Charles Schwab offers a range of financial services, including investment advice and brokerage services, helping clients achieve their financial goals.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
95
+
16%
16%
Franchise fee
?
$25,000
Investment
?
$79,000 - $222,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$0
+
n.a.
n.a.
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Founded in 1971 in San Francisco, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. has grown into a leading name in both banking and brokerage services across the United States. Headquartered in its city of origin, the company delivers a robust suite of offerings that includes investment guidance, retirement planning, financial consulting, and access to proprietary trading tools.
In 2011, Charles Schwab expanded its reach by introducing the Independent Branch Services model, an initiative that allows qualified financial professionals to open and manage their own branches under the Schwab name.
This franchise-like opportunity provides an avenue for experienced advisors to grow their practices while aligning with a nationally recognized financial institution.
These independently operated branches offer a broad spectrum of services, such as wealth management, retirement strategies, and investment solutions, tailored to individual client needs.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a Charles Schwab franchise is
$79,000 - $222,000.
That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise.
These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Franchise Fee
$25,000 - $50,000
Initial Training Travel & Expenses
$2,000 - $4,000
Start-up Supplies
$200 - $600
Business Licenses
$50 - $1,500
Association Fee
$1,500 - $2,250
Activation Branch Fee
$4,500 - $9,000
Sublease Rent
$6,000 - $33,000
Facilities Fee
$16,200 - $56,400
Branch Hardware and Connectivity Service Fee
$3,450 - $10,500
E&O Insurance Fee
$1,050 - $4,725
Additional Insurance
$250 - $1,350
Travel and Entertainment
$600 - $1,500
Activation Branch Local Marketing
$1,500 - $7,000
Local Marketing
$15,000 - $38,000
Additional Funds – Initial Period
$1,200 - $2,400
TOTAL
$78,500 - $222,225
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Type of Expenditure
Amount
Franchise Fee
$25,000 - $50,000
Initial Training Travel & Expenses
$2,000 - $4,000
Start-up Supplies
$200 - $600
Business Licenses
$50 - $1,500
Association Fee
$1,500 - $2,250
Activation Branch Fee
$4,500 - $9,000
Sublease Rent
$6,000 - $33,000
Facilities Fee
$16,200 - $56,400
Branch Hardware and Connectivity Service Fee
$3,450 - $10,500
E&O Insurance Fee
$1,050 - $4,725
Additional Insurance
$250 - $1,350
Travel and Entertainment
$600 - $1,500
Activation Branch Local Marketing
$1,500 - $7,000
Local Marketing
$15,000 - $38,000
Additional Funds – Initial Period
$1,200 - $2,400
TOTAL
$78,500 - $222,225
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is Charles Schwab's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
Charles Schwab had 381 total units in 2025, of which 95 were franchised-owned and 286 company-owned.
Charles Schwab provides a robust training program to its franchisees to ensure operational and regulatory readiness. The training is tailored to equip franchise owners and their employees with the skills and knowledge needed to operate in compliance with Schwab’s standards and industry regulations.
Initial Training Program This begins immediately after the franchise agreement is signed and includes web-based modules that franchisees can complete remotely. It covers orientation and specific areas like products and advice, and franchisees must demonstrate proficiency before engaging in related activities. The program culminates in a mandatory 3 to 5-day Activation Summit.
Regulatory Compliance Training All employees must complete annual compliance training delivered electronically via webinars and a learning management system. This training ensures that all staff members are up-to-date with Schwab products, services, and applicable financial regulations.
Continuing Education and Seminars Schwab offers additional training sessions and seminars throughout the year on topics such as new system features, marketing strategies, and professional skill enhancement. These may be led by Schwab staff or third-party experts and are often conducted either in-person at designated locations or virtually.
Territory Protection
Charles Schwab does not provide franchisees with exclusive territorial rights. While the Franchise Agreement allows the franchisee to operate a single Independent Branch at a specifically approved location, the franchisor retains the right to establish other outlets, use various distribution channels, or permit competitive operations, even within close proximity to the franchisee.
This means franchisees could face competition from other Schwab outlets or affiliates operating nearby. Franchisees are not allowed to operate their business from any other location beyond the approved Independent Branch unless specifically authorized.
Even outreach activities like client visits or seminars must remain ancillary to the main operations of the approved location. Moreover, franchisees may lose any territorial privileges if they fail to meet performance standards such as maintaining client satisfaction scores or growing client assets as stipulated in the agreement.
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