how do I close my etrade brokerage account?

if you have nothing in the account simply let them know you want to cancel the account

if you hade stocks in it they could transfer those to a new 'house' at your direction but you have none so you have nothing to move

If you want to close the account, go to the E-Trade site and locate the "Account Closure Request" link. Follow a two-step process that includes making sure you want to delete your account. Resolve all pending transactions and verify closing your account. Alternately, you can also delete your account by phone by calling 1-800-ETRADE-1.

Individual don't have to "close" their accounts nor can customer service to do. Usually if an account have no balance and/or positions and have no activity for a period of time - usually 18 months, the account will be moved to an "in-active" status and will be coded to "do no more business", shortly thereafter, the account will be purged from the system. However, account agreements must be on file for 7 years after closing the account.

Most firms DO NOT charge for inactive account, especially those are subject to be purged.

They will close your Account for the fee clearly-stated on the Account Agreement you signed with them....look it up, or call them....

What did they say when you talked to them? Typically one would ask the source rather than random people on the internet.

Call their customer service number and ASK THEM!