Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Charles Schwab vs Alpari, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 51% and 89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Charles Schwab, founded in 1971, stands as a highly trusted online broker with a Trust Score of 99 out of 99 according to ForexBrokers.com. Being publicly traded and operating as a bank, it holds five Tier-1 licenses, aligning it with the highest standards of trust and regulation. Schwab's established reputation and regulatory compliance contribute significantly to its credibility in the financial sector.
In contrast, Alpari, founded in 1998, is a privately owned broker with no banking status and lacks Tier-1 licenses. Its Trust Score of 68 reflects a higher risk category. Alpari does not possess any Tier-2 licenses either. For those seeking a broker with strong regulatory backing and lower risk factors, Charles Schwab may offer a more reassuring option compared to Alpari.
| Feature |
Charles Schwab
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1971 | 1998 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | Yes | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 5 | 0 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
When comparing Charles Schwab to Alpari for their commissions and fees, Schwab stands out with no minimum deposit requirement for its main brokerage accounts, making it easily accessible for forex traders. Offering 18 account types, Schwab allows forex trading through its Schwab One and Schwab Global accounts using the thinkorswim platform. Schwab's forex trading costs are based on the bid/ask spread, with no direct commissions. In October 2024, the EUR/USD spread averaged 1.35 pips, slightly higher than the industry norm. Schwab Global account users can trade in 12 international markets, with conversion fees between 0.2% and 1%, depending on the account balance. Notably, Schwab earned 4 out of 5 stars and ranks 23rd among 62 brokers in the ForexBrokers.com Commissions and Fees category.
Alpari, on the other hand, lacks specific average spread data, making direct cost comparisons challenging. This limitation may hinder prospective clients aiming to understand exactly how Alpari's fees measure up in the forex trading landscape. Despite this, Alpari matches Schwab's 4-star rating for commissions and fees but positions lower in the ranking, sitting at 41st among the same 62 brokers reviewed by ForexBrokers.com.
Both Charles Schwab and Alpari have their merits, with Schwab offering more transparency in its cost structures and ranking higher in the industry. For traders focused on comprehensive platform capabilities and clear fee breakdowns, Schwab may have the edge, especially for those trading in multiple international markets where spread and conversion fees can significantly impact overall costs. Alpari could appeal to traders comfortable with more flexible cost insights who value other aspects of the brokerage experience.
| Feature |
Charles Schwab
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $20 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.35 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 1.35 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | No | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
When it comes to the range of investments, Charles Schwab and Alpari offer distinct services to meet different trading needs. Charles Schwab provides an extensive selection with 40,000 tradeable symbols, including 73 forex pairs. This American giant allows its clients to trade exchange-listed securities from both U.S. and international markets, such as buying Apple shares on NASDAQ. While Schwab doesn't support copy trading, it offers cryptocurrency derivatives for those interested in crypto without handling the actual coins. With such a wide array of options, it's no surprise that Charles Schwab holds a 5-star rating and is ranked 5th among 62 brokers for their investment variety.
Alpari, on the other hand, focuses more narrowly with 105 tradeable symbols and 46 forex pairs. It does offer exchange-traded securities on international exchanges, but not on U.S. ones, making it less versatile if you're specifically targeting American markets. However, Alpari shines in its support for copy trading, which is appealing for those keen on mirroring successful strategies. Like Charles Schwab, Alpari also offers cryptocurrency derivatives. Yet, Alpari's range of investment offerings earns it a rating of 3 stars and the 62nd spot in the ranking, indicating that while it may meet some traders' needs, it offers less variety compared to Charles Schwab.
| Feature |
Charles Schwab
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 40000 | 105 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 73 | 46 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.
When comparing the trading platforms and tools of Charles Schwab and Alpari, both brokers offer unique benefits tailored to different types of traders. Charles Schwab provides a comprehensive trading experience with their in-house developed platform, available as a downloadable Windows desktop and a web-based version. This platform supports direct trading from stock charts and is well-equipped with 24 drawing tools, although it lacks MetaTrader support and copy trading features. Schwab shines with an extensive 580 watch list columns, making it ideal for those who value detailed market analysis and customization. Its commitment to quality tools is reflected in its 5-star rating and #5 ranking among 62 brokers for trading platforms and tools.
Alpari also offers a proprietary platform compatible with Windows desktop and web-based usage, complemented by the popular MetaTrader 4 and 5 support, which appeals to traders interested in Forex and CFD trading. Notably, Alpari supports copy trading, allowing users to mimic the strategies of more experienced traders, though it doesn't offer DupliTrade or ZuluTrade like some competitors. With 15 drawing tools and the capability to trade directly from charts, Alpari provides a streamlined yet effective trading environment, despite having only 7 watch list columns. As a result, Alpari earns a solid 4-star rating and is ranked #55 out of 62 in its category, catering well to traders who prefer MetaTrader platforms and social trading options.
| Feature |
Charles Schwab
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 374 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 24 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 580 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Charles Schwab and Alpari both offer mobile trading apps for iPhone and Android devices, catering to the needs of on-the-go investors. Both platforms provide essential features such as stock and forex price alerts and the ability to draw trendlines on charts. However, Charles Schwab stands out from Alpari with its watchlist symbol syncing capability, ensuring changes made online are mirrored in the app. Additionally, Charles Schwab impresses with a vast array of 374 technical studies available for charting, compared to Alpari's 30. Both apps allow users to view multiple time frames on charts, but while Charles Schwab auto-saves drawings, Alpari does not.
When it comes to user experience, Charles Schwab is rated at 5 stars for its mobile trading app, significantly higher than Alpari's 4-star rating. With real-time quotes available for watchlists, investors have immediate access to the latest market data on both platforms. Notably, Charles Schwab is ranked 6th out of 62 brokers on ForexBrokers.com for mobile trading, while Alpari is positioned at 56th place. Overall, Charles Schwab offers a more feature-rich and highly regarded mobile trading app compared to Alpari.
| Feature |
Charles Schwab
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 374 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
Charles Schwab and Alpari are two distinct options for online brokerages, each providing different market research tools and resources. For those prioritizing daily market commentary, Charles Schwab stands out as a top choice, offering daily insights, unlike Alpari, which does not provide this feature. Both brokers provide forex news from high-quality sources like Bloomberg and Reuters; however, when it comes to technical analysis, Alpari offers more with tools like Autochartist, while Charles Schwab does not support this particular feature. Notably, neither brokerage offers sentiment-based trading tools, research from TipRanks, Acuity Trading tools, or services from Trading Central.
In terms of additional resources, both Charles Schwab and Alpari share a commitment to keeping their users informed with comprehensive economic calendars that detail global news and events. In terms of how they are seen in the industry, Charles Schwab is ranked higher with a stellar research rating of 5 stars, placing 4th out of 62 brokers as per ForexBrokers.com. Alpari, on the other hand, holds a more modest rating of 3 stars and ranks 57th in the same category. This contrast highlights Charles Schwab's stronger standing and breadth of resources in market research, appealing to a clientele that demands comprehensive informational access.
| Feature |
Charles Schwab
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | No |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | Yes |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | No | No |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When it comes to educational resources for beginners, Charles Schwab and Alpari both offer a range of materials focused on forex and CFDs, each providing at least 10 pieces of content such as articles, videos, and webinars. However, Charles Schwab sets itself apart by offering monthly online webinars for clients and a searchable archive of recorded webinars, making it easy for users to learn at their own pace. Alpari, in contrast, does not provide regular webinars or an accessible archive, which may limit learning opportunities for those who appreciate ongoing and easily retrievable content.
Additionally, Charles Schwab stands out in offering more advanced educational materials, boasting at least 10 videos specifically geared towards experienced traders. Both platforms cater to beginners with a similar number of videos on trading topics. They also offer comprehensive investor dictionaries with a robust selection of over 50 investing terms. Reflecting its emphasis on education, Charles Schwab receives a 5-star rating and ranks 6th among 62 brokers in this category, while Alpari receives 3 stars and ranks 48th. This ranking highlights Charles Schwab's commitment to educating its users, making it a strong choice for those starting their trading journey.
| Feature |
Charles Schwab
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 62 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that Charles Schwab is better than Alpari. Charles Schwab finished with an overall rank of #6, while Alpari finished with an overall rank of #57.
Charles Schwab is a highly trusted financial institution and multi-asset broker catering to U.S.-based and international forex traders. Schwab's award-winning thinkorswim platform offers over 70 tradeable currency pairs alongside impressive tools, research, and education. That said, the broker’s forex offering is still largely limited to what is available on thinkorswim.
| Feature |
Charles Schwab
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 68 |
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Both Charles Schwab and Alpari do not provide the option to purchase actual delivered cryptocurrency, yet they both offer the ability to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
When comparing online broker deposit and withdrawal options, Charles Schwab supports ACH/SEPA transfers and bank wires but lacks options like PayPal, Skrill, and Visa/Mastercard, whereas Alpari offers Visa/Mastercard, Skrill, and bank wires, but does not support ACH/SEPA transfers or PayPal.
Please note:
We review each broker’s overall global offering – a “Yes” checkmark in our Compare Tool does not guarantee the availability of any specific features in your country of residence. To verify the availability of any features within your country of residence, please contact the broker directly.
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0 of 5| Overall Rating | Charles Schwab | Alpari | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 68 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Charles Schwab Review |
| Broker Screenshots | Charles Schwab | Alpari | |
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| Regulation | Charles Schwab | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 68 | |
| Year Founded | 1971 | 1998 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | No | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 5 | 0 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | Charles Schwab | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | Yes | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | No | No |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | Charles Schwab | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | No | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | No | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | Charles Schwab | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 40000 | 105 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 73 | 46 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes | |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
| Cost | Charles Schwab | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.35 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 1.35 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | No | Yes |
| Funding | Charles Schwab | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $20 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | No | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | Charles Schwab | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | Charles Schwab | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 580 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 374 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 24 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | Charles Schwab | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 374 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | Charles Schwab | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | No | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | No | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Charles Schwab | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | Charles Schwab | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/JPY | Yes | Yes | |
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CAD | Yes | Yes | |
| NZD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| AUD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| Review | Charles Schwab Review |
| Overall | Charles Schwab | Alpari | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 68 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Charles Schwab Review |
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