Is TD Ameritrade better than E*TRADE? After scoring brokers in nine separate categories for our 2019 review, TD Ameritrade (86.98%) is better than E*TRADE (83.68%). The extra cost of trading with TD Ameritrade is worth every cent – the brokerage delivers fantastic platforms, research, mobile apps, education, and customer service. This outstanding all-round experience makes TD Ameritrade our No. 1 overall broker in 2019.
Using data from our latest annual broker review which tested more than a dozen different online brokers over six months, we can compare E*TRADE vs TD Ameritrade to determine which broker is best. Let's dive in.
First, we will break down the commission charges of both brokers for placing stock and options trades. E*TRADE and TD Ameritrade both cost $6.95 per trade. Looking at options, the base fees charged are the same for both brokers, $6.95. Option contracts cost $0.75 each at both brokerages. Instead of flat rate fees, several brokers charge a per-share fee instead. For a complete review of trading charges, read our full online broker reviews.
Next, investors want to make sure they can trade the investment vehicle they want. TD Ameritrade offers clients Stock Trading, Options Trading, Mutual Funds, Forex Trading and Futures Trading while E*TRADE offers Stock Trading, Options Trading, Mutual Funds and Futures Trading. As far as mutual funds go, TD Ameritrade boasts an offering of 12418 mutual funds compared to E*TRADE's 9062 available funds.
Finally, by comparing the each broker's website and platform features, we can surface interesting differences. TD Ameritrade offers virtual trading while E*TRADE does not. For mobile trading, E*TRADE and TD Ameritrade both have a iPhone App, iPad App and Android App. Online banking is also used by many customers, and multiple full-service brokerages provide these services. Clients can have Checking Accounts, Debit Cards and Credit Cards at TD Ameritrade while customers at E*TRADE can have Checking Accounts, Savings Accounts and Debit Cards.
Overall, between E*TRADE and TD Ameritrade, TD Ameritrade is the winner.