Charles Schwab
TD Ameritrade merger · Regulation checked: October 2026
TC RATING
Score in progress
Our regulation-first checks
AND THINKORSWIM
Charles Schwab acquired TD Ameritrade and integrated its brokerage business into Schwab. TD Ameritrade accounts, investments, and the thinkorswim trading platform moved to Charles Schwab, and TD Ameritrade no longer operates as a separate broker. This guide explains what the merger means for former TD Ameritrade clients, including changes to account management, trading platforms, fees, and investment services.
The TC rating is in progress while the broker’s regulatory status, fees, trading services, and account features are assessed against TradingCritique’s evaluation criteria.
What happened to TD Ameritrade trading accounts?
When did TD Ameritrade accounts move to Charles Schwab?
Charles Schwab’s acquisition of TD Ameritrade entailed integration of its brokerage operations in phases. This entailed the inclusion of TD Ameritrade client accounts and services by Charles Schwab, instead of the transfer of all the accounts at once. Clients were notified directly by Charles Schwab about account conversion and the process of logging into their accounts.
The process also led to the inclusion of the thinkorswim trading platform in the Charles Schwab portfolio. This means that eligible clients will still be able to use the tools available on the thinkorswim trading platform, like charting and market analysis tools. TD Ameritrade clients are now able to log into their Charles Schwab accounts.
New clients are required to set up a Charles Schwab login ID and password, while existing Charles Schwab clients can keep on using their existing login credentials.
TD Ameritrade vs Charles Schwab fees and commissions
TD Ameritrade no longer operates as a separate broker following its integration into Charles Schwab. Former TD Ameritrade clients now use Schwab’s brokerage services and applicable pricing. Therefore, there is no separate TD Ameritrade fee schedule to compare with Schwab’s current charges.
Charles Schwab fees and commissions
Charles Schwab’s fees depend on the investment product and transaction method. Its main charges include:
| Charles Schwab fees and commissions | |
|---|---|
| Fee | Charge |
| Account opening fee | $0 |
| Account maintenance fee | $0 |
| Account minimum | $0 |
| Online US-listed stocks and ETFs | $0 commission for eligible trades |
| Online options trading | $0 commission + $0.65 per contract |
| Schwab OneSource mutual funds | $0 transaction fee |
| Other mutual funds | Up to $74.95/ purchase, depending on the fund |
| US OTC equities | $6.95 per online trade |
| Canadian securities | $6.95 per online trade |
| Futures and futures options | $2.25 per contract |
| Forex | $0 commission, but spreads apply |
| Broker-assisted trades | An additional $25 service charge may apply to eligible transactions |
| Foreign stocks traded through US OTC markets | A foreign transaction fee may apply |
| Foreign stocks traded on local exchanges | Greater of $100 or 0.75% of principal |
| Bonds and fixed-income products | Fees vary by product and transaction method |
These fees describe Schwab’s pricing, not a direct comparison with TD Ameritrade’s former fees. Additional charges may apply depending on the investment and service used.
What happened to the thinkorswim trading platform?
Schwab now provides access to thinkorswim as part of its broader trading platform offering.
Charles Schwab trading platforms after the TD Ameritrade merger
Following the integration of TD Ameritrade, Charles Schwab offers its own web-based trading platform and Schwab mobile app alongside thinkorswim. The thinkorswim suite is available on desktop, web, and mobile, giving clients several ways to access their trading accounts.
Schwab.com
An all-in-one platform for investing and financial planning
Schwab mobile
Allows clients to track investments, place trades, and manage their money on the go
thinkorswim desktop
Provides advanced trading tools, charting, and market analysis
thinkorswim web
Allows clients to trade through a web browser without downloading software
thinkorswim mobile
Offers advanced trading tools for trading from a mobile device
Schwab clients can choose the platforms that suit their trading preferences or use more than one platform. For example, a trader can use thinkorswim for charting and market analysis, then place trades through the Schwab website. Clients can also use the Schwab mobile app to manage their accounts and trade while away from their computers.
This flexibility means clients do not have to use a single platform for every activity. They can combine Schwab’s standard platforms with thinkorswim according to their needs, subject to the applicable account and platform requirements.
What features and tools changed after the merger?
- Following the integration of TD Ameritrade into Charles Schwab, former TD Ameritrade clients moved to Schwab’s brokerage services and trading platforms.
- Schwab retained thinkorswim, bringing it into its existing platform offering rather than discontinuing it.
- Clients can now access Schwab’s own website and mobile app alongside thinkorswim, depending on their trading preferences and account eligibility.
- The merger combined Schwab’s existing services with trading platforms and tools carried over from TD Ameritrade.
However, the changes should not be viewed as a simple list of features gained or lost, as the available tools depend on the platform and account requirements.
TD Ameritrade vs Charles Schwab account and investment options
Following the integration of TD Ameritrade into Charles Schwab, former TD Ameritrade clients now use Schwab’s brokerage services, account options and investment products. Schwab offers a range of account types, including individual and joint brokerage accounts, retirement accounts and other specialised accounts, subject to eligibility and account requirements.
Schwab also provides access to stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds, bonds and other investment products. Its pricing includes $0 online commissions for eligible US-listed stocks and ETFs, while options, certain mutual funds, futures and other transactions may involve additional fees. The applicable charges depend on the investment and how the transaction is placed.
For trading, clients can choose between Schwab’s website, Schwab mobile app, and thinkorswim platforms. These provide different ways to manage accounts, research investments, and place trades, allowing clients to select the tools that suit their trading needs.
What happened to TD Ameritrade customer support?
TD Ameritrade customer support is now handled through Charles Schwab. Former TD Ameritrade clients can contact Schwab for help with their accounts and services.
Charles Schwab contact numbers
Schwab brokerage
800-435-4000
Password reset
800-780-2755
Schwab bank
888-403-9000
Schwab intelligent portfolios
855-694-5208
Schwab trading services
888-245-6864
Workplace retirement plans
800-724-7526
Customers can also contact support through live chat or visit a nearby Schwab branch. Trading services support is available 24 hours a day, 5 days a week (24/5).
TD Ameritrade vs Charles Schwab: Key differences
The merger brought TD Ameritrade’s brokerage business into Charles Schwab. TD Ameritrade no longer operates as a separate broker, and former clients now access their brokerage services through Schwab. The main changes include:
Brokerage accounts: Former TD Ameritrade clients now access their accounts through Charles Schwab.
Trading platforms: thinkorswim is still accessible through Schwab, together with Schwab.com, Schwab mobile, and other thinkorswim trading platforms.
Pricing and commission rates: Former customers of TD Ameritrade pay Schwab’s respective pricing and commission charges.
Investment choices: Customers have access to Schwab’s respective account types and investment instruments depending on their eligibility and account requirements.
Customer support: Customers of former TD Ameritrade can reach out to Schwab’s client assistance representatives through its official means of contacting customer service.
These changes mean that TD Ameritrade is no longer a separate option for new brokerage accounts.
Conclusion
In summary, TD Ameritrade has been bought by Charles Schwab and incorporated into its brokerage firm. The company has ceased to exist as a separate brokerage firm, while former customers of TD Ameritrade can use their brokerage accounts via Schwab’s trading platforms and commission charges.
The merger brought TD Ameritrade’s trading tools into Schwab’s existing services, giving eligible clients access to thinkorswim alongside Schwab’s website and mobile app. Account features, fees, and available services depend on the account type and applicable requirements.
Pro Tip
If you were a TD Ameritrade client, use Charles Schwab’s official website to review your account details, current fees, and available trading platforms. Check the applicable terms before placing trades, and use only official Schwab channels to protect your account information.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is TD Ameritrade now Charles Schwab?
Yes, Charles Schwab acquired and integrated TD Ameritrade’s brokerage business. TD Ameritrade no longer operates as a separate broker.
2. What happened to TD Ameritrade after the merger?
TD Ameritrade’s brokerage business became part of Charles Schwab. Former clients now access their accounts and trading services through Schwab.
3. When did TD Ameritrade accounts move to Charles Schwab?
The account transition took place as part of Schwab’s phased integration of TD Ameritrade. Clients received information about their account conversion through official communications.
4. Can I still access my old TD Ameritrade account?
Former clients can access their brokerage accounts through Charles Schwab. Use Schwab’s official channels and avoid unofficial account recovery websites.
5. Did TD Ameritrade fees change after the Schwab merger?
Yes, some fees and pricing terms may have changed after TD Ameritrade’s brokerage business moved to Charles Schwab. Former clients are now subject to Schwab’s applicable pricing and account terms.
6. Is thinkorswim still available after the TD Ameritrade merger?
Yes, thinkorswim remains part of Schwab’s trading platform offering. Access depends on the applicable account requirements.
7. Did Charles Schwab keep the TD Ameritrade thinkorswim platform?
Yes, Schwab retained thinkorswim after integrating TD Ameritrade’s brokerage business. The platform is available in desktop, web, and mobile versions.
8. Are TD Ameritrade and Charles Schwab the same company now?
TD Ameritrade’s brokerage business has been integrated into Charles Schwab. TD Ameritrade no longer operates as a separate broker.
9. What happened to TD Ameritrade trading platforms?
thinkorswim became part of Schwab’s trading platform offering. Clients can also use Schwab.com and the Schwab mobile app.
10. Did my TD Ameritrade investments move to Charles Schwab?
Former clients’ brokerage accounts and investments transitioned to Schwab as part of the integration. Clients can check their current holdings through Schwab’s official channels.
11. What changed for TD Ameritrade customers after the merger?
Former clients now use Schwab’s brokerage services, platforms, and customer support. Schwab’s applicable pricing and account requirements apply.
12. Is Charles Schwab better than TD Ameritrade after the merger?
TD Ameritrade no longer operates as a separate broker, so a direct comparison is no longer practical.
