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Charles Schwab review: fees, features and futures

thinkorswim, one of the most capable trading platforms, now with 24/7 crypto futures and spot bitcoin and ether.

Last checked October 24, 2026

Traders who want thinkorswim's charting and a full-service broker behind it.

Futures commissions are the highest here, and Schwab's own pages disagree on the rate ($1.50 vs $2.25). Uninvested cash earns little.

Fees and account details

Stocks and ETFs: $0
Options: $0.65 per contract
Micro E-mini futures: $2.25 per contract per Schwab's futures FAQ ($1.50 on its pricing page)
E-nano futures: Not listed
Also charged: Exchange and regulatory fees extra
Platform fee: None
Minimum deposit: $1,500 and margin approval ($25,000 for IRAs)
Margin rate, $25,000: 11.575%
Margin rate, $100,000: 10.575%
Cash yield: Bank sweep about 0.01% (reported)
Platforms: thinkorswim desktop, web, mobile; Schwab app
Regulation: Charles Schwab & Co. (FINRA, SIPC); futures through Charles Schwab Futures and Forex LLC (NFA)

Crypto: Spot bitcoin and ether at 0.75% per trade, rolling out to eligible accounts; not available in NY or LA
Retirement accounts: Traditional, Roth, Rollover, Inherited, Custodial, SEP and SIMPLE IRAs; no contribution match
International: Global Account trades online in local currency on 12 foreign markets; 65+ forex pairs on thinkorswim
Trading hours: Pre-market 7:00 to 9:25 AM, after-hours 4:05 to 8:00 PM ET; 24/5 overnight trading on thinkorswim for about 1,300 stocks and ETFs
Fractional shares: Dollar-based, from $1, on most US stocks and ETFs
Prediction markets: Not offered as of October 2026
Tools and research: thinkorswim with hundreds of indicators and paperMoney simulated trading
Account fees: $0 minimum; $50 to transfer a full account out
Sign-up offer: Referral bonus of $100 to $1,000 for new clients who deposit $25,000 or more within 45 days and hold for a year
Support: Phone and chat 24/7; about 400 branches
Account protection: SIPC up to $500,000 ($250,000 cash) plus excess coverage

Jun 2, 2026
24/7 crypto futures on thinkorswim and dollar-based fractional shares. Source
May 12, 2026
Schwab Crypto: spot bitcoin and ether for eligible clients, 0.75% fee. Source

Figures come from these Charles Schwab pages unless marked "reported." Rates change, so confirm them on the broker's site before opening an account.