Charles Schwab Review 2026

"The complete broker — now with thinkorswim included"

📅 Updated February 2026 General Trading Reviewed by the Option Stack editorial team

4.4

out of 5 · Overall score Best for: Full banking + investing integration, thinkorswim power users, bond investors

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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Key Specs

Min. Deposit $0

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

Account Types Individual, IRA, Trust

Regulated FINRA / 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.

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Disclosure: We may earn a commission if you open an account through our link. This doesn't affect our rating or review. Fees verified February 2026 — check the official site for current rates.