Head-to-head comparison across ratings, fees, asset coverage, and platform breadth.
4.5 / 5
Best for full-service investors who want thinkorswim, broad 24/5 trading, deep customer service, and integrated banking. Cost-competitive on most fronts but lags on margin rates and fractional-share breadth.
4.4 / 5
Solid full-service broker for mainstream investors who value Power E*TRADE's active-trader tools, deep mutual-fund and bond shelves, and Morgan Stanley's wealth backbone. No fractional shares is the standout weakness.
Each broker scored 0–5 across the same 8 dimensions.
Green cells mark the winner on each metric. Tie rows are uncoloured.
| Metric | Charles | E*TRADE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| OverallEditorial score | 4.50 / 5 | 4.40 / 5 | Charles |
| Sub-ratingsCommissions & fees | 4.20 | 4.00 | Charles |
| Sub-ratingsPlatforms & tools | 5.00 | 4.50 | Charles |
| Sub-ratingsMobile app | 4.40 | 4.50 | E*TRADE |
| Sub-ratingsResearch | 5.00 | 4.50 | Charles |
| Sub-ratingsEducation | 5.00 | 4.50 | Charles |
| Sub-ratingsCustomer service | 4.90 | 4.70 | Charles |
| Sub-ratingsRange of investments | 4.70 | 4.50 | Charles |
| Sub-ratingsActive trading | 4.70 | 4.30 | Charles |
| PricingLowest margin rate | 11.13% | 10.45% | E*TRADE |
| PricingDefault cash sweep yield | 0.45% | 3.60% | E*TRADE |
| PricingPFOF on equities | Accepts | Accepts | Tie |
| Asset class | Charles | E*TRADE |
|---|---|---|
| OTC / penny stocks | Yes | Limited |
| Fractional shares | Limited | No |
| Corporate / muni bonds, CDs | Yes | |
| Forex | Yes | No |
| Futures / futures options | Yes | |
| Pre-market trading | Yes | |
| After-hours trading | Yes | |
| 24-hour overnight equity trading | Yes | Limited |
| Corporate / muni bonds | Yes | |
| Futures | Yes |