Checking account experience
I've used Schwab's checking accounts for years and they're fine. No surprise fees. No foreign transaction fees. It reimburses you for overseas ATM fees.

Charles Schwab Corporation is one of the largest brokerage firms in the United States, providing a comprehensive suite of financial services to both individual investors and institutions. Their offerings include investment accounts, trading solutions, banking services, and retirement planning, all designed to help clients achieve their financial goals. With a strong focus on innovation and customer service, Schwab empowers investors with the tools and resources needed for informed decision-making in today's dynamic market. Visit schwab.com to learn more about how they can support your investment journey.
Charles Schwab receives overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many customers expressing frustration over account management and service quality. Reviewers frequently mention feeling trapped or scammed, particularly regarding issues with account security and the handling of funds.
Complaints about bounced checks and confusing verification processes are common, leading to a perception of poor customer service. While some users appreciate Schwab's ThinkOrSwim platform and acknowledge the professionalism of certain staff members, these positives are overshadowed by the overall dissatisfaction. Many consumers advise against opening accounts, citing a lack of support and accountability. Overall, the sentiment is predominantly negative, reflecting significant concerns about the company's reliability and service.
Summary generated with AI from recent reviews
Each source counts by its number of reviews. Only reviews written by people are scored.
| Source | Rating | Reviews | Weight | 6-mo | Fake risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Trustpilot Imported Trustpilot reviews | 1.6 | 200 | 100% | -0.1 | ● Low |
Monthly average rating from reviews written by people · latest review Jan 2026.
| Month | Average | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 25 | 1.5 | 24 |
| Mar 25 | 1.7 | 13 |
| Apr 25 | 1.3 | 22 |
| May 25 | 1.4 | 9 |
| Jun 25 | 2.3 | 14 |
| Jul 25 | 1.4 | 13 |
| Aug 25 | 1.9 | 11 |
| Sep 25 | 1.4 | 11 |
| Oct 25 | 1.5 | 12 |
| Nov 25 | 1.4 | 10 |
| Dec 25 | 1.7 | 15 |
| Jan 26 | 1.5 | 29 |
Share of positive (4–5★) and negative (1–2★) reviews mentioning each topic · based on the 200 most recent reviews.
“They have excellent online fillable PDF forms, extensive helpful information for new investors, good customer support...”
“They lured me into opening account promising that as an European I will trade US ETFs through them”
Same method for every company: overall rating, legitimacy checks, the average rating of reviews mentioning each area and the 6-month trend · Money & Insurance.
| Company | Overall | Legit | Service | Website & app | Value | Trend | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 out of 5 (poor) | 100 out of 100 | 2.0 out of 5 (poor) | 1.6 out of 5 (poor) | 2.0 out of 5 (poor) | −2% | 200 | |
| 4.2 out of 5 (good) | 100 out of 100 | 3.3 out of 5 (fair) | 3.0 out of 5 (fair) | — | — | 1,200 | |
| 4.7 out of 5 (good) | 100 out of 100 | 4.7 out of 5 (good) | 4.6 out of 5 (good) | 4.7 out of 5 (good) | — | 1,060 | |
| 4.8 out of 5 (good) | 100 out of 100 | 4.9 out of 5 (good) | 4.7 out of 5 (good) | 4.7 out of 5 (good) | — | 1,060 | |
| 4.8 out of 5 (good) | 100 out of 100 | 4.7 out of 5 (good) | 4.0 out of 5 (good) | 3.9 out of 5 (good) | — | 1,060 |
Bottom line: Charles Schwab is #5 of 5 on overall rating in this group. On website & app, JustCover Travel Insurance scores higher (4.7 vs 1.6).
200 reviews of Charles Schwab. Filter by what matters to you.
I've used Schwab's checking accounts for years and they're fine. No surprise fees. No foreign transaction fees. It reimburses you for overseas ATM fees.
They are on the whole pretty good compared to their competitors. Their debit card is really handy and does not rip off on FOREX rates unlike most banks. It's the least hassle so far, and they have real people, not some poor English, scripted person in the third world parroting rubbish (looking at you Capital One and Chase, and Xfinity, the worst of the worst). Downsides:- Linking accounts is a hassle, as is typical with most institutions, it shatters into pieces for no particular reason with their "verification" algorithm that is poorly designed, relies on bad third party data and has no manual override. Their staff just wring their hands as if the brokenness were done by some mysterious spirit they are powerless to intervene about and have no means to escalate to senior management who have a tin ear. This drives people nuts and limits my willingness to trust them with money. They think they can second guess, countermand and treat customers like infants. The mindset is BAD. This is a common failing of the "digital revolution" /AI many companies waste vast sums on, believing slick IT salesmen selling them garbage promises only to harm their business and customers who find themselves thwarted instead of leaving stuff alone that works, or at least used to work. I've been with them 20 years and would say it has gone downhill as they add more and more layers of krud to their IT. Opening a company account is completely impossible, takes hours and is vastly frustrating, then gives a message "try again another time" (and so losing all the work and time investment) which seems to be the industry "standard" (bad). In that sense, they are no worse than the other bad companies the finance sector that seems crippled by their increasingly Byzantine IT and process for its own sake over function. Besides that, better than the others and pretty good provided you don't touch anything that might break the delicate and brittle IT they use.
Quick answers to the questions people ask most.
Charles Schwab offers a variety of account types including individual and joint brokerage accounts, retirement accounts such as Traditional and Roth IRAs, as well as checking and savings accounts. Each account type is designed to meet different financial goals, so it's important to review the features of each to determine which best suits your needs.
Charles Schwab offers $0 commission on online stock and ETF trades, which makes it a cost-effective option for investors. However, there may be fees associated with certain mutual funds, options trading, and other specialized services, so it’s advisable to review the specific fee schedule on their website.
You can reach Charles Schwab's customer support team via phone, chat, or secure messaging through your online account. They also have a comprehensive help center on their website, where you can find answers to common questions and access resources for account management.
Yes, Charles Schwab offers a mobile app that allows you to manage your accounts conveniently from your smartphone or tablet. The app provides features such as trading stocks and ETFs, checking account balances, transferring funds, and accessing market updates and research tools.
Charles Schwab offers a robust suite of research tools including market analysis, stock screeners, and third-party research reports. You can also access educational resources such as articles and webinars to enhance your investing knowledge and help you make informed decisions.
Yes, you can transfer your existing brokerage account to Charles Schwab through a process called an ACAT transfer. Schwab provides an online tool to guide you through the transfer process, and they can assist with the necessary paperwork to facilitate a smooth transition.
Withdrawals from a Traditional IRA are typically subject to income tax, and if you take a withdrawal before age 59½, you may incur a 10% early withdrawal penalty. Roth IRA withdrawals may be tax-free if certain conditions are met, including the account being open for at least five years. It's advisable to consult with a tax advisor for personalized guidance.
Anyone can write a CrowdTrust review. People who write reviews have ownership to edit or delete them at any time, and they'll be displayed as long as an account is active.
So far so good. I've had a small portfolio of companies (5-10 stocks) I will only trust Schwab to manage my portfolio. There transfer are seamless. The call center is open 24/7. and they get back to you somewhat fast to question you send them.
I have had a fabulous experience after switching from TD Ameritrade to Schwab and I'm a little perplexed about the challenges described by some others. I have a solid investment team that I speak with regularly. There is always someone available and they are very helpful. I get good advice and have had no problems withdrawing cash when I want it. There are a couple of opportunities for improvement such as automating money market withdrawals to fund monthly IRA disbursements. But, that is getting pretty specific and the work around isn't unreasonable. I would like a few more trade options as well, but this is still much better than what is offered by most brokerage companies and 401(k) options. I am reluctant to give anyone a five-star review unless I know they are the best. In this case, I don't know of anyone better or I would take my five accounts elsewhere.
The agents at Charles Schwab have always been professional and helpful, but my most recently-assigned Financial Consultant/VP is not. He makes remarks - even in email - that he would never make to a guy. He tells me that everything I've learned from the agents at the main number is incorrect; makes up stories to hide fault; writes to me in all caps, etc. Adversarial, patronizing, misogynistic. And when I called him on it, no apology was offered.
Yes, Charles Schwab provides several tools for retirement planning, including retirement calculators and personalized retirement planning services. These resources can help you estimate how much you need to save, evaluate your current savings strategy, and determine the best investment options for your retirement goals.
A Schwab checking account offers benefits such as no monthly maintenance fees, unlimited ATM fee rebates worldwide, and access to online bill pay and mobile check deposit. Additionally, it seamlessly integrates with your investment accounts, making it easy to manage your finances in one place.
You can access your Schwab account statements and tax documents through the online account portal or mobile app. All statements are available in a secure digital format, and you can choose to receive them via email or download them directly for your records.
Charles Schwab Corporation is one of the largest brokerage firms in the United States, providing a comprehensive suite of financial services to both individual investors and institutions. Their offerings include investment accounts, trading solutions, banking services, and retirement planning, all designed to help clients achieve their financial goals. With a strong focus on innovation and customer service, Schwab empowers investors with the tools and resources needed for informed decision-making in today's dynamic market. Visit schwab.com to learn more about how they can support your investment journey.
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