How to tell if Charles Schwab is actually down

The fastest way to know if Charles Schwab is down is to check their official status page at schwab.com/status. This page shows real-time updates on whether their trading platform, website, and mobile app are working. If you see a green checkmark next to each service, the system is up. A yellow or red indicator means that service is experiencing problems.

If the status page itself won't load, try logging into your account from a different device or browser. Sometimes the problem is on your end — your internet connection, your device, or your browser cache — rather than Schwab's servers. Clear your browser cookies, restart your router, or switch from WiFi to mobile data to test this.

You can also call Schwab's customer service at 1-800-435-4000. They can tell you immediately whether the outage is widespread or affecting only certain features. During major outages, their phone lines get busy, but they usually answer within a few minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • Check schwab.com/status first — it shows real-time updates on whether trading, the website, and the mobile app are working.
  • If the status page won't load, the problem may be your internet connection or browser, not Schwab's servers.
  • Calling 1-800-435-4000 confirms whether an outage is happening and how long Schwab expects it to last.
  • During market hours, outages usually get fixed within minutes to an hour; Schwab prioritizes restoring trading access first.

What to do if you cannot access your account during an outage

If you are locked out of your account and need to make a trade or check a balance, call customer service. They can execute trades over the phone and answer questions about your account without requiring you to log in online. Have your account number and the last four digits of your Social Security number ready.

If you are trying to transfer money out of your Schwab account during an outage, the same rule applies — call and ask them to process it by phone. Transfers initiated by phone take the same time as online transfers, usually one to three business days depending on the receiving bank.

Why Schwab goes down and how often it happens

Charles Schwab experiences outages for two main reasons: scheduled maintenance and unexpected technical problems. Scheduled maintenance usually happens outside market hours — early mornings, evenings, or weekends — and Schwab announces these in advance on their status page and through email. These planned outages rarely last more than a few hours.

Unexpected outages happen less often but can last longer. They are usually caused by server failures, network problems, or issues with third-party services that Schwab depends on. During the 2020 market surge, Schwab had several outages when trading volume overwhelmed their systems. Since then, they have upgraded their infrastructure, and major outages have become rare.

Minor glitches — a slow website, a delayed quote update, or a feature that does not load — happen more often than full outages but do not prevent you from trading. These usually clear within minutes without any action on your part.

How outages affect your trades and positions

If you cannot access your account during an outage, you cannot place new trades. However, any trades you already placed before the outage will go through as scheduled. Your existing positions are safe — the outage does not affect the stocks or funds you already own, and they continue to trade in the market even if you cannot see them.

If you had a stop-loss order or a limit order waiting to execute, it will still execute during the outage. Schwab's trading systems run separately from their website and mobile app, so even if the app is down, your orders are still active in the market.

Checking Schwab's social media for outage updates

Charles Schwab posts outage updates on Twitter (@CharlesSchwab) and on their official Facebook page. During a major outage, they update these accounts every 15 to 30 minutes with new information. Following these accounts or checking them during a suspected outage gives you real-time news without having to call.

However, do not rely on social media alone. The status page at schwab.com/status is the official source, and it updates faster than social media. Check both if you want the complete picture.

What to do if you think Schwab is down but the status page says it is not

If you cannot access your account but the status page shows everything is green, the problem is almost certainly on your end. Try these steps in order: restart your browser, clear your cookies and cache, restart your device, switch networks (WiFi to mobile data or vice versa), and try a different browser.

If none of that works, call customer service. They can see whether your account has any blocks or restrictions, whether your login credentials are correct, or whether there is a problem specific to your device or location. Sometimes your internet provider blocks access to certain sites, and Schwab's support team can help you work around that.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose money if Schwab is down when the market is moving?

No. Your existing positions are protected — they continue to trade in the market, and any orders you placed before the outage will execute. You cannot place new trades during an outage, but you cannot lose money on trades you did not make. If you are worried about a position, call Schwab and they can place a trade for you over the phone.

How long do Schwab outages usually last?

Scheduled maintenance usually lasts under two hours and happens outside market hours. Unexpected outages vary widely — some clear in minutes, others take an hour or more. During major outages, Schwab updates their status page every 15 to 30 minutes with an estimated time to fix.

Can I trade with a different broker if Schwab is down?

Yes, you can log into another brokerage account if you have one. However, transferring money between brokers takes one to three business days, so you cannot quickly move cash from Schwab to another platform during an outage. Calling Schwab to trade by phone is faster if you need to act immediately.

Does Schwab compensate you for outages?

Schwab does not automatically refund trading losses caused by outages. However, if an outage caused you to miss a critical trade or incur unusual costs, you can contact their customer service and explain the situation. They review these cases individually, though compensation is not may provide.