✓ Pros
- $0 commissions on stocks and ETFs
- Two platforms: E*TRADE Web (simple) and Power E*TRADE (advanced)
- Excellent options trading tools
- Strong research from Morgan Stanley
- Good retirement account selection
- Futures trading available
✗ Cons
- $0.65/contract for options (lower volume) vs $0.50 for 30+ trades/month
- Not as beginner-friendly as Robinhood
- Margin rates higher than some competitors
E*TRADE at a GlanceOptions traders, active investors, and people who want a professional-grade platform backed by Morgan Stanley research.
Beginners who want a simple experience or pure index fund investors.
WiseIQ Verdict: E*TRADE
E*TRADE (now part of Morgan Stanley) offers one of the best trading platforms available, particularly for options traders. Power E*TRADE is a genuinely powerful platform with excellent options analysis tools. The Morgan Stanley acquisition has brought better research and banking integration. A strong choice for active traders who want professional tools.
Detailed E*TRADE Review
Fees and Commissions
E*TRADE charges $0 commissions on stock and ETF trades, which is now the industry standard. $0 is the commission rate for standard trades. Always check the full fee schedule for options, mutual funds, and margin rates before opening an account.
Investment Selection
E*TRADE offers access to stocks, ETFs, and options. The breadth of investment selection varies — see the key stats above for specifics. Before choosing a brokerage, confirm it offers the investment types you plan to use.
Platform and Mobile App
The E*TRADE platform has a rating of 4.6/5.0 for mobile app quality. The platform is excellent for active traders with advanced charting tools.
Customer Service
Customer service is rated 4.5/5.0. Support is available via phone and chat during business hours.
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Frequently Asked Questions
WiseIQ evaluates brokerages across 6 categories: commissions and fees, investment selection, research and tools, mobile app, customer service, and ease of use. Ratings are based on hands-on testing, fee schedule analysis, and comparison with industry peers. Updated April 2026.