Broker setup · Charles Schwab
Charles Schwab multi-account orders in TraderDesk
TraderDesk connects to Charles Schwab through the Schwab Trader API using an app key, secret and OAuth sign-in. It can route US equities, ETFs and listed options where the account is approved. Schwab's API requires a developer application, and access tokens must be refreshed on the schedule Schwab sets.
What routes
What can you route on Charles Schwab?
US equities, ETFs and listed options. Segments below are the ones the current build shows. Your account still needs the permissions and data subscriptions the broker requires.
- US equities and ETFs through the Schwab Trader API.
- Listed options where the Schwab account has options approval.
- Several Schwab accounts where your app is authorised for them.
- Per-account results after a multi-account order.
Setup
How to connect Charles Schwab to TraderDesk
Four steps. The exact labels differ in the broker's dashboard, but the sequence is the same.
- 01
Create a Schwab developer app
Register at the Schwab developer portal and create an application to receive the app key and secret.
- 02
Add the callback and authorise
Use the redirect URL the app requires, then complete the OAuth sign-in and grant the scopes you need.
- 03
Add the account in TraderDesk
Enter the credentials, complete the connection and label the account.
- 04
Test with a small order
Confirm the account and its permissions, then send a small order and read the per-account result.
Before you go live
- Schwab controls API access, app approval and the scopes granted to your application.
- Access tokens expire; refresh tokens have their own lifetime and must be renewed.
- Options approval and permitted strategies are set by Schwab.
- Schwab does not offer futures through this connection; thinkorswim-only features are not reproduced.
Multi-account
Can you trade several Charles Schwab accounts at once?
Add each account as its own connection, then tick the accounts you want on the order ticket. Each account reports its own result, so a rejection on one does not hide the outcome on another.
- Every account has its own label on the order ticket.
- The send button states how many accounts will receive the order.
- Results are shown per account after the order is sent.
- Risk limits are applied before routing, on your PC.
Charles Schwab questions
Common Charles Schwab questions
Do I need a Schwab developer account?
Yes. The Schwab Trader API requires an application registered in the Schwab developer portal, with a key, secret and an approved callback URL.
Why did my Schwab connection stop working?
Schwab access tokens expire, and refresh tokens can expire too. Re-run the authorisation and reconnect the account.
Can I trade options through Schwab in TraderDesk?
Listed options appear where the Schwab account has options approval. The approval level and permitted strategies are set by Schwab.
Does TraderDesk replace thinkorswim?
No. TraderDesk is a separate order-entry workspace. It does not reproduce thinkorswim charts, studies or every Schwab order type.
Other connections
Compare the other broker setups
GET STARTED
Try the Charles Schwab workflow with demo accounts.
Download the Windows build, practise on the demo accounts, then connect a paper or sandbox account before using live credentials.