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Investing » Schwab vs. J.P. Morgan Self-Directed: Which Brokerage Is Best?

Schwab vs. J.P. Morgan Self-Directed: Which Brokerage Is Best?

Schwab surpasses JPM self-directed in most categories, including self-directed investing, robo advisory, and technical analysis.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Interest Rates Last Update: April 1, 2025
The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Interest Rates Last Update: April 1, 2025

The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.

We earn a commission from our partner links on this page. It doesn't affect the integrity of our unbiased, independent editorial staff. Transparency is a core value for us, read our advertiser disclosure and how we make money.

The information provided on this website is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. We do not provide personalized investment recommendations or act as financial advisors.

Charles_Schwab logo


Charles Schwab
J.P. Morgan Self-Directed
Monthly Fee
Up to 0.80% $0 online commission on U.S. listed stocks, mutual funds and ETFs, options: $0.65 per-contract, Schwab Intelligent Portfolio – 0%, Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Premium – One-time planning fee: $300 + Monthly advisory fee: $30, Schwab Wealth Advisory: up to 0.80%
$0 $0 online commission on U.S. listed stocks and ETFs and $0.65 per-contract
Account Types
Brokerage, Retirement, Wealth Management
Brokerage, Retirement, Wealth Management
Savings APY
0.05%
0.01% – 3.99%
Minimum Deposit
$0 – $500,000 $0 for brokerage account, $5,000 for Schwab Intelligent Portfolios, $25,000 for Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Premium, $500,000 for Schwab Wealth Advisory
$0
Best For
Active Traders, Retirement, Robo Advisor
Existing Chase Customers, Active Investors Looking To Minimize Fees
Read Review
Read Review

Schwab vs. J.P. Morgan : Compare Features

Schwab offers a more comprehensive suite of services, including robust cash management options and an advanced trading platform with powerful analytical tools.

J.P. Morgan Self-Directed
Schwab
Investing Options
800 stocks and ETFs, 8,000+ mutual funds
Full Access To Almost Any Asset
Investing Types
Stocks, Options, ETFs, Fixed Income, Mutual Funds
Stocks, Options, Futures, ETFs, Bonds & Fixed Income, Forex,Mutual Funds, Money Market Funds
Automated Investing
No
Yes
Paper Trading
No
Yes
IPO Access
No
Yes
Dedicated Advisor
No
Yes
Tax Loss Harvesting
No
Yes

JPM Self-Directed Investing shines in its seamless integration with Chase banking and commission-free trading for a wide range of assets, including fractional shares with more flexible trading approach.

However, it lacks automated investing options and has a lower sweep account rate.

Schwab is our winner in self-investing due to its large variety of assets and unique features for investors.

When it comes to fundamental analysis, Schwab excels with its research tools, offering insights from the Schwab team alongside expert commentary. 

Schwab stock analysis
Schwab stock analysis (Screenshot taken by our team from Schwab app)

Investors can access real-time alerts, stock screeners, and extensive educational resources to enhance their trading strategies. 

Compare securities performance on Schwab app
Compare securities performance on Schwab app (Screenshot taken by our team from Schwab app)

They can also buy fractional shares ( also called “Schwab Slices”), accumulate trading experience with Schwab Paper Money, and get access to IPOs.

Schwab trade research
Schwab trade research (Screenshot taken by our team from Schwab app)

On the other hand, JPM Self-Directed Investing provides a diverse selection of stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and options, and includes fractional shares, making it accessible for investors at various levels. 

my watchlist
My watchlist (Screenshot taken by our team from J.P Morgan app)

The thinkorswim trading app makes Schwab the leader in this category.

The Schwab Thinkorswim platform which is tailored for active traders looking for comprehensive trading options and advanced analytical tools. 

Buy Microsoft stock, Schwab
Buy Microsoft stock, Schwab (Screenshot taken by our team from Schwab app)

Schwab also provides access to real-time market data and sophisticated trading tools that help users analyze stocks, options, futures, and forex.

Thinkorswim includes robust charting capabilities, allowing users to create custom charts with a wide range of technical indicators drawing tools, and studies. This makes Schwab a better fit for active traders who seek sophisticated market insights.

Schwab stock volatility graph
Schwab stock volatility graph (Screenshot taken by our team from Schwab app)

While JPM’s technical analysis tools aren’t on par with Thinkorswim, offers a broader range of trading options and a slightly more advanced trading platform.

research stock dividend
Research stock dividend (Screenshot taken by our team from J.P Morgan app)

Traders can pick up hundreds of parameters to compare – including momentum, trend and vcolume analysis. Also, there are upper and lower indicators traders can use to suppor their decisions.

JP Morgan brokerage momentum technical analysis
Momentum technical analysis (Screenshot taken by our team from J.P Morgan app)

Schwab is the winner when it comes to robo advisor, as JOM doesn't even offer one.

Schwab’s Intelligent Portfolios offers a more flexible robo-advisory experience with no management fees and 80+ different variations, mainly low cost ETFs. 

Schwab Intelligent Portfolios
Schwab Intelligent Portfolios (Screenshot taken by our team from Schwab)

It requires a higher minimum investment of $5,000 but includes 24/7 access to live support, and provides features like automatic rebalancing and tax-loss harvesting, enhancing overall portfolio management.

Schwab is our winner here due to its variety of retirement accounts, while JPM Self-Directed Investing focuses on simplicity by offering only traditional and Roth IRAs.

While the range is not as extensive as Schwab’s, JPM makes up for it with an easy-to-use platform and the ability to trade a variety of assets, including stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and options, without commission fees.

JP Morgan retirement returns by timeframe
Retirement returns by timeframe (Screenshot taken by our team from J.P Morgan app)

Schwab, on the other hand, provides a more diverse range of retirement accounts, including traditional, Roth, rollover, SEP, and Simple IRAs. This variety is appealing for small business owners and those who want flexible options tailored to their specific needs.

Schwab retirement options
Schwab retirement (Screenshot taken by our team from Schwab app)

There is an option for Schwab Personal Choice, which is a self directed retirement brokerage account.

When it comes to fees, both platforms offer similar conditions.

JPM and Schwab both offer commission-free trading for U.S. stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds, with options trading at $0.65 per contract.

Schwab
JPM Self-Directed Investing
Fees
Up to 0.80% $0 online commission on U.S. listed stocks, mutual funds and ETFs, options: $0.65 per-contract, Schwab Intelligent Portfolio – 0%, Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Premium – One-time planning fee: $300 + Monthly advisory fee: $30, Schwab Wealth Advisory: up to 0.80%
$0 $0 online commission on U.S. listed stocks and ETFs and $0.65 per-contract

Also, Schwab Intelligent Portfolios has no fee unless you need to consult with an advisor.

Unless you're a Chase customer, Schwab is our winner if you are looking for cash management.

Schwab
JPM Self-Directed Cash APY
Savings APY
0.05%
0.01% – 3.99%

Schwab excels in providing a comprehensive cash management experience. Its Schwab Bank Investor Checking account comes with no monthly fees, unlimited ATM fee rebates worldwide, and no foreign transaction fees. 

Schwab checking account
Schwab checking account (Screenshot taken by our team from Schwab app)

Schwab also offers features like bill pay, mobile check deposit, and real-time transaction alerts enhance usability and security.

Schwab-deposit check
Deposit check direct to your account (Screenshot taken by our team from Schwab)

JPM Self-Directed Investing, on the other hand, shines when it comes to seamless integration with Chase banking services.  However, both Schwab and JPM offer low rates for uninvested cash.

If you’re an existing Chase customer, you can easily link your accounts, making it convenient to move money between your bank accounts and your investment portfolio. 

JPM is our winner when it comes to wealth management.

JPMorgan Wealth Management, on the other hand, offers a more tailored and comprehensive service. While it also targets high-net-worth individuals, JPM excels in providing highly personalized, face-to-face advisory services.

Clients have access to a broad range of investment options, including private banking services, and sophisticated strategies like hedge funds and private equity.

All investments Summary
A potential candidate for wealth management (Screenshot taken by our team from J.P Morgan app)

Schwab’s Wealth Advisory service provides personalized investment strategies developed by certified financial planners, focusing on long-term goals and tailored portfolio management.

For those with more substantial portfolios, Schwab Private Client Services and Schwab Private Wealth Services provides dedicated access to a financial advisor, enabling customized advice and planning tailored to individual financial situations.

Bottom Line

Overall, Schwab surpasses JPM self-directed in most categories, including self-directed investing, robo advisory, and technical analysis, making it the ultimate choice.

If you're a beginner or need wealth management, consider using JPM. 

How Schwab Compares to Other Online Brokers

Schwab offers more options for investors, including robo advisors and wealth management, while Robinhood is best for beginners and traders.

Schwab vs. Robinhood: Which Brokerage is Right for You?

Both Schwab and Fidelity offer great options for traders, plans for wealth management, and sophisticated auto-investing platforms.

Schwab vs. Robinhood: Which Brokerage is Right for You?

Schwab provides broader tools and analysis options for long-term, value investors, while Interactive Brokers is more suited to active traders.

Schwab vs. Interactive Brokers: Which Brokerage is Right for You?

 

Schwab is our pick for long-term investors, wealth management, or retirement. E-Trade may be better for traders and cash management.

E-Trade vs. Schwab: Which Brokerage is Right for You?

While Vanguard appeals to buy-and-hold investors, Schwab’s platform is designed for those who want to engage actively with the market.

Schwab vs. Vanguard: Which Brokerage is Right for You?

Schwab is our winner for investors and traders. However, the differences between brokerages are not significant. Here's our comparison:

Schwab vs. Merrill Edge: Which Brokerage is Right for You?

How J.P. Morgan Self Directed Compares to Other Online Brokers

Both offer similar tools for the average investor or trader, but Merrill is better at automated investing. Here's our full comparison:

J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing vs. Merrill Edge: Compare Brokerage Accounts

If you're an experienced investor or trader, IBKR may be a better option. If you're a Chase customer or prefer simplicity, consider JP Morgan.

Interactive Brokers vs. J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing: Which Broker Wins?

Vanguard offers a better approach for serious investors, while JP Morgan's self-directed is better for beginners and advanced traders

Vanguard vs. J.P. Morgan Self-Directed: Which Broker is Best For You?

JP Morgan is best for the average investor seeking a simple platform or wealth management, but E-Trade is our overall winner. Here's why.

J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing vs. E-Trade: Which Broker Wins?

Fidelity is our winner due to its investment options, research tools, advanced trading features, and excellent retirement planning services.

J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing vs. Fidelity : A Side-by-Side Comparison

JP Morgan wins when it comes to fundamental investing tools, but Robinhood is better for technical analysis and trading. Here's why:

J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing vs. Robinhood: Compare Brokerage Accounts

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Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
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This website does not include all card companies or all card offers available in the marketplace. This website may use other proprietary factors to impact card offer listings on the website such as consumer selection or the likelihood of the applicant’s credit approval.

This allows us to maintain a full-time, editorial staff and work with finance experts you know and trust. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impacts any of the editorial content on The Smart Investor.

While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we think you will find relevant, The Smart Investor does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof.

Learn more about how we review products and read our advertiser disclosure for how we make money. All products are presented without warranty.