Interactive Brokers
Pro-grade global market access
4.6/ 5
Best for: Serious Indian investors funding $10k+ via LRS who want direct US market access.
Compare Interactive Brokers with others →US broker review
Charles Schwab review
Trusted US giant, $0 stock trades
4.4/ 5
- Since 1971
- Stocks $0 online commission
- Options $0 + $0.65 per contract
Reviewed by LetsInvest Research DeskUpdated 17 Sept 2026Pricing verified 17 Sept 2026How we test
Overview
Charles Schwab offers $0 online US stock/ETF trades, $0.65/contract options and deep research with banking integration. Indian investors apply through the Schwab One International account (online application, select country of residence) and fund via LRS wire. A full-service giant, not a mobile-first disruptor.
Best for: Long-term US-index investors opening via Schwab One International.
Pros & cons
What we like
- $0 online stock/ETF trades + $0.65/contract options
- Schwab One International route for Indian investors
- Deep research, banking integration, no account minimums
Watch out for
- International onboarding paperwork is heavier than domestic
- No direct INR funding — LRS wire needed
- Futures at $2.25/contract, costlier than IBKR Pro
Fees & charges (USD)
Account charges
- Account openingWhat it costs to open the account. All four open free; IBKR margin accounts need a $2,000 minimum deposit.
- $0 to open✓ Verified 17/9/2026Source: Official pricing page · Static-verified
- Annual feeYearly account fee. None of these US brokers charges one.
- $0✓ Verified 17/9/2026Source: Official pricing page · Static-verified
Equity
- US listed stocks & ETFs (online)Commission on US stock/ETF trades. $0 online everywhere — except IBKR, where Indian accounts use per-share Pro pricing (Lite $0 is US-only).
- $0 online commission✓ Verified 17/9/2026Source: Official pricing page · Static-verified
Derivatives (F&O)
- Options (online)Per-contract fee on US options, on top of a $0 base commission. Exchange and regulatory pass-throughs apply on top everywhere.
- $0 + $0.65 per contract✓ Verified 17/9/2026Source: Official pricing page · Static-verified
- Futures (online)Per-contract futures commission, where offered.
- $2.25 per contract✓ Verified 17/9/2026Source: Official pricing page · Static-verified
Source & freshness
- Source
- Each broker's official pricing page (per-row source links above)
- Timeliness
- Static-verified
- Verified
- 17/9/2026
- Method
- reported
- Note
- Re-checked against official pages; unverified rows show Confirming. Never a live tick.
Sources: official broker pricing pages linked in our verification log. Brokerage is only part of the cost — forex spread, LRS/TCS and US withholding sit on top.
India access
✓ Available: Schwab One International account — online application, select country of residence
Platforms & protection
research
- Research & advisory✓ · Schwab equity ratings, mutual-fund screeners
protection
- Account protection✓ · SIPC member
Support & company
Customer support
Support channels not yet listed — check the broker's contact page.
Company facts
- Founded
- 1971
- Regulation
- SEC, FINRA, SIPC member
The best full-service US broker for Indians who can open an International account. Confirm current India eligibility during application.
Funding from India (LRS)
Indian residents can remit up to $250,000/year under the RBI's Liberalised Remittance Scheme to fund a US brokerage account. Budget for TCS on remittances above ₹10 lakh, a 0.5–1.5% forex spread, and 25% US dividend withholding on top of the brokerage above.
US-cost calculator →How US investing from India works →NRI corner →
Alternatives to Charles Schwab
Fidelity
Zero-fee index funds pioneer
4.2/ 5
Best for: US residents; a benchmark quote for everyone else.
Compare Fidelity with others →
Webull
Mobile-first $0 trading
3.9/ 5
Best for: Mobile-first traders with a US tax ID.
Compare Webull with others →Charles Schwab FAQs
Can Indians open a Charles Schwab account?
Indians apply through the Schwab One International account: an online application where you select your country of residence and submit supporting documents. Confirm current India eligibility during application, then fund via LRS wire.
What does Schwab charge for US stocks and options?
$0 online commission on listed US stocks and ETFs, $0 plus $0.65 per contract on options, and $2.25 per contract on futures — with no account or trade minimums.
User reviews
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Affiliate disclosure: LetsInvest earns a commission if you open an account via links on this page — at no extra cost to you. Rankings are editorial and never sold. Read how we make money and our methodology.
How we research. Every fee on this site carries a source and a verification date. Data is re-checked against official broker pages; read our editorial methodology. LetsInvest is a research publication, not a financial adviser — see our terms.
Visit Charles Schwab
Official site — pricing varies by plan, verify before acting.