Broker comparison

E*TRADE vs.
Schwab International

Which broker fits your needs?

Platforms, products and fees side by side.

Checked on 22 October 2026

See comparison

Summary

Your goal decides

Schwab International has a higher rating of 4.6/5 compared to E*TRADE (4.3/5). Schwab International offers 7 instrument types, while E*TRADE offers 6. Oversight: E*TRADE: SEC/FINRA; Schwab International: SEC/FINRA. E*TRADE: Yes, comprehensive options trading with Power E*TRADE. Schwab International: Yes, comprehensive with thinkorswim. Schwab International has been in the market since 1971, making it the more experienced provider.

Established US broker by Morgan Stanley with strong options platform

US financial giant with comprehensive investment and trading solutions

At a glance

The key differences

Criterion
PlatformsE*TRADE Web, Power E*TRADE, E*TRADE Appthinkorswim Desktop, thinkorswim Web, Schwab Mobile App
Product typesStocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds, FuturesStocks, Options, Futures, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Forex
Options tradingYes, comprehensive options trading with Power E*TRADEYes, comprehensive with thinkorswim
Fee model$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract ($0.50 for 30+ trades)$0 stocks/ETFs, $0.65 per options contract
Minimum deposit0 $0 $
RegulationSEC/FINRASEC/FINRA
More informationDetailsDetails

Platforms

E*TRADE

E*TRADE Web, Power E*TRADE, E*TRADE App

Schwab International

thinkorswim Desktop, thinkorswim Web, Schwab Mobile App

Product types

E*TRADE

Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds, Futures

Schwab International

Stocks, Options, Futures, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Forex

Options trading

E*TRADE

Yes, comprehensive options trading with Power E*TRADE

Schwab International

Yes, comprehensive with thinkorswim

Fee model

E*TRADE

$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract ($0.50 for 30+ trades)

Schwab International

$0 stocks/ETFs, $0.65 per options contract

Minimum deposit

E*TRADE

0 $

Schwab International

0 $

Regulation

E*TRADE

SEC/FINRA

Schwab International

SEC/FINRA

More information

E*TRADE

Details

Schwab International

Details

Product access and costs depend on market, account and permissions.

Detailed comparison

Comparing fees

Compare total costs, not just the order fee.

$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract ($0.50 for 30+ trades)

Published fee
$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract ($0.50 for 30+ trades)
Minimum deposit
0 $
See terms at provider

$0 stocks/ETFs, $0.65 per options contract

Published fee
$0 stocks/ETFs, $0.65 per options contract
Minimum deposit
0 $
See terms at provider

The relevant costs depend on market, currency, order size and trading style.

Worked out

What does it actually cost?

Typical months at E*TRADE and Schwab International, priced from their published fee schedules. Spreads, FX and exchange fees come on top depending on the venue.

ScenarioE*TRADESchwab International
ETF savings plan, ≈ €200 a monthUS$0$0 online ETF commission (≈ $230 buy); $0 × 1US$0$0 online ETF commission (≈ $230 buy); $0 × 1
10 stock buys of ≈ €1,000 a monthUS$0$0 online US stock commission × 10 ordersUS$0$0 online US stock commission × 10 orders
10 US option contracts a monthUS$6.50$0.65 per contract × 10 ($0.50 with 30+ trades per quarter)US$6.50$0 base commission + $0.65 per contract × 10
One BTC purchase of ≈ €1,000US$5.750.50% commission on notional × $1,150 (via Zero Hash)US$8.630.75% trading fee (Schwab Crypto) × $1,150
Custody and account fee per yearUS$0No maintenance fee on standard brokerage accountUS$0$0 opening and maintenance fees (brokerage)

Checked on 22 October 2026. Prices can change; the current fee schedule is what counts. Sources: us.etrade.com · us.etrade.com · schwab.com · disclosures.schwab.com

Execution quality

Order type, venue and liquidity affect execution.

Check the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.

Provider information

Check the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.

Provider information

Product range

StocksETFsOptionsBondsMutual FundsFutures
StocksOptionsFuturesETFsMutual FundsBondsForex

Categories come from broker profiles. Check specific markets and permissions before deciding.

Trading platforms

E*TRADE Web · Power E*TRADE · E*TRADE App

E*TRADE offers three trading platforms: E*TRADE Web, Power E*TRADE, and the E*TRADE App. The web platform provides standard trading functions with research and educational resources. Power E*TRADE is the flagship, offering one of the best options platforms on the market with visual options chains, strategy builders, and real-time risk analysis. The mobile app combines elements of both platforms and enables trading of stocks, options, and futures on the go.

Explore platform

thinkorswim 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 platform

Regulation & security

E*TRADE

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (securities); E*TRADE Futures LLC (futures); crypto via Zero Hash LLC

Supervisor
SEC / FINRA, NFA (futures)
Investor compensation
SIPC member: up to $500,000 per customer (max. $250,000 cash) if the broker fails; no cover for market losses
Cash
Cash in brokerage: SIPC up to $250,000; crypto held at Zero Hash not SIPC or FDIC protected

Schwab International

Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.; crypto: Charles Schwab Premier Bank, SSB

Supervisor
SEC / FINRA, CFTC / NFA (Schwab Futures and Forex)
Investor compensation
SIPC member: up to $500,000 per customer (max. $250,000 cash) if the broker fails; no cover for market losses
Cash
Cash in brokerage: SIPC up to $250,000; futures/forex accounts and crypto are not SIPC protected

Regulation does not protect against market losses. What counts is the entity you sign the contract with.

Your investor profile

Who might it suit?

Established US broker by Morgan Stanley with strong options platform

  • Power E*TRADE – excellent options platform
  • Commission-free stock and ETF trading
  • Part of Morgan Stanley – high security
  • Only available for US customers
  • International markets not available

US 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

E*TRADE oder Schwab International?

Side by side. Decided with knowledge.

See the differences that matter, and the Academy lessons that explain them.

E*TRADE4.3
  • Power E*TRADE – excellent options platform
  • Commission-free stock and ETF trading
  • Part of Morgan Stanley – high security
Schwab International4.6
  • thinkorswim platform (formerly TD Ameritrade)
  • Huge product selection
  • No minimum deposit
VS
  • Fees
  • Platform
  • Regulation
  • Matching lessons
Two brokers. Many options. Your call.
Open The Dealing Room

E*TRADE 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.

Who is on the other side?

Whether your order leaves the building or stops at the desk

Open the lesson →

The fill you actually get

Why the price on screen and the price you get are not the same

Open the lesson →

When trading looks free

Where the cost sits when no commission is shown

Open the lesson →

Your questions

Frequently asked questions

How do fees differ between E*TRADE and Schwab International?
E*TRADE: $0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract ($0.50 for 30+ trades). 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: E*TRADE or Schwab International?
E*TRADE offers Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds, Futures. Schwab International offers Stocks, Options, Futures, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Forex.
How are E*TRADE and Schwab International regulated?
The broker profiles list SEC/FINRA for E*TRADE and SEC/FINRA for Schwab International. Your account's contracting entity determines the applicable oversight and protection rules; check its current disclosures.
Is E*TRADE or Schwab International better for beginners?
E*TRADE lists a 0 $ minimum deposit and offers E*TRADE Web, Power E*TRADE, E*TRADE App. Schwab International lists 0 $ and offers thinkorswim Desktop, thinkorswim Web, Schwab Mobile App. Compare usability, available products and costs for your intended use.
E*TRADE vs Schwab International: Which broker is better overall?
The choice between E*TRADE (4.3/5, 1900 reviews) and Schwab International (4.6/5, 2800 reviews) depends on your needs. E*TRADE: Established US broker by Morgan Stanley with strong options platform. Schwab International: US financial giant with comprehensive investment and trading solutions.

Your next step

Your next step

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Keep learning

Before you pick a broker

The guides worth reading before your first trade, whichever of the two you choose.

Options risks & opportunitiesWhat you can lose, and what the risk buys you.Options taxes in GermanyFlat-rate tax, loss offsetting and allowances.Options trading basicsStrike, expiry, underlying: the building blocks of every option.
Terms in the glossary:MarginPremiumCall optionUnderlyingExercise