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Open a Thinkorswim Account
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How to Open a Thinkorswim Account
Using thinkorswim with a brokerage account at Charles Schwab is very straightforward. Below we explain the steps you need to take and share a few tips that can help you get more value from the thinkorswim platform.
Creating a Thinkorswim Account
thinkorswim itself is not an account. Instead, it is a trading platform used by brokerage accounts to
research securities, study market activity, and place trades. A Schwab brokerage account must be opened before the platform can be used. It is not possible to access thinkorswim without first having a brokerage account.
Fortunately, opening an account is simple. Look for the orange button on the application page to begin opening a new account and follow the instructions shown on the screen. You can also open an account through Schwab’s main mobile app. Tap the profile icon in the upper-left corner and select the option to open an account. Any self-directed brokerage account at Schwab can use thinkorswim. Schwab does not charge ongoing account fees, and there are no minimum balance requirements.
Open Thinkorswim Account
Visit Thinkorswim Website
Versions of Thinkorswim
thinkorswim is available in three different formats: mobile app, web browser, and desktop software. The desktop version offers the most advanced features, while the browser-based platform is the simplest to use.
Downloading Thinkorswim
The web version of thinkorswim does not require a download. Just log into the Schwab website and open the Trade tab. From there, choose the link labeled ‘thinkorswim Web,’ and the platform will launch in a new window.
The desktop version must be downloaded before it can be used. Under the Trade tab, you will find a link for thinkorswim desktop. Click it, scroll down on the next page, and locate the blue button used to download the installer for the desktop platform.
The mobile version of thinkorswim can be installed from Apple’s App Store or from Google Play on Android devices.
Logging into Thinkorswim
After your Schwab brokerage account has been created, the next step is to log into thinkorswim and explore the platform. This process is simple on any version of the software. Use the same login credentials that you use for the Schwab website. The web-based version does not require a separate login screen; just sign in on the website and open the platform from the Trade tab.
On the desktop and mobile platforms, a toggle switch appears on the login page that lets you choose between live trading and simulated trading (called ‘paperMoney’ by Schwab). The demo environment includes $200k in virtual funds to practice trading, which can be helpful because the platform includes many advanced features and tools.
Enabling Thinkorswim
Before placing real trades in live mode, thinkorswim must be enabled on the account. This step is very easy and only takes a few moments. Log into the Schwab website again and return to the Trade tab. Select the link for thinkorswim desktop. Scroll down until you see the blue button used to enable thinkorswim. Click the button and follow the instructions on the screen to activate the platform for trading. Each account that wants to place live trades through thinkorswim must be enabled for the platform, although you can still log into thinkorswim with any Schwab account.
Configuring and Using Thinkorswim
All versions of thinkorswim include two main visual themes: light and dark. The desktop platform offers several variations of both light and dark themes. These settings can be changed in the settings menu, which is accessed through the Setup link with the gear icon located in the upper-right corner of the platform. The desktop version also allows you to save and load custom workspaces, and this feature is available within the same settings menu.
The primary navigation menu is located at the top of the platform, where you will find an Education tab. This section contains resources that explain how the software works and how to use its many advanced tools. Other tabs provide access to charts, multiple order-entry screens, and analytical features.
Finally, if you ever need help while using the platform, there are links to contact customer support near the Setup menu. These include options for messages, support requests, and chat rooms. During testing of the support feature, we were able to connect with a live Schwab representative.
Fees, Minimums, and Commissions
thinkorswim in any version is free to use. Schwab does not require account minimums (such as a specific balance or trading frequency) to access thinkorswim in either live or paperMoney mode, so nearly any Schwab brokerage account can use the platform.
Create Thinkorswim Account
Visit Thinkorswim Website
Updated on 3/6/2026.
Chad Morris is a financial writer with more than 20 years experience
as both an English teacher and an avid trader. When he isn’t writing
expert content for Brokerage-Review.com, Chad can usually be found
managing his portfolio or building a new home computer.
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