Charles Schwab Supported Countries

Charles Schwab supports investors primarily in the United States and select international markets, including the United Kingdom. UK accounts are held under Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (CS&Co) in the USA, with Schwab UK acting as a liaison to help clients access these services.

For clients in the UK, U.S. regulations govern account operations, including Best Execution rules, and asset protection is provided by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) rather than the UK’s Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).

Investors outside the USA should review Schwab’s international account policies to confirm eligibility and understand the specific terms of service.

Is Charles Schwab Available in Europe?

Charles Schwab extends its Schwab One International account to investors in select European countries, enabling access to U.S. markets for trading various securities. 

Eligible countries include Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. However, residents of countries such as France, Italy, and the Netherlands may not have access to this service.

Schwab One vs. Schwab One International

Charles Schwab provides two account types based on regional eligibility: the Schwab One account, available exclusively to U.S. residents, and the Schwab One International account, designed for non-U.S. investors in select countries. Below is a quick comparison of their availability and features:

Schwab One® (U.S. Residents)

• Designed for U.S.-based investors.
• Provides access to a broad range of assets, including stocks, ETFs, bonds, and mutual funds.
• Includes features like check-writing and a Visa® debit card.
• Accounts operate in U.S. dollars and are covered by SIPC protections.

Schwab One International® (Non-U.S. Residents)

• Tailored for international investors in eligible countries.
• Offers access to U.S. markets for trading stocks, ETFs, and options.
• Accounts are domiciled in the U.S. and follow U.S. regulatory standards.
• Facilitates currency exchange services but lacks some features available to U.S. residents, such as debit cards.

Best Charles Schwab Alternative

For investors outside the USA, eToro is the largest cross-asset brokerage in Europe and a strong alternative to Charles Schwab. With over 6,000 assets, including stocks, ETFs and more, it caters to global markets and supports a user base of more than 30 million.

eToro’s platform is built for accessibility, offering advanced trading tools alongside social trading features that let users mirror top-performing investors. Available in over 100 countries, it is the top choice for investors seeking a versatile brokerage beyond Schwab’s U.S. focused services.

About Charles Schwab

Charles Schwab is a powerhouse in financial services, managing nearly $10 trillion in client assets and supporting over 35 million brokerage accounts. Known for its innovative approach, Schwab offers a diverse lineup of investment products, including stocks, ETFs, options, and bonds, alongside tools like fractional share investing through its "Stock Slices" program. 

The platform is perfect for retail and institutional investors, blending accessibility with robust market access to help clients of all sizes build and manage their portfolios effectively.

Bottom Line

Charles Schwab offers strong investment options for U.S. residents and limited services internationally, including in the U.K. and parts of Europe.

For broader access, alternatives like eToro provide greater flexibility for global investors. Evaluate account policies and regional availability to choose the platform that best fits your needs.