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.
4.0 / 5
Best for OTC and penny-stock buyers who want $0 commissions, plus mainstream mutual-fund and 24/5 access. Smaller platform and research footprint than the big four, but the price floor is uncontested.
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 | Firstrade | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| OverallEditorial score | 4.40 / 5 | 4.00 / 5 | E*TRADE |
| Sub-ratingsCommissions & fees | 4.00 | 5.00 | Firstrade |
| Sub-ratingsPlatforms & tools | 4.50 | 3.50 | E*TRADE |
| Sub-ratingsMobile app | 4.50 | 4.00 | E*TRADE |
| Sub-ratingsResearch | 4.50 | 3.50 | E*TRADE |
| Sub-ratingsEducation | 4.50 | 3.50 | E*TRADE |
| Sub-ratingsCustomer service | 4.70 | 3.60 | E*TRADE |
| Sub-ratingsRange of investments | 4.50 | 3.80 | E*TRADE |
| Sub-ratingsActive trading | 4.30 | 3.60 | E*TRADE |
| PricingLowest margin rate | 10.45% | 10.75% | E*TRADE |
| PricingDefault cash sweep yield | 3.60% | 3.50% | E*TRADE |
| PricingPFOF on equities | Accepts | Accepts | Tie |
| Asset class | E*TRADE | Firstrade |
|---|---|---|
| US stocks (NYSE/Nasdaq/AMEX) | Yes | |
| OTC / penny stocks | Limited | |
| Fractional shares | No | Yes |
| Options (single & multi-leg) | Yes | |
| Futures | Yes | No |
| Crypto (direct) | Limited | Yes |
| IPOs | Yes | |
| International stocks | Limited | |
| 24-hour overnight equity trading | Limited | Yes |
| US stocks | Yes | |
| OTC / Pink Sheets / OTCQX / OTCQB | Yes | |
| Options | Yes | |
| International stocks (US app) | No | |
| Pre-market trading | Yes | |
| After-hours trading | Yes |