Start experiencing the benefits of investing in the U.S. market at Schwab.
Choose an account type.
To get started, choose an account type from the options below. For additional information on the application process, review important things to know and the list of required documents.
Joint Account
Minimum to open: US$0
You can use our online application process if the joint account will have two account holders. Please contact us if you plan to open an account with more than two account holders.
If you're interested in opening a corporate account with Schwab, please contact us to learn more.
Important things to know.
- The application process from start to finish will take at least 15 minutes.
- Leaving the application process or attempting to complete the process later may result in having to start the process over.
- Enter your full legal name exactly as it appears on your government ID or passport, including hyphens and spaces where applicable.
- Residents of most foreign countries are required to provide either their Foreign Taxpayer Identification Number (FTIN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
Gather your required documents and information.
If you haven't already, please gather the required documents below to ensure a smooth application process. Remember, you will need to upload these documents during the final step, so please ensure they're accessible on your device.
You will need:
- Your tax ID Number or Social Security Number. Learn about tax IDs.
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- Your employer's name and mailing address, if applicable.
- A printer and scanner to print, sign, and upload required documents.
Common questions
There is no minimum to open an account and no monthly service fees. Schwab believes in transparent pricing and is proud to offer US$0 online listed equity trade commissions and our satisfaction guarantee1. Please see our pricing page for more details on fees and commissions.
If you cannot finish the application after starting or leave the page idle for more than 15 minutes, you will be timed out and need to restart the process using a different email address. However, the "save and resume" function will be activated after you've set up your account login credentials. In this case, you can return to where you left off to resume the application process.
The postal code field only accommodates 5-10 digits. If the postal code in your country is more than 10 digits, please simply leave the field blank.
Some countries' phone number have a "0" before the local phone number. You should not include the 0 as part of the phone number. Please simply enter the country code (such as +44 for UK) follow by the local phone number.
The name you enter on the application must match how it shows on your government ID or passport. It's very important for you to enter your first name (given name) and last name (surname/family name) correctly and completely. Otherwise, we'll need to request additional documents or reject your application.
The FTIN is the tax identification number you use to file taxes in your country of residence. It is similar to a Social Security Number in the United States. Please provide your foreign tax identification number (FTIN) or an explanation of why you don't have one. You can find the FTIN in your country here.
Form W-8BEN allows you to certify your foreign status and avoid U.S. backup withholding. If you live in a country with which the U.S. has a tax treaty, you may also use Form W-8BEN to claim a reduced rate of withholding on certain payments or distributions under the terms of the treaty.
Your completed W-8BEN will be valid for the year in which it is signed plus three years.
For example: If you opened an account and signed a W-8BEN form on July 30, 2024, the form will be valid until Dec. 31, 2027.
If there are any changes in your circumstances that result in any information on the form to be no longer correct or valid, you will need to complete a new W-8BEN form with updated information.
Yes, you will be able to log in to your account after submitting the online application. However, you will not be able to fund your account and make any transactions until the account is fully approved.
You can fund your account once it is approved. You will receive email communications when your account is ready for funding.
It can take anywhere between three days to two weeks, depending on the completeness of your application and whether all required documents are uploaded properly and legible. We strive to process every account application as quickly as possible.
We're here to help.
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+852-2101-0511
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