E*TRADE requires $0 to open a standard brokerage account or IRA. There is no minimum deposit — you can open an account, fund it with any amount (even $1), and begin investing immediately. The only exceptions are margin accounts ($2,000 FINRA requirement) and futures accounts ($1,500).
E*TRADE Account Minimums at a Glance
| Account Type | Minimum to Open | Ongoing Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Standard brokerage | $0 | $0 |
| Traditional IRA | $0 | $0 |
| Roth IRA | $0 | $0 |
| Rollover IRA | $0 | $0 |
| Custodial account | $0 | $0 |
| Core Portfolios (robo-advisor) | $500 | $500 |
| Margin account | $2,000 | $2,000 equity |
| Futures account | $1,500 | $1,500 |
Why $0 Minimums Matter
A $0 minimum means you can start investing immediately — no need to accumulate a lump sum first. For IRA investors, this matters most: contributing $50 a month starting at 25 is far more valuable than contributing $7,000 all at once starting at 30.
Example: Contributing $200/month to an E*TRADE Roth IRA from age 25 to 65 at a 7% average annual return produces approximately $525,000 — starting with no minimum deposit required.
Dollar-Based Investing: Fractional Shares for S&P 500 Stocks
E*TRADE’s dollar-based investing feature lets you invest any dollar amount in eligible S&P 500 stocks. If a stock trades at $400, you can invest $50 and own 0.125 shares.
Note: Dollar-based investing at E*TRADE covers S&P 500 stocks only — not ETFs or stocks outside the index. Fidelity offers fractional shares across all US stocks and ETFs, which is a broader selection.
Mutual Fund Minimums at E*TRADE
While E*TRADE has no account minimum, individual fund companies set their own purchase minimums:
| Fund Type | Typical Minimum |
|---|---|
| E*TRADE no-transaction-fee (NTF) ETFs | $0 (buy 1 share) |
| NTF mutual funds | $0–$2,500 (varies by fund) |
| Vanguard mutual funds via E*TRADE | $1,000–$3,000 |
| Non-NTF mutual funds | Variable + $19.99 transaction fee |
For small starting balances, ETFs are the most accessible option at E*TRADE — no transaction fee, no minimum, and fractional dollar-based investing available for S&P 500 components.
How E*TRADE Compares on Minimums
| Broker | Account Minimum | Fractional Shares |
|---|---|---|
| E*TRADE | $0 | Yes (S&P 500 stocks only) |
| Fidelity | $0 | Yes (all US stocks and ETFs) |
| Charles Schwab | $0 | Yes (S&P 500 stocks) |
| Vanguard | $0 (brokerage) | No |
| Merrill Edge | $0 | No |
Fidelity has the widest fractional share coverage. For a full comparison, see E*TRADE vs Fidelity.
Trading Costs After You Open
Zero minimum is only valuable if ongoing costs are low:
- Stocks and ETFs: $0 commission
- Options: $0.65 per contract
- NTF mutual funds: $0
- Non-NTF mutual funds: $19.99 transaction fee
- Bonds (online): $1 per bond ($10 minimum)
- Core Portfolios robo-advisor: 0.30% annual fee
See the full E*TRADE fees breakdown.
Core Portfolios: Hands-Off Investing With a $500 Minimum
E*TRADE Core Portfolios — the platform’s robo-advisor — requires a $500 minimum and charges a 0.30% annual management fee. It automatically builds and rebalances a diversified ETF portfolio. For traditional or Roth IRA investors who want managed investing, this is the lowest-barrier entry point.
How to Open an E*TRADE Account With No Minimum
- Go to etrade.com and click “Open an account”
- Select account type (brokerage, IRA, custodial)
- Enter Social Security number, employment information, and contact details
- Link your bank account for funding
- Deposit any amount — even $1 — or open with $0 and fund later
Approval is typically same-day. ACH transfers clear in 1–3 business days, after which you can trade.
Bottom Line
E*TRADE’s $0 minimum removes any barrier to opening an account. The practical minimums to be aware of are $500 for Core Portfolios, $2,000 for margin, and $1,500 for futures. For everyday brokerage, IRA, and ETF investing, you can start with any dollar amount.
For the full E*TRADE overview, see the E*TRADE Review 2026. For IRA-specific details, see the E*TRADE IRA guide.
The content on Wealthvieu is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or investment advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions. Full disclaimer · Editorial policy