FAQs

Get answers to your questions—from client service to investing. Don't see your question here? Check our common questions page for timely updates on trading, margin, tax and more.

Client Service

Where do I mail a check, application or account update form?

It depends on where you live.

If you're a resident of AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, IA, ID, KS, MT, ND, NE, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA, or WY, or a member of Armed Forces America or Armed Forces Pacific:

For standard delivery, mail to:
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
P.O. Box 982600
El Paso, TX 79998-2600

For Overnight/FedEx/UPS delivery, mail to:
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
1945 Northwestern Drive
El Paso, TX 79912-1108

If you're a resident of AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV, American Samoa, Guam, Marshall Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, or the Virgin Islands, or a member of Armed Forces Europe:

For standard delivery, mail to:
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
P.O. Box 2339
Omaha, NE 68103

For Overnight/FedEx/UPS delivery, mail to:
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
200 S 108th Ave.
Omaha, NE 68154

How can I reach a Schwab investment professional for assistance?

Just call us at 800-435-4000 to talk to one of our investment professionals anytime, any day. Here are some other ways to contact us.

How can I go paperless?

Going paperless is a simple process—here's how you do it:

Log in to your account and follow this path: Profile > Paperless
Check the box beside "Enroll in paperless for all eligible documents and accounts" and click Go Paperless.
For each Document Type by account, select the account(s) you'd like to make paperless then Submit at the bottom.
Assign the email address you'd like to use for your paperless email notification.

It's easy to find all the documents you need on our Forms and Applications page.

How do I download Schwab Mobile apps?

Go to your iPhone®, iPad®, or Android™ home screen.
For iPhone® and iPad®, swipe until you see the "app store" app and tap the icon.
For Android™, swipe until you see the "Google Play" app and tap the icon.
Tap the "search" option and enter "Schwab Mobile".
For iPhone® and iPad®, tap "get".
For Android™, tap "install".
Once downloaded, you will be prompted to set up a user name and password in order to access your accounts.

Can I add my Schwab Bank Visa® Platinum Debit Card to Apple Pay¹, Samsung Pay and/or Google Pay?

Yes. When you add your Schwab Bank Visa ® Platinum Debit Card to one of these mobile wallets 2 , you can use an eligible Apple, Android or Samsung device to make convenient purchases at over 220,000 retailers and in many online stores. Learn more.

What happens to a Schwab account when a client dies?

When we receive notification that an account holder has passed away, we take steps to protect their accounts and prepare to work with the deceased's estate. The Schwab Relationship Specialist assigned to the case then works with the inheritors and estate professionals to transfer the assets. Most transfers are completed within a few weeks but some can take several months, depending on the number and type of accounts. The first step is to notify Schwab of the death

Login Help

How do I log in to my account for the first time?

First time logging in? Here’s how it works:

Go to Schwab.com.
Click on the "Log in" link at the top of the page.
Click on the "New User" link next to the Login ID form field.
Follow the simple instructions to set up your Login ID and password.

Be sure to have your account number close at hand.

If you've forgotten your Login ID or password, just click on the "Forgot your password?" link or call us anytime at 800-435-4000.

I forgot my user name and password. Can you help me?

Yes. Just call us at 800-435-4000 and we’ll help you take care of it.

If you have previously set up a secret question and answer for your account, you can go to "Log in" (at the top of any Schwab.com page) and select "Forgot your password?" After you correctly answer your secret question, you can reset your password online.

How do I login to my Schwab 529 account?

If you already have another Schwab account that you reach by logging in to schwab.com:

Go to schwab.com
Click on the "Log in" link at the top of the page and select "Schwab.com".
Enter your Schwab login ID and password.
After logging in, locate your Schwab 529 account on the Account Summary page. Click on the Education link to view detailed information.

If the 529 account is the only account you have at Schwab or you do not access your other account(s) by logging into schwab.com:

Go to schwab.com
Click on the "Log in" link at the top of the page.
Select "Schwab 529" or "Learning Quest ® 529" in the drop-down list, depending on which 529 plan you participate in.
Enter your User Name and Password (This is the user name and password you selected when you applied for your 529 account online, or when you enrolled the account for online access.)

If you have other Schwab accounts and this is your first time logging in:

Go to schwab.com.
Click on the "Log in" link at the top of the page and select "Schwab.com".
Click on the "New User" link next to the Login ID form field.
After logging in, locate your Schwab 529 account on the Account Summary page. Click on the Education link to view detailed information.

If you need further assistance, call 888-903-3863 Monday – Friday, 9:30 am ET – 6:30 pm ET to speak with a Schwab 529 client service specialist.

My Account

Where can I find my account statements?

To access your statements online, log in to Schwab.com. Then, go to schwab.com/statements, or follow this path: Accounts > Statements.

You can search for, view, and print documents from the past 10 years—for both brokerage and Schwab Bank accounts.

Once you find the statement(s) you're looking for, just click the link name and the document will open in PDF format (this may take a couple of minutes).

Adobe ® Reader ® is required to view or print forms that are available as PDF files. You can download Adobe Reader here.

How do I connect Quicken® to my Schwab One® or Schwab Bank Investor Checking™ account?³

You'll need to begin from within the Quicken software environment, rather than from Schwab.com.

During the setup process, you will be prompted for a Customer ID or Login ID and password—you can use the same Login ID and password you use to access Schwab.com.

You can then download your account transactions from your Schwab One ® and your linked Schwab Bank Investor Checking™ account to Intuit's Quicken.

What fees am I being charged?

Fees vary depending on the types of accounts you have and the types of assets you have in those accounts. Please visit Commissions and Fees for a complete listing of fees.

How can I request copies of cashed checks from my Schwab Bank Investor Checking™ account?*

You can see images of your cleared checks—front and back—at Schwab.com for up to a year after they've cleared. Here's how:

Log in and click the Accounts tab, then click the History link in the toolbar.
Near the top of the screen, you'll find a drop-down menu containing your account numbers. Select your checking account number and your checking history will appear, listed as "Posted Transactions."
To the right of the transaction dates, you'll see the word "Check" paired with a check number.
Click on a particular check number to view it.
To print, click Print in the upper right corner of the check image.

* If you need a copy of a check from your Schwab One brokerage account, please call 800-435-4000.

What's the routing number for my Schwab Bank account?

The routing number for all Charles Schwab Bank accounts is 121202211.

What are the legislated changes on cost basis and how do they impact me?

Starting in 2011, Schwab must begin reporting more comprehensive cost basis and gain/loss information to you and the IRS as a new tax law begins to phase in. Learn more about the 2011 tax reporting law.

How do I make deposits with my smartphone?

Use Schwab Mobile to make deposits to your eligible Schwab brokerage accounts or Schwab Bank accounts by simply taking pictures of your checks. Learn more.

Moving Money or Assets

How do I transfer money between my bank and my Schwab brokerage account?

Schwab MoneyLink ® is a free service that allows you to transfer funds between your Schwab brokerage account and other financial institutions at regularly scheduled intervals and/or upon request. You can sign up for MoneyLink at Schwab.com, or you can mail in an application using either the MoneyLink Enrollment form or, for IRAs, the MoneyLink section of the IRA Distribution Request form.

Transfer frequency options:

Transfer frequency can be set to regular intervals—weekly, monthly, a specific day each month, and many more.

Minimum amount: $0.01 per transaction using Client Central or $1 using Schwab.com
Maximum amount: $100,000 per transaction ($100,000 is the default for request transfers if no maximum amount is specified)

If you apply online, you should be able to begin using MoneyLink within two to three business days.

If you choose to mail in an application, you should be able to begin using MoneyLink within one to two weeks.

Please be aware that account eligibility and restrictions may apply.

How do I withdraw funds from my 529 account to pay for school?

There are three ways to request a withdrawal from your 529 account:

Submit a request online by logging into your account.
Call the Schwab 529 team at 888-903-3863.
Complete and submit a Withdrawal Request Form.

All withdrawals from 529 accounts are either "qualified" or "nonqualified." A qualified withdrawal meets the following four conditions:

The student is attending an eligible educational institution.
The assets are being used for qualified educational expenses, including tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for enrollment and room and board (equivalent to the cost of on-campus housing for students attending at least half-time).
For Kansas residents only, the 529 account must have been established at least 12 months before the distribution was made—otherwise, the state tax deduction may have to be forfeited. (There is no required time period for non-Kansas residents.)

Any distributions that do not meet the above criteria are considered nonqualified withdrawals.

Taxes and penalties:

All withdrawn funds must be used for qualified educational expenses at an eligible institution to avoid incurring a penalty.
Nonqualified withdrawals can be made at any time (with a penalty).
Only the account owners may request withdrawals from the account.
The earnings portion of a nonqualified withdrawal may be subject to federal and state income tax and a 10% federal penalty. The person ultimately receiving the funds (either the account owner or the beneficiary) will need to report the withdrawal on their personal income tax return.

Investing

I want to learn how to invest but am not sure where to begin. What's my first step?

To get started, first you must ask yourself key questions: What is my purpose for investing? What do I plan to do with the money I earn? When will I need it? Then you need to make a plan to achieve those goals. Get help putting your plan in place, and get investing tips and information from Schwab investment professionals.

Do I need to invest a lot to get help from a Schwab investment professional?

No, there is no set investing limit to get help from Schwab. Whether you have a little or a lot, we can help you get started on the right track. To speak with a Schwab investment professional, call 800-435-4000 anytime, or find a Schwab branch near you.

I'm wary of the risks in the stock market. Why should I invest?

While stocks may have more ups and downs than many other investments, they have historically produced higher returns than those investments over the long term. In fact, over the past 30 years stocks have, on average, performed better than bonds, gold, and even cash.* To learn more about stocks and get help planning the best mix of investments for you, visit How to Invest.

* Source: Zephyr StyleADVISOR.

Does Schwab offer any guidance about what types of investments I should consider?

Schwab provides the help and guidance you need to set your investing goals and plan your investments. Learn about the types of investments that will fit your needs at How to Invest.

How do I choose the right mix of investments for my account?

If you're new to investing, Schwab can help you with all you need to know about How to Invest, our online guide with tips and information on planning a portfolio mix that can best meet your needs and goals.

Another option is to use the Schwab Portfolio Analysis tool, which considers both your tolerance for risk and your expected needs over time in order to help you determine the right portfolio for you.

How can I find a particular fund prospectus?

You can view a fund prospectus by navigating to Research and searching for the fund. Each fund summary page contains a link to the prospectus.

How can I find a quality list of mutual funds for my portfolio?

Schwab Center for Financial Research (SCFR), a division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., develops and makes available the Mutual Fund OneSource Select List ® . This list highlights the most favorably evaluated OneSource funds within each Morningstar Category.

SCFR builds this list by analyzing the actively managed funds tracked by Morningstar, using quantitative and qualitative selection criteria. Cash allocation disclosure missing.

What do I need to know about ETFs?

An ETF (exchange-traded fund) contains a portfolio of securities, such as stocks or bonds, and it trades intra-day on an exchange. It can be a low-cost way to put together a diversified portfolio.

ETFs can provide diversified exposure to a particular segment of the market, to a specific industry, or to a geographical region. Find out more about this form of investing.

Retirement Accounts

How do I take a distribution from my 401(k)?

Simply fill out the 401(k) Distribution Form to make the request. If you'd rather discuss your 401(k) with a Schwab investment professional, call us at 800-724-7526.

I forgot my user name and password for my 401(k). Can you help me?

Yes. Just give us a call at 800-724-7526, and we'll help you take care of it.

Market Data and Rates

What's the market doing today?

What are today's rates for CDs and money market funds?

Forms and Applications

Whether you'd like to open an account, transfer funds, or work on your taxes, the forms you need are just a click away.

Contact Us

1. Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone, and iPad are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Apple Pay, Touch ID and Apple Watch are trademarks of Apple Inc.

Google Pay is a trademark of Google Inc.

Samsung, Samsung Pay, Samsung Gear, Galaxy S and Gear S (and other device names) are trademarks or registered trademarks of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Use only in accordance with law. Other company and product names mentioned may be trademarks of their respective owners. Samsung Pay is available on select Samsung devices.

2. Use of your card through a mobile wallet is also subject to the terms and conditions of your Schwab Bank Deposit Account Agreement (which contains information on any potential liability for unauthorized transactions), your Visa Debit Card Agreement, the terms and conditions of the mobile wallet you use, the privacy policy set forth at Schwab.com, and the privacy policy of the mobile wallet you use.

3. The Schwab Bank Investor Checking™ account is available only as a linked account with a Schwab One® brokerage account. The Schwab One brokerage account has no minimum balance requirements, minimum balance charges, minimum trade requirements, and there is no requirement to fund this account, when opened with a linked Investor Checking account. To learn more about other Schwab Bank checking accounts, please contact Schwab Bank at 888-403-9000.

4. Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (member SIPC) receives remuneration from fund companies in the Mutual Fund OneSource® program for recordkeeping and shareholder services, and other administrative services.

5. Schwab Equity Ratings and the general buy/hold/sell guidance are not personal recommendations for any particular investor or client and do not take into account the financial, investment or other objectives or needs of, and may not be suitable for, any particular investor or client. Investors and clients should consider Schwab Equity Ratings as only a single factor in making their investment decision while taking into account the current market environment.

An investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Although the Fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in the Fund.

Certificates of Deposit available through Schwab CD One Source offer a fixed rate of return and are FDIC insured and are offered through Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.

Investors should carefully consider information contained in the prospectus, including investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. You can request a prospectus by calling Schwab at 800-435-4000. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.

Investment returns will fluctuate and are subject to market volatility, so that an investor's shares, when redeemed or sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

Before investing, carefully consider the plan's investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. This information and more about the plans can be found in the Schwab 529 Guide and Participation Agreement available from Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., and should be read carefully before investing. You may request a Schwab 529 Guide and Participation Agreement by calling 800-435-4000 or going to schwab.com/529. If you are not a Kansas taxpayer, consider before investing whether your or the beneficiary's home state offers a 529 plan that provides its taxpayers with state tax and other benefits not available through this plan. Tax and financial aid treatment of 529 plans is subject to change. As with any investment, it is possible to lose money by investing in this plan.

The Schwab 529 College Savings Plan is available through Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., and is managed by American Century Investment Management, Inc. The Plan was created by the Kansas State Legislature under the provisions of Section 529 of the Internal Revenue code and is administered by Kansas State Treasurer Ron Estes, CPA. Notice: Accounts established under the Schwab 529 Plan and their earnings are neither insured nor guaranteed by the State of Kansas, the Kansas State Treasurer, American Century Investment or Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Accounts established under the Schwab 529 Plan are domiciled at American Century Investment and not at Schwab.

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Schwab does not provide legal or tax advice. Consult professionals in these fields to address your specific circumstance.