A brokerage account is a type of financial account that allows individuals to buy and sell various investment products, such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. These accounts are typically managed by a licensed professional known as a broker, who facilitates transactions on behalf of the account holder. Brokerage accounts can be opened with different types of firms, including traditional brokerages and online platforms. There are two main types of brokerage accounts: cash accounts and margin accounts. A cash account requires the investor to pay for securities in full at the time of purchase, while a margin account allows borrowing funds to buy more securities than the cash available. Investors can choose the type of account that best suits their investment strategy and risk tolerance.