See what's available with a Schwab brokerage account.
Trade a wide range of stocks listed on major U.S. exchanges like the NYSE and NASDAQ, as well as over-the-counter (OTC) stocks and more. Stocks are central to many investment strategies and can play a crucial role in building a diversified portfolio.
With fractional trading, you can easily invest in fractions of most U.S.-listed stocks and ETFs, allowing you to diversify your portfolio without needing a large investment. It's a simple way to own a piece of leading companies and start building your investment portfolio.
Trade a wide range of over-the-counter (OTC) stocks, including small-cap and international companies.
OTC securities are traded through broker-dealer networks instead of major exchanges, offering access to smaller, emerging, and global companies not typically found on traditional markets.
Master Limited Partnerships (MLPs) are publicly traded securities, often providing income through regular distributions in sectors like energy and natural resources.
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) allow you to invest in portfolios of real estate assets, such as commercial properties or mortgages, offering potential income through dividends and diversification of your investment portfolio.
Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) and Direct Public Offerings (DPOs) are two types of new issue stocks that companies offer to raise capital. Investors who meet certain eligibility requirements can participate in these offerings.
International stocks can help to expand your potential investment opportunities globally by accessing international markets. American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), foreign ordinaries, Canadian stocks, and more can help potentially diversify your portfolio and allow you to capitalize on worldwide economic growth.
Frequently asked questions about stock trading
Outside of exchange market hours, Schwab offers extended pre-market and after-hours trading sessions on all platforms. Additionally, extended+overnight (24/5) trading of over 1,100 stocks and ETFs is available on any thinkorswim® platform, including all stocks in the S&P 500, Nasdaq 100, and Dow 30, plus over 600 exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Learn more about extended hours trading.
Listed stocks and ETFs, as well as preferred listed stocks and REITs, have a $0 online commission at Schwab.1 Learn more about Schwab's trading fees and commissions.
If you're a beginning investor, it's important to first understand the basics of stocks: what they are, how they're used in investing, and how stocks are bought and sold on an exchange. You'll also need to open and fund an online brokerage account. You may already know what stock you want to buy. However, if you're unsure of where to begin, online tools are available to research companies or industries you're interested in to help you identify and compare specific stocks. Once you're ready to buy a stock, you'll use your brokerage account to submit an online order for the amount of shares or dollar amount you want to apply to the trade. The funds in your account will be used for the purchase. Once the trade settles, the shares will be deposited into your account.
Schwab makes it easy for beginning investors to explore and buy stocks. Open an account online in minutes and immediately get access to stock research and trading tools. Already have an account? Visit our Get Started page to learn more about the resources available to you ahead of making your first trade. Our investing and trading specialists are available 24/7 to help. Call us at 888-245-6864, or use the chat feature available on Schwab.com and thinkorswim platforms.
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Ranked #1 Overall Broker by StockBrokers.com§
"For most investors, the search for a brokerage firm ends at Charles Schwab. It sets the industry standard. The market typically forces a choice between a simplified mobile experience and a professional-grade trading workstation, but Schwab delivers both."
- Jessica Inskip, Director of Investor Research at StockBrokers.com