E*TRADE primarily offers $0 commission for online stock, ETF, and options trades, but specific fees apply to options contracts and over-the-counter (OTC) securities, with pricing often depending on your quarterly trading volume.
E*TRADE's fee structure is designed to be competitive, especially for active traders and those focusing on mainstream investments. While many popular asset classes are commission-free, understanding the specific charges for certain types of securities is crucial for managing your trading costs.
E*TRADE Commission Structure
E*TRADE has a tiered commission structure for some investments, where fees decrease based on the number of trades executed within a quarter. This rewards higher trading volumes with lower per-transaction costs.
Commission-Free Trading
Most standard online trades are free of commission at E*TRADE, making it an attractive option for investors focused on core assets.
- Stocks: $0 commission for online trades of U.S. exchange-listed stocks.
- Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs): $0 commission for online trades of U.S. exchange-listed ETFs.
- *ETRADE-managed Portfolios:** $0 commission for trades within robo-advisor portfolios.
Options Trading Fees
While the base options trades are commission-free, a per-contract fee applies. This fee varies based on the number of options trades you make within a calendar quarter.
| Quarterly Options Trades | Per Contract Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to 29 trades | $0.65 |
| 30 or more trades | $0.50 |
For example, if you execute 25 options trades in a quarter, you'd pay $0.65 per contract. If you make 35 trades, all contracts for those 35 trades would be charged at $0.50 each.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Securities (Penny Stocks) Fees
OTC securities, including many penny stocks, have a distinct commission structure separate from standard stock trades. Like options, these fees are also influenced by your quarterly trading activity.
| Quarterly OTC Trades | Base Commission Fee |
|---|---|
| Under 30 trades | $6.95 |
| 30 or more trades | $4.95 |
This base commission applies to each trade of OTC securities, regardless of the number of shares.
Other Potential Fees
Beyond commissions, investors might encounter other fees related to account maintenance, specific services, or regulatory charges. While E*TRADE strives for transparency, it's always advisable to review their detailed pricing schedule.
- Regulatory Fees: Small fees levied by regulatory bodies, such as the SEC or FINRA, on specific sell transactions.
- Mutual Fund Fees: Fees vary widely depending on the mutual fund (e.g., load fees, expense ratios). E*TRADE offers thousands of no-load, no-transaction-fee mutual funds.
- Futures Trading Fees: Specific per-contract fees apply to futures and futures options.
- Service Fees: Charges for services like wire transfers, paper statements, or out-of-network ATM withdrawals (for E*TRADE debit cards).
- Account Maintenance Fees: Typically, E*TRADE does not charge maintenance fees for standard brokerage accounts, though specific conditions might apply to certain account types or very low balances.
For the most current and comprehensive details on all fees, it is recommended to consult the official ETRADE pricing and rates page directly. [Learn more about ETRADE's pricing and fees](https://us.etrade.com/what-we-offer/pricing-and-fees).
[[E*TRADE Fees]]
