Can You Buy Bitcoin with E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley?

When exploring whether you can purchase Bitcoin directly through your traditional brokerage account, one name that often pops up is E*TRADE, the well-known online trading platform owned by Morgan Stanley. With its strong brand and integration into mainstream finance, E*TRADE seems like a natural gateway to digital assets. 

So, can you actually buy Bitcoin with E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley? Let’s break down the current landscape, your options, and some strategic alternatives for crypto-curious investors. 

E*TRADE and Bitcoin: What’s Currently Available? 

As of mid-2025, E*TRADE does not allow direct purchases of Bitcoin (BTC) or other cryptocurrencies like Ethereum (ETH) within its brokerage platform. This limitation may come as a surprise, especially given E*TRADE’s reputation for offering a wide range of investment products and its acquisition by Morgan Stanley, a bank that’s slowly warming up to digital assets. 

Why Doesn’t E*TRADE Offer Direct Bitcoin Purchases? 

Several factors explain E*TRADE’s current stance: 

• Regulatory caution: As a legacy financial institution owned by Morgan Stanley, E*TRADE operates under tight SEC and FINRA oversight. The legal and custodial risks associated with handling crypto directly remain a barrier. 

• Custody and infrastructure: Offering crypto requires secure digital custody solutions, which traditional brokerages are still integrating or partnering to develop. 

• Business model alignment: E*TRADE’s current offerings align with its equities-based platform. Introducing spot crypto trading may conflict with Morgan Stanley’s cautious approach to retail crypto access. 

Alternatives for Buying Bitcoin in 2025 

If you’re an E*TRADE user who wants actual Bitcoin ownership, you still have good options available: 

1. Bitcoin IRA Accounts: For long-term focused investors, Crypto IRAs enable you to buy Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in a tax-advantaged retirement account. This is a powerful option for those seeking long-term exposure while optimizing tax efficiency.

Bitcoin IRAs allow: 

• Direct BTC ownership 

• Cold storage custodianship 

• IRA rollovers from E*TRADE or other brokerages 

This means you can transfer funds from your current retirement account into a Bitcoin IRA and start buying Bitcoin with tax benefits.

2. Crypto-Native Platforms: Platforms like Coinbase, Kraken, or Gemini allow you to buy, sell, and store Bitcoin directly. These exchanges also offer a full range of crypto assets.

Unlock Real Bitcoin Ownership for Your Retirement 

As of June 2025, E*TRADE does not support the direct purchase of Bitcoin. While it may offer limited exposure through crypto-related stocks or ETFs, it falls short for investors seeking true ownership of digital assets or those aiming to include cryptocurrency as part of a diversified retirement strategy. 

If you’re serious about long-term crypto investing, especially within a tax-advantaged retirement framework, a Crypto IRA offers a smarter, more flexible path. 

Take control of your financial future. Open your BitcoinIRA¹ account today and start building a retirement portfolio that’s ready for the digital age.