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E*TRADE vs tastytrade 2026

StockBrokers.com

Written by StockBrokers.com

November 13, 2026
  Fact Checked

In this head to head comparison of E*TRADE vs tastytrade, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.

E*TRADE
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4.5/5 Stars Overall
  • Minimum Deposit: $0.00
  • Stock Trades: $0.00
  • Options (Per Contract): $0.65
tastytrade
3.5/5 Stars Overall
  • Minimum Deposit: $0.00
  • Stock Trades: $0.00
  • Options (Per Contract): $0.50 info

Range of investments

If you’re comparing E*TRADE and tastytrade for account investment choices, E*TRADE comes out ahead overall for range, especially if you want access to OTC stocks, mutual funds, and advisor services in addition to common choices like stocks, margin trading, fractional shares, options, futures, crypto, and traditional or Roth IRA accounts. tastytrade still covers many popular investing needs, including stocks, margin trading, fractional shares, options, futures, crypto, and IRA accounts, but it does not offer OTC stocks, mutual funds, or advisor services. For investors looking for the broader menu of account investment options, E*TRADE is the stronger all-around pick, while tastytrade may appeal to those who want active trading tools and a wider crypto lineup.

Both online brokers offer stock trading, margin trading, fractional shares trading, options trading, futures trading, crypto trading, traditional IRA accounts, and Roth IRA accounts. E*TRADE also offers OTC stocks and mutual funds, which tastytrade does not. On the other hand, tastytrade offers forex trading, while E*TRADE does not. When it comes to crypto, E*TRADE offers 3 coins, while tastytrade offers 25, giving tastytrade a much larger selection in that area.

These differences are reflected in third-party ratings as well. E*TRADE earns 4.5 out of 5 stars for Range of Investments and is ranked #4 out of 16 brokers by StockBrokers.com in that category. tastytrade receives 4 out of 5 stars and ranks #9 out of 16. In short, E*TRADE is the better choice for investors who want a wider mix of account investment options, while tastytrade stands out more for forex access and a larger crypto selection.

Feature E*TRADE logoE*TRADE
tastytrade logotastytrade
Stock Trading Yes Yes
Account Feature - Margin Trading Yes Yes
Fractional Shares (Stocks) Yes Yes
OTC Stocks Yes No
Mutual Funds Yes No
Options Trading Yes Yes
Futures Trading Yes Yes
Crypto Trading Yes Yes
Crypto Trading - Total Coins 3 25
Range of Investments 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars

Dive deeper: Best Options Trading Platforms & Brokers for 2026, Best Futures Trading Platforms for 2026

Trading platforms and tools

For traders comparing E*TRADE and tastytrade, both platforms cover the basics well and earn a 4-star rating for trading platforms and tools, but tastytrade edges ahead overall with a #5 ranking from StockBrokers.com versus E*TRADE at #6. Each broker offers downloadable desktop platforms for Windows and Mac, along with browser-based trading, chart order adjustment, notes on charts, historical trade overlays, corporate event markers, custom date ranges, and saved chart profiles. E*TRADE stands out for paper trading and automated chart pattern recognition, while tastytrade’s main advantage is its trading journal and a wider set of charting tools.

E*TRADE offers a bigger watch list setup, with 43 columns compared with tastytrade’s 34, which may appeal to traders who like tracking a lot of data at once. On the charting side, tastytrade offers more technical indicators, with 432 versus E*TRADE’s 121, plus more drawing tools at 51 compared with 37. E*TRADE still gives traders plenty to work with, including more customization fields when editing an SMA study, but tastytrade leans more heavily into chart analysis depth.

In short, E*TRADE is a strong choice for traders who want paper trading, a larger watch list layout, and automated technical pattern tools, while tastytrade is better suited to users who want more indicators, more drawing tools, and a built-in trading journal. Both brokers provide solid trading platforms across desktop, web, and mobile-friendly workflows, so the better fit comes down to whether you value practice trading and chart automation more than deeper chart customization and journaling.

Feature E*TRADE logoE*TRADE
tastytrade logotastytrade
Web Trading Platform Yes Yes
Desktop Trading Platform Yes Yes
Desktop Platform (Mac) Yes Yes
Paper Trading Yes No
Watchlists - Total Fields 43 34
Charting - Indicators / Studies 121 432
Charting - Drawing Tools 37 51
Advanced Trading 4/5 Stars 4/5 Stars

Dive deeper: Best Brokerage Accounts and Online Stock Brokers for 2026, Best Paper Trading Apps and Simulators for 2026

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Beginners and education

E*TRADE is the stronger pick for beginner and investor education overall, earning 4 out of 5 stars and ranking #5 out of 16 brokers for education by StockBrokers.com. It offers learning content on stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds, and bonds, plus educational videos and webinars. E*TRADE also gives new investors a way to practice with paper trading, which can be helpful when learning how to place trades without risking real money.

tastytrade still covers key topics like stocks, ETFs, and options, and it also provides educational videos and webinars. One advantage is that it lets users track learning progress, which E*TRADE does not. However, tastytrade does not offer mutual fund or bond education, and it does not include paper trading. With a 3 out of 5 education rating and a #12 ranking out of 16 brokers, tastytrade is a solid choice for some learners, but E*TRADE offers a broader set of education tools for most beginners.

Feature E*TRADE logoE*TRADE
tastytrade logotastytrade
Education (Stocks) Yes Yes
Education (ETFs) Yes Yes
Education (Options) Yes Yes
Education (Mutual Funds) Yes No
Education (Fixed Income) Yes No
Videos Yes Yes
Webinars Yes Yes
Education 4/5 Stars 3/5 Stars

Dive deeper: Best Trading Platforms for Beginners in 2026

Stock trading apps

E*TRADE comes out ahead overall for stock trading apps, even though both E*TRADE and tastytrade offer iPhone and Android apps, mobile options trading, streaming quotes, stock alerts, custom watch lists, and useful charting tools. E*TRADE also supports an Apple Watch app, mobile after-hours stock trading, streaming live TV, and chart features like stock comparisons and 107 technical studies, while tastytrade does not offer Apple Watch support, live TV, or chart stock comparisons and lists 0 technical studies in its mobile app. That extra set of features helps explain why E*TRADE earns a 4.5-star rating and ranks #5 out of 16 brokers for stock trading apps, compared with tastytrade’s 4-star rating and #13 ranking.

For everyday mobile trading, both apps cover the basics well. Each broker gives users access to stock alerts, streaming quotes, mobile options trading, custom watch lists, watch list column customization, after-hours charting, landscape chart view, and multiple time frame charting. That means either app can handle common tasks like checking prices, tracking positions, and reviewing charts on the go.

The biggest differences are in the extra app features. E*TRADE is the stronger pick if you want Apple Watch support, more advanced chart tools, and live market news through streaming TV. tastytrade still offers a solid mobile trading experience, but it is better suited for users who mainly want a simple app for trading stocks and options without as many added tools.

Feature E*TRADE logoE*TRADE
tastytrade logotastytrade
iPhone App Yes Yes
Android App Yes Yes
Apple Watch App Yes No
Stock Alerts Yes Yes
Charting - After-Hours Yes Yes
Charting - Technical Studies 107 0
Mobile Trading Apps 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars

Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Apps of 2026

Fees

Overall, E*TRADE and tastytrade both keep the basics simple in a few key areas, with $0 minimum deposits, $0 stock trades, and no annual IRA fee. That said, tastytrade is the cheaper choice for options trading and margin borrowing, while E*TRADE has lower or no fees on some account services such as IRA closures, partial account transfers, and options exercises and assignments. If you plan to trade options often, tastytrade may cost less overall; if you want fewer transfer-related charges, E*TRADE may be the better fit.

For regular stock trades, both brokers charge $0, so there is no difference there. The main pricing gap shows up with options contracts, where E*TRADE charges $0.65 per contract and tastytrade charges $0.50 per contract. That makes tastytrade the lower-cost option for options traders looking to keep per-trade costs down.

Margin rates also favor tastytrade across the balance ranges shown. E*TRADE charges 12.45% on margin balances below $25,000, 12.2% between $25,000 and $49,999, and 11.7% between $50,000 and $99,999, while tastytrade charges 11%, 10.5%, and 10%, respectively. On other charges, E*TRADE has the edge for IRA closure fees, partial ACAT transfers, and options exercise and assignment fees, all of which are lower than tastytrade’s fees in those categories.

Feature E*TRADE logoE*TRADE
tastytrade logotastytrade
Minimum Deposit $0.00 $0.00
Stock Trades $0.00 $0.00
Options (Per Contract) $0.65 $0.50
Options Exercise Fee $0.00 $5.00
Options Assignment Fee $0.00 $5.00
IRA Annual Fee $0.00 $0.00
IRA Closure Fee $0.00 $60.00

Dive deeper: Best Free Stock Trading Platforms and Commission-Free Apps for 2026

Day Trading

E*TRADE vs. tastytrade for day trading comes down to the tools you lean on. E*TRADE offers streaming time and sales, Level 2 quotes, direct market routing for stocks, and keyboard trading hotkeys—key features for fast order entry and reading order flow. tastytrade does not provide time and sales, Level 2, direct routing, or hotkeys, but both platforms offer streaming live TV.

tastytrade stands out with ladder trading, advanced strategy backtesting, and a real-time short locator tool—handy for traders who test ideas and hunt for borrowable shares. E*TRADE lacks ladder trading and any backtesting or short locator. Neither platform provides maker/taker rebates. In short: choose E*TRADE if you prioritize live market depth, time and sales, and quick-fire hotkeys; pick tastytrade if you want ladder trading, deeper strategy testing, and a built-in short locate tool.

Feature E*TRADE logoE*TRADE
tastytrade logotastytrade
Streaming Time & Sales Yes No
Streaming TV Yes Yes
Direct Market Routing - Equities Yes No
Level 2 Quotes - Stocks Yes No
Trade Ideas - Backtesting No No
Trade Ideas - Backtesting Adv No Yes
Short Locator No Yes

Dive deeper: Best Day Trading Platforms and Apps for 2026

Market Research

For market research, E*TRADE comes out ahead of tastytrade for most investors. Both brokers give you stock and ETF research, portfolio allocation by asset class, and screeners for finding trade ideas, but E*TRADE goes further with mutual funds, pink sheets/OTCBB, bonds, ESG research, social media sentiment data, and downloadable PDF research reports. That broader set of tools helps E*TRADE stand out for investors who want deeper analysis and more ways to research investments in one place.

E*TRADE offers stock research, ETF research, mutual fund research, OTCBB and pink sheets research, and bond research, while tastytrade supports stock and ETF research but does not provide research for mutual funds, OTCBB, or bonds. E*TRADE also includes eight downloadable stock PDF reports, plus downloadable PDF reports for ETFs and mutual funds, while tastytrade does not offer PDF research reports for those products. On top of that, E*TRADE adds social media sentiment and ESG research, which tastytrade does not currently include.

When it comes to outside ratings, E*TRADE also has the stronger showing, with a 4.5 out of 5 stars for market research and a #3 ranking out of 16 brokers from StockBrokers.com. tastytrade is rated 2 out of 5 stars and ranks #14 out of 16. For investors who value a fuller set of research tools and more detailed market data, E*TRADE is the better pick for market research.

Feature E*TRADE logoE*TRADE
tastytrade logotastytrade
Research - Stocks Yes Yes
Screener - Stocks Yes Yes
Research - ETFs Yes Yes
Screener - ETFs Yes Yes
Research - Mutual Funds Yes No
Screener - Mutual Funds Yes No
Research - Fixed Income Yes No
Screener - Fixed Income Yes Yes
Research 4.5/5 Stars 2/5 Stars

Banking

When it comes to banking features, E*TRADE stands out as a more comprehensive option compared to tastytrade. E*TRADE provides an array of services including checking and savings accounts, debit and credit cards, as well as mortgage loans and CDs. This extensive suite of financial products positions E*TRADE as a versatile choice for those seeking online brokerage services with integrated banking support. In contrast, tastytrade does not offer banking capabilities like checking or savings accounts, debit or credit cards, or mortgage loans and CDs, which might limit options for users looking for combined brokerage and banking solutions.

Feature E*TRADE logoE*TRADE
tastytrade logotastytrade
Checking Accounts Yes No
Savings Accounts Yes No
Debit Cards Yes No
Credit Cards Yes No
Mortgage Loans Yes No
Brokerage CDs Yes No

Dive deeper: Best Brokerage Accounts with Checking: Top Bank Brokers

Winner

After opening live accounts and testing 16 of the best online brokers, our research and live account testing finds that E*TRADE is better than tastytrade. E*TRADE finished with an overall score of 86.0%, while tastytrade finished with a score of 64.0%.

With two distinct platforms (E*TRADE Web and Power E*TRADE) the broker effectively serves both the "set-it-and-forget-it" investor and the high-volume derivatives trader. Whether you aim to construct a long-term retirement portfolio or deploy complex options strategies, E*TRADE provides a sophisticated, dependable environment that grows with your ambition.

FAQs

Can you trade cryptocurrency with E*TRADE or tastytrade?

E*TRADE and tastytrade both offer crypto trading, but tastytrade provides a much broader selection with 25 coins compared with E*TRADE’s 3. For investors who want more cryptocurrency choice, tastytrade has the edge, while E*TRADE may appeal to those seeking a more limited offering.

Dive deeper: Best Online Brokers for Crypto Trading in 2026

Does E*TRADE or tastytrade offer IRAs?

Both E*TRADE and tastytrade offer traditional and Roth IRA accounts with no annual fees, but while E*TRADE has a $0 closure fee for IRA accounts, tastytrade charges a $60 closure fee.

Dive deeper: Best IRA Accounts for 2026

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Compare

0 of 5
Overall Rating E*TRADE tastytrade
Overall 4.5/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Range of Investments 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Advanced Trading 4/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Mobile Trading Apps 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Research 4.5/5 Stars 2/5 Stars
Customer Service 3.5/5 Stars 4.0/5 Stars
Education 4/5 Stars 3/5 Stars
Ease of Use 4/5 Stars 2.5/5 Stars
Winner check_circle
Review E*TRADE Review tastytrade Review
Broker Screenshots E*TRADE tastytrade
Broker Gallery (click to expand)
Trading Fees E*TRADE tastytrade
Minimum Deposit $0.00 $0.00
Stock Trades $0.00 $0.00
Penny Stock Fees (OTC) $6.950 N/A
Mutual Fund Trade Fee $0.00 N/A
Options (Per Contract) $0.65 $0.50
Futures (Per Contract) $1.50 $1.00
Broker Assisted Trade Fee $25 $0
Margin Rates E*TRADE tastytrade
Margin Rate Under $25,000 12.45% 11%
Margin Rate $25,000 to $49,999.99 12.2% 10.5%
Margin Rate $50,000 to $99,999.99 11.7% 10%
Margin Rate $100,000 to $249,999.99 11.2% 9.5%
Margin Rate $250,000 to $499,999.99 10.7% 9%
Margin Rate $500,000 to $999,999.99 Varies 8.5%
Margin Rate Above $1,000,000 Varies 8%
Account Fees E*TRADE tastytrade
IRA Annual Fee $0.00 $0.00
IRA Closure Fee $0.00 $60.00
Account Transfer Out (Partial) $0.00 $75.00
Account Transfer Out (Full) $75.00 $75.00
Options Exercise Fee $0.00 $5.00
Options Assignment Fee $0.00 $5.00
Investment Options E*TRADE tastytrade
Stock Trading Yes Yes
Account Feature - Margin Trading Yes Yes
Fractional Shares (Stocks) Yes Yes
OTC Stocks Yes No
Options Trading Yes Yes
Complex Options Max Legs 4 4
Futures Trading Yes Yes
Forex Trading No Yes
Crypto Trading Yes Yes
Crypto Trading - Total Coins 3 25
Fixed Income (Treasurys) Yes Yes
Fixed Income (Corporate Bonds) Yes No
Fixed Income (Municipal Bonds) Yes No
Traditional IRAs Yes Yes
Roth IRAs Yes Yes
Advisor Services Yes No
International Countries (Stocks) 0 0
Order Types E*TRADE tastytrade
Order Type - Market Yes Yes
Order Type - Limit Yes Yes
Order Type - After Hours Yes Yes
Order Type - Stop Yes Yes
Order Type - Trailing Stop Yes No
Order Type - OCO Yes Yes
Order Type - OTO Yes Yes
Order Type - Broker Assisted Yes Yes
Beginners E*TRADE tastytrade
Education (Stocks) Yes Yes
Education (ETFs) Yes Yes
Education (Options) Yes Yes
Education (Mutual Funds) Yes No
Education (Fixed Income) Yes No
Education (Retirement) Yes Yes
Retirement Calculator Yes No
Investor Dictionary Yes Yes
Paper Trading Yes No
Videos Yes Yes
Webinars Yes Yes
Progress Tracking No Yes
Interactive Learning - Quizzes No No
Stock Trading Apps E*TRADE tastytrade
iPhone App Yes Yes
Android App Yes Yes
Apple Watch App Yes No
Trading - Stocks Yes Yes
Trading - After-Hours Yes Yes
Trading - Simple Options Yes Yes
Trading - Complex Options Yes Yes
Order Ticket RT Quotes Yes Yes
Order Ticket SRT Quotes Yes Yes
Stock App Features E*TRADE tastytrade
Mobile Research - Market Movers Yes Yes
Stream Live TV Yes No
Videos on Demand No No
Stock Alerts Yes Yes
Option Chains Viewable Yes Yes
Watchlist (Real-time) Yes Yes
Watchlist (Streaming) Yes Yes
Mobile Watchlists - Create & Manage Yes Yes
Mobile Watchlists - Column Customization Yes Yes
Stock App Charting E*TRADE tastytrade
Charting - After-Hours Yes Yes
Charting - Can Turn Horizontally Yes Yes
Charting - Multiple Time Frames Yes Yes
Charting - Technical Studies 107 0
Charting - Study Customizations Yes No
Charting - Stock Comparisons Yes No
Trading Platforms E*TRADE tastytrade
Active Trading Platform Power E*TRADE tastytrade
Desktop Trading Platform Yes Yes
Desktop Platform (Mac) Yes Yes
Web Trading Platform Yes Yes
Paper Trading Yes No
Trade Journal No Yes
Watchlists - Total Fields 43 34
Stock Chart Features E*TRADE tastytrade
Charting - Adjust Trades on Chart Yes Yes
Charting - Indicators / Studies 121 432
Charting - Drawing Tools 37 51
Charting - Notes Yes Yes
Charting - Historical Trades Yes Yes
Charting - Corporate Events Yes Yes
Charting - Custom Date Range Yes Yes
Charting - Custom Time Bars No Yes
Charting - Automated Analysis Yes No
Charting - Save Profiles Yes Yes
Trade Ideas - Technical Analysis Yes No
Charting - Study Customizations 8 7
Charting - Custom Studies No No
Day Trading E*TRADE tastytrade
Streaming Time & Sales Yes No
Streaming TV Yes Yes
Direct Market Routing - Equities Yes No
Ladder Trading No Yes
Trade Hot Keys Yes No
Level 2 Quotes - Stocks Yes No
Trade Ideas - Backtesting No No
Trade Ideas - Backtesting Adv No Yes
Short Locator No Yes
Order Liquidity Rebates No No
Research Overview E*TRADE tastytrade
Research - Stocks Yes Yes
Research - ETFs Yes Yes
Research - Mutual Funds Yes No
Research - Pink Sheets / OTCBB Yes No
Research - Fixed Income Yes No
Screener - Stocks Yes Yes
Screener - ETFs Yes Yes
Screener - Mutual Funds Yes No
Screener - Fixed Income Yes Yes
Portfolio Asset Allocation Yes Yes
Stock Research E*TRADE tastytrade
Stock Research - PDF Reports 8 0
Stock Research - Earnings Yes No
Stock Research - Insiders Yes No
Stock Research - Social Yes No
Stock Research - News Yes Yes
Stock Research - ESG Yes No
Stock Research - SEC Filings Yes No
ETF Research E*TRADE tastytrade
ETFs - Investment Objective Yes No
ETF Fund Facts - Inception Date Yes No
ETF Fund Facts - Expense Ratio Yes No
ETF Fund Facts - Total Assets Yes No
ETF Fund Facts - Total Holdings Yes No
ETFs - Top 10 Holdings Yes No
ETFs - Sector Exposure Yes No
ETFs - Risk Analysis Yes Yes
ETFs - Ratings Yes No
ETFs - Morningstar StyleMap Yes No
ETFs - PDF Reports Yes No
Mutual Fund Research E*TRADE tastytrade
Mutual Funds - Investment Objective Yes No
Mutual Funds - Performance Chart Yes No
Mutual Funds - Performance Analysis Yes No
Mutual Funds - Prospectus Yes No
Mutual Funds - 3rd Party Ratings Yes No
Mutual Funds - Fees Breakdown Yes No
Mutual Funds - Top 10 Holdings Yes No
Mutual Funds - Asset Allocation Yes No
Mutual Funds - Sector Allocation Yes No
Mutual Funds - Country Allocation Yes No
Mutual Funds - StyleMap Yes No
Options Trading E*TRADE tastytrade
Option Chains - Total Greeks 5 4
Option Analysis - P&L Charts Yes Yes
Banking E*TRADE tastytrade
Bank (Member FDIC) Yes No
Checking Accounts Yes No
Savings Accounts Yes No
Credit Cards Yes No
Debit Cards Yes No
Mortgage Loans Yes No
Customer Service E*TRADE tastytrade
Phone Support (Prospective Customers) Yes Yes
Phone Support (Current Customers) Yes Yes
Email Support No Yes
Live Chat (Prospective Customers) No Yes
Live Chat (Current Customers) Yes Yes
24/7 Support Yes No
Overall E*TRADE tastytrade
Overall 4.5/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Range of Investments 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Advanced Trading 4/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Mobile Trading Apps 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Research 4.5/5 Stars 2/5 Stars
Education 4/5 Stars 3/5 Stars
Ease of Use 4/5 Stars 2.5/5 Stars
Winner check_circle
Review E*TRADE Review tastytrade Review
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