LIVE
30Y FIXED6.85% 0.02·15Y FIXED6.12% 0.01·REFI 30Y6.78% 0.01·HELOC9.20%0.00·JUMBO 30Y7.05% 0.03·HYSA TOP4.85% 0.05·12M CD5.10%0.00·24M CD4.85% 0.02·5Y CD4.40% 0.01·MMA TOP4.65%0.00·AUTO 60M NEW7.10% 0.02·AUTO 60M USED8.45% 0.04·PERSONAL EXC.8.20%0.00·10Y TREASURY4.32% 0.01·30Y FIXED6.85% 0.02·15Y FIXED6.12% 0.01·REFI 30Y6.78% 0.01·HELOC9.20%0.00·JUMBO 30Y7.05% 0.03·HYSA TOP4.85% 0.05·12M CD5.10%0.00·24M CD4.85% 0.02·5Y CD4.40% 0.01·MMA TOP4.65%0.00·AUTO 60M NEW7.10% 0.02·AUTO 60M USED8.45% 0.04·PERSONAL EXC.8.20%0.00·10Y TREASURY4.32% 0.01·
Fintiex
Brokerage Review

E*TRADE (Morgan Stanley) Review (2026)

Best for: Options traders and Morgan Stanley clients. Our Fintiex score is 4.3 / 5 based on commissions, account coverage, app quality, and research depth.

By the Fintiex Investing Desk · Updated 2026-05-02
At a glance
Stock trades
$0
Options / contract
$0.65
Mutual funds
$0
Account minimum
$0
Mobile app
4.6 / 5
Research
Excellent
Fractional shares
No
Fintiex score
4.3 / 5
Pros
  • +Power E*TRADE platform built for active options trading
  • +Morgan Stanley research available to all customers
  • +Paper trading to practice without real money
  • +Prebuilt and customizable stock screeners
  • +Strong options analytics and strategy tools
Cons
  • -No fractional shares
  • -$0.65/contract options (drops to $0.50 for 30+ trades/quarter)
  • -Less emphasis on passive/index investing tools
  • -Some futures require separate application

Overview

E*TRADE (Morgan Stanley) earns a Fintiex score of 4.3 out of 5, placing it among the brokers we recommend to readers who fit the profile of "options traders and morgan stanley clients." Stock and ETF trades cost $0, options are $0.65 per contract, and the account opens with no minimum balance.

The mobile app rates 4.6 out of 5 on App Store reviews, and research quality is excellent. Fractional shares are not currently offered, which can be a drawback for investors building positions with small recurring deposits. The account supports 7 account types and 5 asset classes, covered in detail in the sections below.

Use this review alongside our full brokerage comparison to confirm whether E*TRADE (Morgan Stanley) is the best fit for your goals or whether another broker on our list is more cost-effective for your trading style.

Account types supported

E*TRADE (Morgan Stanley) supports 7 account types. If you need a specific structure (custodial for a minor, trust for estate planning), confirm eligibility before applying.

Taxable BrokerageTraditional IRARoth IRA401(k) RolloverJoint AccountCustodialTrust Account

What you can trade

E*TRADE (Morgan Stanley) gives you access to 5 asset classes. The broader the coverage, the less likely you will need to open a second account later.

StocksETFsOptionsMutual FundsBonds

Fees and minimums

  • Stock and ETF trades$0
  • Options per contract$0.65
  • Mutual funds (NTF)$0
  • Account minimum$0
  • Fractional sharesNo
  • Mobile app rating4.6 / 5
Best for

Options traders and Morgan Stanley clients. If that describes how you plan to invest, E*TRADE (Morgan Stanley) is a strong fit.

  • +Power E*TRADE platform built for active options trading
  • +Morgan Stanley research available to all customers
  • +Paper trading to practice without real money
Look elsewhere if

No broker is a fit for everyone. Here is where E*TRADE (Morgan Stanley) falls short.

  • -No fractional shares
  • -$0.65/contract options (drops to $0.50 for 30+ trades/quarter)
  • -Less emphasis on passive/index investing tools

How to open an account

Opening a E*TRADE (Morgan Stanley) account takes roughly 10 to 15 minutes online. You will need a Social Security number, a government-issued ID, and a linked bank account for funding. No hard credit pull is made for standard cash accounts.

  • Visit the E*TRADE (Morgan Stanley) application page
  • Select your account type (taxable, IRA, Roth IRA, joint, etc.)
  • Enter personal details and verify identity
  • Link an external bank via routing and account number
  • Fund the account via ACH transfer (1 to 3 business days)
  • Place your first trade once funds settle

Frequently asked questions

Is E*TRADE (Morgan Stanley) SIPC insured?
Yes. E*TRADE (Morgan Stanley) is a member of SIPC, which insures securities and cash up to $500,000 per account (including up to $250,000 in cash) if the broker fails. Many brokers also carry private excess insurance well beyond the SIPC limit. SIPC does not protect against market losses.
What does it cost to trade stocks and options at E*TRADE (Morgan Stanley)?
Stock and ETF trades are $0. Options are $0.65 per contract. Mutual funds are $0 for no-transaction-fee funds. The account minimum is $0.
Does E*TRADE (Morgan Stanley) offer fractional shares?
No, fractional shares are not currently supported. You must buy whole shares.
What account types can I open at E*TRADE (Morgan Stanley)?
E*TRADE (Morgan Stanley) supports 7 account types: Taxable Brokerage, Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, 401(k) Rollover, Joint Account, Custodial, Trust Account. Visit the application page to start.
What can I trade at E*TRADE (Morgan Stanley)?
Asset coverage includes Stocks, ETFs, Options, Mutual Funds, Bonds. Research quality is rated Excellent and the mobile app scores 4.6 out of 5.
Who is E*TRADE (Morgan Stanley) best for?
Options traders and Morgan Stanley clients. The Fintiex overall rating is 4.3 out of 5. Read the full pros and cons above to decide if it fits your goals.
Ready to start

Open your E*TRADE (Morgan Stanley) account

Options traders and Morgan Stanley clients. $0 stock trades, $0 minimum.