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How to Open a Thinkorswim Account (2025)
How to create a Thinkorswim account at Charles Schwab? How to download Thinkorswim (TOS) trading platform in 2025.
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How to Open a Thinkorswim Account
Using thinkorswim with a Charles Schwab brokerage account is straightforward. Below you’ll find every step, plus tips to help you get the most from the platform.
Opening a thinkorswim Account
thinkorswim is software, not an account type. You must first open a Schwab brokerage account to access the platform. thinkorswim cannot run without one.
Luckily, opening an account is quick. Click the orange button on the application page and follow the prompts. You can also open an account in Schwab’s mobile app: tap the profile icon in the upper-left and choose the account-opening link. Any self-directed Schwab account works with thinkorswim. Schwab charges no recurring account fees and has no minimum balance.
Free Thinkorswim Account
Visit Thinkorswim Website
Versions of thinkorswim
thinkorswim is offered in three formats: mobile app, web browser, and desktop program. The desktop build is the most powerful; the web version is the simplest.
Downloading thinkorswim
The web version needs no download. Log in to the Schwab site, click "Trade", and select "thinkorswim Web". A new window loads the platform.
The desktop program must be installed. Under "Trade", choose "thinkorswim desktop", scroll, and click the blue download button.
The mobile app is available on Apple’s App Store and Google Play.
Logging into thinkorswim
After your Schwab account is open, sign in to any thinkorswim version with the same credentials. The web platform launches from the "Trade" tab without a second login.
Desktop and mobile logins include a switch for live trading or "paperMoney" (the simulator). The demo comes with $200,000 in virtual cash—great for practice because thinkorswim does have a learning curve.
On the app’s main screen, you can toggle between Schwab and TD Ameritrade accounts. On desktop, the gear icon at login offers the same choice.
Enabling thinkorswim
Before placing real trades, each Schwab account must be enabled for thinkorswim. Log in to the website, open "Trade › thinkorswim desktop", scroll, and click the blue "Enable thinkorswim" button, then follow the prompts. You can still log in to view the platform without enabling trading.
Configuring and Using thinkorswim
All versions support light and dark themes; the desktop offers several of each. Change themes and save workspaces through "Setup" (gear icon in the upper-right).
The main menu runs across the top. "Education" houses tutorials. Other tabs give you charts, trade tickets, and analytics.
Need help? Near "Setup" you’ll find links for messages, support, and chat rooms. During testing, the support link connected us to a live Schwab rep.
Fees, Minimums, and Commissions
thinkorswim is free to use in both live and paperMoney modes. Schwab sets no balance or activity minimums, so any brokerage account can try the platform.
Free Thinkorswim Account
Visit Thinkorswim Website
Updated on 4/22/2025.
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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