You can buy PTSC through ETrade but you have to go through a broker. I believe you will still get the online rate. I changed all my accounts to TDAmeritrade. Etrade will not give an explanation for their move and has happily watched as accounts moved elsewhere because of their actions. At one point a representative stated that they had detected abnormal trading activity but he quickly recanted the statement and stonewalled when asked to make that statement in an Email. Etrade is an active MM. They are the only online broker to impose such a rule.

The transfer to TDAmeritrade was simple and was accomplished in a couple of days once the request was recieved by Etrade. Personally, I will never do business with Etrade again because of their arrogance and refusal to explain their action. But, as the rep pointed out they have 5 million accounts so losing a few over PTSC doesn't matter to them.