E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley review

E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley is a solid middle ground between the big full-service brokers and the trading apps. It charges $0 commissions for online US-listed stock, ETF, mutual fund and options trades, and says there are no account minimums or maintenance fees. Options cost $0.65 per contract, falling to $0.50 for clients who make at least 30 stock, ETF and options trades a quarter, which matters if you plan to learn options later. New brokerage accounts can earn up to $1,500 with a qualifying deposit by February 28, 2027, using promo code OFFER26, under the offer terms. Morgan Stanley Private Bank also offers a Premium Savings Account at 4.25% APY for 6 months for people who want cash nearby. Some extras cost money: secondary bond trades are $1 per bond with a $10 minimum, and crypto trades cost 0.50%. For a beginner buying ETFs and funds, the core pricing is as low as anyone's.

Who it is for

Beginners who expect to try options later and want lower contract fees with activity.

Price

$0 online stock, ETF, mutual fund and options commissions; options $0.65 per contract, or $0.50 with 30+ trades per quarter.

E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley ("E*TRADE") charges $0 commissions for online US-listed stock, ETF, mutual fund, and options trades.
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 8, 2026.

Key features

• $0 online commissions on US-listed stocks, ETFs, mutual funds and options
• No account minimums or maintenance fees
• Options at $0.65 per contract, or $0.50 with at least 30 trades per quarter
• New-account offer of up to $1,500 with a qualifying deposit by 2/28/2027
• Premium Savings Account at Morgan Stanley Private Bank at 4.25% APY for 6 months

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: $0 online mutual fund trades as well as stocks and ETFs
• Strength: No account minimums or maintenance fees
• Strength: A bank savings option sits alongside the brokerage account
• Weakness: The cash bonus needs a qualifying deposit and promo code
• Weakness: Secondary bond trades cost $1 per bond, minimum $10
• Weakness: Crypto trades cost 0.50% of the dollar value

Key facts

• Stock and ETF commission: $0 online
• Account minimum: None
• Options: $0.65 per contract, $0.50 at 30+ trades per quarter
• Bonds, secondary: $1 per bond, $10 minimum, $250 maximum
• Owner: Morgan Stanley

Where it ranks

E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley is No. 4 in our Best Investing Apps verdict.