Charles Schwab vs E*TRADE Review
Comparing brokers side by side is no easy task. For our 2017 Broker Review, we factored in 308 different variables to assess 16 different brokers. So when taking a look at Charles Schwab vs E*TRADE, there is a huge database of information available to us.
To start this comparison, first we will take a look at the broker commission rates for placing regular stock and options trades. E*TRADE charges more than Charles Schwab for placing regular stock trades ($6.95 and $4.95, respectively). With options, the base fees charged are $6.95 (E*TRADE) and $4.95 (Charles Schwab). Each contract then costs $0.75 at E*TRADE and $0.65 at Charles Schwab for a difference in price of $0.10 per contract. Not all brokers charge a flat rate fee per trade though, so it is important to read the full commission notes to know the complete breakdown (go to any online broker review page, then scroll to the "Commissions Notes" section).
Next to commission rates, being able to trade the instrument you want is important. Charles Schwab and E*TRADE provide clients with Stock Trading, Options Trading, Mutual Funds and Futures Trading. Looking at mutual funds, E*TRADE offers its clients access to 8652 different mutual funds while Charles Schwab has 5165 available funds, a difference of 3,487.00. Commission free ETFs also should not be forgotten, Charles Schwab offers 229 versus E*TRADE's total of 133.
Lastly, taking a look at popular features and functionality, we can go a bit deeper to really break down the difference of both brokers. Neither Charles Schwab and E*TRADE have virtual trading. Taking a look at mobile trading, Charles Schwab and E*TRADE both have a iPhone App, iPad App and Android App. Not to be left out, online banking is also a nice benefit for many investors, and some brokerages provide these services to clients. Checking Accounts and Debit Cards are offered by E*TRADE while Charles Schwab offers Checking Accounts, Savings Accounts, Debit Cards, Credit Cards and Mortgage Loans. On the whole, when it comes to tools, research, and trading on the go, E*TRADE was rated for Best in Class - Research and Best in Class - Mobile Trading in 2014, while Charles Schwab was rated for Best in Class - Platforms & Tools and Best in Class - Research.
Overall, Charles Schwab takes the upper hand with 4.50 stars over E*TRADE's 4.00 stars.
To start this comparison, first we will take a look at the broker commission rates for placing regular stock and options trades. E*TRADE charges more than Charles Schwab for placing regular stock trades ($6.95 and $4.95, respectively). With options, the base fees charged are $6.95 (E*TRADE) and $4.95 (Charles Schwab). Each contract then costs $0.75 at E*TRADE and $0.65 at Charles Schwab for a difference in price of $0.10 per contract. Not all brokers charge a flat rate fee per trade though, so it is important to read the full commission notes to know the complete breakdown (go to any online broker review page, then scroll to the "Commissions Notes" section).
Next to commission rates, being able to trade the instrument you want is important. Charles Schwab and E*TRADE provide clients with Stock Trading, Options Trading, Mutual Funds and Futures Trading. Looking at mutual funds, E*TRADE offers its clients access to 8652 different mutual funds while Charles Schwab has 5165 available funds, a difference of 3,487.00. Commission free ETFs also should not be forgotten, Charles Schwab offers 229 versus E*TRADE's total of 133.
Lastly, taking a look at popular features and functionality, we can go a bit deeper to really break down the difference of both brokers. Neither Charles Schwab and E*TRADE have virtual trading. Taking a look at mobile trading, Charles Schwab and E*TRADE both have a iPhone App, iPad App and Android App. Not to be left out, online banking is also a nice benefit for many investors, and some brokerages provide these services to clients. Checking Accounts and Debit Cards are offered by E*TRADE while Charles Schwab offers Checking Accounts, Savings Accounts, Debit Cards, Credit Cards and Mortgage Loans. On the whole, when it comes to tools, research, and trading on the go, E*TRADE was rated for Best in Class - Research and Best in Class - Mobile Trading in 2014, while Charles Schwab was rated for Best in Class - Platforms & Tools and Best in Class - Research.
Overall, Charles Schwab takes the upper hand with 4.50 stars over E*TRADE's 4.00 stars.
Jump to:
Overall
Commissions & Fees
Offering of Investments
Platforms & Tools
Research
Customer Service
Mobile Trading
Ease of Use
Education
Order Execution
Banking
Stock Trade Fee (flat)
Options Base Fee
Options Per Contract Fee
Mutual Fund Trade Fee
Broker Assisted Trades Fee
Minimum Deposit
No Inactivity Fees
No Fee IRAs
Stock Trading
Options Trading
Mutual Funds
Forex Trading
Futures Trading
Desktop Platform (Windows)
Web Platform
Virtual Trading
Charting - Drawing Tools
Charting - Indicators / Studies
Option Chains - Total Columns
Watch Lists - Total Fields
iPhone App
iPad App
Android App
Android Tablet App
Apple Watch App
Trading - After-Hours
Trading - Mutual Funds
Trading - Conditional Orders
Trading - Simple Options
Trading - Complex Options
Commission Free ETFs
Mutual Funds (No Load)
Mutual Funds (Total)
# of Easy to Borrow Stocks
Retail Locations
Under $24,999.99
$25,000.00 to $49,999.99
$50,000.00 to $99,999.99
$100,000.00 to $249,999.99
$250,000.00 to $499,999.99
Above $1,000,000.00
$500,000.00 to $999,999.99
Checking Accounts
Savings Accounts
Credit Cards
Debit Cards
Mortgage Loans
No Fee Banking
Comparing 2 brokers
Charles Schwab
Special Offer
Earn 500 commission-free trades for two years at Schwab. Open an account
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
15
40
34
94
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
229
5165
5165
5975
300
8.50%
8.00%
7.00%
6.88%
6.75%
6.25%
6.75%
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
E*TRADE
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
24
118
39
130
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
133
4276
8652
3000
30
8.75%
8.50%
8.00%
7.50%
7.00%
5.50%
6.50%
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
All pricing data was obtained from a published web site as of 2/20/2017 and is believed to be accurate, but is not guaranteed. The StockBrokers.com staff is constantly working with its online broker representatives to obtain the latest pricing data. If you believe any data listed above is inaccurate, please contact us using the link at the bottom of this page. For stock trade rates, advertised pricing is for a standard order size of 500 shares of stock priced at $30 per share. For options orders, an options regulatory fee per contract may apply.