The restrictions are due to the time it takes to transfer the funds electronically (EFT) with the ACH system - usually takes 3 days from the time it's initiated. I also use Scottrade, and I'm very pleased with them. Scottrade acknowledges the transfer when it's initiated, but the funds aren't actually in the account for 3 business days. If you want to use the $ sooner, you can always use a wire transfer, but you'll end up paying a fee of $25 or so for that.