Charles Schwab vs. E*TRADE for Copy Trading
July 4, 2026 · 4 min read
Quick answer
Both Charles Schwab and E*TRADE connect to RelayTrades through SnapTrade and support copy trading on stocks, ETFs, and options, with your funds staying in your own account. The copy-trading experience is essentially the same on both. These are two of the largest, most established full-service brokerages, so the decision usually comes down to which platform, products, and research you prefer, or which you already use. Copying works identically through RelayTrades.
Part of the complete guide to copy trading.
Charles Schwab and E*TRADE are two of the biggest, most established brokerages in the US, and both work well for copy trading. With RelayTrades the copying is identical on each: connect through SnapTrade, keep your money in your own account, and copy stocks, ETFs, and options. The choice is about broker fit.
What is the same
- Both connect to RelayTrades securely through SnapTrade, your broker login is never shared.
- Both keep your funds in your own account, RelayTrades routes the trades you choose and never takes custody.
- Both support copy trading on stocks, ETFs, and options through RelayTrades.
- On both, you set the sizing, risk limits, routing mode (auto or manual), and a kill switch.
What is different
Both are large, established full-service brokerages with broad market access, research, and long track records (E*TRADE is now part of Morgan Stanley). Neither is better for copy trading itself, since RelayTrades copies the same way on each. It comes down to which platform, tools, research, and product range you prefer, and which you may already have an account with.
Since both support stocks, ETFs, and options and both work identically with RelayTrades, choose the broker you prefer or already use. Brokerage fees and features change, so check each broker’s current details.
Frequently asked questions
Related reading
Is Charles Schwab Good for Copy Trading?
Charles Schwab works well for copy trading: connect it through SnapTrade and copy stocks, ETFs, and options into your own Schwab account, with full custody at a major broker.
Read moreIs E*TRADE Good for Copy Trading?
E*TRADE works well for copy trading: connect it through SnapTrade and copy stocks, ETFs, and options into your own E*TRADE account, with custody at an established broker.
Read moreWebull vs. Charles Schwab for Copy Trading
Both Webull and Charles Schwab work with RelayTrades for copy trading and support stocks, ETFs, and options. The difference is broker style, not how copying works.
Read moreOr read the complete guide to copy trading and browse the glossary.
Copy trade on your own broker, with safeguards you control.
Connect your account, follow the strategies you choose, and keep position-size limits, slippage protection, and a kill switch in your hands at all times.
Get startedRelayTrades provides software and automation support, not investment advice or capital management. All trading involves risk; past performance is not indicative of future results.