E*TRADE’s commission-free stock trading, robust platforms and trading tools and wide variety of account types make it a popular brokerage firm for traders and investors.
But it won’t be the right platform for everyone.
Some other brokers charge fewer fees and have more intuitive trading platforms.
Whatever your motivation for wanting to explore different trading platforms, we have a list of E*TRADE competitors you need to check out.
For its user-friendly interface, commission-free trading, complimentary advisory services and IRA match.
SoFi Invest offers commission-free trading for stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and options, with no options contract fees, making it a cost-effective choice for beginners. Additionally, SoFi Invest now provides a 1% IRA match on contributions, further enhancing its appeal.
Its platform is designed to be intuitive and easy to navigate, making it accessible for those new to investing. It also features an extensive collection of educational content to help novice investors learn investing basics.
But what sets SoFi Invest apart is its free robo-advisor, perfect for those who prefer a hands-off approach. Between this and its complimentary consultations with certified financial planners, SoFi Invest provides a level of free advisory services unmatched by other brokers.
Stock trade fee
$0
Minimum deposit
$0
Signup bonus
Get up to $1,000 in stock
For its user-friendly interface, commission-free trading, complimentary advisory services and IRA match.
SoFi Invest offers commission-free trading for stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and options, with no options contract fees, making it a cost-effective choice for beginners. Additionally, SoFi Invest now provides a 1% IRA match on contributions, further enhancing its appeal.
Its platform is designed to be intuitive and easy to navigate, making it accessible for those new to investing. It also features an extensive collection of educational content to help novice investors learn investing basics.
But what sets SoFi Invest apart is its free robo-advisor, perfect for those who prefer a hands-off approach. Between this and its complimentary consultations with certified financial planners, SoFi Invest provides a level of free advisory services unmatched by other brokers.
Pros
Beginner-friendly trading platform
$0 commission stock, option and ETF trades, with no options contract fees
Free robo-advisor
Complimentary access to SoFi's certified financial planners
For its advanced options trading tools and access to and competitive trading fees on options, futures, options on futures, options on micro futures and smalls futures options.
Tastytrade is a strong alternative to E*TRADE for options trading, offering comprehensive and sophisticated trading tools tailored specifically for derivative traders. The platform features advanced analytics, customizable charting and extensive educational resources to help users grasp options trading strategies and market dynamics.
Primarily designed for derivatives trading, Tastytrade provides an impressive array of trading products and some of the industry's best pricing on options and futures contracts. Additionally, stocks and ETFs are commission-free, and options have no closing commissions.
Stock trade fee
$0
Minimum deposit
$0
Signup bonus
Get $50-$5,000
For its advanced options trading tools and access to and competitive trading fees on options, futures, options on futures, options on micro futures and smalls futures options.
Tastytrade is a strong alternative to E*TRADE for options trading, offering comprehensive and sophisticated trading tools tailored specifically for derivative traders. The platform features advanced analytics, customizable charting and extensive educational resources to help users grasp options trading strategies and market dynamics.
Primarily designed for derivatives trading, Tastytrade provides an impressive array of trading products and some of the industry's best pricing on options and futures contracts. Additionally, stocks and ETFs are commission-free, and options have no closing commissions.
Pros
Highly customizable trading platform
Extensive lineup of tradable derivative assets
Competitive options fee structure
Helpful educational resources and live programming
For paying $0.06–$0.18 per options contract traded.
Public provides a user-friendly trading platform with commission-free stock, ETF and options trading, and no per-contract fees. However, what sets Public apart is its option trading rebate program, where you can earn $0.06 to $0.18 per contract traded. This means that even after mandatory regulatory fees, you can potentially earn money on each contract.
The platform also includes an options strategy builder, allowing you to trade long calls, long puts, covered calls and cash-secured puts while visualizing your potential profit and loss outcomes.
Stock trade fee
$0
Minimum deposit
$0
Signup bonus
Get up to $10,000 and transfer fees covered
For paying $0.06–$0.18 per options contract traded.
Public provides a user-friendly trading platform with commission-free stock, ETF and options trading, and no per-contract fees. However, what sets Public apart is its option trading rebate program, where you can earn $0.06 to $0.18 per contract traded. This means that even after mandatory regulatory fees, you can potentially earn money on each contract.
The platform also includes an options strategy builder, allowing you to trade long calls, long puts, covered calls and cash-secured puts while visualizing your potential profit and loss outcomes.
Pros
Earn rebates on options contracts
$0 options commissions and per-contract fees
Invest in traditional and alternative assets
High-yield cash account pays 4.6% APY as of September 2024
Cons
Best tools and features are reserved for Public Premium members for $8 a month
Robinhood offers an exceptionally user-friendly and intuitive interface that's easy to navigate, which makes it easy to trade. Its streamlined design focuses on simplicity and ease of use, allowing users to get up and running quickly to buy and sell stocks, ETFs and options with minimal friction.
Additionally, Robinhood provides seamless integration with its crypto offerings, cash management features IRAs. It offers a clean, straightforward mobile experience that appeals to investors looking for a hassle-free trading platform on the go.
It's a uniquely engaging mobile platform for trading without commission, with fractional share trading and 24/7 live customer support. As the pioneer of mobile-first trading and investing, Robinhood offers an unmatched mobile experience for effortless investing.
Stock trade fee
$0
Minimum deposit
$0
Signup bonus
Earn 1–3% on transfers from Oct 16–27
For its unmatched mobile user interface.
Robinhood offers an exceptionally user-friendly and intuitive interface that's easy to navigate, which makes it easy to trade. Its streamlined design focuses on simplicity and ease of use, allowing users to get up and running quickly to buy and sell stocks, ETFs and options with minimal friction.
Additionally, Robinhood provides seamless integration with its crypto offerings, cash management features IRAs. It offers a clean, straightforward mobile experience that appeals to investors looking for a hassle-free trading platform on the go.
It's a uniquely engaging mobile platform for trading without commission, with fractional share trading and 24/7 live customer support. As the pioneer of mobile-first trading and investing, Robinhood offers an unmatched mobile experience for effortless investing.
Pros
Commission-free stocks, ETFs, options and crypto
No options per-contract fees
24/7 customer support
Intuitive mobile app and web trading platforms
IRA matching contributions
Cons
Limited advanced tools unless you upgrade to Robinhood Gold
eToro's app doesn't skimp on features, offering TipRanks-powered analyst ratings and price targets, hedge fund activity, insider transactions and advanced charts — all within an easy-to-use interface. Stocks and ETFs trade commission-free and options are free of both commissions and per-contract fees.
What truly sets eToro apart is its unique blend of cutting-edge technology and social networking, which has popularized social investing and fostered a dynamic community of traders and investors. A standout feature is CopyTrader, which lets you leverage the expertise of other eToro users by automatically tracking and replicating their crypto trades in your portfolio and even earn money when others copy you.
While CopyTrader is currently only available for crypto, it remains a defining feature that distinguishes eToro in the market.
Stock trade fee
$0
Minimum deposit
$0
Signup bonus
FINDER EXCLUSIVE: Get a guaranteed $15 bonus
For its social community and CopyTrader program.
eToro's app doesn't skimp on features, offering TipRanks-powered analyst ratings and price targets, hedge fund activity, insider transactions and advanced charts — all within an easy-to-use interface. Stocks and ETFs trade commission-free and options are free of both commissions and per-contract fees.
What truly sets eToro apart is its unique blend of cutting-edge technology and social networking, which has popularized social investing and fostered a dynamic community of traders and investors. A standout feature is CopyTrader, which lets you leverage the expertise of other eToro users by automatically tracking and replicating their crypto trades in your portfolio and even earn money when others copy you.
While CopyTrader is currently only available for crypto, it remains a defining feature that distinguishes eToro in the market.
Pros
$0 commission stock, ETF and options trades, with no per-contract fees
Acorns's Round-Ups is worth considering for an automated version of spare-change investing. By linking all your credit or debit cards, Acorns will set aside your spare change from every purchase and invest it once your balance reaches at least $5.
Additionally, as a robo-advisor, Acorns provides automatic recurring investments, portfolio rebalancing and dividend reinvesting, ensuring a hands-off, streamlined investing experience.
Stock trade fee
$0
Minimum deposit
$0
Signup bonus
Get a $20 bonus
For its micro-investing feature.
Acorns's Round-Ups is worth considering for an automated version of spare-change investing. By linking all your credit or debit cards, Acorns will set aside your spare change from every purchase and invest it once your balance reaches at least $5.
Additionally, as a robo-advisor, Acorns provides automatic recurring investments, portfolio rebalancing and dividend reinvesting, ensuring a hands-off, streamlined investing experience.
Pros
Invest your spare change automatically
Automated stock and ETF investing
Multiple investment account options
Beginner-friendly app with educational resources
Customize your portfolio with individual stocks with Acorns Gold
Interactive Brokers offers an extensive selection of assets. Trade stock, options, ETFs, crypto, futures, forex, bonds, mutual funds, certificates of deposit (CDs) and precious metals. Additionally, Interactive Brokers offers unmatched global access and international investment options.
This broad array of investment choices enables investors to diversify their portfolios more effectively and access global markets with ease.
Moreover, Interactive Brokers offers advanced trading tools and a highly customizable platform that caters to both novice and professional traders. Its competitive pricing structure and tiered commission model further enhance its appeal, making it a versatile and comprehensive platform for those seeking a wide variety of investment opportunities.
Stock trade fee
$0
Minimum deposit
$0
Signup bonus
N/A
For its extensive lineup of tradable assets.
Interactive Brokers offers an extensive selection of assets. Trade stock, options, ETFs, crypto, futures, forex, bonds, mutual funds, certificates of deposit (CDs) and precious metals. Additionally, Interactive Brokers offers unmatched global access and international investment options.
This broad array of investment choices enables investors to diversify their portfolios more effectively and access global markets with ease.
Moreover, Interactive Brokers offers advanced trading tools and a highly customizable platform that caters to both novice and professional traders. Its competitive pricing structure and tiered commission model further enhance its appeal, making it a versatile and comprehensive platform for those seeking a wide variety of investment opportunities.
Pros
Wide range of investment options
Global market access
Numerous trading platforms
$0 commission stocks and ETFs
Cons
Cash sweep only available to Pro accounts
Live chat rarely works
Need a $10,000 balance to earn interest on your cash
For its low fees, powerful tools and insightful data.
Moomoo is one of the most capable trading apps on the market, offering advanced, customizable charting and free access to professional-grade tools such as analyst ratings, real-time Level 2 market data and short sale analysis. Choose from over 63 indicators and 38 drawing tools or customize technical indicators with over 190 pre-set functions.
The app also supports 13 options strategies and lets you customize options chains — all this on Moomoo's user-friendly mobile app. Additionally, Moomoo provides a dedicated desktop trading platform and paper trading feature, letting you practice and test your strategies before going live.
Moomoo offers commission-free trading for stocks, ETFs and options, with no equity options contract fees, making it an attractive choice for cost-conscious traders.
Stock trade fee
$0
Minimum deposit
$0
Signup bonus
Get up to 15 free stocks
For its low fees, powerful tools and insightful data.
Moomoo is one of the most capable trading apps on the market, offering advanced, customizable charting and free access to professional-grade tools such as analyst ratings, real-time Level 2 market data and short sale analysis. Choose from over 63 indicators and 38 drawing tools or customize technical indicators with over 190 pre-set functions.
The app also supports 13 options strategies and lets you customize options chains — all this on Moomoo's user-friendly mobile app. Additionally, Moomoo provides a dedicated desktop trading platform and paper trading feature, letting you practice and test your strategies before going live.
Moomoo offers commission-free trading for stocks, ETFs and options, with no equity options contract fees, making it an attractive choice for cost-conscious traders.
Pros
Commission-free stock, ETF and options trades, with no equity options contract fees
Paper trading with $1 million in virtual currency
Advanced trading tools and features on an intuitive trading platform
New, qualified customers can earn up to 8.1% APY for three months
Block's Cash App is exceptionally beginner-friendly. The app is designed for swift financial transactions, letting you buy and sell stocks and ETFs for as little as $1, gift stocks to family and friends and even explore cryptocurrency with bitcoin.
Simple charts, company news, key statistics, financials, earnings reports and analyst opinions help you make informed investment decisions quickly and effortlessly.
Stock trade fee
$0
Minimum deposit
$0
Signup bonus
N/A
For its click-to-invest approach to investing.
Block's Cash App is exceptionally beginner-friendly. The app is designed for swift financial transactions, letting you buy and sell stocks and ETFs for as little as $1, gift stocks to family and friends and even explore cryptocurrency with bitcoin.
Simple charts, company news, key statistics, financials, earnings reports and analyst opinions help you make informed investment decisions quickly and effortlessly.
For its popular thinkorswim platform and top-tier research and analysis tools.
With its acquisition of TD Ameritrade, Schwab now offers one of the most popular professional-grade trading platforms: thinkorswim.
This fully customizable platform includes elite trading tools such as advanced charts with over 400 technical studies, backtesting strategies, free Level 2 quotes, scanners and alerts. If you're seeking a comprehensive trading platform, Schwab's a clear choice.
Additionally, Schwab provides a range of investment options, including stocks, options, futures, mutual funds and ETFs, supporting diversified and complex trading strategies. Combined with competitive pricing, low fees and reliable customer service, Schwab stands out as an attractive option for advanced traders seeking a professional and feature-rich trading environment.
Stock trade fee
$0
Minimum deposit
$0
Signup bonus
Get a $101 bonus
For its popular thinkorswim platform and top-tier research and analysis tools.
With its acquisition of TD Ameritrade, Schwab now offers one of the most popular professional-grade trading platforms: thinkorswim.
This fully customizable platform includes elite trading tools such as advanced charts with over 400 technical studies, backtesting strategies, free Level 2 quotes, scanners and alerts. If you're seeking a comprehensive trading platform, Schwab's a clear choice.
Additionally, Schwab provides a range of investment options, including stocks, options, futures, mutual funds and ETFs, supporting diversified and complex trading strategies. Combined with competitive pricing, low fees and reliable customer service, Schwab stands out as an attractive option for advanced traders seeking a professional and feature-rich trading environment.
Paid non-client promotion. Finder does not invest money with providers on this page. If a brand is a referral partner, we're paid when you click or tap through to, open an account with or provide your contact information to the provider. Partnerships are not a recommendation for you to invest with any one company. Learn more about how we make money.
Finder is not an advisor or brokerage service. Information on this page is for educational purposes only and not a recommendation to invest with any one company, trade specific stocks or fund specific investments. All editorial opinions are our own.
How to transfer your brokerage account
If you’re switching brokers, the account transfer process can vary depending on your current broker and your new one. Keep in mind that your current broker may charge a $50 to $100 fee to transfer funds and close your account.
You fill out a transfer initiation form with your new broker.
Your current broker validates your form or notifies you of next steps within three business days.
Your old broker completes the transfer process and moves your funds within six business days.
Compare trading platforms
Compare brokers by available assets types, stock trade fee, minimum deposit, cash sweep APY and signup bonus. Select Go To Site to sign up for an account, or select More Info to read our comprehensive review.
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Paid non-client promotion. Finder does not invest money with providers on this page. If a brand is a referral partner, we're paid when you click or tap through to, open an account with or provide your contact information to the provider. Partnerships are not a recommendation for you to invest with any one company. Learn more about how we make money.
Finder is not an advisor or brokerage service. Information on this page is for educational purposes only and not a recommendation to invest with any one company, trade specific stocks or fund specific investments. All editorial opinions are our own.
Matt Miczulski is an investments editor at Finder. With over 450 bylines, Matt dissects and reviews brokers and investing platforms to expose perks and pain points, explores investment products and concepts and covers market news, making investing more accessible and helping readers to make informed financial decisions.
Before joining Finder in 2021, Matt covered everything from finance news and banking to debt and travel for FinanceBuzz. His expertise and analysis on investing and other financial topics has been featured on CBS, MSN, Best Company and Consolidated Credit, among others. Matt holds a BA in history from William Paterson University. See full bio
Matt's expertise
Matt has written 212 Finder guides across topics including:
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