation may be helpful later if your trades were impacted by the downtime.

Monitor the Market Through Other Platforms

• Stay informed even if Scottrade is down: The market doesn’t stop because your platform does. Keep watching key indicators and price changes using other tools.
• Try these alternatives for tracking:
• Yahoo Finance
• Google Finance
• MarketWatch
• CNBC
• Bloomberg
• Use trading apps with free access: Platforms like Robinhood or Webull can give you real-time price updates, even if you don’t actively trade there.

Avoid Making Panic Decisions

• Stay calm when platforms fail: A brokerage outage can trigger stress or fear of missing out (FOMO). Try not to act on emotion.
• Don’t sell in a panic: Emotional decisions during technical problems usually lead to regret. Wait until you have full access and clear visibility.
• Document your trade intentions: Write down the trades you intended to make, including stock symbols, target prices, and your reasoning. This helps you execute more thoughtfully once the platform is back up.

Set Up Precautions for the Next Outage

• Prepare now to avoid bigger issues later: Outages aren’t always predictable, but your response to them can be.

Here’s how to stay ready:

• Use stop-loss orders: These trigger automatic selling at specific price points to limit losses, even if you’re not online.
• Set price alerts: Many platforms let you enable text or app alerts when your stock hits a target price.
• Open a secondary brokerage account: Having a backup broker like Fidelity or Webull ensures you can place trades if your main platform fails.
• Use a password manager: Store credentials in a secure tool so you can log in quickly on another device or app.

Know Scottrade’s Outage Policy

• Read the fine print before you need it: Many users aren’t aware of what their broker will or won’t cover when something goes wrong.

Understand the following:

• Outage liability disclaimers: Scottrade, like most brokers, typically limits liability in their terms of use during platform failures.
• Compensation for trade issues: In rare cases, if you can prove that the platform’s failure directly caused a loss, Scottrade may reimburse or credit your account.
• Trade correction policy: Know how to dispute a missed trade, and gather any evidence—such as screenshots or notes—to support your claim.

Consider Whether It’s Time to Switch Brokers

• Recurring issues might signal it’s time for a change: If platform problems become a habit, you may want to evaluate other brokerage options.

Look for these features in a new broker:

• Strong uptime records: Some brokers report site reliability metrics—choose those with consistent performance.
• Reliable support: Customer service should be fast, knowledgeable, and available across multiple channels.
• Redundancy systems: Brokers like TD Ameritrade or Schwab often invest in backup systems to prevent full outages.
• Diversifying brokers gives you more control: Keeping accounts at multiple firms can help you continue trading and reduce risk when issues arise.

Conclusion

When Scottrade goes down, it can be a stressful interruption—but it doesn’t have to lead to trading losses. By first checking for local issues, confirming the outage with public tools, and contacting Scottrade support, you stay in control of the situation. Using other market platforms keeps you informed, and planning ahead with alerts, stop-loss orders, and a backup broker ensures you’re ready next time. Stay prepared, act with intention, and never trade on panic.

Key Takeaway:
Outages happen, but your trading strategy doesn’t need to suffer. Stay connected, keep a cool head, and put safeguards in place to make sure you’re covered when brokers crash.

FAQs

What causes Scottrade’s system to go down?

Scottrade may experience outages due to high traffic, server overload, scheduled maintenance, or unexpected technical failures.

Can I use the Scottrade mobile app if the main site is down?

Yes, in some cases, the mobile app remains accessible even if the website is not functioning.

What if a trade didn’t go through during the outage?

Document the issue and contact support. Scottrade may review trade failures, especially if the outage affected your ability to complete the transaction.

Is it risky to use two brokerage accounts?

Not at all. Many traders use multiple accounts to stay flexible and reduce dependence on a single platform.

Does Scottrade alert users before maintenance?

Yes, Scottrade typically announces scheduled maintenance through emails or banners on the platform in advance.