E*TRADE customer service is not available 24 hours a day, seven days a week
E*TRADE's phone support operates during market hours and extended hours on weekdays, but closes on weekends and market holidays. The exact hours depend on which type of account you hold and which department you need — options trading support, for example, has different availability than general account questions.
If you need help outside regular hours, E*TRADE offers other ways to reach someone: email, live chat during business hours, and a callback request system that lets you schedule a call instead of waiting on hold.
Key Takeaways
- E*TRADE phone support is open Monday through Friday during market hours (9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern) and until 8 p.m. Eastern on weekdays for some account types.
- Weekend and holiday support is limited to online chat and email, with no phone representatives available.
- You can request a callback through the E*TRADE website instead of holding on the phone, and a representative will call you back during business hours.
- Live chat support is available during market hours on weekdays, but response times vary depending on how busy the queue is.
Phone support hours by account type
E*TRADE divides customer service into different departments, and each has its own schedule. For standard brokerage accounts and IRAs, phone support runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern, Monday through Friday — essentially the hours the stock market is open. If you call outside those times, you will reach an automated system that can direct you to email or chat options.
Options traders and active traders may have extended hours. Some E*TRADE accounts offer phone support until 8 p.m. Eastern on weekdays. You can check your specific account's support hours by logging into E*TRADE and looking at the "Contact Us" section, which shows the hours for your account type.
On weekends, market holidays, and after 8 p.m. Eastern on weekdays, phone support is not available. E*TRADE does not staff phone lines during these times, even if you are in the middle of a transaction or have an urgent question.
Live chat and email when phone lines are closed
E*TRADE's live chat feature is available Monday through Friday during market hours. Chat wait times depend on how many customers are in the queue — during busy market periods, you might wait 10 to 20 minutes to connect with someone. Chat is not available on weekends or after market hours on weekdays.
Email support is available anytime, including weekends and holidays. You can send a message through the E*TRADE website, and a representative will respond within one to two business days. Email is slower than phone or chat, but it is useful if your question is not urgent or if you need to include documents or screenshots.
How to request a callback instead of waiting on hold
If you call E*TRADE during business hours and the wait is long, you can ask the automated system to schedule a callback. Instead of holding on the phone, you provide your number and a time window, and a representative calls you back when it is your turn. This feature is available during standard phone support hours.
Callback requests typically come through within a few hours during the same business day, though wait times can extend to the next business day if call volume is very high. You do not have to be at your computer or phone constantly — you can go about your day and take the call when it comes.
What to do if you have an urgent issue after hours
If your account has been compromised, you suspect fraud, or you have another security concern, E*TRADE has a separate after-hours line. The number is listed on your account statements and in the E*TRADE app under "Contact Us." This line is staffed for genuine emergencies even when regular customer service is closed.
For non-emergency issues that happen after hours — like a question about a trade or a technical problem with the platform — your best options are to send an email or wait until the next business day to call. E*TRADE's email team will see your message and respond, but not when ready.
E*TRADE mobile app and online help resources
The E*TRADE mobile app and website have built-in help sections that are available 24 hours a day. You can search for answers to common questions, watch video tutorials, and access your account information without speaking to anyone. Many routine tasks — like checking your balance, placing a trade, or viewing your transaction history — do not require customer service at all.
The E*TRADE website also has a searchable knowledge base with articles about account management, trading, and technical issues. If you can find an answer there, you do not have to wait for a representative to call you back.
Holiday and market closure schedules
E*TRADE closes customer service on major U.S. holidays and on days when the stock market is closed. This includes New Year's Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and others. On these days, phone support is not available, though email and the online help resources remain accessible.
The stock market also closes early (at 1 p.m. Eastern) on the day after Thanksgiving and on Christmas Eve. E*TRADE's phone support hours may be shortened on these days as well. You can check E*TRADE's holiday schedule on their website or in the app to see which days support will be limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reach E*TRADE customer service on Saturday or Sunday?
No phone support is available on weekends. You can send an email or use live chat if it is available, but response times will be slower. Email sent on Saturday or Sunday will be answered on the next business day, usually Monday.
What if I am on hold and need to hang up?
You can request a callback through the automated system before you hang up. Provide your phone number and a time window when you are available, and a representative will call you back during business hours instead of making you wait on the phone.
Is there a phone number for after-hours emergencies?
Yes. E*TRADE has a separate after-hours line for security issues and account emergencies. The number is on your account statements and in the E*TRADE app under "Contact Us." This line is staffed 24 hours for genuine emergencies like fraud or account compromise.
How long does it take to get a response from E*TRADE email support?
Email responses typically arrive within one to two business days. If you send an email on Friday evening, you should expect a response by Tuesday. For faster help, use live chat during market hours on weekdays.
Can I chat with E*TRADE on weekends?
Live chat is not available on weekends. Chat support is only open Monday through Friday during market hours. On weekends, email is your only option for contacting customer service.