What Is Power E*TRADE?
E*TRADE offers several trading platforms for investors. If you want a nearly full-featured, browser-based platform that’s simple to use and quick to access, Power E*TRADE is a great choice.
Power E*TRADE has no trade minimums or balance requirements. It works on any computer that can run a modern web browser, making it easy for traders who value convenience and flexibility.
Keep reading to learn more.
Power E*TRADE Cost
Power E*TRADE is completely free for all users.
How to Get Power E*TRADE
Power E*TRADE is designed for everyday investors and is very easy to access. If you have an active E*TRADE account, you can launch it directly from the “Launch Pad” section of the website or by selecting it from the “Trading” menu.
Once you click the link, Power E*TRADE opens in a new browser tab. You’ll see buttons at the top for trading, viewing positions, checking performance, and other quick trade tools.
It’s a good idea to set up your charts and preferences before placing trades. We’ll cover more about that below.
Power E*TRADE Requirements
As mentioned, there are no account or trade minimums needed to access Power E*TRADE. All E*TRADE customers can use the platform.
However, there are a few account details that affect usage.
To trade with margin, your account must have a Net Liquidating Value (NLV) of at least $2,000. You can still trade with less, but you won’t have access to margin features like short selling or increased buying power.
Also, E*TRADE doesn’t provide real-time market data automatically. To receive live data, your account must have at least $1,000 in cash or securities. Accounts with less than that will only see data delayed by 15 minutes.
Power E*TRADE Market Data Subscriptions
Click on “Manage Subscriptions” to choose which market data packages you want to activate.
For testing, we selected all available options. If you’re not familiar with Level 2 data, order flow, or market depth, it’s best to start with the free options.
Depending on your trading style, you may only need specific data types.
For stock and options data, enable Level 1 U.S. Equity and Equity Options. For advanced order book data, use Level 2 feeds such as NYSE Open Book, Arca, and TotalView. For futures and volatility data (like the “fear index”), select CME Futures Bundle and CBOE CFE.
Tools and Market Insights
Power E*TRADE includes all the key tools most traders need. The platform uses a widget layout system that lets you add and move components such as watchlists, news feeds, positions, market overviews, and quick trade buttons.
Widgets can be arranged easily but are limited to the left and right side columns.
To add a widget, click the add widget icon (a plus sign) in the column where you want it.
Platform Navigation
Along with widgets, Power E*TRADE also offers built-in scanners, wizards, and strategy tools to help investors find trading opportunities. The platform is divided into three main sections or “tabs”: Trading, Markets, and Account.
Power E*TRADE Trading Tab
The Trading tab includes detailed tools such as a Quote section, full charts, options chains, TradeLab for complex orders, and StrategySEEK for trade ideas.
Some options may only appear when the platform is maximized, so expanding it gives you access to all features.
TradeLab is an advanced order ticket that lets you create multi-leg strategies with stocks and options.
StrategySEEK helps you find trade setups based on your market outlook. For example, if you expect a stock to rise, you can enter your risk level and target price, and the tool will show strategy ideas like call verticals, put verticals, or short flies.
Markets Tab
From the Markets tab, you can scan for trade opportunities, build watchlists, track market movements, read news updates, and check upcoming earnings reports.
The Live Action scanner makes market scanning simple. It includes several pre-set categories like unusual options activity, technical triggers, price changes, and social sentiment.
You can also build a custom scanner by clicking the “Create Custom Scan” button at the top right.
Account Tab
The Account tab includes categories for orders, positions, balances, performance, history, and messages.
Power E*TRADE Charting Options
The charting tools on Power E*TRADE are powerful but take some time to get used to. The platform packs a lot of useful features into the charts, so exploring the layout is worthwhile.
Chart timeframes
Power E*TRADE doesn’t allow fully custom timeframes like 39m or 78m, but it still provides a strong list of standard time intervals to work with.
Power E*TRADE Indicators
Power E*TRADE offers a large number of built-in studies and indicators. Most are standard and perform well without slowing down your system.
The indicators load quickly, but they may behave slightly differently compared to other platforms. It’s best to stick with simple studies for consistency.
You can’t import custom indicators or third-party studies, and the ability to edit or customize built-in ones is limited.
Comparison
Some brokers, like WellsTrade and Robinhood, don’t offer any browser platforms. Others, like Tastytrade and Charles Schwab, provide web trading tools with no account requirements.
If you want one of the most advanced trading platforms available for free, try
Charles Schwab's thinkorswim.
Continue to thinkorswim Review.
Power E*TRADE Trading Platform Summary
Power E*TRADE is a strong choice for traders who want a reliable, easy-to-use platform with no minimums or installation requirements. It runs smoothly on most computers and offers a range of trading tools.
More advanced traders may find the lack of deep customization and add-on support limiting. However, for trading stocks, futures, and options without a steep learning curve, Power E*TRADE is an excellent browser-based platform.
Free Charles Schwab Account
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Updated on 10/7/2025.
I work in investment analytics and have been investing in the market since I was in high school. I enjoy anything that involves lots of strategy (i.e. a good game of chess), which is why I was naturally drawn to investing and researching companies. Outside of investing, I’m a big fan of the outdoors. In summer, you’re most likely to find me kayaking, camping, and hiking in the mountains.
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