Promotion check · November 4, 2026
RETIRE26 is currently extended through February 28, 2027.
E*TRADE's live retirement-promotion page showed code RETIRE26 with a February 28, 2027 account-opening deadline when we checked on November 4, 2026. New eligible retirement accounts must generally be funded within 60 calendar days. E*TRADE runs separate brokerage and retirement offers, so confirm RETIRE26 on the retirement page before opening.
Verified snapshot · November 4, 2026
E*TRADE's published rollover IRA baseline
IRA / trading
$0 annual IRA fee · $0 minimum
E*TRADE also advertises $0 commissions for online U.S.-listed stock, ETF, mutual-fund, and options trades, with exclusions and options contract fees.
Exit cost
$75 full IRA transfer out
E*TRADE's current fee schedule lists a $75 processing fee to transfer a full IRA account to another institution.
How an E*TRADE Rollover IRA Works
E*TRADE offers two rollover paths. You can use Capitalize to help navigate an old 401(k) rollover, or you can work directly with the former employer's plan administrator and request a direct rollover.
For an eligible employer-plan distribution, ask the old plan for a direct rollover payable to the receiving custodian, usually with “FBO” and your name. If the taxable amount is paid to you instead, the plan generally must withhold 20% for federal taxes, and the 60-day rollover clock starts. To roll over the full taxable amount, you generally need to replace the withheld 20% from other money. Payee wording varies, so ask E*TRADE for the exact instructions to give your old plan. See direct vs. indirect rollovers, rollover withholding, and the 60-day rule. Moving pre-tax retirement money into a Roth IRA is generally a taxable conversion; see our IRA rollover tax guide.
- Open an E*TRADE Rollover IRA or use an eligible existing IRA.
- Ask the former employer plan for its distribution paperwork.
- For a check-based direct rollover, E*TRADE instructs the plan to make the check payable to “Morgan Stanley, FBO” and include the IRA account number.
- Once the money arrives, invest it. Do not assume rollover cash is automatically invested.
E*TRADE says a rollover generally takes 4–6 weeks, but the former employer or plan administrator can make the process faster or slower.
Fees and Costs to Know
| Item | Current published detail |
|---|---|
| Annual IRA account fee | $0 on E*TRADE's current rollover IRA page. |
| Opening minimum | No minimum initial deposit is required to open an account, though unfunded accounts may be closed after 90 days under current pricing terms. |
| Online stocks / ETFs | $0 commissions for U.S. exchange-listed stocks and ETFs, subject to exclusions. |
| Options | $0 base commission plus $0.65 per contract, or $0.50 with 30+ eligible trades per quarter. |
| Broker-assisted trade | Current pricing lists an additional $25 service charge plus applicable commissions/fees. |
| Full outgoing IRA transfer | $75 according to E*TRADE's current IRA fee schedule. |
RETIRE26 Cash Credit Tiers
The live retirement offer uses deposit tiers rather than a flat percentage. New external funds or securities deposited within the 60-day funding window determine the cash credit.
| Eligible funding | Cash credit |
|---|---|
| $1,000–$4,999 | $50 |
| $5,000–$19,999 | $150 |
| $20,000–$99,999 | $300 |
| $100,000–$199,999 | $600 |
| $200,000–$499,999 | $1,000 |
| $500,000–$999,999 | $1,500 |
| $1,000,000–$1,499,999 | $3,000 |
| $1,500,000–$1,999,999 | $5,000 |
| $2,000,000–$4,999,999 | $6,000 |
| $5,000,000+ | $10,000 |
Qualifying assets generally must remain in the new retirement account for at least 12 months after the 60-day funding period or the cash credit can be surrendered. E*TRADE also says RETIRE26 cannot be combined with another offer. See our IRA rollover bonus comparison for flat-match alternatives.
Where E*TRADE Fits Best
Good fit
- DIY investors who want a mainstream broker.
- People who value Morgan Stanley integration.
- Rollover users who want Capitalize assistance as an option.
- Investors who want stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, options, and automated portfolio choices in one place.
Less ideal
- People choosing solely for an expired or unclear promotion.
- Investors who may transfer the entire IRA out soon and dislike the $75 fee.
- People who specifically want broad alternative assets inside a self-directed IRA.
Free rollover checklist
Get the rollover mechanics clear before opening the account.
Track account type, check wording, deadlines, receiving instructions, fees, and what happens after the money arrives.
Open Free Rollover Checklist →Cash credit vs match
E*TRADE's cash-credit offer works differently from a flat 1% rollover match.
RETIRE26 uses deposit tiers rather than a flat percentage. If you are shopping mainly for incentives, compare the dollar value and holding requirements against Robinhood, Webull, and SoFi before deciding.
Compare Current Rollover Offers →Pros and Cons of an E*TRADE Rollover IRA
Pros
- $0 annual IRA fee and no opening minimum.
- $0 commissions on online U.S.-listed stock and ETF trades, subject to standard exclusions.
- Capitalize help is available for old-plan rollovers, or you can request a direct rollover yourself.
- RETIRE26 can beat a flat 1% match at some funding levels.
Cons
- $75 fee to transfer a full IRA out.
- The RETIRE26 cash credit requires a 12-month asset hold after the funding period and cannot be combined with another offer.
- E*TRADE says rollovers often take 4–6 weeks, with the old plan controlling much of the timing.
- It is a mainstream brokerage IRA, not a broad alternative-asset self-directed IRA.
Bottom Line
E*TRADE is a credible mainstream rollover IRA option for people who want no annual IRA account fee, no opening minimum, broad investment access, optional Capitalize help, and a current cash-credit promotion. The main things to watch are the $75 full transfer-out fee, the promotion's deposit tiers, and the long-term platform fit after the incentive is gone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does E*TRADE charge an annual IRA fee?
E*TRADE's current rollover IRA page says there are no annual IRA account fees and no minimums. Other costs can still apply.
How long does an E*TRADE rollover take?
E*TRADE says a rollover generally takes 4–6 weeks, depending on the former employer or plan administrator.
Is the RETIRE26 promotion still active?
Yes, based on E*TRADE's current promotion page checked November 4, 2026. The current deadline is February 28, 2027 for opening an eligible retirement account, with funding generally required within 60 days and cash credits based on deposit tiers. Verify the live terms before opening.
Sources and Editorial Notes
- E*TRADE: Rollover IRA
- E*TRADE: Pricing and Rates
- E*TRADE: current RETIRE26 retirement promotion
- E*TRADE / Morgan Stanley: IRA plan documents
- E*TRADE / Morgan Stanley: current rate and fee schedule
- Provider promotions, fees, and service terms can change. Verify current details before opening or moving an account.