Charles Schwab
#2 in Stock Broker · Rated 4.6
Zero-commission online trades with broad services
Charles Schwab is a leading US brokerage with a long history and broad range of services. It offers $0 online commissions on listed stocks and ETFs, plus $0 online base commissions for options with an incremental $0.65 per contract. Schwab provides extensive research, education, and tools, plus a large branch network and mutual fund marketplace. Its platform, Schwab Trading Powered by Ameritrade, combines powerful trading tools with user-friendly design, making it suitable for beginners and active traders alike. The firm also integrates banking services and an expansive fund lineup, including thousands of no-transaction-fee funds. In 2025, Schwab repeatedly earned top honors in independent broker awards for overall experience, platforms, and education. On the downside, broker-assisted trades and some non-core products can carry fees, and OTC trades have alternate pricing. Overall, Schwab differentiates itself with ease of use, reliability, and deep customer support across channels.
Features
- 0 online commissions on listed stocks and ETFs
- 0 online base commission + $0.65 per options contract
- Schwab Mobile App and award-winning platforms
- Schwab Mutual Fund OneSource and broad fund universe
- Integrated banking and retirement services
Pros
- Strong customer service and branch network
- Easy-to-use platform with robust education
- Wide product range and mutual fund accessibility
Cons
- Broker-assisted trades may incur higher fees
- Some ETF/mutual fund charges exist beyond zero-commission trades