Get started with a brokerage account

Think of a brokerage account as our standard investing account. Once your account is open, you can deposit funds that you can then use to invest or trade in the markets. E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley offers you a full range of investment choices, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs (including crypto funds), options, futures, and more.

You can open a brokerage account in about 10 minutes online, by phone, or through the mail.

Online

1. Click the Open an account button and choose “Brokerage account.” Then complete our online application.
2. You can either fund your account online or by mailing in your initial deposit.

By phone

Call 800-387-2331 and an E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley representative will be happy to assist you.

By mail

1. Download an application and print it out.
2. Complete and sign your application.
3. Send the application with a check for your initial deposit made payable to E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley to the address provided.

When you open an account, we will ask for your name, address, date of birth, and other information that will allow us to identify you. We may also utilize a third-party information provider for verification purposes and/or ask for a copy of your driver’s license or other identifying documents. 

Choose the method that works best for you:

1. Transfer money electronically: Use our Transfer Money service to transfer within 3 business days.
2. By check: You can easily deposit many types of checks.
3. By wire transfer: Wire transfers are fast and secure.
4. Transfer an account: Move an account from another firm.
5. Direct deposit: Automatically deposit your paycheck and other recurring income to your Morgan Stanley Private Bank checking or savings accounts or your E*TRADE brokerage account.

Go now to fund your account.

Consolidating your assets at E*TRADE is easy. You'll have the opportunity to electronically transfer specific assets or an entire brokerage account from another firm during the application process.

Transfer a brokerage account in three easy steps:

1. Open an account in minutes.
2. Request an Electronic Transfer or mail a paper request.
3. Full brokerage transfers submitted electronically are typically completed in ten business days.
   Paper/mail requests for account transfers generally take three to six weeks, depending on how quickly the delivering financial institution is able to process your transfer request.
   We'll send you an online alert as soon as we've received and processed your transfer.

Transfer an existing IRA or roll over a 401(k):

1. Open an account in minutes.
2. Request an Electronic Transfer or mail a paper request.
3. Full brokerage transfers submitted electronically are typically completed in ten business days.
   Paper/mail requests for account transfers generally take three to six weeks, depending on how quickly the delivering financial institution is able to process your transfer request.
   We'll send you an online alert as soon as we've received and processed your transfer.

Our E*TRADE Mobile App lets you seamlessly connect with the markets and your accounts from anywhere. Seize opportunities anytime, anywhere with our full-featured mobile trading app built from the ground up for traders and investors on the go.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is a member of SIPC, which protects securities customers of its members up to $500,000 (including $250,000 for claims for cash). Explanatory brochure available upon request or at www.sipc.org.