E*TRADE is now part of Charles Schwab

E*TRADE no longer operates as a separate brokerage. Charles Schwab completed its acquisition of E*TRADE in October 2020 and has been integrating the two companies since then. If you held an E*TRADE account, it was moved to Schwab's platform, though the transition happened in phases and some accounts took longer than others.

Schwab announced in November 2019 that it would buy E*TRADE for approximately $26 billion. The deal closed about a year later. Current E*TRADE customers were notified of the merger and given information about how their accounts would transfer, but the exact timeline and process depended on the type of account you held and when you opened it.

If you still see E*TRADE branding or have questions about an old E*TRADE account, it is because the full integration took time. Some legacy systems remained under the E*TRADE name for a period, but all accounts are now managed through Schwab's infrastructure and customer service channels.

Key Takeaways

  • Charles Schwab acquired E*TRADE in October 2020 and consolidated all accounts onto Schwab's platform.
  • E*TRADE account holders were transitioned to Schwab accounts, with the process completed in phases between 2020 and 2021.
  • Your account number, holdings, and positions moved to Schwab, but you may have received a new login or account structure.
  • E*TRADE no longer exists as an independent brokerage, and all customer service now goes through Charles Schwab.

What happened to E*TRADE accounts during the merger

When Schwab took over E*TRADE, existing customer accounts were transferred rather than closed. You did not lose your stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or cash balances. Instead, your holdings moved into a Schwab account structure. The exact mechanics depended on what you owned and whether your account was a standard brokerage account, an IRA, or another type.

Schwab sent account holders written notice before the transition, usually several weeks in advance. The notice included your new account number, new login credentials if they changed, and instructions for accessing your account on Schwab's platform. Some people experienced a brief period where they could not trade or access their account while the transfer was processing.

If you had multiple E*TRADE accounts—for example, a regular brokerage account and an IRA—they may have been consolidated into fewer accounts under Schwab's structure, or they may have remained separate. Schwab's customer service team can tell you exactly what happened to your specific accounts if you contact them.

How to access your former E*TRADE account now

You log into your account through Schwab's website or mobile app, not through E*TRADE's old login page. If you try to visit E*TRADE's website, you will be redirected to Schwab or given information about accessing your account through Schwab instead.

Your login username may have changed during the merger. Schwab sent this information by mail when your account transferred. If you do not remember your new username or password, you can reset it on Schwab's login page using your email address or account number.

Once you log in, your account will show your holdings, cash balance, and transaction history. The layout and tools are Schwab's, not E*TRADE's, so if you have not logged in since the merger, the interface will look different from what you remember.

Why Schwab bought E*TRADE

Schwab purchased E*TRADE to combine two large retail brokerage platforms and reduce competition in the industry. At the time of the deal, both companies offered commission-free stock and ETF trading, low account minimums, and tools for individual investors. Combining them allowed Schwab to serve more customers and consolidate technology and operations.

The merger also gave Schwab access to E*TRADE's customer base and brand recognition. E*TRADE had been operating since 1982 and had millions of active accounts. Rather than shut down E*TRADE entirely, Schwab initially kept some E*TRADE branding and services running in parallel while it worked on full integration.

Differences between E*TRADE and Schwab platforms

E*TRADE and Schwab had different trading platforms, research tools, and account structures before the merger. E*TRADE's platform was known for its active trading tools and options capabilities. Schwab's platform emphasized education, retirement planning, and a broader range of account types.

After the merger, Schwab began moving E*TRADE customers to its own platform. This meant some E*TRADE-specific features were discontinued or replaced with Schwab equivalents. If you were an active trader who relied on E*TRADE's tools, you may have noticed changes in how you place trades or access market data.

Schwab has continued to develop its trading platform and has added features that appeal to different types of investors. If you are unhappy with how your account works now, you can contact Schwab to learn what options are available or whether you can customize your experience.

What to do if you cannot find your E*TRADE account

If you had an E*TRADE account but cannot locate it now, it may have been transferred to Schwab under a different account number or username. Start by contacting Schwab's customer service with your old E*TRADE account number or the email address you used to register. They can search their records and tell you whether your account was transferred and what your new account details are.

If your account was inactive or had a very small balance, it is possible it was closed before the merger. Brokerage firms sometimes close accounts that have not been used for a long time or that fall below a minimum balance. Schwab can confirm whether this happened and, if so, what became of any remaining funds.

If you believe your account should exist but Schwab cannot find it, ask to speak with a supervisor or request that they search their merger records. The transition was large and complex, and occasionally accounts are misfiled or require manual research to locate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use my E*TRADE login to access my account?

No. E*TRADE's login system no longer exists. You must use Schwab's login page with your new username and password. If you do not know your new credentials, you can reset them on Schwab's website using your email address or account number.

Did my stocks and money transfer to Schwab, or did I lose them?

Your stocks, bonds, cash, and other holdings transferred to Schwab. You did not lose them. They are now held in a Schwab account under a new account number. Log into Schwab to see your current positions and balances.

What if I do not want to use Schwab and want to move my account somewhere else?

You can transfer your account to another brokerage at any time. Contact the new brokerage and ask them to initiate an ACAT (Automated Customer Account Transfer) from Schwab. The process usually takes five to seven business days. You will not lose your holdings during the transfer.

Are my E*TRADE IRAs and retirement accounts still there?

Yes. Retirement accounts like IRAs, SEP-IRAs, and other tax-advantaged accounts transferred to Schwab along with regular brokerage accounts. The account type and tax treatment remain the same. You can see them when you log into Schwab.

Does Schwab charge fees that E*TRADE did not?

Schwab does not charge commissions on stock and ETF trades, just as E*TRADE did not. However, Schwab may charge fees for certain services, account types, or features that E*TRADE did not offer. Review Schwab's current fee schedule or contact them to understand what you may be charged for your specific account.