Etrade Review: The Most Secured Online Brokerage Firm

Etrade Review #1: Company Background

Based in New York, United States, E*Trade Financial Corporation or simply E*Trade/E-Trade is recognized as reliable  company that never fails to deliver its promise. It is engaged in stock brokerage on behalf of investors who can buy and sell trade securities such as mutual funds, bonds, and exchange-traded funds via telephone and internet. 

Since its establishment in 1991, Etrade has gone from public trading in 1996 to becoming a SmartMoney #1 Online Broker this year.

Aside from trading, the company is also into providing retirement packages for its valued investors, online banking, and lending services like credit cards and certificate of deposits. Today, it boasts of its ability to cater to different nationalities; its support of ten languages caters to the needs of clients of different nationality. As of the last count, it services 40 countries all over the world.

Etrade Review #2: Strengths

ETrade's main strength is its attractive package of low brokerage fee. In fact, it is considered the lowest in the industry, with maintaining account balance standing at $1,000. At any instant, an investor can trade in as low as $7. ETrade review has revealed that its best features are a secret to be discovered among its clients.

It hardly advertises its asset allocation advice, which basically provides direction and guidance to first-time investors. It also provides its financial planning advisory available at any time clients want it.

Its branches are found in fourteen states and in Washington, D.C. Wherever they are present, clients can come to seek for personal advice on stock management. Reviewers have also raved its ability to put technology and expertise at the forefront of trading.
Screen charting, analyst research from independent sources, and real-time feedback on portfolios and stock quotes are just few of its valuable features.

For those who can afford it, it offers digital security in online stock trading. This makes it impossible for anyone, other than the owner, to pry the account open. This feature was instrumental in the company's award of being the most secured online brokerage firm in terms of account protection.

Etrade Review #3: Weaknesses

On the other hand, reviewers lament the fact that it does not offer enough attractive incentives for investors. Its most-oft criticized feature is its 40 dollar penalty for inactive accounts within the quarter.  IRA, custodial accounts, and accounts of at least $10,000  in assets are exempted. There is also the absence of fractional shares, which in other companies have been considered a standard.

Recently, the company has figured in bad financial reviews in its mortgage-backed securities in its banking unit. It has to seek financial infusion from Citadel Holdings, which many people in the know think has kept the company surviving. It has also scored low in terms of customer service.

Etrade Review #4: Verdict

All in all, people whose funds do not have much room for penalties and fees should not opt to join ETrade any day. But for those whose eyes are fixed for long-term return of investments, it is one attractive firm to consider.

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