Charles Schwab Review 2026
Charles Schwab is one of America's largest and most trusted brokerage firms, offering commission-free stock and ETF trading, extensive research tools, and exceptional customer service. After merging with TD Ameritrade, Schwab provides an unmatched combination of resources for investors of all levels.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Zero commission on stocks and ETFs
- Excellent customer service with 24/7 support
- Extensive research and educational resources
- Access to physical branch locations nationwide
- Strong mobile app with intuitive design
Cons
- Limited international market access
- Options contracts have per-contract fees
- Thinkorswim platform can be complex for beginners
- No cryptocurrency trading available
Fees & Commissions
| Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stocks | $0 per trade |
| Futures | $2.25 per contract |
| Options | $0.65 per contract |
| Inactivity Fee | Free |
| Deposits | Free |
| Withdrawals | Free |
Features
Platforms
Deposit & Withdrawal
Availability
Charles Schwab is available in the following countries:
United States, Puerto Rico
Frequently Asked Questions
The minimum deposit to open an account with Charles Schwab is $0 USD. This makes Charles Schwab accessible to beginners and traders with smaller budgets.
Yes, Charles Schwab is regulated by SEC, FINRA and SIPC. Having multiple regulatory licenses provides additional security and trust for traders.
Charles Schwab offers trading in stocks, options, futures. Key features include fractional shares, robo advisor, demo account.
Charles Schwab supports web, desktop, ios and android platforms. The web platform allows you to trade from any browser without downloading software. Mobile apps are available for trading on the go.