Broker Review: E*TRADE

E*TRADE is a leading online brokerage platform that offers a wide range of investment options. In this comprehensive review, we will explore the platform’s unique features, benefits, and investing options for US investors.

Key Takeaways:

• E*TRADE is a trusted online brokerage platform for US investors.
• The platform offers a wide range of investment options.
• E*TRADE provides comprehensive research and educational resources.
• Customer support is available 24/7 with in-person options.
• E*TRADE offers both traditional and Roth IRAs for retirement savings.

Where E*TRADE Shines

E*TRADE stands out among online brokerage platforms due to its impressive range of features and investment options. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced trader, E*TRADE offers a platform and mobile app that cater to your needs.

The E*TRADE Web platform and mobile app provide real-time quotes, market commentary, and account management tools, giving you all the information you need to make informed investment decisions. Additionally, E*TRADE offers stock and ETF screeners, allowing you to filter and search for specific stocks or ETFs based on your preferences.

For active traders, the Power E*TRADE platform is an excellent choice. It offers advanced features such as technical studies, customizable options chain views, and trading ladders for complex strategies. Whether you’re analyzing charts or executing sophisticated trading strategies, Power E*TRADE has you covered.

Functionality Assessment

E*TRADE’s functionality is top-notch, providing an intuitive and user-friendly experience. The platform’s interface is well-designed and easy to navigate, making it simple to execute trades and manage your investments. Real-time quotes and market commentary keep you up to date with the latest market news, while account management tools ensure you have full control over your investments.

Furthermore, E*TRADE’s mobile app offers all the features found on the web platform, allowing you to trade and monitor your investments on the go. With the app, you can access real-time market data, execute trades, and manage your account from the convenience of your mobile device.

Platform	Features
E*TRADE Web	Real-time quotes, market commentary, account management tools, stock/ETF screeners
Power E*TRADE	Technical studies, customizable options chain views, trading ladders
E*TRADE Mobile App	Real-time market data, trade execution, account management

With its range of features and user-friendly interfaces, E*TRADE shines as a platform that meets the needs of both beginner and advanced traders. Whether you’re looking for real-time quotes, market commentary, or advanced trading features, E*TRADE has it all.

Where E*TRADE Falls Short

While E*TRADE offers many advantages, there are a few areas where it falls short. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of using this online brokerage platform:

Pros

• E*TRADE provides a user-friendly platform and mobile app, making it easy for investors to navigate and manage their accounts.
• The platform offers a wide range of investment options, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, options, and futures, giving investors the flexibility to diversify their portfolios.
• E*TRADE provides extensive research and data from reputable sources such as Thomson Reuters, Morgan Stanley, and Morningstar, enabling investors to make informed investment decisions.
• The platform offers educational resources such as articles, videos, classes, and webinars, making it suitable for beginner investors who want to learn more about investing.
• E*TRADE has a robust customer support system, with options for phone, email, and chat support available 24/7. They also have in-person customer service locations with financial consultants for more personalized assistance.

Cons

• The website lacks transparency when it comes to providing guidance on how to close an account. This can be frustrating for investors who may want to end their relationship with E*TRADE.
• The interest rate on uninvested cash in E*TRADE accounts is relatively low at 0.01%. Investors may find better rates at other brokerage platforms.

Overall, while E*TRADE has many strengths, it’s important to consider these pros and cons before deciding if it’s the right brokerage platform for your investment needs.

What E*TRADE is Best For

E*TRADE is a versatile online brokerage platform that caters to the needs of both frequent traders and beginner investors. With its range of features and resources, E*TRADE is well-suited for various investment goals, including research and data access, as well as retirement planning assistance.

Frequent Traders

For active traders who actively engage in buying and selling securities, E*TRADE offers the Power E*TRADE platform. This advanced platform provides technical studies, customizable options chain views, and trading ladders for complex trading strategies. With real-time quotes, market commentary, and account management tools, frequent traders can efficiently navigate the dynamic stock market.

Beginner Investors

E*TRADE is also an excellent platform for beginner investors who are new to the world of investing. The platform provides educational resources such as articles, videos, classes, and webinars to help beginners learn about different investment options and strategies. E*TRADE’s user-friendly interface and intuitive tools make it easy for beginners to navigate and manage their investments.

Research and Data

One of the standout features of E*TRADE is its extensive research and data offerings. Investors can access reports from leading sources such as Thomson Reuters, Morgan Stanley, and Morningstar. This wealth of information enables investors to make informed investment decisions and stay updated with the latest market trends and analysis.

Retirement Planning Assistance

E*TRADE offers valuable resources and tools for investors looking to plan for their retirement. With Roth and traditional IRAs available, investors can take advantage of tax advantages while saving for their future. E*TRADE’s retirement planning tools and guidance help investors create a suitable investment strategy to achieve their retirement goals.

Best For	Description
Frequent Traders	Active traders who engage in buying and selling securities frequently
Beginner Investors	Investors who are new to investing and need educational resources and user-friendly tools
Research and Data	Investors who require extensive research and data resources for informed decision-making
Retirement Planning Assistance	Investors who need guidance and tools to plan for their retirement

E*TRADE at a Glance

When considering E*TRADE as an online brokerage platform, it’s important to understand the key aspects of their offerings. Here is a brief overview of what E*TRADE provides:

E*TRADE Account Minimum

E*TRADE has no account minimum, making it accessible to investors of all levels. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned trader, you can open an account with any amount you feel comfortable investing.

E*TRADE Stock Trading Costs

E*TRADE offers $0 commission for stock trades, allowing you to buy and sell stocks without incurring any trading fees. This can be a significant advantage for active traders who frequently execute stock trades.

E*TRADE Options Trades

If you’re interested in options trading, E*TRADE offers competitive pricing and a range of options strategies to choose from. You can trade options contracts for a fee of $0 per trade, in addition to a fee per contract.

E*TRADE Account Fees

E*TRADE does not charge any annual or inactivity fees for their brokerage accounts. This means that you won’t have to worry about additional fees eating into your investment returns.

E*TRADE Interest Rate on Uninvested Cash

For uninvested cash in your E*TRADE account, the platform offers an interest rate of 0.01%. While this may not be the highest rate available, it provides a small return on your cash balances.

E*TRADE Number of No-Transaction-Fee Mutual Funds

E*TRADE offers over 4,000 no-transaction-fee mutual funds, giving you a wide range of investment options without incurring any transaction fees. This allows you to diversify your portfolio and invest in various mutual funds without added costs.

E*TRADE Tradable Securities

E*TRADE allows you to trade a variety of securities, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, options, and futures. This comprehensive array of tradable assets gives you the flexibility to create a diversified portfolio that aligns with your investment goals.

Account Minimum	Stock Trading Costs	Options Trades	Account Fees	Interest Rate on Uninvested Cash	Number of No-Transaction-Fee Mutual Funds	Tradable Securities
No minimum	$0 commission	$0 + fee per contract	No annual or inactivity fees	0.01%	Over 4,000	Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, options, futures

Trading Platforms

E*TRADE offers two trading platforms to cater to the diverse needs of its users. The E*TRADE Web platform is designed for investors of all levels, providing a user-friendly interface packed with essential features. It offers streaming market data, real-time quotes, and research tools to help users make informed investment decisions.

For more advanced traders, E*TRADE provides the Power E*TRADE platform. This robust platform offers a wide range of advanced features, including technical studies, drawing tools, and customizable options chain views. With Power E*TRADE, active traders can delve deeper into their strategies and execute complex trades with ease.

Furthermore, E*TRADE ensures accessibility by offering a mobile app that allows users to trade on the go. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trader, the E*TRADE mobile app provides the convenience of managing your investments anytime, anywhere, with its intuitive interface and comprehensive trading capabilities.

Comparing the Trading Platforms

To provide a clearer understanding of the differences between the two platforms, we have compiled a table that highlights their key features:

Feature	E*TRADE Web Platform	Power E*TRADE Platform
Real-time quotes	✓	✓
Streaming market data	✓	✓
Research tools	✓	✓
Technical studies	–	✓
Customizable options chain views	–	✓
Mobile app availability	✓	✓

As seen in the table, while both platforms offer real-time quotes, streaming market data, and research tools, the Power E*TRADE platform stands out with its additional technical studies and customizable options chain views. These advanced features provide enhanced capabilities for traders who engage in complex trading strategies.

In summary, E*TRADE’s trading platforms cater to the varying needs of investors. The E*TRADE Web platform is suitable for beginners and experienced investors alike, while the Power E*TRADE platform caters to active traders seeking advanced tools. The accompanying mobile app ensures accessibility and convenience for investors on the move.

Research and Education

E*TRADE provides a wealth of research and data options for investors, ensuring they have access to the information they need to make informed decisions. The platform offers research reports from reputable sources such as Thomson Reuters, Morgan Stanley, and Morningstar. These reports provide valuable insights into market trends, company performance, and investment opportunities.

In addition to research reports, E*TRADE offers a wide range of educational resources to help investors enhance their knowledge and skills. These resources include articles, videos, classes, and webinars on various investing topics. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced investor, E*TRADE’s educational resources can help you stay informed and make smarter investment decisions.

E*TRADE Webinars

One of the standout features of E*TRADE’s educational offerings is their webinars. These live online seminars cover a variety of topics and are hosted by industry experts. Webinars provide a unique opportunity to learn from professionals and gain insights into market trends, investment strategies, and trading techniques.

“E*TRADE’s webinars have been incredibly helpful for me as a beginner investor. I’ve learned so much about different investment strategies and how to make the most of my portfolio. The experts’ insights and real-life examples have been invaluable.” – Mary D., E*TRADE customer

Whether you’re looking to improve your trading skills, expand your investment knowledge, or stay up to date with market trends, E*TRADE’s research and educational resources can help you achieve your goals.

Research and Data	Educational Resources	Webinars
Access reports from Thomson Reuters, Morgan Stanley, and Morningstar	Articles, videos, classes, and webinars on various investing topics	Live online seminars hosted by industry experts
Stay informed about market trends, company performance, and investment opportunities	Improve your knowledge and skills, whether you’re a beginner or experienced investor	Gain insights into market trends, investment strategies, and trading techniques
		“E*TRADE’s webinars have been incredibly helpful for me as a beginner investor. I’ve learned so much about different investment strategies and how to make the most of my portfolio. The experts’ insights and real-life examples have been invaluable.” – Mary D., E*TRADE customer

Customer Support

E*TRADE understands the importance of providing exceptional customer support to its users. Whether you have questions about your account, need assistance with trading strategies, or require guidance in planning for your retirement, E*TRADE has you covered with various customer support options.

Email, Phone, and Chat Support

If you have any inquiries or need assistance, E*TRADE offers customer support via email, phone, and chat. Their dedicated support team is available 24/7 to address your concerns and provide expert guidance. Whether you prefer written communication or prefer speaking directly with a representative, E*TRADE ensures that you receive timely and helpful responses.

In-Person Support

For a more personalized experience, E*TRADE provides in-person customer service at select locations. These locations have financial consultants who can offer face-to-face assistance and advice, ensuring that you receive tailored support based on your specific needs and goals. This in-person support further enhances the overall customer experience and adds an extra layer of convenience for those who prefer a hands-on approach.

Robo-Advisor Service

If you prefer a more hands-off approach to managing your investments, E*TRADE offers a robo-advisor service called E*TRADE Core Portfolios. With this service, you can have your portfolio managed by experts who utilize sophisticated algorithms to create and rebalance a diversified investment portfolio tailored to your risk tolerance and financial goals. This automated service simplifies the investing process and provides peace of mind for those who want professional management of their investments.

In summary, E*TRADE prioritizes customer support and offers a range of options to ensure that users have access to the assistance they need. From email, phone, and chat support to in-person consultations and a robo-advisor service, E*TRADE goes above and beyond to provide a comprehensive support system for their users.

E*TRADE IRAs

E*TRADE offers a range of Individual Retirement Account (IRA) options, allowing investors to save for retirement while enjoying potential tax advantages. Whether you are interested in a Roth IRA or a traditional IRA, E*TRADE provides flexible and accessible retirement savings solutions.

With an E*TRADE IRA, you can benefit from tax advantages that can help grow your retirement savings. Contributions to a Roth IRA are made with after-tax dollars, meaning you won’t owe taxes on qualified withdrawals in retirement. On the other hand, contributions to a traditional IRA may be tax-deductible, and your investment earnings grow tax-deferred until you make withdrawals in retirement.

One of the advantages of E*TRADE IRAs is that there is no minimum balance requirement. This makes it easier for investors to get started and contribute to their retirement savings at their own pace. Additionally, E*TRADE IRAs can be held alongside other investment accounts, allowing you to diversify your portfolio and align your retirement savings with your overall investment strategy.

Whether you choose a traditional IRA or a Roth IRA, E*TRADE provides the tools and resources you need to make informed investment decisions for your retirement. With a wide range of investment options, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, options, and futures, you can tailor your IRA to meet your specific investment goals and risk tolerance.

Comparing Roth and Traditional IRAs

When deciding between a Roth IRA and a traditional IRA, it’s important to consider factors such as your current tax situation, future tax expectations, and your long-term retirement goals. Here’s a comparison of the key features of each type of IRA:

Feature	Roth IRA	Traditional IRA
Tax Treatment	Contributions are made with after-tax dollars. Qualified withdrawals are tax-free.	Contributions may be tax-deductible. Earnings grow tax-deferred. Withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income.
Income Limits	There are income limits for contributing to a Roth IRA.	There are no income limits for contributing to a traditional IRA, but tax deductibility may be limited based on income and participation in an employer-sponsored retirement plan.
Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)	No RMDs during the lifetime of the original account owner.	RMDs must begin at age 72 (age 70½ if you reached 70½ before January 1, 2020).

Before making a decision, it’s always a good idea to consult with a financial advisor or tax professional to understand how an IRA fits into your overall financial plan and goals. They can provide personalized guidance based on your specific circumstances and help you make the best choice for your retirement savings.

How We Review Brokers: Our Methodology

At our firm, we take our broker reviews seriously. Our methodology is designed to provide you with comprehensive insights and objective assessments of online brokerage platforms. When evaluating brokers like E*TRADE, we analyze key factors that are important to investors, including account minimums, trading costs, account fees, investment options, trading platforms, research and education, customer support, and retirement planning assistance.

We begin by examining account minimums, which can vary widely among brokers. This helps us determine if an online brokerage platform is accessible to a range of investors, from those just starting out to more experienced traders. Next, we assess trading costs, including stock, ETF, and options trades. We compare these costs to industry standards, ensuring that you have a clear understanding of the fees associated with each broker.

Account fees are another critical aspect of our evaluation. We look at various fees that may be charged, such as annual or inactivity fees. Our goal is to provide transparency on these costs so that you can make an informed decision when choosing a broker. Additionally, we analyze the investment options available on each platform, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, options, and futures. We also consider the number of no-transaction-fee mutual funds offered, which can be a significant advantage for many investors.

When it comes to trading platforms, we evaluate the features and functionality offered by each broker. This includes assessing the user experience, the availability of real-time quotes, market data, and research tools. We also consider any advanced features or tools that may be beneficial to active traders. Research and education are essential components of our analysis as well. We look at the research reports and resources provided by the broker, as well as any educational materials, classes, or webinars that may be offered to help investors make informed decisions.

Table: Broker Review Methodology

Factor	Description
Account Minimums	Assessing the minimum balance required to open an account
Trading Costs	Evaluating the fees associated with stock, ETF, and options trades
Account Fees	Examining any annual or inactivity fees charged by the broker
Investment Options	Reviewing the range of investment options available, such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, options, and futures
Trading Platforms	Assessing the features, functionality, and user experience of the broker’s trading platform
Research and Education	Evaluating the quality and depth of research reports, educational resources, classes, and webinars provided
Customer Support	Analyzing the level of customer support offered, including availability and responsiveness
Retirement Planning Assistance	Assessing the tools and resources available to assist investors with retirement planning

Lastly, we consider the level of customer support provided by each broker. This includes evaluating the availability of contact options such as phone, email, and chat, as well as the accessibility of in-person support if applicable. Retirement planning assistance is also an important aspect of our evaluation, as many investors are looking for guidance in this area.

By utilizing our comprehensive broker review methodology, we strive to provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your investments. Our goal is to help you find a brokerage platform that aligns with your financial goals, trading style, and investment preferences. Whether you’re a beginner investor or an experienced trader, our reviews are designed to guide you towards the right broker for your needs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, E*TRADE is a comprehensive online brokerage platform suitable for both beginner and advanced traders. With its range of features, investment options, research resources, and customer support, E*TRADE offers a well-rounded platform for US investors to manage their investments efficiently.

Additional Keywords

In addition to its impressive features and investment options, E*TRADE also offers competitive pricing and fees for its users. One of the standout benefits of E*TRADE is the absence of annual or inactivity fees, providing investors with flexibility and cost savings.

For options traders, E*TRADE offers discounted pricing, making it an attractive choice for active traders who engage in frequent options trades. The platform provides transparent and competitive pricing, ensuring that investors can make informed decisions without worrying about excessive fees eating into their profits.

With its commitment to providing value and affordability, E*TRADE stands out as a cost-effective option for investors of all levels. Whether you are a beginner investor looking to minimize fees or an active trader seeking discounted options pricing, E*TRADE offers a pricing structure that caters to your needs.

Source Links

• https://www.bankrate.com/investing/brokerage-reviews/e-trade/
• https://www.investopedia.com/e-trade-review-4587893
• https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/investing/brokers/etrade