What Charles Schwab offers.
Schwab combines a self-directed brokerage with branches, phone support, and optional advice. Look at the account types, investment choices, and the advisory service on its own terms.
- Our ranking
- #2 of 5 in Investment Companies
- Service type
- Brokerage
- Best for
- A full-service brokerage with branches
- Pricing
- Check current terms with the company
- Website
- schwab.com
- Last reviewed
Charles Schwab pros and cons
Worth a look for
- Brokerage accounts
- Branches and support
The catch
The brokerage and the advice service have different pricing and minimums.
Charles Schwab costs, terms, and who qualifies
A brokerage gives you the tools and leaves the decisions to you. A robo-advisor builds and rebalances a portfolio for a fee. An adviser can go wider into planning. Compare like with like.
Before you commit to Charles Schwab, ask for today’s terms in writing for the exact product or service you want. Pin down every one-time and recurring charge, who qualifies, which states are covered, and how you cancel or get out.
Who Charles Schwab is for
Charles Schwab belongs on your list if you’re looking at brokerage. Start with the fit above, then put its written terms next to the other companies in this category before you commit.
When someone else may be the better pick
Zero commissions is not zero cost. Look at advisory fees, fund expense ratios, options and margin pricing, what they pay on idle cash, and what it costs to transfer out.
The brokerage and the advice service have different pricing and minimums. If that doesn’t suit you, look at the alternatives below before you go any further.
What to ask Charles Schwab
- Do I want to run the portfolio or hand it off?
- What does the account cost per year, every fee included?
- Which account types and investments can I hold?
- Can I get the full agreement and today’s terms in writing?
How we reviewed Charles Schwab
We keep what a company says about itself separate from what we could verify. A company only gets a score once we’ve confirmed its identity, current terms, and real costs and run it through the category’s research process. Until then, no number.
See the investment companies methodologySources
Charles Schwab: official siteBuilt from the publisher’s launch research dated October 1, 2026. Last reviewed . Account-specific terms change, so confirm them with the company.
Suggest a correction
