Platform Comparison

E*TRADE vs TD Ameritrade

Detailed side-by-side comparison to help you choose the best platform for dividend investing

ET

E*TRADE

★4.6

A full-service brokerage backed by Morgan Stanley, offering exceptional research, education, and five trading platforms for every skill level.

Full Review
Higher Rated
TD

TD Ameritrade

★4.7

The legendary thinkorswim platform lives on under Schwab. All TD Ameritrade accounts have been migrated—new customers should open a Schwab account directly.

Full Review

Feature Comparison

FeatureE*TRADETD Ameritrade
Our Rating4.6/54.7/5
Trading Commissions$0N/A
Account Minimum$0N/A
Fractional SharesDRIP onlyN/A
DRIPFreeVia Schwab
Research ToolsExcellentGood
Best ForResearch-Focused InvestorsFormer TD Ameritrade Customers

Pros & Cons

E*TRADE

Pros

  • + Commission-free trading on stocks and ETFs
  • + Industry-leading research from Morgan Stanley, Morningstar, and MarketEdge
  • + Free dividend reinvestment with fractional share support
  • + Five trading platforms from beginner-friendly to professional
  • + 5,000+ no-transaction-fee mutual funds

Cons

  • - No direct fractional share purchases (only through DRIP)
  • - Website navigation can be confusing
  • - Low interest rate on uninvested cash
  • - No cryptocurrency trading (coming 2026)

TD Ameritrade

Pros

  • + thinkorswim platform retained and integrated into Schwab
  • + All former TD Ameritrade accounts successfully migrated
  • + Commission-free trading continues under Schwab
  • + 400+ technical analysis tools in thinkorswim
  • + Trading simulator for practice without risk

Cons

  • - TD Ameritrade no longer accepts new accounts
  • - TD Ameritrade API permanently shut down
  • - Some interface changes during Schwab transition
  • - Former TD-only features may differ slightly

Which Platform is Right for You?

Choose E*TRADE if you...

  • Want research-focused investors focused features

Choose TD Ameritrade if you...

  • Want former td ameritrade customers focused features
  • Prefer a higher-rated overall platform

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Investment Disclaimer

Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice.