E*TRADE review

E*TRADE suits investors who start simple but expect to trade more over time. Its pricing page lists $0 commissions on US exchange-listed stocks, ETFs and no-load, no-transaction-fee mutual funds, with options at $0.65 per contract that drops to $0.50 once you place 30 or more trades a quarter. The Dime Buyback Program waives the contract fee when you close short options priced at 10 cents or less. Two platforms split the audience: the standard E*TRADE platform for aspiring and experienced investors and Power E*TRADE for active and advanced traders. Because E*TRADE is part of Morgan Stanley, savings, checking and CDs sit alongside your brokerage account through Morgan Stanley Private Bank. Costs show up for less common trades: broker-assisted orders add $25, OTC stocks cost $6.95 online and crypto carries a 0.50% fee on the dollar value of each trade. For buy-and-hold ETF investors, the core costs match Fidelity and Schwab.

Who it is for

Investors who want $0 trades, an active trader platform and banking from Morgan Stanley Private Bank in one place.

Price

$0 commissions on US stocks, ETFs and no-transaction-fee mutual funds; options $0.65 per contract, $0.50 with 30+ trades a quarter.

Standard commissions for stock and options trades are $0 (plus an additional $0.65 per options contract).
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• $0 commissions on stocks, options, ETFs and no-load, no-transaction-fee mutual funds
• Options contract fee of $0.65, or $0.50 with 30+ trades a quarter
• E*TRADE platform for most investors and Power E*TRADE for active traders
• Dime Buyback Program with no contract fee on closing short options at 10 cents or less
• Savings, checking and CDs through Morgan Stanley Private Bank

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Two platforms for beginners and active traders
• Strength: Lower options fee for frequent traders
• Strength: Banking and brokerage under one company
• Weakness: Broker-assisted trades add $25
• Weakness: OTC stock trades cost $6.95 online
• Weakness: Crypto trades carry a 0.50% fee

Key facts

• Stock and ETF commission: $0
• Options contract fee: $0.65, or $0.50 at 30+ trades a quarter
• Owner: Morgan Stanley

Where it ranks

E*TRADE is No. 4 in our Best Investing Apps verdict.