Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Charles Schwab vs Moneta Markets, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 51% and 89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Charles Schwab, established in 1971, offers a comprehensive online brokerage platform and is publicly traded on a stock exchange, adding to its transparency and reliability. As a bank, it holds five Tier-1 licenses, contributing to a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 99, indicating a highly trusted service. Its long-standing reputation and regulatory compliance make it a secure choice for investors seeking a reliable brokerage service.
In contrast, Moneta Markets, founded in 2009, operates as a non-banking financial broker and is not publicly traded. While it does hold one Tier-2 license, its ForexBrokers.com Trust Score is 71, placing it in the average risk category. Investors might consider Moneta Markets if they are seeking a newer platform, but should be aware of its relatively lower trust rating and regulatory standings compared to Charles Schwab.
| Feature |
Charles Schwab
|
Moneta Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1971 | 2009 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | Yes | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 5 | 0 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
When it comes to commissions and fees, Charles Schwab and Moneta Markets each offer unique advantages depending on a trader’s needs. Charles Schwab scores a solid 4 out of 5 stars for its fee structure, ranking 24th among 63 brokers reviewed by ForexBrokers.com. Schwab does not charge commissions for forex trading, meaning that trading costs primarily arise from the bid/ask spread. For example, the average spread on the EUR/USD pair in October 2024 was 1.35 pips, which is considered on the higher end of industry averages. Notably, there is no minimum deposit requirement for its primary accounts, Schwab One and Schwab Global, making them accessible options for traders looking to enter the forex market without significant upfront costs. However, keep in mind that with the Schwab Global account, currency conversion fees ranging from 0.2% to 1% may apply for trades in international markets.
In contrast, Moneta Markets shines with a higher rating of 4.5 stars and ranks 16th among the same cohort. Its pricing varies across its three account types. The Direct STP account offers a commission-free experience with an average spread of 1.38 pips for the EUR/USD pair. Meanwhile, the Prime ECN account, which includes a $3 commission per side for every 100,000 units and a tighter average spread of 0.194 pips, results in an all-in cost of approximately 0.79 pips, slightly below the industry average. For those with significant capital, the Ultra ECN account requires a $20,000 deposit and boasts a competitive spread with a low commission of $2 per round-trip, effectively making it an attractive option for high-volume traders.
Overall, while both Charles Schwab and Moneta Markets offer competitive options depending on trading preferences, Moneta Markets edges out Charles Schwab slightly in terms of pricing flexibility and overall star rating for commissions and fees. Traders should carefully consider their trading volume and deposit capabilities to select the best broker to fit their specific needs. Whether opting for Schwab’s spread-based pricing or Moneta’s varied account offerings, understanding the nuances can make a significant difference in trading success.
| Feature |
Charles Schwab
|
Moneta Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $50 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.35 | 1.38 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 1.35 | 0.79 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | No | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
When comparing Charles Schwab and Moneta Markets in terms of available investment options, Charles Schwab provides a significantly wider array. Charles Schwab boasts an impressive 40,000 tradable symbols, including 73 forex pairs, and offers the opportunity to invest directly in exchange-traded securities from both U.S. and international exchanges. Investors can purchase shares of notable companies like Apple and Vodafone without resorting to Contracts for Difference (CFDs). On the other hand, Moneta Markets offers 1,016 tradable symbols and 45 forex pairs, but it doesn't provide direct access to exchange-traded securities on either U.S. or international exchanges. However, for enthusiasts of copy trading—a feature that allows investors to mimic the trades of successful investors—Moneta Markets includes this option, while Charles Schwab does not.
When it comes to cryptocurrency offerings, both platforms enable the trading of cryptocurrency derivatives but do not allow the buying of actual cryptocurrencies. While these differences might matter depending on investment goals, Charles Schwab stands out with a top-ranking position of number five in investment range category according to ForexBrokers.com, netting five out of five stars. In contrast, Moneta Markets, with a four-star rating, ranks 35 in the same category. For those seeking an extensive range of investments—particularly in traditional securities—Charles Schwab emerges as the more versatile option, whereas Moneta Markets may attract those interested in copy trading and forex derivatives.
| Feature |
Charles Schwab
|
Moneta Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 40000 | 1016 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 73 | 45 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.
Charles Schwab and Moneta Markets both provide a range of trading platforms and tools, yet they cater to different trader needs. Charles Schwab stands out with its in-house developed platform, offering a Windows-based desktop download and web-based trading platform, along with free virtual demo accounts for those wanting to practice trading. While it lacks support for MetaTrader 4 or 5, its platform is known for comprehensive functionality, including 580 columns for watch lists and availability to trade directly from stock charts. Although Schwab does not feature copy trading services like DupliTrade or ZuluTrade, it compensates with an extensive array of drawing tools and is recognized with a five-star rating for its trading platforms and tools, ranking number 5 out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com.
Moneta Markets, on the other hand, offers a different approach to online trading with its support for MetaTrader 4 and 5, appealing largely to traders familiar with these popular platforms. It provides both a Windows-based desktop download and web-based platform, also featuring free virtual demo accounts. While Moneta Markets doesn't offer a proprietary platform, it supports copy trading via DupliTrade and lets traders execute directly from stock charts with an impressive 78 drawing tools for charting. Despite having only four columns for watch lists, it is rated four stars and holds the 33rd position among 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com in the trading platforms and tools category. This diversity in offerings ensures that traders can find a suitable fit tailored to their specific requirements.
| Feature |
Charles Schwab
|
Moneta Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | Yes |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 374 | 105 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 24 | 78 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 580 | 4 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When it comes to mobile trading apps, Charles Schwab and Moneta Markets both have you covered with applications available on iPhone and Android devices. Each platform ensures you stay updated by providing stock or forex price alerts, enabling real-time decision-making on the go. They both also allow for seamless watchlist syncing across mobile and online accounts, making managing your investments hassle-free. With the ability to draw trendlines and view multiple time frames on their apps, both platforms cater to diverse trading strategies. Furthermore, the convenience of auto-saving drawings on charts is available in both offerings.
Despite these similarities, Charles Schwab and Moneta Markets differ significantly in charting features and user ratings. Charles Schwab’s app provides an impressive 374 technical studies, far more than Moneta Markets’ 30, offering in-depth analysis tools for traders. Additionally, Charles Schwab shines in overall satisfaction with a stellar 5-star rating, placing it at #6 out of 63 brokers in ForexBrokers.com's Mobile Trading Apps category. In comparison, Moneta Markets, with a solid 4-star rating, ranks #35, indicating Charles Schwab’s slightly higher popularity among users. Whether you choose Charles Schwab for its rich charting features or Moneta Markets for its straightforward experience, both platforms offer comprehensive tools to enhance your mobile trading journey.
| Feature |
Charles Schwab
|
Moneta Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 374 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When it comes to market research, both Charles Schwab and Moneta Markets provide daily market commentaries and access to forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg and Reuters. However, there are notable distinctions in their offerings. Moneta Markets provides advanced tools such as Trading Central, which offers technical analytics, and a sentiment-based trading tool to gauge market sentiment. On the other hand, Charles Schwab does not offer these specific tools. Both brokers supply an economic calendar showcasing global economic events, evolving insights into market movements.
In terms of ratings, Charles Schwab shines with a five-star research rating and is ranked 4th out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, underlining its strong emphasis on in-depth market research. Although Moneta Markets maintains a solid offering, it is rated four stars and ranked 32nd in the same category, reflecting room for growth in its research capabilities. Investors seeking comprehensive market analysis might find Charles Schwab's higher ranking and broader resources more appealing, while those focusing on sentiment and analytics tools may be drawn to Moneta Markets.
| Feature |
Charles Schwab
|
Moneta Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | No | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When it comes to educational resources for beginners, both Charles Schwab and Moneta Markets offer comprehensive materials to help new traders get started in the world of forex and CFDs. Each provides at least 10 educational pieces, such as articles, videos, and archived webinars, focusing on these subjects. They both also offer a collection of more than 10 beginner and advanced trading videos, ensuring a broad range of information for traders at different levels. A searchable archive of previously recorded webinars is available through both brokers, but only Charles Schwab offers ongoing monthly webinars to keep clients continuously engaged and informed. Both platforms include an investor dictionary with over 50 defined terms, making it easier for newcomers to familiarize themselves with trading lingo.
Despite these similarities, Charles Schwab distinguishes itself with a higher rating and ranking in educational resources—5 stars compared to Moneta Markets' 4 stars. In the ForexBrokers.com Education category, Charles Schwab holds an impressive 6th place out of 63 brokers, while Moneta Markets stands at 33rd. Charles Schwab's commitment to education through additional offerings, like regular live webinars, gives it a clear edge for those prioritizing educational support when choosing an online broker. Beginners who seek a well-rounded learning experience may find Charles Schwab's comprehensive approach more beneficial. Nonetheless, both brokers present solid options for anyone starting on their trading journey.
| Feature |
Charles Schwab
|
Moneta Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that Charles Schwab is better than Moneta Markets. Charles Schwab finished with an overall rank of #6, while Moneta Markets finished with an overall rank of #35.
Charles Schwab is a highly trusted financial institution and multi-asset broker catering to U.S.-based and international forex traders. Schwab's award-winning thinkorswim platform offers over 70 tradeable currency pairs alongside impressive tools, research, and education. That said, the broker’s forex offering is still largely limited to what is available on thinkorswim.
| Feature |
Charles Schwab
|
Moneta Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 71 |
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Both Charles Schwab and Moneta Markets do not offer the ability to buy actual delivered cryptocurrency; however, they both provide the option to purchase cryptocurrency derivatives.
While both Charles Schwab and Moneta Markets support bank wire transfers, only Charles Schwab allows ACH or SEPA transfers, whereas Moneta Markets uniquely accepts Visa and Mastercard for deposits and withdrawals, with neither platform providing options for PayPal or Skrill transactions.
Please note:
We review each broker’s overall global offering – a “Yes” checkmark in our Compare Tool does not guarantee the availability of any specific features in your country of residence. To verify the availability of any features within your country of residence, please contact the broker directly.
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0 of 5| Overall Rating | Charles Schwab | Moneta Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 71 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Charles Schwab Review | Moneta Markets Review |
| Broker Screenshots | Charles Schwab | Moneta Markets | |
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| Regulation | Charles Schwab | Moneta Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 71 | |
| Year Founded | 1971 | 2009 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | No | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 5 | 0 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | Charles Schwab | Moneta Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | Yes | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | No | No |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | Charles Schwab | Moneta Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | No | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | Charles Schwab | Moneta Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 40000 | 1016 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 73 | 45 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes | |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
| Cost | Charles Schwab | Moneta Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.35 | 1.38 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 1.35 | 0.79 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | No | Yes |
| Funding | Charles Schwab | Moneta Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $50 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | No | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | Charles Schwab | Moneta Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | Yes | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | Charles Schwab | Moneta Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 580 | 4 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 374 | 105 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 24 | 78 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | Charles Schwab | Moneta Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 374 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | Charles Schwab | Moneta Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | No | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Charles Schwab | Moneta Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | Charles Schwab | Moneta Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/JPY | Yes | Yes | |
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CAD | Yes | Yes | |
| NZD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| AUD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| Review | Charles Schwab Review | Moneta Markets Review |
| Overall | Charles Schwab | Moneta Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 71 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Charles Schwab Review | Moneta Markets Review |
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