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E*TRADE CD Review

Written by
Bestmoney Staff
The BestMoney editorial team is composed of writers and experts covering a full range of financial services. Our mission is to simplify the process of selecting the right provider for every need, leveraging our extensive industry knowledge to deliver clear, reliable advice.

November 27, 2025

6 min

certificate-of-deposit

E*TRADE CD Summary

E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley offers Certificates of Deposit (CDs) through its bank and brokerage platforms. These FDIC-insured CDs (up to $250,000 per depositor) feature fixed, competitive rates, flexible terms from 3 months to 10 years, no minimum deposit for bank CDs, and a 10-day rate guarantee—providing a secure, transparent way to earn predictable returns.

Certificate of Deposit Pros & Cons

Pros

No minimum deposit for bank CDs
FDIC insured up to $250,000
Daily interest compounding

Cons

Penalties apply for early withdrawal
Brokered CDs may carry additional fees
certificate-of-deposit

Certificate of Deposit at a glance

9
Editorial score

Rates

Highly competitive interest rates and no minimum deposit requirement
10.0

Fees & Requirements

Publishes early withdrawal penalty fees, offers 7 different term lengths; no specialty/no-penalty CDs
9.0

Security

FDIC insured through a partner bank, SSL/AES encryption and supports 2 factor authentication
9.0

Customer Service

Customer service during extended business hours, no or limited virtual live chat assistant, FAQ/help page on website
8.0

Customer Experience

Solid mobile app with 4.7/4.5 out of 5 on the App Store and Google Play; allows joint CDs; does not have branch locations
9.0

Advantages Over Traditional Banks

E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley CDs stand out for combining the safety of a traditional bank product with the convenience and transparency of a digital platform. While many banks require in-branch applications or high minimum deposits, E*TRADE allows full online setup and funding via ACH, wire, or check.

A distinctive feature is the 10-day rate guarantee, ensuring that customers funding a CD within 10 days of opening secure the higher of either the initial or funding rate. This safeguard helps protect users from short-term rate volatility, offering more flexibility than conventional bank CDs.

Moreover, E*TRADE’s dual offering—standard bank CDs and brokered CDs—lets savers choose between guaranteed fixed-rate deposits and a wider marketplace of CDs issued by other banks nationwide. This dual access means E*TRADE users can diversify their deposits while maintaining FDIC coverage limits across multiple institutions.

Cutting-Edge Banking Services

Through the E*TRADE online platform, users gain direct access to a digital interface that simplifies CD comparison, selection, and management. The bank CD channel supports instant funding, interest tracking, and maturity management, while the brokered CD channel provides access to hundreds of issuing banks, enabling users to shop for higher rates and extended terms of up to 10 years.

Key platform innovations include:

  • Automated maturity management: Users receive alerts before CDs mature and can opt for auto-renewal or transfer of funds.
  • Daily compounding of interest: Maximizes returns by calculating interest every day based on the principal and accumulated interest.
  • Integrated CD laddering tools: Customers can create multiple CDs with staggered maturities to optimize liquidity.
  • Secondary market access (brokered CDs): Allows selling before maturity, providing flexibility not typically found in traditional CDs.

E*TRADE’s system also streamlines tax reporting by consolidating interest income across bank and brokered CDs within one platform—ideal for users managing both investments and savings.

Traditional Banking Services

E*TRADE maintains the core benefits expected from a well-regulated U.S. bank:

  • FDIC insurance: Both bank and brokered CDs are insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank, per ownership category.
  • Predictable fixed rates: Once funded, the CD’s APY remains constant for the entire term.
  • No monthly maintenance fees: Customers earn the advertised APY without erosion from service charges.
  • Automatic renewal and redemption options: At maturity, CDs renew automatically at current rates unless the account holder specifies otherwise.

As part of Morgan Stanley Private Bank, E*TRADE CDs benefit from institutional-grade financial backing and a compliance framework aligned with U.S. banking regulations.

Interest Rates and Fees

E*TRADE’s CD rates are updated regularly, with available terms ranging from 6-60 months. While rates fluctuate with market conditions, published examples (as of May 2026) indicate competitive APYs exceeding 4% for mid-term CDs.

TermAnnual Percentage Yield
6 months4.05% APY
9 months4.10% APY
12 months4.10% APY
18 months4.00% APY
24 months4.00% APY
36 months4.00% APY
60 months4.10% APY

Fees and Penalties

  • Early withdrawal penalty (Bank CDs): Based on term length, generally equivalent to several months of interest.
  • Brokered CD transaction fees: $1 per CD purchased or sold on the secondary market.
  • Callable CD risk: Some brokered CDs allow the issuer to redeem before maturity, potentially reducing total returns.
  • No account maintenance fees: Neither the bank nor brokered CD channels charge ongoing service fees.

Customer Service and Online Experience

E*TRADE’s customer support for CD holders includes:

  • Phone Support: 1-800-387-2331, with extended weekday hours and weekend availability.
  • Live Chat: Accessible through the secure client portal.
  • Secure Messaging: Enables account-specific questions directly within the platform.

The online portal is structured for self-service, offering robust FAQs and real-time rate listings before users commit to a term. Unlike many bank websites that obscure rate information until after application, E*TRADE’s interface allows transparent pre-selection comparison.

Additionally, customers receive automated reminders before maturity dates, minimizing the risk of unwanted auto-renewal.

Mobile App

E*TRADE’s mobile app, available for both iOS and Android, extends nearly all desktop functions to mobile devices. Users can:

  • View existing CD balances and accrued interest.
  • Open or renew bank CDs directly from the app.
  • Access brokered CD listings within their investment account.
  • Receive push notifications for rate changes and maturity alerts.

The app supports digital check deposit, ACH transfers, and biometric login, combining banking convenience with advanced security protocols. User reviews on both app stores highlight the reliability and intuitive navigation of E*TRADE’s mobile banking features, particularly when managing multiple financial products under one login.

Security

Security remains central to E*TRADE’s CD offerings. Key protections include:

  • FDIC Insurance: Deposits in bank CDs are insured through Morgan Stanley Private Bank, N.A., up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category. Brokered CDs also carry FDIC insurance through their issuing institutions.
  • Encryption: All transactions are secured via SSL and AES-256-bit encryption, consistent with industry standards.
  • Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Optional SMS or app-based codes protect login access.
  • Account Alerts: Customizable notifications for large transactions, maturity events, and rate adjustments.
  • Fraud Team: A dedicated fraud prevention unit monitors accounts for suspicious activity.

E*TRADE’s integration into the Morgan Stanley ecosystem ensures compliance with federal regulations and cybersecurity frameworks used by major financial institutions, providing users with institutional-level protection.

Summary

E*TRADE’s Certificate of Deposit offering blends traditional banking reliability with modern digital accessibility. Its no minimum deposit requirement, FDIC insurance, and daily compounding make it a secure, low-barrier entry into fixed-rate savings. The inclusion of a 10-day rate guarantee and dual access to both bank and brokered CDs enhances flexibility rarely seen in single-channel banks.

While early withdrawal penalties and callable CD risks may deter those needing liquidity, the product remains well-suited for customers seeking predictable growth in a stable environment. The seamless integration with E*TRADE’s broader online and mobile platforms further strengthens its appeal for existing brokerage clients who value consolidated account management.

In essence, E*TRADE’s CD lineup is a reliable, transparent, and technology-driven savings solution for users who prioritize safety and convenience over speculative yield chasing.

Methodology

This review was prepared using information from the official E*TRADE website, E*TRADE Bank FAQ, Brokered CD platform page, and verified financial data from other comparison sites. Additional verification was conducted using customer support channels and public financial disclosures from Morgan Stanley Private Bank.

Physical Address

Morgan Stanley Private Bank, N.A.

671 N Glebe Rd, Floor 16, Arlington, VA 22203, USA

Disclaimers

1. As of 01/12/2026, the Annual Percentage Yield (APY) of the Certificates of Deposits is up to 4.10%. Your interest rate and APY may change at any time until funding is settled, and penalties may reduce earnings. The APY is based on no withdrawal of credited interest and no redemption prior to the stated maturity date. Please visit etrade.com/ratesheet for information regarding the current interest rate, corresponding APY, and account terms.

2. Certificate of Deposit (CD) interest rates are fixed from the start of the term until their maturity date. 

The interest rate on the Settlement Date can be higher or lower than the interest rate that was available at the time of account opening. Settlement Date is when funds are received and posted to your account according to our Funds Availability policy, found in section 3 of the Morgan Stanley Private Bank Deposit Account Agreement. If your Settlement Date is within 10 calendar days of the account opening, the applied interest rate will be the highest of the prevailing interest rate on the date of account opening or the date of Settlement. Maturity is determined based on the Settlement Date and the term selected. The APY is based on no withdrawal of credited interest and no redemption prior to the stated maturity date. A withdrawal will reduce earnings. See the CD Rate Table page at the etrade.com for information on term lengths, current interest rates and corresponding APYs. Certificate of Deposit rates are subject to change at any time and are not guaranteed until the CD is funded and settled.

Interest will compound from the Settlement Date until the last full day before the date of withdrawal using the daily balance method. Accrued interest posts to your account on a monthly or quarterly basis, based on your selection at the time of account opening, unless you select at account opening to receive interest via check.

3. Deposits Transaction Limits: You may make a one-time deposit, via ACH, wire, or check, to fund the account within 90 calendar days of opening the account. Deposits after this window are not permitted at any time. Unless otherwise provided, partial withdrawals and additional deposits are not permitted. Interest earned on the account can be paid out via check, if you chose that option at opening, otherwise you may not withdraw interest prior to maturity. A withdrawal of interest will reduce earnings.

Withdrawals: You may make a full withdrawal, without penalty, during the grace period in the 7 calendar days immediately following maturity. If you choose to make a withdrawal before maturity, or after the 7-day grace period has ended, an Early Withdrawal penalty will be assessed (refer to “Early Withdrawal penalties” section for more detail). Partial withdrawals are not permitted at any time.

CD customers agree to keep funds on deposit for a fixed period of time. Unless otherwise provided, withdrawals outside of the grace period are not permitted. If we permit an early withdrawal from a CD, we will impose an early withdrawal penalty equals to certain number of days of simple interest determined based on the term of the CD. Simple interest is calculated on the total principal amount (partial withdrawals are not allowed) using the interest rate of your current CD, based on 365 days or 366 if the withdrawal happens in a leap year. If the penalty amount exceeds the accrued interest, the principal is also subjected to penalty. We may elect not to impose a penalty for a withdrawal of principal following the death or adjudication of incompetence of any account owner if the account was opened before such adjudication and not extended or renewed after that date.

4. Certificate of Deposits (CD) are insured by the FDIC, an independent agency of the U.S. Government, up to a maximum amount of $250,000 (including principal and accrued interest) for all deposits held in the same insurable capacity (e.g. individual account, joint account, IRA etc.) per CD depository. Investors are responsible for monitoring the total amount held with each CD depository. All deposits at a single depository held in the same insurable capacity will be aggregated for purposes of the $250,000 federal deposit insurance limit, including deposits (such as bank accounts) maintained directly with the depository and CDs of the depository held through Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. For more information about FDIC insurance, please visit the FDIC website at https://www.fdic.gov/deposit/deposits/.

CD rates are subject to change at any time and are not guaranteed until the CD is opened.

Unless we provide otherwise, CDs will automatically renew at maturity, at the prevailing interest rate for new CD accounts of the same term length as of the date of maturity. You will have a grace period of 7 calendar days after the maturity date to make a full redemption without penalty, which you can do by calling Customer Service at 1-800-387-2331. If you make the withdrawal outside of the grace period, we will impose an Early Withdrawal penalty. In certain circumstances, such as the death or incompetence of an Account holder, we may agree to waive the early withdrawal penalty.

Interest will be paid during the grace period at the prevailing interest rate for CD accounts of the same term length as of the maturity date. If you close the account during the grace period, interest will accrue past the maturity date through the last full day prior to the account closure. We reserve the right to change the interest rate for automatically renewable accounts at each renewal period.

If we elect not to permit the renewal of an automatically renewable time deposit, we will notify you 30 days in advance.

AI was used in the creation of this content, along with human validation and proofreading.

Written byBestmoney Staff

The BestMoney editorial team is composed of writers and experts covering a full range of financial services. Our mission is to simplify the process of selecting the right provider for every need, leveraging our extensive industry knowledge to deliver clear, reliable advice.

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