Charles Schwab review

Charles Schwab is the runner-up because it matches Fidelity on cost and adds a clear stock count. Its fractional shares page, which replaced the Schwab Stock Slices name, lists more than 7,000 US-listed stocks and ETFs that you can buy from $1, with no commissions on online fractional trades. You can enter orders in dollars or shares and buy several stocks or ETFs at once, which suits investors building a starter basket in one step. Schwab also lets you gift fractional shares for a birthday or graduation and supports them in the Schwab Teen Investor account. The fine print is worth reading: only whole shares can be transferred, so fractions are sold if you move the account, and service charges of $25 for broker trades and $5 for automated phone trades still apply. Support is available 24/7, and branches are open for in-person help.

Who it is for

investors who want branches and 24/7 support

Price

$0 commissions on online fractional share trades; slices from $1.

There are no commissions when you place a fractional shares trade online through Schwab.
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 13, 2026.

Key features

• Fractional shares of more than 7,000 US-listed stocks and ETFs
• Invest with as little as $1
• Trade in dollar or share amounts
• Trade fractional shares of multiple stocks or ETFs at once
• Gift fractional shares and use them in the Schwab Teen Investor account

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: No commissions on online fractional share trades
• Strength: Phone and chat support 24/7, plus branches
• Strength: Dividends paid in proportion to the fraction you own
• Weakness: Only whole shares can be transferred to another broker
• Weakness: Fractional shares carry limited rights in voluntary corporate actions
• Weakness: Broker-assisted trades cost $25 and automated phone trades $5

Key facts

• Minimum order: $1
• Eligible securities: More than 7,000 US-listed stocks and ETFs
• Commission: $0 online
• Support: 24/7 phone and chat, branches

Where it ranks

Charles Schwab is No. 2 in our Best Fractional Share Brokers verdict.