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Broker Comparison

Charles Schwab vs Plus500

Compare Charles Schwab and Plus500 side by side: fees, regulation, platforms.

Charles Schwab

Charles Schwab

Investors who want brokerage, trading, and advice options

Charles Schwab combines $0 online listed stock and ETF commissions with thinkorswim platforms, fractional S&P…

VS
Plus500

Plus500

Active CFD traders who want web and mobile access

Plus500 offers CFD trading across forex, shares, ETFs, options and crypto, plus Plus500 Invest for stocks, wi…

Head-to-head comparison

Charles Schwab vs Plus500
Feature Charles Schwab Plus500
Minimum deposit — —
Stock trading fee $0 online commission for listed stocks and ETFs; US OTC equities $6.95 —
Regulators SIPC, FDIC, CFTC, NFA CySEC, FCA, EFSA, CFTC, ASIC, FMA, FSCA, SCA, DFSA, JFSA, MAS, FSA, SCB, BAPPEBTI, CIRO
Best for Investors who want brokerage, trading, and advice options Active CFD traders who want web and mobile access
Markets & account
Stocks
ETFs
Forex
CFDs
—
Crypto
Bonds
—
Options
Futures
Funds
—
Fractional Shares
—
Ready Made Portfolios
—
Money Market Funds
—
Margin
—
Demo Account

Pros & cons

Charles Schwab

Charles Schwab

Pros

  • $0 online listed stock and ETF commissions reduce trading costs
  • $0 brokerage opening, maintenance, and account minimums
  • Stock Slices let clients buy S&P 500 fractional shares from $5
  • paperMoney offers simulated trading on thinkorswim platforms
  • Schwab Intelligent Portfolios has no advisory fee or commissions
  • Treasuries trade online for $0 commission
  • Investor Checking has no monthly service or foreign transaction fees

Cons

  • Options carry a $0.65 per-contract fee
  • Broker-assisted stock and ETF trades add a $25 service charge
  • US OTC equities cost $6.95 online
  • Other mutual funds can cost up to $74.95 per purchase
  • Stock Slices are limited to S&P 500 companies
  • Day trading on thinkorswim requires margin approval and $25,000 equity
  • Futures and forex accounts are not protected by SIPC
  • Direct crypto cannot currently be traded in a Schwab brokerage account
Plus500

Plus500

Pros

  • 0% opening and closing trade fees on CFD positions
  • 0% Plus500 deposit and withdrawal fees
  • Unlimited demo with live quotes and adjustable balance
  • +Insights shows trends from millions of Plus500 trades
  • 100+ technical indicators and flexible alerts
  • Client deposits held separately under CySEC rules
  • Selected clients can receive technical analysis and an account manager

Cons

  • Inactivity fee up to 10 USD after three months without login
  • Currency conversion fee up to 0.7% of realized profit or loss
  • Overnight financing can apply when positions remain open
  • Guaranteed stop orders use a wider spread
  • Third-party fees may apply to international cards or bank transfers
  • Real-time prices require opening an account
Charles Schwab

Charles Schwab

Charles Schwab combines $0 online listed stock and ETF commissions with thinkorswim platforms, fractional S&P 500 Stock Slices, and automated portfolios.

Visit Charles Schwab Read review

Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply.

Plus500

Plus500

Plus500 offers CFD trading across forex, shares, ETFs, options and crypto, plus Plus500 Invest for stocks, with web/mobile apps and a demo account.

Visit Plus500 Read review

Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply.

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