Updated October 23, 2026

OptionsHouse review answers the question most people arrive with: OptionsHouse no longer operates as a separate broker. It was acquired by E*TRADE, and E*TRADE was later acquired by Morgan Stanley. If you are looking for the platform today, this page explains where it went and what replaced it. Updated September 2026.

OptionsHouse review 2026

What happened to OptionsHouse

OptionsHouse built its reputation on low-cost options trading, which was genuinely disruptive when the standard industry charge was far higher. E*TRADE acquired the business and folded its technology and client accounts into its own platform. E*TRADE itself was subsequently acquired by Morgan Stanley, which widened the investment range while keeping the self-directed trading service running.

For a former OptionsHouse customer the practical consequence is straightforward: your account and the options pricing model live inside E*TRADE now. For anyone researching OptionsHouse as a current option, it is not one, and any site presenting it as an active broker is out of date.

What E*TRADE offers instead

• Commission-free trades on stocks, ETFs and mutual funds

• Options at 0.65 dollars per contract, falling to 0.50 at 30 or more trades per quarter

• Over 6,500 mutual funds and a wide instrument range

• Two trading platforms: Power E*TRADE for advanced analysis and the standard platform for simpler use

• Regulated by FINRA, with SEC customer protection rules and FDIC cover on eligible cash

• Account range: brokerage, retirement, managed, small business retirement and Morgan Stanley Private Bank

• Not available: cryptocurrency and forex trading

The options pricing that made OptionsHouse attractive

If low options costs were your reason for using OptionsHouse, the relevant figure today is 0.65 dollars per contract at E*TRADE, dropping to 0.50 for traders placing 30 or more trades per quarter. That is competitive rather than market-leading, so it is worth comparing against other brokers if options are the bulk of your activity.

Education and research

The E*TRADE knowledge library is organised into ten areas including investment basics, advanced trading, retirement planning, tax planning, thematic investing and life stages, with market news and thought leadership produced in partnership with Morgan Stanley. The retirement and life stages sections in particular go beyond what most brokers publish.

Education And Training

Protection

Three layers apply. FDIC insurance covers eligible cash balances. SEC customer protection rules govern how client assets are held. And account security runs through fraud protection, encryption, network defences and two-factor authentication. As always, protection against broker failure is not protection against investment losses.

What this means for you

• If you held an OptionsHouse account: it moved to E*TRADE, and the current terms are E*TRADE's

• If you are comparing brokers today: read the [[E*TRADE review|/brokers/etrade-review]] instead, since that is the live platform

• If low options costs are your priority: compare the 0.65 dollar contract fee against specialist options brokers before committing

• If you need crypto or forex: neither is available here, so look at the alternatives in our [[broker hub|/brokers]]

OptionsHouse: frequently asked questions

Does OptionsHouse still exist?

No. The broker was acquired by E*TRADE and its accounts and technology were absorbed into that platform. E*TRADE was later acquired by Morgan Stanley.

What happened to my OptionsHouse account?

Accounts transferred to E*TRADE, and E*TRADE's current terms and pricing apply to them.

What do options cost at E*TRADE?

0.65 dollars per contract, falling to 0.50 for traders placing 30 or more trades per quarter.

Is E*TRADE regulated?

Yes, by FINRA. It also follows SEC customer protection rules, and eligible cash balances carry FDIC insurance.

Two-factor Authentication (2FA):

E*Trade Regulations

Can I trade crypto or forex there?

No. Neither cryptocurrency nor forex trading is available on the platform.

Where should I look if I want a low-cost options broker?

Compare the 0.65 dollar per contract rate against dedicated options brokers, and check the alternatives listed in our broker hub.

Customer Support

Funding And Withdrawal

Trading Platform

Assets And Instruments

Pricing And Rates

Pricing And Rates

The Small Business Retirement Account:

The Managed Account:

The Retirement Account:

The Brokerage account: