E*Trade Crypto Trading : Bitcoin & Ethereum Coming in 2026
Introduction
The American crypto market just got a major boost. In a groundbreaking move, Morgan Stanley announced that it will roll out E*Trade Crypto Trading starting in the first half of 2026. This launch, powered by a partnership with Zerohash, will allow millions of E*Trade clients to buy and sell Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Solana (SOL) directly through their brokerage accounts. For retail traders across the United States, this signals a new era where digital assets stand shoulder-to-shoulder with stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds on mainstream trading platforms [Reuters].
This article dives into the announcement, explores its impact, and answers the most common questions Americans are asking about the E*Trade crypto launch.
What Morgan Stanley Announced
According to Reuters and Cointelegraph, Morgan Stanley confirmed that E*Trade will integrate crypto trading by mid-2026, starting with three major tokens: Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. The trading infrastructure will be supported by Zerohash, a digital asset settlement and custody firm that recently achieved unicorn status [Reuters; Cointelegraph].
The move puts Morgan Stanley in direct competition with retail-friendly platforms like Robinhood and Charles Schwab, both of which already provide crypto trading options. With Morgan Stanley’s $3.9 trillion crypto market entry, the firm is signaling that crypto is no longer just for enthusiasts — it’s a mainstream investment class.
Why This Matters for American Retail Traders
The announcement isn’t just a headline — it’s a game-changer for everyday U.S. investors. Here’s why:
- Accessibility: Millions of ETrade users will soon be able to buy **Bitcoin on ETrade** without opening separate crypto exchange accounts.
- Credibility: Morgan Stanley is one of Wall Street’s biggest names. Its entry gives crypto trading a strong vote of confidence in the U.S. market.
- Convenience: Investors can manage stocks, ETFs, and crypto under one dashboard, simplifying portfolio management.
- Mainstream adoption: The move highlights America’s shift toward making crypto part of regular financial planning.
For U.S. traders, this feels less like speculation and more like a bridge between Wall Street and crypto innovation.
How Trading on E*Trade Will Likely Work
While Morgan Stanley hasn’t published a full breakdown yet, early details reveal some expectations:
- Supported assets: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Solana (SOL).
- Custody: Powered by Zerohash, which handles liquidity, settlement, and compliance infrastructure.
- Rollout: Gradual launch across 2026, starting with U.S. retail clients.
- Fees: Not yet disclosed, but traders are already searching for “E*Trade crypto fees 2026” to compare with Robinhood and Coinbase.
For most Americans, this means they’ll soon see a new “Crypto” tab inside their E*Trade accounts where they can buy and sell digital assets just like equities.
Morgan Stanley, Zerohash, and the Bigger Picture
Why Zerohash? The firm offers a white-label crypto infrastructure solution, handling custody, settlements, and regulatory compliance. By partnering with them, Morgan Stanley can quickly scale crypto access without building in-house systems from scratch.
This partnership also points to a bigger trend: traditional banks outsourcing crypto rails to fintech partners, while focusing on client relationships and financial planning.
For U.S. traders, the takeaway is simple: you’ll get direct crypto access via a trusted broker, with Zerohash quietly powering it in the background.
How E*Trade Crypto Stacks Against Competitors
With this launch, Morgan Stanley will take on Robinhood, Coinbase, and Charles Schwab. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Platform | Supported Crypto (2025–26) | Fees (est.) | Wallet Transfers | Target Users |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E*Trade (2026) | BTC, ETH, SOL | TBD | Likely limited | Retail + investors |
| Robinhood | 15+ coins | Commission-free | Yes | Young traders |
| Coinbase | 200+ coins | 0.5–1% | Yes | Crypto-native |
| Schwab | Crypto ETFs & trusts | Low | No direct crypto | Retirement investors |
E*Trade’s advantage? Integration into a stock brokerage account — something Coinbase and Robinhood can’t fully replicate.
Impact on the U.S. Crypto Market
This launch will ripple through the U.S. market in multiple ways:
- Increased liquidity: Millions of Americans could funnel fresh money into BTC, ETH, and SOL.
- Price discovery: Easier access may boost volumes and volatility.
- Regulatory tailwinds: The launch aligns with recent policy shifts, including Project Crypto and the Clarity Act, which aim to normalize crypto trading in the U.S.
- Adoption curve: From traders to retirement planners, crypto may soon be a standard asset class in American portfolios.
FAQs About E*Trade Crypto Launch
1. When will E*Trade allow crypto trading?
E*Trade plans to roll out crypto trading in the first half of 2026.
2. Which cryptocurrencies will be available?
At launch: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Solana (SOL).
3. How do I buy Bitcoin on E*Trade?
Once launched, users will see a new Crypto tab in their E*Trade dashboard. They can place buy/sell orders just like stocks.
4. What are the E*Trade crypto fees?
Morgan Stanley hasn’t announced fee details yet, but users are expecting competitive rates compared to Coinbase and Robinhood.
5. Is E*Trade safe for crypto?
Yes — Zerohash will handle custody and settlement. E*Trade users benefit from Morgan Stanley’s regulatory oversight and compliance standards.
6. Can I transfer crypto from Coinbase to E*Trade?
It’s unclear if wallet-to-wallet transfers will be allowed at launch. Most brokerage-linked crypto services begin with “buy/sell only.”
Conclusion
The Morgan Stanley E*Trade crypto launch marks a historic moment in U.S. finance. By offering Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana directly to millions of retail clients, Wall Street is finally opening the doors to crypto for the mainstream. Backed by Zerohash’s infrastructure, this launch will change how Americans invest, trade, and think about digital assets.
For U.S. readers, the key takeaway is simple: very soon, buying Bitcoin on E*Trade will be as easy as buying a stock. And when that happens, the line between traditional and digital investing will officially blur.
