Investing comparison
Charles Schwab vs Vanguard
Updated
Priceless Tay may earn a commission from some links on this page, and that never changes how we compare apps.
Before you compare: This compares features and fees from each company's own pages. It isn't investment advice, and investing involves risk, including loss of money.
Full disclosure: Taylor Price, who runs Priceless Tay, owns Fifecta, so keep that in mind as you read this comparison.
Short answer
Charles Schwab and Vanguard are both investing apps. Schwab Intelligent Portfolios, Schwab's robo-advisor, lists no advisory fee and no commissions, while Vanguard Digital Advisor charges an annual gross advisory fee of 0.20% for index portfolio options or 0.25% for an active portfolio option. We checked both on Oct 24, 2026, and the official sources differ on 9 of the 10 rows in the table below.
Charles Schwab vs Vanguard at a glance
Charles Schwab and Vanguard are both investing apps. This page puts what each company's official pages and app store listings say side by side, with the date we checked every fact. The sources differ on 9 of the 10 rows in the table below.
Management or subscription fee
Schwab Intelligent Portfolios, Schwab's robo-advisor, lists no advisory fee and no commissions. You still pay the operating expenses of the ETFs in the portfolio. Vanguard Digital Advisor charges an annual gross advisory fee of 0.20% for index portfolio options or 0.25% for an active portfolio option. That fee is reduced by a credit for revenue Vanguard keeps from the investments in your account. We checked both on Oct 24, 2026.
Account minimum
Schwab lists a $0 account minimum for brokerage accounts and IRAs. Schwab Intelligent Portfolios has a $5,000 minimum. Vanguard says there's no fee or minimum investment amount to open an account. We checked both on Oct 24, 2026.
Stock and ETF commissions
Schwab lists a $0 online commission for listed stocks and ETFs. Options are $0 plus $0.65 per contract. Vanguard lists $0 for online ETF and stock trades, and a $25 broker-assisted commission per trade placed with a representative. We checked both on Oct 24, 2026.
Account types
Charles Schwab lists these account types: Brokerage (Individual and Joint), IRA (Traditional, Roth, or Rollover), Schwab One Custodial (UGMA/UTMA), 529 College Savings, Education Savings, Inherited IRA/Inherited 401(k), SEP-IRA, SIMPLE-IRA, Individual 401(k) Plan and Schwab One Trust. Vanguard lists these account types: Brokerage accounts, Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, SEP-IRAs, Spousal IRAs, Custodial IRAs, UGMA/UTMA, 529 accounts, Trust accounts, Organization accounts, 403(b) services and Cash Plus Account. We checked both on Oct 24, 2026.
Fractional shares
Schwab says you can own fractional shares of most U.S.-listed stocks and ETFs for as little as $1. Vanguard says dollar-based trading lets you buy a Vanguard ETF for as little as $1, regardless of the ETF's share price. We checked both on Oct 24, 2026.
Automatic investing
Schwab says its robo-advisor builds, monitors and automatically rebalances a diversified portfolio. Vanguard says its robo-advisor uses an algorithm to automatically build and rebalance a portfolio. We checked both on Oct 24, 2026.
Managed portfolios (robo)
Schwab Intelligent Portfolios is Schwab's robo-advisor. You can open an account with a minimum of $5,000. Vanguard Digital Advisor is Vanguard's all-digital robo-advisor. Enrolling requires at least $100 in each Vanguard Brokerage Account. We checked both on Oct 24, 2026.
Protection
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. is a member of SIPC. Schwab says its clients also get excess SIPC coverage for securities and cash, with a $600 million aggregate limit for the excess portion. Vanguard says its accounts are protected by SIPC, which covers up to $500,000 in securities and up to $250,000 in cash if the firm fails. We checked both on Oct 24, 2026.
Platforms
Charles Schwab lists iOS and Android. We haven't verified this for Vanguard yet, so check the official site for Vanguard before you decide. We checked Charles Schwab on Oct 24, 2026.
App store rating
Charles Schwab has 4.8 out of 5 on the App Store from 1,211,162 ratings. Vanguard has 4.6 out of 5 on the App Store from 177,560 ratings. We checked both on Oct 24, 2026. Store ratings are a dated snapshot from each listing, not our score.
What it costs
Charles SchwabSchwab Intelligent Portfolios, Schwab's robo-advisor, lists no advisory fee and no commissions. You still pay the operating expenses of the ETFs in the portfolio.
As of · schwab.com/pricing
- Vanguard
Vanguard Digital Advisor charges an annual gross advisory fee of 0.20% for index portfolio options or 0.25% for an active portfolio option. That fee is reduced by a credit for revenue Vanguard keeps from the investments in your account.
Bars show only when every app here lists a yearly price, so these prices sit side by side without them. Prices are list prices from each app's own page, before tax and any offer. Investing fees appear as each company states them. A yearly advisory fee is a percent of your balance, not a monthly price, so it never gets a bar or a price tag.
At a glance
App Store rating
- Charles Schwab
- 4.81,211,162 ratings
- Vanguard
- 4.6177,560 ratings
Source
- Charles Schwab has 4.8 out of 5 on the App Store from 1,211,162 ratings. App Store listing, as of Oct 24, 2026.
- Vanguard has 4.6 out of 5 on the App Store from 177,560 ratings. App Store listing, as of Oct 24, 2026.
Platforms
- Charles Schwab
- iOS
- Android
- Vanguard
- Not verified yet
Source
- Charles Schwab lists iOS and Android. schwab.com/mobile, as of Oct 24, 2026.
- Vanguard: Not verified yet.
Account minimum
- Charles Schwab
- Schwab lists a $0 account minimum for brokerage accounts and IRAs. Schwab Intelligent Portfolios has a $5,000 minimum.
- Vanguard
- Vanguard says there's no fee or minimum investment amount to open an account.
Source
- Schwab lists a $0 account minimum for brokerage accounts and IRAs. Schwab Intelligent Portfolios has a $5,000 minimum. schwab.com/pricing, as of Oct 24, 2026.
- Vanguard says there's no fee or minimum investment amount to open an account. investor.vanguard.com/accounts-plans/brokerage-accounts, as of Oct 24, 2026.
Stock and ETF commissions
- Charles Schwab
- Schwab lists a $0 online commission for listed stocks and ETFs. Options are $0 plus $0.65 per contract.
- Vanguard
- Vanguard lists $0 for online ETF and stock trades, and a $25 broker-assisted commission per trade placed with a representative.
Source
- Schwab lists a $0 online commission for listed stocks and ETFs. Options are $0 plus $0.65 per contract. schwab.com/pricing, as of Oct 24, 2026.
- Vanguard lists $0 for online ETF and stock trades, and a $25 broker-assisted commission per trade placed with a representative. investor.vanguard.com/client-benefits/investment-fees, as of Oct 24, 2026.
Protection
- Charles Schwab
- Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. is a member of SIPC. Schwab says its clients also get excess SIPC coverage for securities and cash, with a $600 million aggregate limit for the excess portion.
- Vanguard
- Vanguard says its accounts are protected by SIPC, which covers up to $500,000 in securities and up to $250,000 in cash if the firm fails.
Source
- Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. is a member of SIPC. Schwab says its clients also get excess SIPC coverage for securities and cash, with a $600 million aggregate limit for the excess portion. schwab.com/legal/account-protection, as of Oct 24, 2026.
- Vanguard says its accounts are protected by SIPC, which covers up to $500,000 in securities and up to $250,000 in cash if the firm fails. investor.vanguard.com/accounts-plans/brokerage-accounts, as of Oct 24, 2026.
Features
We haven't verified a feature list for either app yet, so this grid is empty for now.
✓ means the official site lists it. ? means we haven't verified it yet, not that the app lacks it.
Screen by screen
Pick a task to see what each app shows for it. App Store and Google Play images are the apps' own marketing, so they can show sample data and staged layouts. Help center images come from the app's support articles. See every app's screens.
Other screens
Charles Schwab
App Store marketing imageApp Store image 1 of 4 from the Charles Schwab listing.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageApp Store image 2 of 4 from the Charles Schwab listing.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageApp Store image 3 of 4 from the Charles Schwab listing.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageApp Store image 4 of 4 from the Charles Schwab listing.App Store listing, as of
Vanguard
App Store marketing imageApp Store image 1 of 4 from the Vanguard listing.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageApp Store image 2 of 4 from the Vanguard listing.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageApp Store image 3 of 4 from the Vanguard listing.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageApp Store image 4 of 4 from the Vanguard listing.App Store listing, as of
Charles Schwab and Vanguard, side by side
Rows marked “Differs” are where the official sources say different things, and 9 rows do here.
Swipe the table sideways to see both apps.
| Field | Charles SchwabInvesting appCharles Schwab is a brokerage with the Schwab Mobile app, retirement and custodial accounts, and a robo-advisor called Schwab Intelligent Portfolios.Visit Charles Schwab's site | VanguardInvesting appVanguard is a fund company and brokerage with an investing app, retirement and custodial accounts, and a robo-advisor called Vanguard Digital Advisor.Visit Vanguard's site |
|---|---|---|
| Management or subscription feeDiffers | Schwab Intelligent Portfolios, Schwab's robo-advisor, lists no advisory fee and no commissions. You still pay the operating expenses of the ETFs in the portfolio.As of Oct 24, 2026. Source: schwab.com/pricing | Vanguard Digital Advisor charges an annual gross advisory fee of 0.20% for index portfolio options or 0.25% for an active portfolio option. That fee is reduced by a credit for revenue Vanguard keeps from the investments in your account.As of Oct 24, 2026. Source: investor.vanguard.com/advice/robo-advisor |
| Account minimumDiffers | Schwab lists a $0 account minimum for brokerage accounts and IRAs. Schwab Intelligent Portfolios has a $5,000 minimum.As of Oct 24, 2026. Source: schwab.com/pricing | Vanguard says there's no fee or minimum investment amount to open an account.As of Oct 24, 2026. Source: investor.vanguard.com/accounts-plans/brokerage-accounts |
| Stock and ETF commissionsDiffers | Schwab lists a $0 online commission for listed stocks and ETFs. Options are $0 plus $0.65 per contract.As of Oct 24, 2026. Source: schwab.com/pricing | Vanguard lists $0 for online ETF and stock trades, and a $25 broker-assisted commission per trade placed with a representative.As of Oct 24, 2026. Source: investor.vanguard.com/client-benefits/investment-fees |
| Account typesDiffers | Charles Schwab lists these account types: Brokerage (Individual and Joint), IRA (Traditional, Roth, or Rollover), Schwab One Custodial (UGMA/UTMA), 529 College Savings, Education Savings, Inherited IRA/Inherited 401(k), SEP-IRA, SIMPLE-IRA, Individual 401(k) Plan and Schwab One Trust.As of Oct 24, 2026. Source: schwab.com/pricing | Vanguard lists these account types: Brokerage accounts, Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, SEP-IRAs, Spousal IRAs, Custodial IRAs, UGMA/UTMA, 529 accounts, Trust accounts, Organization accounts, 403(b) services and Cash Plus Account.As of Oct 24, 2026. Source: investor.vanguard.com/accounts-plans |
| Fractional sharesDiffers | Schwab says you can own fractional shares of most U.S.-listed stocks and ETFs for as little as $1.As of Oct 24, 2026. Source: schwab.com/fractional-shares-stock-slices | Vanguard says dollar-based trading lets you buy a Vanguard ETF for as little as $1, regardless of the ETF's share price.As of Oct 24, 2026. Source: investor.vanguard.com/investor-resources-education/article/what-is-dollar-based-investing |
| Automatic investingDiffers | Schwab says its robo-advisor builds, monitors and automatically rebalances a diversified portfolio.As of Oct 24, 2026. Source: schwab.com/intelligent-portfolios | Vanguard says its robo-advisor uses an algorithm to automatically build and rebalance a portfolio.As of Oct 24, 2026. Source: investor.vanguard.com/advice/robo-advisor |
| Managed portfolios (robo)Differs | Schwab Intelligent Portfolios is Schwab's robo-advisor. You can open an account with a minimum of $5,000.As of Oct 24, 2026. Source: schwab.com/intelligent-portfolios | Vanguard Digital Advisor is Vanguard's all-digital robo-advisor. Enrolling requires at least $100 in each Vanguard Brokerage Account.As of Oct 24, 2026. Source: investor.vanguard.com/advice/robo-advisor |
| ProtectionDiffers | Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. is a member of SIPC. Schwab says its clients also get excess SIPC coverage for securities and cash, with a $600 million aggregate limit for the excess portion.As of Oct 24, 2026. Source: schwab.com/legal/account-protection | Vanguard says its accounts are protected by SIPC, which covers up to $500,000 in securities and up to $250,000 in cash if the firm fails.As of Oct 24, 2026. Source: investor.vanguard.com/accounts-plans/brokerage-accounts |
| Platforms | Charles Schwab lists iOS and Android.As of Oct 24, 2026. Source: schwab.com/mobile | Not verified yet. |
| App store ratingDiffers | Charles Schwab has 4.8 out of 5 on the App Store from 1,211,162 ratings.As of Oct 24, 2026. Source: App Store listing | Vanguard has 4.6 out of 5 on the App Store from 177,560 ratings.As of Oct 24, 2026. Source: App Store listing |
App store ratings are a dated snapshot from each store listing, not our score. “Not verified yet” means we don't have a current official source for that line. How we source and date this data. Spotted a change? Tell us if something changed.
Weighing a third option? Add up to two more apps to this table and compare up to four side by side.
Which fits your Money Type?
There are four Money Types: Strategist, Spender, Saver and Scrambler. Each card matches one type to what the sources say about these two apps.
StrategistNeither app's sources confirm a feature we match to this type yet, so the quiz is the better place to start.
First fix: Save the Raise.
SpenderNeither app's sources confirm a feature we match to this type yet, so the quiz is the better place to start.
First fix: Sleep on It.
SaverNeither app's sources confirm a feature we match to this type yet, so the quiz is the better place to start.
First fix: Put It to Work.
ScramblerNeither app's sources confirm a feature we match to this type yet, so the quiz is the better place to start.
First fix: Bills First.
Not sure which one you are? Take the free Money Types quiz. It takes about two minutes.
Full disclosure: Taylor Price, who runs Priceless Tay, owns Fifecta, so keep that in mind as you read this comparison.
Another option: Fifecta
If neither Charles Schwab nor Vanguard feels right, here is one more option to look at. Fifecta gives every paycheck a plan with FUNDS, and it starts from your Money Type, so the plan matches how you already handle money.
FAQ
How much does Charles Schwab charge?
Schwab Intelligent Portfolios, Schwab's robo-advisor, lists no advisory fee and no commissions. You still pay the operating expenses of the ETFs in the portfolio. We checked this on Oct 24, 2026.
How much does Vanguard charge?
Vanguard Digital Advisor charges an annual gross advisory fee of 0.20% for index portfolio options or 0.25% for an active portfolio option. That fee is reduced by a credit for revenue Vanguard keeps from the investments in your account. We checked this on Oct 24, 2026.
What is Charles Schwab's app store rating?
Charles Schwab has 4.8 out of 5 on the App Store from 1,211,162 ratings. That's a snapshot from the store listing on Oct 24, 2026, not our score.
What is Vanguard's app store rating?
Vanguard has 4.6 out of 5 on the App Store from 177,560 ratings. That's a snapshot from the store listing on Oct 24, 2026, not our score.
Similar comparisons
E*TRADEInvesting appCharles SchwabInvesting appE*TRADE vs Charles Schwab
See E*TRADE and Charles Schwab side by side, with every fact dated.
Data side by side
FidelityInvesting appCharles SchwabInvesting appFidelity vs Charles Schwab
See Fidelity Investments and Charles Schwab side by side, with every fact dated.
Data side by side- FidelityInvesting appVanguardInvesting app
Fidelity vs Vanguard
See Fidelity Investments and Vanguard side by side, with every fact dated.
Data side by side 
AcornsInvesting app
StashInvesting appAcorns vs Stash
See Acorns and Stash side by side, with every fact dated.
Data side by side
BettermentInvesting app
WealthfrontInvesting appBetterment vs Wealthfront
See Betterment and Wealthfront side by side, with every fact dated.
Data side by side- FidelityInvesting app
RobinhoodInvesting appFidelity vs Robinhood
See Fidelity Investments and Robinhood side by side, with every fact dated.
Data side by side 
M1Investing appRobinhoodInvesting appM1 vs Robinhood
See M1 and Robinhood side by side, with every fact dated.
Data side by side
PublicInvesting appRobinhoodInvesting appPublic vs Robinhood
See Public and Robinhood side by side, with every fact dated.
Data side by side- RobinhoodInvesting appWebullInvesting app
Robinhood vs Webull
See Robinhood and Webull side by side, with every fact dated.
Data side by side
Keep comparing
- See Charles Schwab alternatives, closest category first.
- See Vanguard alternatives, closest category first.
- Browse our guide to the low-cost brokerage accounts.
- Want the bigger picture? Compare more money apps.
Full disclosure: Taylor Price, who runs Priceless Tay, owns Fifecta, so keep that in mind as you read this comparison.
Want a plan built on your Money Type?
Fifecta gives every paycheck a plan with FUNDS, so you know where each dollar goes.
Sources and confidence
- Last checked
- Not verified yet
- 1 of 20 facts
Charles Schwab10 of 10 verified, last checked Oct 24, 2026
- Management or subscription feeschwab.com/pricing, as of Oct 24, 2026
- Account minimumschwab.com/pricing, as of Oct 24, 2026
- Stock and ETF commissionsschwab.com/pricing, as of Oct 24, 2026
- Account typesschwab.com/pricing, as of Oct 24, 2026
- Fractional sharesschwab.com/fractional-shares-stock-slices, as of Oct 24, 2026
- Automatic investingschwab.com/intelligent-portfolios, as of Oct 24, 2026
- Managed portfolios (robo)schwab.com/intelligent-portfolios, as of Oct 24, 2026
- Protectionschwab.com/legal/account-protection, as of Oct 24, 2026
- Platformsschwab.com/mobile, as of Oct 24, 2026
- App store ratingApp Store listing, as of Oct 24, 2026
Vanguard9 of 10 verified, 1 not verified yet, last checked Oct 24, 2026
- Management or subscription feeinvestor.vanguard.com/advice/robo-advisor, as of Oct 24, 2026
- Account minimuminvestor.vanguard.com/accounts-plans/brokerage-accounts, as of Oct 24, 2026
- Stock and ETF commissionsinvestor.vanguard.com/client-benefits/investment-fees, as of Oct 24, 2026
- Account typesinvestor.vanguard.com/accounts-plans, as of Oct 24, 2026
- Fractional sharesinvestor.vanguard.com/investor-resources-education/article/what-is-dollar-based-investing, as of Oct 24, 2026
- Automatic investinginvestor.vanguard.com/advice/robo-advisor, as of Oct 24, 2026
- Managed portfolios (robo)investor.vanguard.com/advice/robo-advisor, as of Oct 24, 2026
- Protectioninvestor.vanguard.com/accounts-plans/brokerage-accounts, as of Oct 24, 2026
- PlatformsNot verified yet
- App store ratingApp Store listing, as of Oct 24, 2026
- Reference: sipc.org/for-investors/what-sipc-protects, checked Oct 24, 2026.
Each fact links to the official page it came from, with the date we checked it. Once a fact is older than its app's window (8 days for apps whose rates change often, 35 days for the rest), it reads “Not verified yet” until we check it again. How we source, date and index this data.
This is education, not financial advice.
