As shown in the diagram below (using TD Ameritrade), you simply click sell, then select the “sell short” option. If there are investors with shares for your broker to borrow, the sell will go through. Please note that brokers require a margin account. in order to short sell shares of stock. This is because margin accounts are for borrowing, and you are borrowing another investor’s shares when you open a short position. You can always sell but you have to remember someone else will need to buy it in order for you to get your money. All of the money you receive from stocks or dividends will automatically be put back into your TD account, if you want it back in your bank account you have to manually transfer it. Both are going to be similar. Personally, I prefer ETRADE overall. If your strategy is based heavily on short selling, you will want to choose a broker that caters to short sellers (like SpeedTrader) with third party locate services and better borrows.