Charles Schwab review

Charles Schwab is a close second to Fidelity and the better pick if you value human help. Online trades in listed stocks and ETFs cost $0, there are no account or trade minimums, and Schwab says you can buy fractional shares of more than 7,000 US-listed stocks and ETFs for as little as $1. Schwab offers professional answers 24/7 and has local branches where you can apply in person, which few low-cost apps can match. Schwab also offers a satisfaction guarantee alongside its pricing. The extra costs sit at the edges: a trade placed through a broker adds a $25 service charge, automated phone orders add $5, US over-the-counter stocks cost $6.95 online, and options carry $0.65 per contract. A beginner buying listed ETFs online will rarely meet those charges. If you want the reassurance of calling someone or walking into an office while still paying nothing to trade, Schwab is the one to open.

Who it is for

Beginners who want low costs plus 24/7 phone help and in-person branches.

Price

$0 online stock and ETF commissions; no account or trade minimums; options $0.65 per contract.

Commission-free trading online. Same award-winning experience. $0 online trades
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 8, 2026.

Key features

• $0 online commission on listed stocks and ETFs
• No account or trade minimums
• Fractional shares of more than 7,000 US-listed stocks and ETFs from $1
• Professional answers 24/7 by phone and chat
• Local branches where you can apply in person

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: No account or trade minimums
• Strength: Help available around the clock, plus branches
• Strength: Fractional shares across thousands of stocks and ETFs
• Weakness: Broker-assisted trades add a $25 service charge
• Weakness: US over-the-counter stocks cost $6.95 per online trade
• Weakness: Options cost $0.65 per contract

Key facts

• Stock and ETF commission: $0 online
• Account minimum: None
• Fractional shares: From $1, 7,000+ stocks and ETFs
• Broker-assisted trade: $25 service charge
• Support: 24/7

Where it ranks

Charles Schwab is No. 2 in our Best Investing Apps verdict.