Ever logged into your E*TRADE account hoping to buy Bitcoin or Ethereum — only to realize you can’t? You’re not alone. Many traditional investors want crypto exposure through platforms they already trust, without opening a separate exchange account. That gap — between desire and current capability — can be frustrating.
This article will clear up exactly what crypto on E*TRADE means today, what you can do, and what’s likely coming next. You’ll walk away knowing which crypto investment products E*TRADE supports, how they compare, and whether you might soon be able to trade crypto directly on E*TRADE.
Crypto Investment Types Available on E*Trade
While E*TRADE does NOT currently allow direct crypto purchases, it does offer indirect exposure to cryptocurrencies through various securities and products. According to E*TRADE, clients can access:
- ExchangE*Traded products (ETPs) / exchangE*Traded funds (ETFs) tied to crypto — e.g. spot Bitcoin ETPs, crypto thematic ETFs.
- Futures contracts based on cryptocurrencies (e.g. crypto futures) via Power E*TRADE.
- Crypto-related equities and “coin trusts” (stocks or trusts holding crypto or crypto company exposure).
Here’s a quick table summarizing these options:
| Product Type | Description | Crypto Exposure |
| Spot ETP/ETF | Fund holding crypto assets or tied to spot price | Direct-like exposure without wallet |
| Futures | Contracts to speculate on price movements | Leveraged exposure without owning crypto |
| Crypto equities / trusts | Stocks, trust shares investing in crypto or companies | Indirect exposure via equities |
What is an ETF?
An ETF (ExchangE*Traded Fund) is a security that tracks an index, commodity, or basket of assets. ETFs trade like stocks on exchanges and can offer exposure to markets — including crypto sectors — in a regulated way.
When it comes to crypto, ETFs or ETPs may hold the actual underlying asset (in the case of spot ETPs) or use futures/derivatives to mimic its price movements. E*TRADE supports trading of these through its brokerage and IRA accounts, so you don’t need a crypto wallet.
ETF vs Stock: How They Compare
To help you understand which option makes sense, here’s a comparison between ETFs (or ETPs) and stocks:
| Aspect | ETFs / Crypto ETPs | Stocks / Crypto equities |
| Diversification | Often diversified across multiple assets or contracts | Concentrated in a single company or trust |
| Volatility | May smooth movements if diversified or hedged | More subject to company-specific risks |
| Trading style | Suitable for core portfolio exposure | Used for targeted bets or thematic plays |
| Fees | Expense ratios, tracking fees | Broker commissions, capital gains tax |
| Regulation & ease | Traded like traditional securities within brokerage accounts | Requires stock research, possibly less tied to crypto fundamentals |
Will E*Trade Support Cryptocurrencies Directly?
Recent reports suggest yes — change is coming. Morgan Stanley, which owns E*TRADE, is reportedly planning to introduce direct crypto trading via E*TRADE in 2026 through a partnership with infrastructure provider Zerohash.
If this comes to fruition, E*TRADE clients may be able to buy and sell Bitcoin, Ethereum, and possibly other tokens directly from their brokerage accounts — no external crypto wallet required. This would mark a major shift, blending traditional investing and digital assets under one platform.
Moreover, reports indicate discussions are ongoing and the plan is not yet finalized, so timing and exact features remain uncertain.
Summary
So, crypto on E*TRADE today means indirect exposure via ETPs, ETFs, futures, and crypto-related stocks — not direct ownership of cryptocurrencies like BTC or ETH. That said, the landscape is poised to shift. With Morgan Stanley exploring the integration of direct crypto trading on E*TRADE (likely in 2026), investors should stay alert.
For now, use E*TRADE’s ETF and futures offerings to get regulated exposure, while preparing for the potential future where crypto and stocks coexist side by side in one portfolio.
Will you wait for direct crypto trading on E*TRADE — or will you use ETPs and other routes to gain exposure now? Share your strategy or hopes below — your insight might spark the next shift in crypto integration.
