Etrade Broker Review

　　

E*TRADE 2025 Review: Everything You Need to Know

　　ETRADE is a well-established online brokerage that continues to cater to a broad spectrum of investors, from beginners to seasoned traders. With features like commission-free trading and a robust educational resource library, ETRADE remains a competitive choice in the online trading landscape. However, it lacks offerings in cryptocurrency and fractional shares, which may deter some potential users.

　　Note: It's important to consider that E*TRADE operates under multiple entities across different regions, which can affect user experiences and regulations. Our review methodology emphasizes fairness and accuracy, drawing from a variety of sources to present a balanced view.

　　

Ratings Overview

Category	Rating (Out of 10)
Account Conditions	9
Tools and Resources	8
Customer Service and Support	7
Trading Experience	8
Trustworthiness	9
User Experience	8

　　

How We Rate Brokers

　　Our ratings are derived from a comprehensive analysis of user feedback, expert opinions, and factual data regarding broker offerings.

　　

Broker Overview

　　Founded in 1982, ETRADE has become a household name in online trading, known for its user-friendly platforms and extensive investment options. The brokerage offers two main platforms: ETRADE Web and Power ETRADE, catering to different trading styles and experience levels. Users can trade a variety of asset classes, including stocks, options, ETFs, mutual funds, and futures, but ETRADE does not currently support forex or direct cryptocurrency trading. The brokerage is regulated by top-tier authorities, including the SEC and FINRA, ensuring a secure trading environment for its users.

　　

Detailed Breakdown

　　

Regulated Areas

　　E*TRADE operates under several regulatory bodies, including the SEC and FINRA in the United States. This regulatory oversight provides a layer of security for investors, ensuring that the brokerage adheres to strict financial standards.

　　

Deposit/Withdrawal Currencies/Cryptocurrencies

　　E*TRADE primarily operates in USD and does not support cryptocurrency transactions directly. However, investors can trade cryptocurrency indirectly through ETFs.

　　

Minimum Deposit

　　E*TRADE has no minimum deposit requirement to open an account, making it accessible for all investors, including those just starting.

　　

Bonuses/Promotions

　　E*TRADE frequently offers promotions, such as cash bonuses for new account openings, which can go up to $1,000 depending on the amount funded.

　　

Tradable Asset Classes

　　Investors can trade a wide range of assets, including over 6,000 no-transaction-fee mutual funds, stocks, ETFs, options, and futures. However, E*TRADE does not offer forex trading or direct cryptocurrency investments, which may limit options for some traders.

　　

Costs (Spreads, Fees, Commissions)

　　E*TRADE has adopted a commission-free model for stock and ETF trades, aligning with industry standards. Options trading incurs a fee of $0.65 per contract, which can be reduced to $0.50 for active traders making more than 30 trades per quarter. The brokerage also charges fees for certain services, such as $75 for full account transfers.

　　

Leverage

　　E*TRADE offers margin trading with interest rates that vary based on account balance. For balances under $10,000, the margin rate is around 14.2%, which is higher than some competitors.

　　

Supported Trading Platforms

　　ETRADE provides access to two primary trading platforms: ETRADE Web and Power ETRADE. Power ETRADE is designed for more active traders and includes advanced charting tools and analysis features. The mobile app versions of both platforms are also highly rated for usability and functionality.

　　

Restricted Areas

　　E*TRADE does not support international trading or forex trading, which may limit options for global investors.

　　

Available Customer Service Languages

　　E*TRADE offers customer support in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Cantonese, and Mandarin, ensuring accessibility for a diverse user base.

　　

Ratings Overview (Repeated)

Category	Rating (Out of 10)
Account Conditions	9
Tools and Resources	8
Customer Service and Support	7
Trading Experience	8
Trustworthiness	9
User Experience	8

　　

Detailed Ratings Breakdown

　　

Account Conditions

　　E*TRADE receives high marks for its account conditions, with no minimum deposit requirements and a variety of account types available, including individual brokerage accounts, IRAs, and custodial accounts for minors. The absence of an inactivity fee further enhances its appeal to investors.

　　

Tools and Resources

　　While E*TRADE offers a solid array of educational resources, including webinars and articles, some users have noted that the organization of content could be improved. The availability of tools like stock screeners and advanced charting features is a significant plus for active traders.

　　

Customer Service and Support

　　Customer service at E*TRADE has received mixed reviews, with some users reporting long wait times for phone support. However, the availability of 24/7 customer service and multiple support channels, including live chat and email, is a positive aspect.

　　

Trading Experience

　　The trading experience on E*TRADE's platforms is generally smooth, with intuitive order entry and a variety of order types available. However, some users have reported that the website can be challenging to navigate, which may hinder the experience for beginners.

　　

Trustworthiness

　　E*TRADE is considered a trustworthy brokerage due to its long-standing reputation, regulatory oversight, and robust security measures, including SIPC coverage for securities.

　　

User Experience

　　The user experience on E*TRADE's platforms is rated highly, particularly for the mobile apps, which are designed to cater to both beginner and advanced investors. However, the complexity of some features may overwhelm new users.

　　In conclusion, E*TRADE remains a strong contender in the online brokerage space, particularly for those seeking a comprehensive trading platform with extensive educational resources. While it has some limitations in terms of asset offerings, its user-friendly interface and robust tools make it a valuable choice for many investors.