You've just opened your E*TRADE account – that's fantastic! You're one step closer to taking control of your financial future, whether it's for investing, trading, or simply saving. But now, the big question: how do you actually get money into it? Don't worry, it's a straightforward process, and this comprehensive guide will walk you through every option, ensuring your funds are ready for action.
Let's dive in and get those funds flowing!
Depositing into Your E*TRADE Account: A Step-by-Step Guide
E*TRADE offers a variety of convenient ways to fund your account, catering to different needs and urgency levels. We'll explore each method in detail, so you can choose the one that best suits you.
Step 1: Log In and Navigate to the "Transfer" or "Move Money" Section
Before you can deposit, you need to access your E*TRADE account.
Go to the ETRADE Website or Open the Mobile App:* Head over to
us.etrade.comor launch the E*TRADE mobile app on your smartphone or tablet.Log In Securely: Enter your User ID and Password. E*TRADE often employs multi-factor authentication for your security, so be prepared to enter a code sent to your phone or email.
Find the Funding Section: Once logged in, look for a section typically labeled "Transfer," "Move Money," or "Fund My Account." This is usually found in the main navigation menu or under your account summary.
Step 2: Choose Your Preferred Deposit Method
E*TRADE provides several options for depositing funds, each with its own processing time and characteristics. Let's break them down.
Method 1: Electronic Funds Transfer (ACH Transfer)
This is one of the most common and convenient ways to transfer money between your external bank account and your E*TRADE account. It's generally free and relatively quick.
Sub-step 2.1: Linking Your External Bank Account
If you haven't linked an external bank account before, you'll need to do this first.
Select "Transfer Money" or "Link External Account": Within the "Transfer" section, look for an option to "Transfer Money" or specifically "Link External Accounts."
Provide Bank Details: You'll be prompted to enter your external bank's routing number and account number. Make sure these are accurate to avoid delays. You can usually find these on your bank's website, mobile app, or on a physical check.
Verify Your Bank Account (Crucial!): E*TRADE will typically send two small "micro-deposits" (usually under $1.00) to your external bank account within 1-3 business days.
Check your external bank statement or online banking for these small amounts.
Once you see them, return to E*TRADE and enter these exact amounts to verify your bank account. This step is a security measure to confirm you own the external account.
Account Linked: Once verified, your external bank account will be successfully linked.
Sub-step 2.2: Initiating the ACH Transfer
Now that your account is linked, you can initiate a transfer.
Choose "Transfer Money": From the "Transfer" or "Move Money" menu, select the option to transfer funds.
Select "From" and "To" Accounts:
From: Select your linked external bank account.
To: Select your ETRADE brokerage or bank account*.
Enter the Amount: Specify the dollar amount you wish to deposit.
Set Transfer Frequency: You can choose a one-time transfer or set up recurring transfers (e.g., weekly, monthly).
Review and Confirm: Carefully review all the details of your transfer, including the amount, accounts, and date. Double-check for any typos!
Submit: Confirm the transfer.
Availability: ACH transfers typically take up to 3 business days to become fully available for trading, though some funds may be available for immediate investment based on your E*TRADE account's cleared equity.
Method 2: Wire Transfer
Wire transfers are generally faster than ACH transfers, making them ideal for urgent deposits of larger sums. However, they usually incur fees from your sending bank. E*TRADE does not charge a fee for incoming wires.
Sub-step 2.1: Obtain E*TRADE's Wire Instructions
You'll need specific details for the wire transfer.
Access Wire Transfer Instructions on ETRADE:* Within the "Transfer" or "Fund My Account" section, look for "Wire Transfer" instructions. E*TRADE will provide you with their bank name, address, and routing number.
For ETRADE Brokerage Accounts:*
Receiving Institution Name: Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
Receiving Institution Address: Harborside 2, 200 Hudson Street, Suite 501, Jersey City, NJ 07311
ABA Routing Number: 056073573
Your E*TRADE Brokerage Account Number: (This is crucial and unique to your account.)
Your Name and Address: As it appears on your E*TRADE account.
For Morgan Stanley Private Bank Accounts (e.g., checking/savings):
Receiving Institution Name: Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association (MSPBNA)
Receiving Institution Address: 2000 Westchester Avenue, Purchase, NY 10577 (or sometimes 420 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104 via Wells Fargo)
ABA Routing Number: 056073573 (or 256072691 for specific bank accounts)
Your Morgan Stanley Private Bank Account Number: (Your specific account number.)
Your Name and Address: As it appears on your E*TRADE account.
Important Note: Always confirm the most current wire instructions directly on the ETRADE website or by contacting their customer service, as these details can occasionally change.*
Sub-step 2.2: Initiate the Wire Transfer from Your External Bank
Contact Your Bank: You will need to initiate the wire transfer from your external bank. This can typically be done online through your bank's portal, by phone, or in person at a branch.
Provide ETRADE's Wire Details:* Give your bank all the E*TRADE wire instructions you obtained, including:
E*TRADE's institution name and address
The correct routing/ABA number
Your specific ETRADE account number*
The full name on your E*TRADE account.
Confirm Fees: Be aware of any fees your sending bank will charge for the wire transfer.
Execute the Transfer: Once all details are confirmed, your bank will process the wire.
Availability: Wire transfers are generally the fastest method. Funds are often available for trading on the same business day if received by E*TRADE before their cut-off time (typically 6:00 PM ET).
Method 3: Deposit a Check
E*TRADE offers two convenient ways to deposit checks: mobile check deposit and by mail.
Sub-step 3.1: Mobile Check Deposit (Recommended for Speed and Ease)
This is by far the most convenient way to deposit checks.
Open the ETRADE Mobile App:* Launch the app on your smartphone or tablet.
Navigate to "Check Deposit": Look for the "Deposit Checks" or "Check Deposit" option within the app's menu.
Enter Amount and Select Account: Input the exact amount of the check and choose the E*TRADE account you want to deposit into.
Endorse the Check Properly:
Sign the back of the check.
Write "For electronic deposit" and your ETRADE account number* directly below your signature. This is crucial for proper processing.
Snap Pictures: The app will guide you to take clear pictures of the front and back of the endorsed check. Ensure all four corners of the check are visible, and the image is well-lit and not blurry.
Review and Submit: Double-check the entered amount and image quality, then submit your deposit.
Availability: Mobile check deposits typically take up to 5 business days for funds to clear and become available for trading. There's usually a daily maximum limit (e.g., $250,000 per day for E*TRADE).
Sub-step 3.2: Deposit by Mail
For those who prefer traditional methods or have larger checks that exceed mobile deposit limits.
Prepare Your Check:
Write your nine-digit or ten-digit ETRADE account number* on the memo line of the check.
Sign the back of the check and write "for deposit only to [account number]" next to or directly under your signature.
Ensure the check is payable to you (in the same name as your E*TRADE account), or to "Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC" for brokerage accounts or "Morgan Stanley Private Bank" for bank accounts, depending on your account type.
Include a Deposit Slip (Optional but Recommended): If you have E*TRADE deposit slips, fill one out and include it with your check.
Mail Your Check To:
Regular US Mail: E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley PO Box 484 Jersey City, NJ 07303-0484
Overnight Mail (for faster delivery): E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley Harborside 2 200 Hudson Street, Suite 501 Jersey City, NJ 07311
Availability: Deposits by mail also typically take up to 5 business days once received and processed by E*TRADE.
Method 4: Direct Deposit
This method is perfect for automatically depositing recurring income, such as paychecks, pensions, or Social Security benefits, directly into your E*TRADE brokerage or bank account.
Sub-step 4.1: Obtain Your E*TRADE Direct Deposit Information
You'll need specific routing and account numbers from E*TRADE for direct deposit setup.
Log In to ETRADE:* Access your account online or via the mobile app.
Navigate to "Set up Direct Deposit": Look for this option, often found under "Transfer" or "Move Money," or within your specific account details (e.g., "Complete View" > "Quick Links").
Retrieve Details: E*TRADE will provide you with the necessary information:
For ETRADE Brokerage Account:*
Routing Number: 056073573
Account Number: Your specific 9-digit E*TRADE brokerage account number.
Financial Institution Name: E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley
Account Type: Checking (even if it's a brokerage account, this is typically how employers categorize it for direct deposit)
For Morgan Stanley Private Bank Checking/Savings Account:
Routing Number: 256072691
Account Number: Your specific Morgan Stanley Private Bank account number.
Financial Institution Name: Morgan Stanley Private Bank
Account Type: Checking or Savings (select accordingly)
Sub-step 4.2: Set Up Direct Deposit with Your Employer or Payer
Access Your Employer's Payroll System: Log in to your employer's online payroll portal, or contact your HR/payroll department.
Provide ETRADE Direct Deposit Details:* Enter the ETRADE routing number, your specific ETRADE account number, and specify the account type (checking or savings, as indicated by E*TRADE).
Specify Allocation (Optional): You can often choose to direct a full paycheck or a specific dollar amount/percentage to your E*TRADE account.
For Social Security/Pensions: Visit the SSA website (ssa.gov/myaccount) or contact your pension provider to set up direct deposit.
Availability: The initial setup for direct deposit can take 1-2 pay cycles for your employer/payer to process. Once set up, funds are usually available immediately on your payday.
Method 5: Transfer an Account from Another Firm (ACATS Transfer)
This method is for moving an entire brokerage account (cash and securities) from another financial institution to E*TRADE. This isn't just a "deposit" of cash, but a full transfer of assets.
Initiate Transfer on ETRADE:* Look for "Transfer an Account" or "Move an Account from Another Firm" within the "Transfer" section.
Provide Other Firm's Details: You'll need the name of the delivering financial institution, your account number there, and the registration (ownership of the account).
ETRADE Handles the Rest:* E*TRADE will typically handle the communication with your previous brokerage to facilitate the transfer. You might need to sign a transfer form.
Availability: ACATS transfers take 10+ business days for electronic transfers and can take 3 to 6 weeks for paper/mail requests, depending on the speed of the delivering institution.
Step 3: Monitor Your Deposit and Funds Availability
After initiating your deposit, it's important to keep an eye on its status.
Check Your ETRADE Account:* Regularly log in to your E*TRADE account (online or app) to view your "Cash Balance" and "Available for Trading" figures.
Review Transaction History: The "Activity" or "Transaction History" section will show the status of your deposit.
Understand Funds Availability:
Wire Transfers: Often same business day if received by E*TRADE's cut-off.
ACH Transfers: Up to 3 business days.
Check Deposits (Mobile/Mail): Up to 5 business days.
Direct Deposits: 1-2 pay cycles for initial setup, then immediate on payday.
ACATS Transfers: 10+ business days (electronic) to 3-6 weeks (paper).
Important Considerations:
Account Ownership: Ensure the name on the funding source (bank account, check) exactly matches the name on your E*TRADE account to avoid delays or rejections.
Limits: Be aware of any daily or per-transaction limits for certain deposit methods (e.g., mobile check deposit limits, ACH transfer limits).
Fees: While E*TRADE generally doesn't charge for incoming deposits (except for certain specific circumstances), your sending bank might charge fees for wire transfers or other services.
Security: Always use a secure internet connection when performing financial transactions. Be wary of phishing scams and only log in through the official E*TRADE website or app.
New Account Offers: If you opened your E*TRADE account with a promotional offer, be sure to meet any funding requirements within the specified timeframe to qualify for bonuses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to check if my E*TRADE account is fully funded?
You can check your E*TRADE account's funding status by logging in and navigating to your "Account Balances" or "Complete View" page. You'll see figures like "Cash Balance" and "Available for Trading."
How to link an external bank account to E*TRADE?
Log in to E*TRADE, go to "Transfer" or "Move Money," select "Link External Account," and follow the prompts to enter your bank's routing and account numbers. You'll then verify with micro-deposits sent to your external bank.
How to set up recurring deposits into my E*TRADE account?
Once your external bank account is linked, choose the "Transfer Money" option, select the "From" and "To" accounts, enter the amount, and then select the option to make the transfer "recurring" (e.g., weekly, bi-weekly, monthly).
How to find my E*TRADE routing and account numbers for direct deposit?
Log in to E*TRADE, go to "Accounts" > "Complete View" > "Quick Links," or navigate to the "Set up Direct Deposit" section. You'll find the appropriate routing and account numbers for your brokerage or bank account.
How to deposit a large check into E*TRADE?
For checks exceeding mobile deposit limits, you can mail the check to E*TRADE's mailing address (provided in Method 3.2 above). Always endorse the check properly and include your account number.
How to cancel a pending deposit to E*TRADE?
If a deposit is still "pending," you might be able to cancel it through the "Transfer History" section of your ETRADE account. If not, contact ETRADE customer service immediately.
How to transfer an entire investment account from another brokerage to E*TRADE?
Log in to ETRADE and find the "Transfer an Account" or "Move an Account from Another Firm" option. You'll provide details of your old account, and ETRADE will initiate the ACATS transfer process.
How to resolve a rejected deposit to E*TRADE?
A rejected deposit is usually due to mismatched names, incorrect account numbers, or insufficient funds in the sending account. Check the rejection reason provided by E*TRADE and correct the issue before attempting another deposit, or contact customer service.
How to check the status of my wire transfer to E*TRADE?
Wire transfers are initiated from your sending bank. You should first confirm with your sending bank that the wire has been sent. Then, check your E*TRADE account activity for the incoming wire, which is usually processed on the same business day if received by their cut-off.
How to get help with E*TRADE deposits if I have problems?
If you encounter any issues, the best course of action is to contact E*TRADE customer service directly. You can typically find their contact information (phone number, chat support) on their website or within the mobile app.
