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Charles Schwab review: trading US stocks
A full-service US brokerage; thinkorswim gives it a genuinely strong active-trading platform.
In one line: Charles Schwab lets you own US shares outright, founded 1971, headquartered in Westlake, Texas, USA, regulated by SEC, with no minimum deposit and access to Full US listed market.
The facts
| What you actually hold | The share itself |
|---|---|
| US stock access | Full US listed market |
| Fractional shares | Yes |
| Minimum deposit | None |
| Published pricing | $0 online commission on US listed stocks and ETFs. Source |
| Platforms | Schwab.com, thinkorswim desktop, thinkorswim mobile |
| Extended hours | Pre-market and after-hours sessions supported |
| Founded / HQ | 1971 · Westlake, Texas, USA |
| Regulation | SEC / FINRA — United States (SIPC member) |
Best for
- US residents
- Long-term investors who want research and banking in one place
- Options traders via thinkorswim
Watch out for
- International account availability is limited and varies by country
Frequently asked questions
Is Charles Schwab good for US stocks?
A full-service US brokerage; thinkorswim gives it a genuinely strong active-trading platform. Positions are real shares, so dividends and shareholder rights pass through to you.
Do you own the shares with Charles Schwab?
Yes — Charles Schwab offers real share ownership on US listings.
What does Charles Schwab cost for US stocks?
$0 online commission on US listed stocks and ETFs. The authoritative figure is on Charles Schwab's own pricing page, linked on this profile — we restate it rather than estimating it.
Is Charles Schwab regulated?
Charles Schwab holds authorisations from SEC / FINRA (United States, licence SIPC member). Which entity holds your account — and therefore which protections apply — depends on your country of residence.
What is the minimum to open a Charles Schwab account?
Charles Schwab does not require a minimum deposit, though a practical minimum is set by the price of what you want to buy and any currency conversion cost.
Reviewed August 2026. Every figure above is restated from Charles Schwab's own published pages, linked in the table.