E*TRADE's current per-trade fees

E*TRADE does not charge a per-trade commission on stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), or options. This has been their pricing model since 2019. You can buy or sell these securities without paying a transaction fee to E*TRADE itself.

However, "no commission" does not mean zero cost. Your broker still makes money, and you still pay other charges depending on what you trade and how you trade it. Understanding what those charges are — and when they apply — matters before you place your first trade.

Key Takeaways

  • E*TRADE charges no commission on stocks, ETFs, or options trades, but other fees still apply depending on the security type and your account.
  • Mutual funds carry transaction fees ranging from $49.95 to $99.95 per trade unless you buy from E*TRADE's no-transaction-fee list.
  • Options trades include a per-contract fee of $0.65 per contract, on top of the zero commission on the trade itself.
  • Margin accounts, wire transfers, and certain account services carry separate monthly or per-transaction charges.
  • E*TRADE makes revenue from bid-ask spreads (the difference between buy and sell prices) and from payment for order flow, not from charging you directly per trade.

Mutual fund transaction fees

If you buy a mutual fund through E*TRADE, you may pay a transaction fee even though stocks and ETFs are commission-free. E*TRADE charges $49.95 to $99.95 per mutual fund trade for funds not on their no-transaction-fee (NTF) list. The exact amount depends on the fund family and the fund itself.

E*TRADE maintains a list of mutual funds with no transaction fee. If you stick to funds on that list, you avoid the per-trade charge. You can search their fund screener to see which funds may have access to. This list changes over time as E*TRADE negotiates with fund companies, so check before you buy.

Options contract fees

E*TRADE charges $0.65 per contract on options trades. If you buy one options contract, you pay $0.65. If you sell to close that position, you pay another $0.65. A multi-leg options strategy — say, a spread involving four contracts — costs $2.60 in contract fees alone.

This fee sits on top of the zero commission on the trade itself. It applies whether you are opening or closing a position, and whether you are buying or selling. Some brokers offer reduced or zero per-contract fees for high-volume traders or account holders with large balances, but E*TRADE's standard rate is $0.65 per contract across all account types.

Margin interest and account maintenance fees

If you open a margin account — one that lets you borrow money to buy securities — E*TRADE charges interest on the borrowed amount. The rate varies based on how much you borrow and current market conditions. E*TRADE publishes their margin rates on their website, and rates typically range from around 8% to 12% annually, though this changes.

E*TRADE also charges a $25 monthly maintenance fee if your account balance falls below $2,000. Some account types or customer statuses may waive this fee; check your account agreement or call E*TRADE directly to confirm whether it applies to you.

Wire transfers and other service charges

Transferring money out of your E*TRADE account by wire costs $25 per outgoing wire. Incoming wires are free. If you need to move money quickly, this fee is worth factoring in — ACH transfers (the free alternative) typically take three to five business days, while wires settle the same day or next business day.

E*TRADE also charges for certain other services: closing an account, requesting paper statements, or expedited delivery of documents may carry fees. These are less common charges, but they exist. Review E*TRADE's fee schedule on their website or ask before requesting a service you are unsure about.

How E*TRADE makes money without per-trade commissions

E*TRADE does not charge you per trade, but they still profit from your trading activity. The main sources are the bid-ask spread (the difference between what buyers will pay and what sellers will accept for a security) and payment for order flow (money they receive from market makers who execute your trades).

When you buy a stock, you pay the ask price (slightly higher). When you sell, you receive the bid price (slightly lower). That gap is where E*TRADE and the market maker profit. On heavily traded stocks, the spread is tiny — pennies. On less liquid securities, it can be wider. This is not a fee E*TRADE charges you directly; it is built into the price you see.

Comparing E*TRADE fees to other brokers

Most major brokers — Fidelity, Charles Schwab, TD Ameritrade, Webull — also charge zero commission on stocks and ETFs. The differences lie in options fees, mutual fund fees, and account minimums. E*TRADE's $0.65 per-contract options fee is standard across the industry. Their $49.95 to $99.95 mutual fund fees are also typical, though some brokers offer larger no-transaction-fee fund lists.

If you trade options frequently or buy mutual funds regularly, comparing fee schedules across brokers can save money. If you trade stocks and ETFs occasionally, the per-trade commission difference is zero — the real cost difference comes from spreads, which depend on the security and market conditions, not the broker.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I pay a fee every time I buy or sell a stock on E*TRADE?

No. E*TRADE charges no commission on stock trades. You pay nothing to E*TRADE for the transaction itself. You do pay the bid-ask spread, which is the difference between the price you pay to buy and the price you receive to sell — but that is built into the market price, not a separate E*TRADE fee.

What is the cheapest way to buy mutual funds on E*TRADE?

Buy mutual funds from E*TRADE's no-transaction-fee (NTF) list. These funds have zero transaction fees. If you buy a mutual fund not on the NTF list, you pay $49.95 to $99.95 per trade. Search E*TRADE's fund screener and filter for NTF funds before you buy.

How much does it cost to trade options on E*TRADE?

E*TRADE charges $0.65 per contract. If you buy one call option, you pay $0.65. If you sell it later, you pay another $0.65. A two-leg spread costs $1.30. There is no per-trade commission on top of this — the $0.65 per contract is the only E*TRADE fee for options.

Does E*TRADE charge a monthly fee just to have an account?

E*TRADE charges a $25 monthly maintenance fee only if your account balance drops below $2,000. If you keep at least $2,000 in your account, there is no monthly fee. Some account types or customer statuses may be exempt; check your account agreement.

What happens if I transfer money out of E*TRADE?

Outgoing wire transfers cost $25 each. ACH transfers (the free option) take three to five business days. Incoming transfers are free regardless of method. If you need money quickly and do not mind the fee, a wire is faster.