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TD Ameritrade vs Charles Schwab

TD Ameritrade is a good online broker for long-term investors. How does it compare to Charles Schwab? Read our comparison chart below.

TD Ameritrade offers $0 commission online stock, ETF, and option trades. This online broker also has more than 100 branch locations. There is no minimum deposit, no maintenance fee, and no inactivity fee.

While Charles Schwab offers stock and ETF trades at $0 commission and options trading at $0 commission + $0.65 per contract. There is no minimum deposit, no maintenance fee, and no inactivity fee.

Compare TD Ameritrade with Charles Schwab, side-by-side. Read on for an in-depth look, including ratings, reviews, pros and cons.

 

TD Ameritrade

Charles Schwab

OFFER
Commission-Free Trading - Online Stock, ETF and Option Trades - Learn More

Read TD Ameritrade Review

SPECIAL OFFER
$0 Commissions on Online Stock, ETF, and Options Trades - Learn More

Read Charles Schwab Review

 

Benefits and Features

Stock Trading$0 commission for online stock, ETF, and option trades$0 commission on U.S. stocks and ETFs
Options Trading
$0.65 per contract
$0 + $0.65 per contract
Cryptocurrency Trading
Yes
 
Minimum Deposit
$0
$0
Mutual Fund TradingUp to $49.95 or $74.95 for buys. $0 for sells$0 for no-transaction-fee funds $49.95 for all other funds
Commission Free ETFs
550+ Commission-Free ETFs
2,000+ across asset classes and fund companies, $0 commission through Schwab ETF OneSourceā„¢.
Live Chat Support
Yes
 
Penny Stocks
Check
 
Broker Assisted Trades
$25
$25.00 service charge
Inactivity Fee
$0
None
Maintenance Fee
$0
$0
Online Platform
Yes
 
BankingCash Management account offers free ATM withdrawals, no monthly maintenance fees, free online bill pay, and free check writing.
Yes
Mobile App
Yes
Yes
Desktop App
Thinkorswim
Yes
Forex Trading
Yes
 
Futures Trading$2.25 per contract (plus exchange & regulatory fees)
$2.25 per contract
Bond Trading
Yes
 
CFD Trading
No
 
Currency Trading
Yes
 
Customer Service
(800) 669-3900 (Open 24/7)
24/7
LocationsMore than 100 locations in 34 states
300 locations
Online Community 
Yes
Seminars
Online webcast
Yes
Trading Platform
thinkorswim
 
Virtual Trading
Yes
Yes (thinkorswim platforms)
 

CreditDonkey® Reviews

Stock TradingStarStarStarHalf StarEmpty StarStarStarStarStarHalf Star
Options TradingStarStarStarStarEmpty StarStarStarStarHalf StarEmpty Star
BankingStarStarStarStarEmpty StarStarStarStarStarStar
Mobile AppStarStarStarStarStarStarStarStarHalf StarEmpty Star
Commissions and FeesStarStarStarHalf StarEmpty StarStarStarStarEmpty StarEmpty Star
Ease of UseStarStarStarStarStarStarStarStarStarEmpty Star
Online CommunityStarStarStarEmpty StarEmpty Star
ResearchStarStarStarStarStarStarStarStarStarStar
Trading PlatformStarStarStarStarStar
Mutual Fund TradingStarStarStarStarEmpty Star
Online PlatformStarStarStarStarStar
Pros & ConsPros:
  • Easy to Use
  • Thinkorswim Platform
  • Customer Service
Cons:
  • Trade Fees
Pros:
  • Vast selection of commission-free ETFs and mutual funds
  • 2 platforms (one for beginners and one for advanced traders)
  • 24/7 customer service including online chat
Cons:
  • Commission costs on mutual funds outside of the commission-free funds
  • Robo-advisor option requires a minimum investment of $5,000
Bottom LineGood online broker for long-term investors... Read full reviewGood choice for beginning and advanced investors looking to invest in ETFs and mutual funds or investors that require extensive research... Read full review

Blank fields may indicate the information is not available, not applicable, or not known to CreditDonkey. Please visit the product website for details.

TD Ameritrade: Pricing information from published website as of 09/05/2023.

Charles Schwab: Pricing information from published websites as of 02/29/2024.

Which is Better: TD Ameritrade or Charles Schwab?

Still need help deciding which investing is better? Read the in-depth reviews below. You may also be interested in comparing TD Ameritrade or Robinhood.

In short: TD Ameritrade's mobile app and ease of use are impressive. Charles Schwab's stock trading and banking are notable. In particular, the banking is excellent.


Articles on TD Ameritrade

TD Ameritrade Review

TD Ameritrade fees are higher than competitors, but is it worth it? We say yes and here's why. We analyze and compare it for you in our in-depth review.

TD Ameritrade Customer Service

TD Ameritrade offers 24/7 customer service - both online and on the phone. But the best way to actually contact TD Ameritrade may surprise you. Read on.

Articles on Charles Schwab

Charles Schwab Review

Charles Schwab is one of the oldest names in the world of investing. With low fees, no account minimums, and robust research tools, it's a good brokerage for all levels of investors.

Which Do You Think is Best?





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About CreditDonkey
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Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed on this page are those of the author's alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.

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