Ally Invest$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.50 per contract
- Published fee
- $0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.50 per contract
- Minimum deposit
- 0 $
Broker comparison
Ally Invest vs.
Schwab International
Which broker fits your needs?
Platforms, products and fees side by side.
Checked on 22 October 2026
See comparisonAlly Invest
Schwab InternationalVS
Summary
Your goal decides
Schwab International has a higher rating of 4.6/5 compared to Ally Invest (4/5). Schwab International offers 7 instrument types, while Ally Invest offers 6. Oversight: Ally Invest: SEC/FINRA; Schwab International: SEC/FINRA. Ally Invest: Yes, options from $0.50 per contract. Schwab International: Yes, comprehensive with thinkorswim. Schwab International has been in the market since 1971, making it the more experienced provider.
Ally InvestUS online broker with commission-free trading and integrated banking
Schwab InternationalUS financial giant with comprehensive investment and trading solutions
At a glance
The key differences
| Criterion | Ally Invest | Schwab International |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Ally Invest Web, Ally Invest App | thinkorswim Desktop, thinkorswim Web, Schwab Mobile App |
| Product types | Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds, Forex | Stocks, Options, Futures, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Forex |
| Options trading | Yes, options from $0.50 per contract | Yes, comprehensive with thinkorswim |
| Fee model | $0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.50 per contract | $0 stocks/ETFs, $0.65 per options contract |
| Minimum deposit | 0 $ | 0 $ |
| Regulation | SEC/FINRA | SEC/FINRA |
| More information | Details | Details |
Platforms
Ally Invest
Ally Invest Web, Ally Invest App
Schwab International
thinkorswim Desktop, thinkorswim Web, Schwab Mobile App
Product types
Ally Invest
Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds, Forex
Schwab International
Stocks, Options, Futures, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Forex
Options trading
Ally Invest
Yes, options from $0.50 per contract
Schwab International
Yes, comprehensive with thinkorswim
Fee model
Ally Invest
$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.50 per contract
Schwab International
$0 stocks/ETFs, $0.65 per options contract
Minimum deposit
Ally Invest
0 $
Schwab International
0 $
Regulation
Ally Invest
SEC/FINRA
Schwab International
SEC/FINRA
Product access and costs depend on market, account and permissions.
Detailed comparison
Comparing fees
Compare total costs, not just the order fee.
Ally InvestSchwab International$0 stocks/ETFs, $0.65 per options contract
- Published fee
- $0 stocks/ETFs, $0.65 per options contract
- Minimum deposit
- 0 $
The relevant costs depend on market, currency, order size and trading style.
Worked out
What does it actually cost?
Typical months at Ally Invest and Schwab International, priced from their published fee schedules. Spreads, FX and exchange fees come on top depending on the venue.
| Scenario | Ally Invest | Schwab International |
|---|---|---|
| ETF savings plan, ≈ €200 a month | US$0$0 online ETF commission (≈ $230 buy); $0 × 1 | US$0$0 online ETF commission (≈ $230 buy); $0 × 1 |
| 10 stock buys of ≈ €1,000 a month | US$0$0 online US stock commission × 10 orders | US$0$0 online US stock commission × 10 orders |
| 10 US option contracts a month | US$5$0 commission + $0.50 per contract × 10 | US$6.50$0 base commission + $0.65 per contract × 10 |
| One BTC purchase of ≈ €1,000 | —Crypto trading not offered | US$8.630.75% trading fee (Schwab Crypto) × $1,150 |
| Custody and account fee per year | US$0No account or inactivity fee on the fee schedule | US$0$0 opening and maintenance fees (brokerage) |
Checked on 22 October 2026. Prices can change; the current fee schedule is what counts. Sources: ally.com · schwab.com · disclosures.schwab.com
Execution quality
Order type, venue and liquidity affect execution.
Ally InvestCheck the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.
Provider informationSchwab InternationalCheck the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.
Provider informationProduct range
Ally InvestStocksETFsOptionsBondsMutual FundsForex
Schwab InternationalStocksOptionsFuturesETFsMutual FundsBondsForex
Categories come from broker profiles. Check specific markets and permissions before deciding.
Trading platforms
Ally InvestAlly Invest Web · Ally Invest App
Ally Invest offers trading through Ally Invest Web and the Ally Invest App. The web platform provides order placement, portfolio overview, charting tools, and access to stock, options, and Forex trading in a unified interface. The mobile app enables trading and account management on the go with integration to the Ally Bank savings account. Both platforms are clearly designed but offer fewer advanced analysis tools than platforms from Fidelity or E*TRADE.
Explore platformSchwab Internationalthinkorswim Desktop · thinkorswim Web · Schwab Mobile App
Schwab offers the legendary thinkorswim platform as desktop, web, and mobile versions with professional charting tools, thinkScript programming, options strategy builder, and paperMoney simulation. The Schwab Mobile App provides simplified access for long-term investors. thinkorswim is one of the most powerful available platforms, particularly for options and futures traders, featuring over 400 technical studies and customizable layouts.
Explore platformAlly Invest
Ally Invest Securities LLC (clearing: Apex Clearing)
- Supervisor
- SEC / FINRA
Schwab International
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.; crypto: Charles Schwab Premier Bank, SSB
- Supervisor
- SEC / FINRA, CFTC / NFA (Schwab Futures and Forex)
Regulation does not protect against market losses. What counts is the entity you sign the contract with.
Your investor profile
Who might it suit?
Ally InvestUS online broker with commission-free trading and integrated banking
- Commission-free stock and ETF trading
- Low options fees ($0.50 per contract)
- Integrated banking with savings account
- Only available for US customers
- Fewer research tools than Fidelity or Schwab
Schwab InternationalUS financial giant with comprehensive investment and trading solutions
- thinkorswim platform (formerly TD Ameritrade)
- Huge product selection
- No minimum deposit
- International accounts limited
- Futures fees higher than competitors
Find the broker that fits
Ally Invest oder Schwab International?
Side by side. Decided with knowledge.
See the differences that matter, and the Academy lessons that explain them.
VS
- Fees
- Platform
- Regulation
- Matching lessons
Two brokers. Many options. Your call.
Ally Invest and Schwab International do not earn the same way
The table shows what they cost. These lessons show how they earn, which is what the difference is made of.
Your questions
Frequently asked questions
How do fees differ between Ally Invest and Schwab International?
Ally Invest: $0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.50 per contract. Schwab International: $0 stocks/ETFs, $0.65 per options contract. Compare total costs for the specific market, product, currency and order size in the current fee schedule.
Which broker offers more products: Ally Invest or Schwab International?
Ally Invest offers Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds, Forex. Schwab International offers Stocks, Options, Futures, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Forex.
How are Ally Invest and Schwab International regulated?
The broker profiles list SEC/FINRA for Ally Invest and SEC/FINRA for Schwab International. Your account's contracting entity determines the applicable oversight and protection rules; check its current disclosures.
Is Ally Invest or Schwab International better for beginners?
Ally Invest lists a 0 $ minimum deposit and offers Ally Invest Web, Ally Invest App. Schwab International lists 0 $ and offers thinkorswim Desktop, thinkorswim Web, Schwab Mobile App. Compare usability, available products and costs for your intended use.
Ally Invest vs Schwab International: Which broker is better overall?
The choice between Ally Invest (4/5, 1100 reviews) and Schwab International (4.6/5, 2800 reviews) depends on your needs. Ally Invest: US online broker with commission-free trading and integrated banking. Schwab International: US financial giant with comprehensive investment and trading solutions.
Your next step
Your next step
Ally InvestUS online broker with commission-free trading and integrated banking
Open accountRead reviewSchwab InternationalUS financial giant with comprehensive investment and trading solutions
Open accountRead reviewKeep learning
Before you pick a broker
The guides worth reading before your first trade, whichever of the two you choose.