Compare Schwab to other brokers
Schwab offers $0 commissions on online trades.1
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Why Schwab—At a Glance
Charles Schwab is the #1 Overall Online Broker for 2026 per StockBrokers.com, Best Investing Platform (U.S. News), Best Online Broker for IRA investors (Nerdwallet), and is #1 in Customer Service (Forbes, StockBrokers.com). Schwab serves 34 million+ accounts with $8.7 trillion in client assets, 300+ U.S. branches, and 24/7 service—combining $0 commissions with the option to walk into a branch. This page compares Schwab to E*TRADE, Fidelity, and Vanguard across pricing, service, choice, and trading.
Award-winning investing platform
"For most investors, the search for a brokerage firm ends at Charles Schwab."
-StockBrokers.com 2026 Annual Review
1. Standard online $0 commission does not apply to over-the-counter (OTC) equities, transaction-fee mutual funds, futures, fixed-income investments, or trades placed directly on a foreign exchange or in the Canadian market. Options trades will be subject to the standard $0.65 per-contract fee. Service charges apply for trades placed through a broker ($25) or by automated phone ($5). Industry fees, ADR fees, and Stock Borrow fees still apply. See the Pricing Guide for additional details.
2. ETFs at Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. ("Schwab") which are U.S. exchange-listed can be traded without a commission on buy and sell transactions made online in a Schwab account. Unlisted ETFs are subject to a commission. Trade orders placed through a broker will receive the negotiated broker-assisted rate. An exchange process fee applies to sell transactions. All ETFs are subject to management fees and expenses. Please see Pricing Guide for additional information. Schwab does not receive payment to promote any particular ETF to its customers.
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†Schwab Satisfaction Guarantee: If for any reason you're not completely satisfied, we'll refund any eligible fees or commission related to your concern.*
The Schwab Security Guarantee: Schwab will cover losses in any of your Schwab accounts due to unauthorized activity. Learn more.
2. ETFs at Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. ("Schwab") which are U.S. exchange-listed can be traded without a commission on buy and sell transactions made online in a Schwab account. Unlisted ETFs are subject to a commission. Trade orders placed through a broker will receive the negotiated broker-assisted rate. An exchange process fee applies to sell transactions. All ETFs are subject to management fees and expenses. Please see Pricing Guide for additional information. Schwab does not receive payment to promote any particular ETF to its customers.
3. Schwab's short-term redemption fee of $49.95 will be charged on redemption of funds purchased through Schwab's Mutual Fund OneSource service and held for 90 days or less. Schwab reserves the right to exempt certain funds from this fee, including Schwab Funds®, which may charge a separate redemption fee, and funds that accommodate short-term trading. Funds are also subject to management fees and expenses.
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Common questions about Schwab.
Schwab and Fidelity are widely considered the two leading full-service online brokers. Both offer $0 commissions on online stock and ETF trades, $0 account minimums, and broad investment selection.
Schwab's strengths also include a Satisfaction Guarantee and 400+ U.S. branches. StockBrokers.com 2026 ranks Schwab #1 Overall and Fidelity #2.
Schwab is generally better for active investors and traders. Both offer $0 stock/ETF commissions. Schwab charges $0.65 per options contract vs. Vanguard's $1.00, offers 24/7 customer service (Vanguard does not), and provides specialized trading platforms.
For most online trades, both Schwab and E*TRADE charge $0 commissions on stock and ETF trades and $0.65 per options contract. The pricing is effectively identical for most retail use cases. Schwab differentiates on the Satisfaction Guarantee, branch availability, and 4,000+ NTF mutual funds.
Schwab's Satisfaction Guarantee means that if you're not satisfied with a service, they will refund eligible fees or commissions related to your concern. This applies to a wide range of charges, as long as you request the refund within 90 days of the date the fee was charged.
Yes, Schwab operates more than 400 physical branches where you can meet with financial consultants and get in-person support. However, these locations function as advisory offices rather than traditional bank branches for cash transactions.
Schwab is known for its robust trading platforms, strong customer service, and in-person support. If you value hands-on guidance, Schwab is a compelling choice. Compare features and connect with a Schwab advisor to find out if Schwab is right for your investing needs.
Schwab is transparent about its pricing and has no hidden fees, with $0 commissions on most online stock and ETF trades.
Schwab doesn't have a formal "price match" policy, but we do run promotions like cash bonuses for transferring assets from another brokerage. These offers vary over time, so it's worth checking current promotions before switching.
Yes, you can have accounts at multiple brokerages simultaneously. Some investors use Schwab alongside another broker to take advantage of different tools, research, or investment options without needing to fully transfer assets.
