Two brokers clash over platform power and breadth of markets versus a bundled banking and investing app. This tension centers on cost, tools, and account features.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose if…
Choose Charles Schwab if you want IPO access and a broad, institutional-quality research stack.
Choose if…
Choose Revolut if you value a single app that combines banking, payments, and fractional stock investing.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
| Editorial score | 4.6/ 5 | 3.8/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | N/A | N/A |
| Spreads from | N/A | N/A |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
| Deposit fee |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Charles Schwab | Revolut |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Fail | Fail |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Fail | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Pass | Pass |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Pass | Pass |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Pass | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Pass | Fail |
| IPO access | Pass | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Fail |
| Stock screener tool | Pass | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Fail |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
Charles Schwab rates 4.6/5 versus 3.8/5 for Revolut. Charles Schwab edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Both Charles Schwab and Revolut hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each broker's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
Minimum deposit and negative balance protection data are not confirmed for this pair. Both hold top-tier regulatory status, meaning client fund protections apply to both. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site.
Charles Schwab lists maximum leverage of 1:4. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
Charles Schwab supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, thinkorswim, while Revolut supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. Charles Schwab has exclusive access to thinkorswim.
Yes, you can open an account with Revolut independently of your Charles Schwab account. There is no formal transfer process for open positions; you would need to close existing trades with Charles Schwab before funding and trading with Revolut.
Yes, both Charles Schwab and Revolut offer commission-free stock trading according to our data. Keep in mind that commission-free brokers may still charge spread costs, foreign exchange fees, or platform fees — always check the full fee schedule on each broker's website.
Yes, both Charles Schwab and Revolut offer fractional share investing. This makes it easier to invest in high-priced stocks with smaller amounts of capital, which is particularly useful for long-term portfolio building. Check each broker for the specific stocks eligible for fractional purchases.
Revolut scores higher on investor protection criteria, with compensation scheme coverage and segregated client funds. For stock investors, confirming compensation scheme coverage ensures your assets are protected up to a defined limit if the broker becomes insolvent.
Charles Schwab offers universal commission-free trades with no account minimum; Revolut uses plan-based free trades.
Charles Schwab leads safety and regulation due to SEC/FINRA oversight and large client assets.
Charles Schwab wins for long-term investing with fractional shares, DRIP, and a no-fee robo-adviser.
Charles Schwab wins for active traders with thinkorswim, advanced charting, and deep research.
Revolut wins for beginners thanks to a single app for banking and fractional investing.
Charles Schwab wins for global access with 12 exchanges.
| Free |
| Deposit methods | Bank transferACHWire transferCheque | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardApple PayGoogle Pay |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferACHWire transferCheque | Bank transferCredit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free ACH; $25 wire transfer | Free (standard plan); subject to fair use policy |
|---|
| Commission-free | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Fractional shares | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | Yes | No |
|---|
| Extended hours | Yes | No |
|---|
| IPO access | Yes | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | No |
|---|
| Regulators | SEC FINRA | CBI FCA |
|---|
| Platforms | Proprietary Web/Mobile thinkorswim | Proprietary Web/Mobile |
|---|
| Active bonuses | 2 offers | 2 offers |
|---|
Charles Schwab edges Revolut in editorial score by 0.8, reflecting its stronger platform mix and broader research stack.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.8 / 5
Personalised recommendation
Answer 6 quick questions and we’ll match you with the brokers that best fit your trading style, experience level, and country.
Find my broker