How to Fill Out Charles Schwab Investment Account Forms

Like most stock brokerage firms, Charles Schwab has moved into the 21st century with online stock quotes, trading capabilities and account access in order to better serve the needs of their customers. You can even open a Charles Schwab investment account online, with just a few clicks of the mouse. This walkthrough of the process should alert you to any pitfalls.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with internet connection
• Checking account number
• Social Security Number
• Driver's license number

Instructions

1. Log on to the Charles Schwab website and click "Open an Account," in the middle of the tool bar near the top of the page. This will take you to a page that allows you to select which type of account you'd like to open. Charles Schwab offers brokerage accounts (for buying stocks, bonds and mutual funds with non-tax advantaged money), retirement accounts (for buying stocks, bonds and mutual funds with IRA money) or a bank checking with brokerage account, which combines a high-yield checking account with your brokerage account--perfect for those who want to seamlessly transfer money from checking to investments. Choosing one of these options will open a new window, containing the application.

2. Start your application. A short set of instructions will appear in the new window--just a reminder than you need identification and a way of funding your new account to proceed. Click "Start Application," and you'll be taken to the information page, where you'll enter your name, address, phone number and all other contact information. Click "Continue," and fill in your Social Security Number, driver's license number and mother's maiden name on the next page.

3. Build a profile. The next page asks for your employment information, followed by a screen requesting your marital status, net worth and investing preferences. This information is used to build your profile, so that Charles Schwab can better assist you with your investing needs.

4. Select your options. The next screen asks you to decide if you would like to be able to trade on margin, as well as whether you would like your account notices delivered via email or regular mail. You will also have an opportunity to choose the Schwab Interest One feature, which allows you to earn interest on your uninvested cash.

5. Link your account. You will be asked how you'd like to fund your account in the next step. Charles Schwab allows you to link your Schwab account to your checking account, savings account, another brokerage account, or to fund your account with a paper check or wire transfer. If you're not sure which option to choose, you can also opt to fund your account later. If you decide to link an existing account to the new account, you will be taken to a screen where you'll enter the account number and routing number for that account.

6. Start investing. All that's left to do is electronically verify your application and create a login and password. Check your data carefully, to ensure that all of your contact and personal information is correct. Once your account is funded, you're ready to start investing.