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Charles Schwab vs ComputerShare vs Robinhood
Compare Robinhood vs ComputerShare vs Charles Schwab - who is the better broker in 2025? Cost, IRA accounts, online trading platforms, mutual fund offerings comparison.
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Investments
Of the three, ComputerShare has the smallest selection. You can only buy and sell stocks directly from companies that use ComputerShare as their transfer agent or offer a DSPP.
If a company isn’t on ComputerShare’s platform, you can’t buy its shares there.
ComputerShare offers no bonds, mutual funds, options, or crypto.
ComputerShare works if you want to hold a few direct-stock positions long term and the company offers a DSPP.
Charles Schwab covers all the basics for most investors:
- Stocks and ETFs (including OTC “pink sheet” stocks, with extra fees)
- Options (standard contracts and advanced strategies)
- Mutual funds
- Bonds and CDs (high minimums; consider a bond ETF if you’re new)
- Futures and FOREX via Schwab Futures and Forex LLC (for experienced traders)
Schwab doesn’t offer direct crypto, but you can trade crypto ETFs or Bitcoin futures. Schwab requires whole-share buys; only reinvested dividends can buy fractional shares.
Robinhood stands out by letting you trade many cryptos around the clock from its app.
Robinhood also offers fractional shares, options, OTC stocks, and some foreign stocks. It doesn’t offer mutual funds, bonds, or CDs.
Costs
ComputerShare has high fees since it’s not a full broker:
$25 wire transfer to fund your account
$50 annual service fee
$15 per buy order plus $0.03 per share
$25 per sell order plus $0.04 per share
These fees make active trading impractical; ComputerShare suits buy-and-hold investors with larger portfolios.
Schwab dropped most fees: no account minimums or maintenance fees, and stocks/ETFs trade free.
Some mutual funds have fees, options cost $0.65 per contract, and outgoing ACAT transfers are $75.
Robinhood pioneered $0 commissions. Today it still offers free trades but relies on payment for order flow, which drew criticism during the GameStop events.
With most brokers now offering free trades, Robinhood competes with crypto offerings and app features.
Robinhood Gold costs $5/month and adds Morningstar research, instant deposits, and 5% margin.
Open An Account
Charles Schwab: Get $0 commissions + satisfaction guarantee at Charles Schwab.
Robinhood: Free stock up to $200 and 3% match when you open an account.
Websites
ComputerShare’s site is usable but the sign-up process is longer than most brokers. Buying via DSPP involves several guided steps.
Schwab’s website offers full trading and research. Each stock page shows valuation, fundamentals, analyst reports, and lets you trade via SnapTicket.
Robinhood’s website mirrors its app: clean, mobile-style layout with all the same features.
Mobile
ComputerShare has no U.S. app; its official app is Australian only and lets you view balances, not trade.
Fake “ComputerShare” apps exist but are scams.
Schwab’s app works well for basic trades—stocks, ETFs, options—but some assets and advanced options strategies require the desktop site. Charting and order placement can lag.
Robinhood’s app is its strongest feature: intuitive design, full asset access, and seamless trades feel like a mobile game.
Trading options is also easier: you can price and trade from the main stock page, saving time in volatile markets.
Additional Features
ComputerShare offers only basic data: current price and P/E ratio, no deep analysis.
Schwab provides robust tools, including thinkorswim (ToS) for active traders. ToS offers advanced screening, chart trading, and a paper-trading mode for practice.
ToS can be complex for beginners, but Schwab’s education center guides you.
Robinhood keeps resources basic. Gold adds Morningstar reports for more depth.
Open An Account
Charles Schwab: Get $0 commissions + satisfaction guarantee at Charles Schwab.
Robinhood: Free stock up to $200 and 3% match when you open an account.
Recommendations
Beginner
Robinhood offers the easiest entry with its simple interface. Its accessibility can lead to risky trades, so beginners should learn trading basics before advanced strategies.
For a balanced portfolio with bonds and mutual funds, choose Schwab. It’s less intuitive but safer, with strong education.
Advanced
Schwab is best for experienced investors: it offers bonds, mutual funds, advanced options tools, and thinkorswim.
ComputerShare works if you’re high-net-worth and want to hold direct stocks long term.
IRA
Schwab is the only full-range IRA provider here and handles rollovers smoothly. Their support team can transfer a 401(k) to a new IRA in about a week.
Conclusion
Charles Schwab wins overall. Robinhood is great for learning to trade but may not fit a long-term strategy. Schwab serves beginners and experts alike.
ComputerShare has its place for buy-and-hold strategies but is niche. If you’re not a long-term direct-stock investor, Schwab covers all investor types.
Updated on 4/10/2025.
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