Firstrade$0 commission on stocks, ETFs and options
- Published fee
- $0 commission on stocks, ETFs and options
- Minimum deposit
- 0 $
Broker comparison
Firstrade vs.
Schwab International
Which broker fits your needs?
Platforms, products and fees side by side.
Updated: October 2026
See comparisonFirstrade
Schwab InternationalVS
Summary
Your goal decides.
Schwab International has a higher rating of 4.6/5 compared to Firstrade (4/5). Schwab International offers 7 instrument types, while Firstrade offers 5. Schwab International has been in the market since 1971, making it the more experienced provider. Execution speed: Firstrade ~50 ms (US routing via NSCC), Schwab International ~30 ms (Schwab Smart Routing).
FirstradeCommission-free US broker with options trading since 1985
Schwab InternationalUS financial giant with comprehensive investment and trading solutions
At a glance
The key differences
| Criterion | Firstrade | Schwab International |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Firstrade Web, Firstrade App | thinkorswim Desktop, thinkorswim Web, Schwab Mobile App |
| Product types | Stocks, Options, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Bonds | Stocks, Options, Futures, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Forex |
| Options trading | Yes, commission-free | Yes, comprehensive with thinkorswim |
| Fee model | $0 commission on stocks, ETFs and options | $0 stocks/ETFs, $0.65 per options contract |
| Minimum deposit | 0 $ | 0 $ |
| Regulation | SEC/FINRA | SEC/FINRA |
| More information | Details | Details |
Platforms
Firstrade
Firstrade Web, Firstrade App
Schwab International
thinkorswim Desktop, thinkorswim Web, Schwab Mobile App
Product types
Firstrade
Stocks, Options, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Bonds
Schwab International
Stocks, Options, Futures, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Forex
Options trading
Firstrade
Yes, commission-free
Schwab International
Yes, comprehensive with thinkorswim
Fee model
Firstrade
$0 commission on stocks, ETFs and options
Schwab International
$0 stocks/ETFs, $0.65 per options contract
Minimum deposit
Firstrade
0 $
Schwab International
0 $
Regulation
Firstrade
SEC/FINRA
Schwab International
SEC/FINRA
Product access and costs depend on market, account and permissions.
Detailed comparison
Comparing fees
Compare total costs, not just the order fee.
FirstradeSchwab International$0 stocks/ETFs, $0.65 per options contract
- Published fee
- $0 stocks/ETFs, $0.65 per options contract
- Minimum deposit
- 0 $
The relevant costs depend on market, currency, order size and trading style.
Execution quality
Order type, venue and liquidity affect execution.
FirstradeCheck the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.
Provider informationSchwab InternationalCheck the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.
Provider informationProduct range
FirstradeStocksOptionsETFsMutual FundsBonds
Schwab InternationalStocksOptionsFuturesETFsMutual FundsBondsForex
Categories come from broker profiles. Check specific markets and permissions before deciding.
Trading platforms
FirstradeFirstrade Web · Firstrade App
Firstrade offers its own web platform and mobile app with basic charting features, options chain view, real-time quotes, and an integrated screener for stocks and ETFs. The platform is intentionally kept simple and tailored to long-term investors. Options traders can create multi-leg strategies through the options chain feature. Research tools include Morningstar ratings and basic fundamental analyses.
Explore platformSchwab 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 platformRegulation does not prevent market losses. The relevant authority depends on the contracting entity.
Your investor profile
Who might it suit?
FirstradeCommission-free US broker with options trading since 1985
- Completely commission-free trading
- Over 35 years of experience
- No minimum deposit
- Less advanced platform
- Limited research tools
Schwab InternationalUS financial giant with comprehensive investment and trading solutions
- thinkorswim platform (formerly TD Ameritrade)
- Huge product selection
- No minimum deposit
- International accounts limited
- Futures fees higher than competitors
Find the broker that fits
Firstrade oder Schwab International?
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.
In-depth analysis
Costs: Both US brokers (SEC/FINRA-regulated) charge $0 commission on stocks and ETFs and require no minimum deposit. The decisive difference is options: Firstrade trades even options contracts entirely commission-free ($0), whereas Schwab charges $0.65 per options contract. For pure options traders, Firstrade is therefore the cheaper choice.
Products and platform: Schwab offers the markedly broader range — stocks, options, futures, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds and forex — and, via the TD Ameritrade acquisition, the powerful thinkorswim platform (Desktop, Web and Schwab Mobile App) with professional charting and options-analysis tools. Firstrade is limited to stocks, options, ETFs, mutual funds and bonds through its own Firstrade Web platform and app, which the data notes is less advanced; futures and forex are absent.
Profile and verdict: Firstrade (rated 4.0/5, founded 1985 in New York) is a pioneer of commission-free trading for cost-conscious self-directed investors. Schwab (4.6/5, founded 1971 in Westlake TX) is a US financial giant with over 50 years of experience, extensive research and one of the market's strongest platforms. Those who want to trade options at zero cost choose Firstrade; those who need futures, forex and the professional thinkorswim platform are better served by Schwab. Both offerings target US customers.
Your questions
Frequently asked questions
How do fees differ between Firstrade and Schwab International?
Firstrade: $0 commission on stocks, ETFs and options. Schwab International: $0 stocks/ETFs, $0.65 per options contract. Compare total costs for the specific market, product, currency and order size in the current fee schedule.
Which broker offers more products: Firstrade or Schwab International?
Firstrade offers Stocks, Options, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Bonds. Schwab International offers Stocks, Options, Futures, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Forex.
How are Firstrade and Schwab International regulated?
The broker profiles list SEC/FINRA for Firstrade and SEC/FINRA for Schwab International. Your account's contracting entity determines the applicable oversight and protection rules; check its current disclosures.
Is Firstrade or Schwab International better for beginners?
Firstrade lists a 0 $ minimum deposit and offers Firstrade Web, Firstrade App. Schwab International lists 0 $ and offers thinkorswim Desktop, thinkorswim Web, Schwab Mobile App. Compare usability, available products and costs for your intended use.
Firstrade vs Schwab International: Which broker is better overall?
The choice between Firstrade (4/5, 600 reviews) and Schwab International (4.6/5, 2800 reviews) depends on your needs. Firstrade: Commission-free US broker with options trading since 1985. Schwab International: US financial giant with comprehensive investment and trading solutions.
Your next step
Your next step
FirstradeCommission-free US broker with options trading since 1985
Open accountRead reviewSchwab InternationalUS financial giant with comprehensive investment and trading solutions
Open accountRead reviewKeep learning
Before you pick a broker
The guides worth reading before your first trade, whichever of the two you choose.