No Minimum Deposit Required at Schwab or Webull
Key points:
• Investors can open a brokerage account with no initial deposit at both Webull and Schwab.
• Both brokerage firms offer $0 online stock and ETF trades.
• Neither broker imposes annual maintenance, inactivity, or low-balance fees on standard self-directed brokerage accounts. Other trading, transfer, subscription, and service fees may apply.
If you're searching for brokerage companies with low fees and no opening-deposit requirement, Schwab and Webull are two options to consider.
Webull
A self-directed brokerage account with Webull can be opened with a $0 deposit. A standard cash brokerage account also has no minimum balance requirement to remain open. Customers who decide to fund an account can begin with very little money because Webull supports fractional-share purchases of eligible stocks and ETFs with a $1 minimum purchase amount.
Webull offers commission-free online trading of U.S.-listed stocks and ETFs. Listed stock and ETF options likewise have $0 commissions and generally no per-contract charge. Certain index options, oversized option orders, futures, bonds, and other investment products follow separate pricing schedules, and regulatory and exchange charges may apply.
Fractional-share trading lets investors establish positions without paying for an entire share. Purchases of eligible fractional stocks and ETFs can begin at $1, while fractional-share sales can be entered for as little as $0.01, subject to Webull's trading rules. Fractional shares cannot be moved to another brokerage and are generally sold when a customer initiates a full outgoing account transfer.
While positions are being traded or held, Webull imposes no annual maintenance, inactivity, or low-balance charges on standard self-directed brokerage accounts. This allows investors to maintain a small account with little or no money in it. Optional market-data subscriptions, margin interest, transfer fees, wire charges, and other service costs may apply.
Webull's zero account minimum extends to its self-directed Traditional, Roth, and Rollover IRAs. Customers who plan to trade on margin must satisfy Webull's applicable margin-equity requirements. A full or partial outgoing ACATS transfer currently costs $75.
Webull also provides a Cash Management program for eligible brokerage accounts. The standard program has no separate minimum-balance requirement, although available rates and benefits can differ based on the account and any optional subscription.
Besides its low account minimums, Webull offers trading on mobile, web, and desktop platforms. Customers also receive extended-hours access and 24/5 trading in select stocks and ETFs, allowing investors with smaller accounts to use many of the same trading features available to those with much larger balances.
Free Webull Account
Visit Webull Website
Charles Schwab
Similar to Webull, Charles Schwab provides numerous account types that can be opened without making an initial deposit. These include both brokerage and bank accounts. On the banking side, Schwab's savings and checking accounts have no minimum opening-deposit requirement. Investor Checking must be funded to activate Bill Pay and receive a Visa debit card, while at least $100 in funding is required to receive complimentary standard checks.
For brokerage accounts, customers can get started with no initial deposit. After the account is established, investors can use Schwab's website, mobile application, and thinkorswim trading platforms.
Schwab also offers many securities that can be purchased with relatively small dollar amounts. For example, most mutual funds available through Schwab can be purchased for $1 (specifically, 4,947 funds out of a total 5,740 funds have this minimum purchase amount). Investors can access the mutual-fund screener from the Research tab on Schwab's website.
Schwab provides fractional-share investing as well. Clients can purchase fractional shares of most U.S.-listed stocks and ETFs with a $1 minimum.
Self-directed Schwab investors also receive an extensive collection of educational material through the broker's platforms. There are no account minimums or separate charges for accessing these resources, making them especially useful for investors with smaller balances. During our evaluation of Schwab's platforms, we found complimentary stock research, educational material covering the fundamentals of securities trading, live streams of multiple financial TV channels, and commentary about current market developments.
Schwab does not charge annual maintenance, inactivity, or low-balance fees on its standard brokerage accounts. Online transactions in listed stocks and ETFs carry $0 commissions. Options trades have a per-contract charge, while broker-assisted transactions, certain mutual funds, fixed-income trades, account services, and other products can also have fees.
Free Charles Schwab Account
Visit Schwab Website
Updated on 8/3/2026.
Chad Morris has been analyzing investment firms for Brokerage-Review.com since 2015. Backed by FINRA Series 65, 66, and SIE credentials, his work reflects a deep knowledge of the retail brokerage industry and digital trading tools.
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