Head-to-head comparison across ratings, fees, asset coverage, and platform 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.
4.6 / 5
Best for active, global, and advanced traders. Lowest margin rates in the industry, broadest international access (160+ exchanges, 36 countries), and the most complete API stack in retail brokerage.
Each broker scored 0–5 across the same 8 dimensions.
Green cells mark the winner on each metric. Tie rows are uncoloured.
| Metric | E*TRADE | Interactive | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| OverallEditorial score | 4.40 / 5 | 4.60 / 5 | Interactive |
| Sub-ratingsCommissions & fees | 4.00 | 4.80 | Interactive |
| Sub-ratingsPlatforms & tools | 4.50 | 5.00 | Interactive |
| Sub-ratingsMobile app | 4.50 | 4.00 | E*TRADE |
| Sub-ratingsResearch | 4.50 | 4.20 | E*TRADE |
| Sub-ratingsEducation | 4.50 | 4.00 | E*TRADE |
| Sub-ratingsCustomer service | 4.70 | 3.80 | E*TRADE |
| Sub-ratingsRange of investments | 4.50 | 5.00 | Interactive |
| Sub-ratingsActive trading | 4.30 | 5.00 | Interactive |
| PricingLowest margin rate | 10.45% | 5.83% | Interactive |
| PricingDefault cash sweep yield | 3.60% | 4.33% | Interactive |
| PricingPFOF on equities | Accepts | Does not accept | Interactive |
| Asset class | E*TRADE | Interactive |
|---|---|---|
| OTC / penny stocks | Limited | Yes |
| Fractional shares | No | Yes |
| Options (single & multi-leg) | Yes | |
| Corporate / muni bonds | Yes | |
| Forex | No | Yes |
| Futures | Yes | |
| Crypto (direct) | Limited | Yes |
| International stocks | Limited | Yes |
| 24-hour overnight equity trading | Limited | Yes |
| Options (US + global) | Yes | |
| Corporate / muni bonds, CDs | Yes | |
| Futures / futures options | Yes | |
| Pre-market trading | Yes | |
| After-hours trading | Yes | |
| Prediction markets | Yes |