E*TRADE Core Portfolios review

E*TRADE Core Portfolios is the automated option inside E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley. You tell it your goals and risk tolerance, its team picks a diversified mix of investments, and its technology monitors the portfolio and updates it automatically to keep you on track. You can add socially responsible investments and use tax-loss harvesting to lower your tax bill, and progress shows online and in monthly reports. The annual advisory fee is 0.30%, which E*TRADE illustrates as $1.50 a year on the $500 minimum, and the fee does not cover the expense ratios of the funds you hold. That puts it a step behind Wealthfront and Betterment at 0.25% and Vanguard at 0.20% for index portfolios. Where it makes sense is convenience: if you already trade or bank at E*TRADE, a managed portfolio sits next to your other accounts, and you can move up to Morgan Stanley advisors later if your needs grow.

Who it is for

E*TRADE and Morgan Stanley customers who want a managed portfolio with tax-loss harvesting.

Price

0.30% per year, as low as $1.50 a year on $500; $500 minimum.

Pay as low as $1.50 or 0.30% annually. All you need is $500 to get started!
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 9, 2026.

Key features

• Diversified portfolios handpicked by E*TRADE's team for your goals and risk
• Automatic monitoring and updates to keep the strategy on track
• Tax-loss harvesting option
• Socially responsible investment choices
• Online tracking and monthly reports

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Tax-loss harvesting available
• Strength: Socially responsible customization
• Strength: Part of a large broker with banking and self-directed trading
• Weakness: 0.30% fee is higher than Wealthfront, Betterment and Vanguard
• Weakness: $500 minimum
• Weakness: Underlying fund fees are not covered by the advisory fee

Key facts

• Advisory fee: 0.30% per year
• Minimum: $500
• Tax-loss harvesting: Yes
• Socially responsible option: Yes
• Reporting: Online and monthly reports

Where it ranks

E*TRADE Core Portfolios is No. 8 in our Best Robo Advisors verdict.