E*TRADE

4.3(1900)

SEC/FINRA

Schwab International

4.6(2800)

SEC/FINRA

E*TRADE vs Schwab International

Head-to-Head Comparison 2026

Our Verdict

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. Schwab International has been in the market since 1971, making it the more experienced provider.

Comparison Table

Criteria	E*TRADE	Schwab International
Rating	4.3/5 (1900 reviews)	4.6/5 (2800 reviews)✓
Regulation	SEC/FINRA	SEC/FINRA
Fees	$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract ($0.50 for 30+ trades)	$0 stocks/ETFs, $0.65 per options contract
Min. Deposit	0 $	0 $
Instruments	Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds, Futures	Stocks, Options, Futures, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Forex
Platforms	ETRADE Web, Power ETRADE, E*TRADE App	thinkorswim Desktop, thinkorswim Web, Schwab Mobile App
Options Trading	Yes, comprehensive options trading with Power E*TRADE	Yes, comprehensive with thinkorswim
Founded	1982	1971
Headquarters	New York	Westlake TX

Detailed Comparison

Fee Comparison

E*TRADE: $0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract ($0.50 for 30+ trades). Minimum deposit: 0 $.

Schwab International: $0 stocks/ETFs, $0.65 per options contract. Minimum deposit: 0 $.

Product Range

E*TRADE (6 categories)

StocksETFsOptionsBondsMutual FundsFutures

Schwab International (7 categories)

StocksOptionsFuturesETFsMutual FundsBondsForex

Trading Platforms

E*TRADE

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

Schwab International

thinkorswim Desktop
thinkorswim Web
Schwab Mobile App

Regulation & Security

E*TRADE is regulated by SEC/FINRA (HQ: New York).

Schwab International is regulated by SEC/FINRA (HQ: Westlake TX).

Who Is It For?

E*TRADE

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

Schwab International

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is E*TRADE or Schwab International cheaper?

E*TRADE charges $0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract ($0.50 for 30+ trades). Schwab International charges $0 stocks/ETFs, $0.65 per options contract. The minimum deposit is 0 $ at E*TRADE and 0 $ at Schwab International.

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.

Which broker is better regulated?

E*TRADE is regulated by SEC/FINRA. Schwab International is regulated by SEC/FINRA.

Is E*TRADE or Schwab International better for beginners?

E*TRADE has a minimum deposit of 0 $ and offers E*TRADE Web, Power E*TRADE, E*TRADE App as platforms. Schwab International has a minimum deposit of 0 $ and offers thinkorswim Desktop, thinkorswim Web, Schwab Mobile App. E*TRADE has the lower entry barrier.

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.

E*TRADE

Established US broker by Morgan Stanley with strong options platform

Open Account →

From 0 $ min. deposit

Schwab International

US financial giant with comprehensive investment and trading solutions

Open Account →

From 0 $ min. deposit

E*TRADE read review →Schwab International read review →