We're making it easier for U.K. investors to take advantage of U.S. investing opportunities.

Common questions

What costs are associated with an account?

Online listed equity trades are US$0 per trade¹, and there is no charge to work with a Schwab Financial Consultant. Although other account fees, fund expenses, and brokerage commissions may apply, we believe in keeping our fees low as a way to provide greater value to you. We strive to keep fees low so that you have more to invest. 

 

Get details about our fees and commissions.

How do I open an account?

To apply for a Schwab International account, simply prepare the required supporting documents and go through the online account opening process. Once the account is fully established, you can fund your account and start investing.
 

In order for us to efficiently process your application for an account in accordance with relevant industry regulations, please begin by telling us your country/region of residence. 

How do I fund my Schwab account?

There are multiple ways to fund your new Schwab account:

• Electronic funds transfer (EFT) with Schwab MoneyLink^® to transfer funds or assets from an external account. You may also continually fund your account by setting up auto deposit to transfer funds from your checking account.
• Wire transfer request from another financial institution.
• Check deposit by mail or in person at your local Schwab branch.

Full funding instructions and access to online fund transfer tools will be provided after your account is opened.
 

What are the tax implications of opening a U.S. account?

As a general rule, non-U.S. persons with no U.S. business operations are typically not obligated to file a U.S. tax return. Depending on your circumstances, current U.S. estate tax laws may also provide significant advantages to international investors. You should consult your legal and tax advisor(s) with any questions. Here is some basic information about U.S. tax and estate considerations which can be taken into account as part of your investment decision-making process. 

How does Schwab support my U.S. investing needs?

With nearly 50 years of experience in the U.S. market, Schwab can help you make informed decisions with investor-focused resources, including: 

• 24/6 access to professional guidance and support with you at the center.
• Timely market insights, analysis, and perspectives to enhance your investment intelligence. 
• Educational content, workshops, and webinars to sharpen your investing skills. 
• Advanced trading tools and platforms to help you act on market opportunities.
• US$0 commissions so you can focus on building wealth. 

How does Schwab protect my personal information?

To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with U.S. federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings. The Schwab Security Guarantee is our commitment to cover any losses in any of your Schwab accounts due to unauthorized activity. To learn more about security at Schwab, please contact us.

Important information for U.K. investors

Important information for U.K. investors

Will my account be in the U.S. or in the U.K.?

Your account will be domiciled in the U.S. and your account agreement will be with our affiliate, the U.S. based broker dealer Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (CS&Co). Charles Schwab, U.K., Limited informs and helps clients access the services provided by CS&Co. Your relationship with Schwab U.K. and the services it provides is explained in the Charles Schwab, U.K., Limited Client Agreement.  

What will be my relationship to Schwab U.K.?

Your relationship with Schwab U.K. and the services it provides is explained in the Charles Schwab, U.K., Limited Client Agreement.

What should U.K. Investors be aware of?

All accounts are opened and held at CS&Co. This means you will be protected by Best Execution rules in the U.S. and not those in the U.K. CS&Co. receives payment for order flow for client orders it routes to U.S. liquidity providers and certain exchanges. In particular it receives rebates from them based upon the order flow executed at each destination. For more information about CS&Co.'s order routing and best execution practices, see order routing. Payment for order flow creates a conflict of interest and under U.K. rules would be considered an inducement and contrary to best execution. Schwab U.K. does not receive any remuneration from CS&Co. related to payment for order flow.

Is my account covered under the U.K. Financial Service Compensation Scheme?

Because your account is or will be held by CS&Co. in the U.S., the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) in the U.K. will not apply to your account in the event of loss of cash and securities. Instead, Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) coverage in the U.S. will apply. For more information about asset protection and SIPC coverage at CS&Co., please visit Account Protection.