Charles Schwab Review 2026

Last updated: February 2026 · General Trading

4.4

★★★★☆

out of 5

⚡ Quick Verdict

Schwab + thinkorswim is the best combination for traders who also want a full banking relationship. You get a legendary trading platform, checking and savings integration, and institutional research under one roof.

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CommissionsCommission-free stocks and ETFs. $0.65/options contract

Min. Deposit$0

Account TypesIndividual, IRA, Trust, Business, 529

Regulated ByFINRA / SIPC

Best ForFull banking + investing integration, thinkorswim power users, bond investors

Who Is Charles Schwab For?

Traders and investors who want a complete financial services relationship — banking, investing, and trading in one institution. thinkorswim users who moved from TD Ameritrade.

Pros and Cons

✅ Pros

+ thinkorswim — one of the best trading platforms ever built

+ Schwab Intelligent Portfolios (robo-advisor) free at $5K

+ Best banking integration of any broker

+ No account minimums, strong branch network

+ Excellent fixed income and bond trading

+ Strong customer service

⚠️ Cons

− TD Ameritrade merger created temporary confusion

− Schwab.com interface less intuitive than thinkorswim

− Commission-free ETF list excludes some popular funds

− Website feels corporate and dated

− Crypto only available via Bitcoin ETFs

Commissions & Fees

Commission-free stocks and ETFs. $0.65/options contract

Free stocks and ETFs. Options at $0.65/contract. thinkorswim platform included free.

Charles Schwab in Depth

Charles Schwab's 2020 acquisition of TD Ameritrade brought the legendary thinkorswim platform under the Schwab umbrella — giving Schwab customers access to one of the most powerful retail trading platforms ever built. thinkorswim's options analysis capabilities (P&L graphs, probability analysis, risk curves) are matched only by Tastytrade's own platform. Schwab's banking integration is best-in-class: the checking account earns interest, reimburses all ATM fees worldwide, and connects seamlessly with the brokerage. The Schwab Intelligent Portfolios robo-advisor is free with no management fee for accounts over $5,000. Fixed income and bond trading capabilities are the strongest of any retail broker.

Ready to open a Charles Schwab account?

Takes about 5 minutes. No minimum deposit required on most accounts.

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