Assets under management (AUM):
$7.13 trillion
Fees:
0.3% - 0.8%
Fee structure:
Flat fee or tiered percentage, depending on service
Minimum account sizes:
$25,000
Founded in 1971 and listed on the NYSE, Charles Schwab has over 30 years of experience and manages more than $7 trillion in client assets, making it a trusted provider for those seeking professional financial advice.
What financial advisor services does Charles Schwab provide?
Charles Schwab provides a range of financial advisor services tailored to different investor needs, primarily through two offerings: Schwab Wealth Advisory (SWA) and Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Premium.
- Schwab Wealth Advisory (SWA): SWA is Schwab’s premier service for high-net-worth clients, offering personalized wealth management and access to a dedicated team of fiduciary advisors.
- Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Premium: For cost-conscious investors, Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Premium combines automated investing with unlimited 1:1 guidance from CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals, blending digital efficiency with personalized advice.
Charles Schwab financial advisor: Minimum account sizes
The minimum account size at Charles Schwab ranges from $25,000 to $500,000, depending on the financial advisor service you choose.
Charles Schwab offers two core financial advisor options, each with a different investment threshold and level of support:
| Service | Minimum investment | Human advisor support |
|---|---|---|
| Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Premium | $25,000 | ✅ Yes (unlimited 1:1 CFP® support) |
| Schwab Wealth Advisory | $500,000 | ✅ Yes (dedicated fiduciary team) |
Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Premium
Combines robo-advising with unlimited 1:1 planning sessions from a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional.
- Minimum investment: $25,000
- Best for: Investors who want low-cost digital investing plus access to human financial advice.
Schwab Wealth Advisory
Schwab’s flagship advisory service, offering personalized planning, dedicated fiduciary advisors, and proactive portfolio oversight.
- Minimum investment: $500,000
- Best for: High-net-worth individuals looking for a comprehensive, relationship-based financial advisory experience.
Charles Schwab financial advisor: Fees
The fees for each of Charles Schwab's two core offerings are as follows:
- Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Premium has a flat $300 setup fee and $30/month
- Schwab Wealth Advisory has tiered fees starting at 0.80%
Below is a further breakdown of fees for each offering.
Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Premium fees:
- $300 one-time planning fee
- $30/month ongoing advisory fee
- ETF operating expenses (low-cost Schwab ETFs™)
This service combines automated investing with unlimited 1:1 guidance from a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional.
Schwab Wealth Advisory fees:
| Asset tier | Fee |
|---|---|
| First $1 million | 0.80% |
| Next $1 million (up to $2M) | 0.75% |
| Next $3 million (up to $5M) | 0.70% |
| Next $5 million (up to $10M) | 0.50% |
| Next $15 million (up to $25M) | 0.30% |
| Over $25 million | 0.30% or lower (negotiable) |
Fees are billed quarterly, based on daily asset levels
This is Charles Schwab’s premier financial advisor service, offering personalized planning and portfolio management with a dedicated team of fiduciary advisors.
What are the pros and cons of Charles Schwab financial advisor?
Each of Schwab’s advisor services comes with distinct advantages and limitations depending on your needs and investment level.
Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Premium
This is a hybrid solution that combines automated investing with unlimited access to professional financial planning.
Pros of Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Premium:
- Access to CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals: Clients receive unlimited 1:1 guidance alongside automated investing tools.
- Lower entry point: With a $25,000 minimum, it’s more accessible than SWA for those starting out or seeking hybrid financial advice.
- Flat annual fee: For $300 upfront and $30/month, clients gain continuous access to financial planning and goal tracking.
Cons of Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Premium:
- Limited investment flexibility: Like SWA, portfolios are restricted to Schwab-selected ETFs.
- Less personalization: Compared to SWA, financial plans may be more templated, especially for complex needs.
Schwab Wealth Advisory
This is a premium, relationship-based service designed for high-net-worth clients seeking ongoing, personalized financial guidance.
Pros of Schwab Wealth Advisory:
- Dedicated team of fiduciary advisors: Clients work with a team of professionals who are legally obligated to act in their best interest.
- Robust digital tools and research access: Schwab’s platforms support seamless portfolio management and offer in-depth market insights.
- Tiered fee structure: Advisory fees start at 0.80% and decrease with higher asset levels, offering better value for wealthier investors.
Cons of Schwab Wealth Advisory:
- Schwab-only investment portfolios: SWA uses portfolios built from Schwab-managed products, limiting third-party diversification.
- High minimum investment: The $500,000 minimum can be a barrier for entry-level investors or those still building their wealth.
Charles Schwab financial advisor: Technology
In terms of technology, Charles Schwab offers an efficient online platform and comprehensive research tools.
The use of tech helps to provide clients with the best financial services possible.
It offers customers both a customizable online platform and a simple but efficient mobile app.
Charles Schwab security: Is it secure?
With multi-level security access points, including voice recognition, firewalls, two-factor authentication, robust mobile security features, and 128-bit encryption methods, their clients’ sensitive data is well-protected and secure.
Charles Schwab financial advisor customer service
Charles Schwab's advisor customer service has a reputation for excellence, and the firm is well known for its exemplary support record.
With 24/7 customer service lines and a team of helpful, informed service personnel available, they ensure that clients of this firm have access to both practical and information-based support whenever the need arises.
Get expert financial advice
Charles Schwab is a well-established financial services firm offering a diverse range of products to meet various needs.
Weighing up the Charles Schwab pros and cons will help you determine if this is the right option for you and if the services available suit your requirements.
Choosing a financial services firm that meets your needs is important for taking control of your finances.
If you need help navigating your finances, it’s always best to seek out a financial advisor so that you can get expert advice. Let Unbiased match you with the right advisor now.
FAQs about
Should I keep my money in Charles Schwab?
According to Charles Schwab, clients are protected not only by SIPC coverage but also by "excess SIPC" insurance. This additional protection ensures that claims will be covered in case of a brokerage firm failure and if SIPC protections are exhausted.
Are my investments at Charles Schwab safe?
According to Charles Schwab, the securities in your Schwab account, including fully paid stocks and bonds as well as excess margin securities, are segregated in compliance with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's Customer Protection Rule.
How much does a Schwab advisor cost?
According to Charles Schwab, the cost for a Schwab advisor starts with a minimum investment of $500,000. Fees begin at 0.80% and decrease at higher asset levels.
Who are Charles Schwab's competitors?
Charles Schwab’s main competitors include:
>Learn more about how Charles Schwab ranked on our list of best financial advisors and top-rated investment firms.
How does Charles Schwab compare to other financial advisory companies?
We’ve compared Charles Schwab with other financial advisor companies. Find out more here:
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