E*TRADE Review: APYs, Fees & Who It's Best For in 2026

ETRADE pioneered online investing in the 1980s and is now the retail face of Morgan Stanley. In 2026 it remains one of the most full-featured brokerages for self-directed investors, particularly those who trade options or want a polished pair of mobile apps (ETRADE Mobile and Power E*TRADE).

2026 snapshot

• Our rating: 4.4 / 5
• Best for: Active investors and options traders
• SIPC insured: Yes, up to $500,000 (including $250,000 in cash)

Products and features

Brokerage Account

Commission-free stocks and ETFs, $0.65 per options contract (lower for active traders).

Core Portfolios

Robo-advisor with a $500 minimum and 0.30% annual fee.

Premium Savings Account

Around 4.00% APY, FDIC-insured through Morgan Stanley Private Bank.

Retirement Accounts

Traditional, Roth, Rollover, and SEP IRAs with no account minimums.

What we like

• Excellent platforms for both casual and active traders
• Premium Savings APY is genuinely competitive
• Strong educational content and research tools

Where it falls short

• Mutual fund expense ratios for some Morgan Stanley funds are higher than peers
• Limited fractional share trading compared to Fidelity or Schwab

Bottom line

E*TRADE is one of the most well-rounded brokerages in 2026, and the Premium Savings account is a quiet bonus that makes it competitive even for cash management.

Rates and product terms shown reflect publicly available information at the time of our 2026 review and can change at any time. Always confirm current APYs and fees directly with the bank before opening an account.