Schwab International$0 stocks/ETFs, $0.65 per options contract
- Published fee
- $0 stocks/ETFs, $0.65 per options contract
- Minimum deposit
- 0 $
Broker comparison
Schwab International vs.
Vanguard
Which broker fits your needs?
Platforms, products and fees side by side.
Checked on 22 October 2026
See comparisonSchwab International
VanguardVS
Summary
Your goal decides
Schwab International has a higher rating of 4.6/5 compared to Vanguard (4.5/5). Schwab International offers 7 instrument types, while Vanguard offers 6. Oversight: Schwab International: SEC/FINRA; Vanguard: SEC/FINRA. Schwab International: Yes, comprehensive with thinkorswim. Vanguard: Yes, US options available ($1 per contract). Schwab International has been in the market since 1971, making it the more experienced provider.
Schwab InternationalUS financial giant with comprehensive investment and trading solutions
VanguardWorld-leading index fund provider with commission-free trading
At a glance
The key differences
| Criterion | Schwab International | Vanguard |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | thinkorswim Desktop, thinkorswim Web, Schwab Mobile App | Vanguard Web, Vanguard App |
| Product types | Stocks, Options, Futures, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Forex | Stocks, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Options, CDs |
| Options trading | Yes, comprehensive with thinkorswim | Yes, US options available ($1 per contract) |
| Fee model | $0 stocks/ETFs, $0.65 per options contract | $0 commission on stocks and ETFs, Vanguard funds with no transaction fee |
| Minimum deposit | 0 $ | 0 $ |
| Regulation | SEC/FINRA | SEC/FINRA |
| More information | Details | Details |
Platforms
Schwab International
thinkorswim Desktop, thinkorswim Web, Schwab Mobile App
Vanguard
Vanguard Web, Vanguard App
Product types
Schwab International
Stocks, Options, Futures, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Forex
Vanguard
Stocks, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Options, CDs
Options trading
Schwab International
Yes, comprehensive with thinkorswim
Vanguard
Yes, US options available ($1 per contract)
Fee model
Schwab International
$0 stocks/ETFs, $0.65 per options contract
Vanguard
$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, Vanguard funds with no transaction fee
Minimum deposit
Schwab International
0 $
Vanguard
0 $
Regulation
Schwab International
SEC/FINRA
Vanguard
SEC/FINRA
Product access and costs depend on market, account and permissions.
Detailed comparison
Comparing fees
Compare total costs, not just the order fee.
Schwab InternationalVanguard$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, Vanguard funds with no transaction fee
- Published fee
- $0 commission on stocks and ETFs, Vanguard funds with no transaction fee
- 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 Schwab International and Vanguard, priced from their published fee schedules. Spreads, FX and exchange fees come on top depending on the venue.
| Scenario | Schwab International | Vanguard |
|---|---|---|
| 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$6.50$0 base commission + $0.65 per contract × 10 | US$10$1 per contract × 10 (clients under $1M qualifying assets) |
| One BTC purchase of ≈ €1,000 | US$8.630.75% trading fee (Schwab Crypto) × $1,150 | —No spot crypto on the fee schedule – not offered |
| Custody and account fee per year | US$0$0 opening and maintenance fees (brokerage) | US$0$25 annual fee, waived with e-delivery (otherwise $25) |
Checked on 22 October 2026. Prices can change; the current fee schedule is what counts. Sources: schwab.com · disclosures.schwab.com · investor.vanguard.com
Execution quality
Order type, venue and liquidity affect execution.
Schwab InternationalCheck the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.
Provider informationVanguardCheck the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.
Provider informationProduct range
Schwab InternationalStocksOptionsFuturesETFsMutual FundsBondsForex
VanguardStocksETFsMutual FundsBondsOptionsCDs
Categories come from broker profiles. Check specific markets and permissions before deciding.
Trading platforms
Schwab 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 platformVanguardVanguard Web · Vanguard App
Vanguard offers trading through Vanguard Web and the Vanguard App. The web platform is functionally designed and provides access to order placement, portfolio overview, fund analysis, and retirement planning tools. The mobile app enables account access and basic trading functions on the go. Both platforms are oriented more toward long-term investors than active traders and offer fewer charting and analysis tools than competitors, but provide comprehensive retirement planning features.
Explore platformSchwab International
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.; crypto: Charles Schwab Premier Bank, SSB
- Supervisor
- SEC / FINRA, CFTC / NFA (Schwab Futures and Forex)
Vanguard
Vanguard Brokerage Services, a division of Vanguard Marketing Corporation
- Supervisor
- SEC / FINRA
Regulation does not protect against market losses. What counts is the entity you sign the contract with.
Your investor profile
Who might it suit?
Schwab InternationalFor investors who want more than funds: cheaper options, thinkorswim, futures and crypto.
- thinkorswim platform (formerly TD Ameritrade)
- Huge product selection
- No minimum deposit
- International accounts limited
- Futures fees higher than competitors
VanguardFor buy-and-hold investors in Vanguard funds who do not need trading tools.
- World leader in low-cost index funds
- Commission-free stock and ETF trading
- Client-owned structure – no external shareholders
- Trading platform more functional than modern
- Only available for US customers
Find the broker that fits
Schwab International oder Vanguard?
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.
Schwab International and Vanguard 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 Schwab International and Vanguard?
Schwab International: $0 stocks/ETFs, $0.65 per options contract. Vanguard: $0 commission on stocks and ETFs, Vanguard funds with no transaction fee. Compare total costs for the specific market, product, currency and order size in the current fee schedule.
Which broker offers more products: Schwab International or Vanguard?
Schwab International offers Stocks, Options, Futures, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Forex. Vanguard offers Stocks, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Options, CDs.
How are Schwab International and Vanguard regulated?
The broker profiles list SEC/FINRA for Schwab International and SEC/FINRA for Vanguard. Your account's contracting entity determines the applicable oversight and protection rules; check its current disclosures.
Is Schwab International or Vanguard better for beginners?
Schwab International lists a 0 $ minimum deposit and offers thinkorswim Desktop, thinkorswim Web, Schwab Mobile App. Vanguard lists 0 $ and offers Vanguard Web, Vanguard App. Compare usability, available products and costs for your intended use.
Schwab International vs Vanguard: Which broker is better overall?
The choice between Schwab International (4.6/5, 2800 reviews) and Vanguard (4.5/5, 2300 reviews) depends on your needs. Schwab International: US financial giant with comprehensive investment and trading solutions. Vanguard: World-leading index fund provider with commission-free trading.
Your next step
Your next step
Schwab InternationalUS financial giant with comprehensive investment and trading solutions
Open accountRead reviewVanguardWorld-leading index fund provider with commission-free trading
Open accountRead reviewKeep learning
Before you pick a broker
The guides worth reading before your first trade, whichever of the two you choose.