E*TRADE
E*TRADE offers $0 stock and ETF commissions, no account minimum, and a deep set of research and trading tools. The pricing comes from NerdWallet, our verified data partner with direct provider relationships — a low-cost home for a self-directed investing account.
Is the E*TRADE worth it?
E*TRADE offers $0 stock and ETF commissions, no account minimum, and a deep set of research and trading tools. We source this pricing from NerdWallet, our verified data partner with direct provider relationships. These figures carry our ◆ Partner data label — we did not pull them from the provider ourselves.
A self-directed brokerage account lets you buy and sell investments yourself. The honest caveats: pricing and terms are partner-supplied and can change, and invested money is not FDIC-insured and can lose value. Confirm current details on the provider’s own site. This is not investment advice.
How does a brokerage account work?
A brokerage account lets you buy and sell investments yourself — stocks, ETFs, and more. Leading brokers charge $0 commission on U.S. stocks and ETFs. Your money is typically SIPC-protected against the firm failing, but that does not protect against investment losses.
What are the pros and cons of the E*TRADE?
The E*TRADE stands out for $0 commissions on U.S. stocks and ETFs, though pricing and terms are partner-supplied — not fetched from the provider ourselves.
- $0 commissions on U.S. stocks and ETFs
- No account minimum to open
- Pricing supplied by our verified data partner
- Pricing and terms are partner-supplied — not fetched from the provider ourselves
- Investments are not FDIC-insured and can lose value
- Self-directed investing means you make your own decisions
Who should get the E*TRADE?
The E*TRADE is best for self-directed investors who pick their own holdings.
- Self-directed investors who pick their own holdings
- Cost-conscious traders who want $0 commissions
- Anyone comparing brokerage pricing and tools
How does the E*TRADE compare?
Among the 8 online brokerages we track, the E*TRADE ranks #4 with a money8020 score of 94/100.
| Product | Score | Tier | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fidelity | 97 | Essential | Fidelity Investments |
| Charles Schwab | 96 | Essential | Charles Schwab |
| Interactive Brokers IBKR Lite | 96 | Essential | Interactive Brokers |
| E*TRADE | 94 | Essential | Morgan Stanley |
| Robinhood | 94 | Essential | Robinhood |
See all online brokerages, ranked →
Common mistakes to avoid with a brokerage account
- Assuming "$0 commission" means no costs — options, margin, and broker-assisted trades can carry fees.
- Confusing SIPC protection with insurance against investment losses.
- Trading frequently and letting taxes and spreads erode returns.
- Holding uninvested cash that earns little instead of a swept high-yield option.
Key takeaways
- E*TRADE earns a money8020 score of 94/100, ranking #4 of 8 online brokerages.
- $0 commissions on U.S. stocks and ETFs
- undefined.
- Best for self-directed investors who pick their own holdings.
- Rate and terms sourced from our verified data partner, NerdWallet.
Frequently asked questions about the E*TRADE
Does E*TRADE charge trading commissions?
Per NerdWallet, our data partner, E*TRADE offers $0 commissions on U.S. stocks and ETFs with no account minimum. Pricing can change — confirm on the provider's site. This is not investment advice.
Is my money safe with E*TRADE?
Brokerage accounts are typically protected by SIPC against the firm's failure, but that does not protect against investment losses — the value of your investments can go down. This is not investment advice.
Is my money safe in the E*TRADE?
Brokerage accounts are typically SIPC-protected against the firm failing, but that does not protect against investment losses — the value of your holdings can fall.
Does the E*TRADE really charge $0 commissions?
Leading brokers charge $0 commission on online U.S. stock and ETF trades. Other products — options contracts, broker-assisted trades, or margin — may still carry fees, so check the schedule.
Sources
We sourced these figures from our verified data partner and independently confirmed the provider’s regulator status, last checked May 30, 2026. Primary sources: