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"The complete broker — now with thinkorswim included"
Updated March 2026General Trading The Option Stack editorial team
How we review: Our team opens real accounts and tests every platform hands-on. We evaluate on commissions, tools, and execution — never influenced by affiliate relationships. Editorial policy →
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.
CommissionCommission-free stocks and ETFs. $0.65/options contract
Account TypesIndividual, IRA, Trust
RegulatedFINRA / SIPC
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.
Our Take: Charles Schwab in 2026
After acquiring TD Ameritrade, Schwab now offers the legendary thinkorswim platform alongside full banking integration — giving traders and investors the best of both worlds under one roof.
Pros & Cons
What we liked
✓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
Watch out for
✕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.
Deep Dive: Charles Schwab Platform Review
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. Most accounts have no minimum deposit requirement.
Traders and investors who want a complete financial services relationship — banking, investing, and trading in one institution. thinkorswim users who moved from TD Ameritrade.
Charles Schwab charges $0.65/contract per options contract. Free stocks and ETFs. Options at $0.65/contract. thinkorswim platform included free.
Charles Schwab requires a minimum deposit of $0.
Yes. Charles Schwab is regulated by FINRA / SIPC, providing investor protections including SIPC coverage up to $500,000.
Disclosure: We may earn a commission if you open an account through our link. This doesn't affect our rating or review. Fees and features verified periodically — always confirm current rates directly with the broker before opening an account.
