E*TRADEvs
TradeStationStock Broker Comparison
Two US brokers clash over platform depth and regulatory guardrails. The tension centers on commission structure and exchange access.
Key Differences
- 1E*TRADE covers 8 exchanges vs TradeStation's 3.
- 2TradeStation offers fractional shares, while E*TRADE does not.
- 3E*TRADE provides dividend reinvestment; TradeStation does not.
Who should choose E*TRADE vs TradeStation?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose if…
Choose E*TRADE if you want commission-free stocks and ETFs and a robust Power E*TRADE platform.
Choose if…
E*TRADE vs TradeStation: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.3/ 5 | 4.0/ 5 |
| Min deposit | N/A | No minimum |
| Spreads from | N/A | 1 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | $25/month (after 12 months) |
| Deposit fee | Free |
E*TRADE vs TradeStation Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- Power E*TRADE platform with professional options analytics and strategy scanner
- Commission-free stocks and ETFs with $0.50/contract options for active traders
- Futures trading available on CME products from the same account
- Morgan Stanley analyst reports now included for account holders
- 40+ year operating history; SEC, FINRA, and SIPC regulated
Cons
E*TRADE vs TradeStation: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
E*TRADE
criteria wins
2
TradeStation
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | E*TRADE | TradeStation |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Fail | Fail |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Fail | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Pass | Pass |
| No deposit fee | Pass | — |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Pass |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Pass | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Pass | Pass |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Pass | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
E*TRADE vs TradeStation: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: ETRADE rates 4.3/5 and TradeStation rates 4/5. ETRADE has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
TradeStation starts from 1. Current spread data is not available for E*TRADE. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
TradeStation requires no minimum deposit required. Minimum deposit information is not currently available for E*TRADE.
Both E*TRADE and TradeStation hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each broker's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
Minimum deposit and negative balance protection data are not confirmed for this pair. Both hold top-tier regulatory status, meaning client fund protections apply to both. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site.
E*TRADE lists maximum leverage of 1:4, while TradeStation lists up to 50:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
E*TRADE supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, while TradeStation supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Yes, both E*TRADE and TradeStation offer commission-free stock trading according to our data. Keep in mind that commission-free brokers may still charge spread costs, foreign exchange fees, or platform fees — always check the full fee schedule on each broker's website.
TradeStation scores higher on investor protection criteria, with compensation scheme coverage and segregated client funds. For stock investors, confirming compensation scheme coverage ensures your assets are protected up to a defined limit if the broker becomes insolvent.
