E*TRADE, now owned by Morgan Stanley, is a well-established brokerage known for its user-friendly platforms and strong options trading tools. Power E*TRADE provides advanced functionality for options and stock traders.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- $0 stock & ETF commissions
- Power E*TRADE platform for options
- Commission-free mutual funds
- Strong options tools and education
- No account minimums
- Good retirement planning tools
❌ Cons
- No international market access
- Higher margin rates than competitors
- Customer support less responsive
- Limited research compared to Schwab
- No fractional shares initially (now added)
Full Review
E*TRADE, acquired by Morgan Stanley in 2020, combines decades of retail brokerage experience with the resources of one of Wall Street's premier investment banks.
Trading Costs:
E*TRADE offers $0 commissions on US-listed stocks, ETFs, and over 4,500 commission-free mutual funds. Options trade at $0 per contract with a $0.50 per-contract fee (totaling $0.50/contract), which is competitive but slightly higher than some competitors.
Platform & Tools:
E*TRADE offers two main platforms: the standard E*TRADE Web platform for everyday investors, and Power E*TRADE for active traders. Power E*TRADE features advanced options tools including the options chain with probability analysis, strategy scanner, and integrated P/L charts.
Options Education:
E*TRADE provides extensive options education including courses, webinars, and a comprehensive options strategy library. The platform's options tools are particularly well-designed for learning and executing options strategies.
Banking Features:
As part of Morgan Stanley, E*TRADE offers banking integration with checking accounts and the Morgan Stanley Cash Plus program.
Best For:
Retirement investors, options beginners learning strategies, and core portfolio builders who want a full-service platform.
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