Security Guarantee

Here is more information on The Schwab Security Guarantee:

Do I have to do anything to get this protection?

No. Schwab automatically provides this protection.

How does this guarantee work?

If you suspect you have been a victim of unauthorized activity in your Schwab account, notify Schwab at 888-3-SCHWAB immediately. You are responsible for timely reviewing your account statements to ensure that no unauthorized activity has taken place in your account. We will promptly review your claim and assist you in taking measures necessary to protect you from further loss. You will be required to identify items of unauthorized activity and may be required to complete a notarized affidavit of fraud.

Does the guarantee apply to my account if I use an application like computer software or a program ("app") that can act on or retrieves my account data from Schwab for things including financial planning or to help me manage my finances?

No. If you share your Schwab account access information with anyone or authorize account access through a third party app (except one that Schwab has partnered with on our platforms) and that sharing or access leads to any loss in your account, the guarantee does not apply. Firms or apps that can act on or retrieve, aggregate, and present account information for financial activities are sometimes referred to as "aggregators." When you authorize an aggregator or instruct Schwab to allow an aggregator access to your account information, the aggregator as well as its employees, agents and other financial apps and companies the aggregator does business with who access or receive your Schwab account information ("aggregator third parties") are considered your authorized persons. The guarantee only applies to unauthorized activity in your account. What an aggregator or an aggregator third party does in connection with your account and your information, even if they fail to safeguard your account or information, is considered authorized by you, so the guarantee does not apply to their actions. 

If I allow or give a person remote access into my device (e.g. computer, laptop, smartphone, tablet) or Schwab account, is the person's fraudulent activity in my Schwab account covered under the Guarantee?

No.  When you allow or give a person (other than a Schwab employee or Schwab company) remote access into your device or Schwab account, the activity taken by such person in your Schwab account is not covered under the Guarantee. 

Does the guarantee apply to Schwab Bank?

Yes. The guarantee applies to all Schwab Bank products. If you suspect you have been a victim of unauthorized activity in your Schwab Bank account, notify Schwab at 888-3-SCHWAB immediately. You are responsible for timely reviewing your account statements to ensure that no unauthorized activity has taken place in your account. If an unauthorized transaction is made in your Schwab Bank account, you will not be responsible for that transaction or any related interest or transaction charge.

Does the guarantee apply to accounts managed by independent investment advisors doing business with Schwab Advisor Services?

Yes. The coverage applies to unauthorized account activity in client accounts managed by independent investment advisors. However, keep in mind that transactions initiated by your investment advisor or other people to whom you have granted authority to act on your behalf are considered authorized and not covered. This includes transactions initiated via electronic authorization, or "eAuthorization."

Does the guarantee apply to my Schwab retirement plan accounts?

This guarantee applies to all individual retirement accounts held at Schwab. It also applies to individual accounts of employees participating in employer-sponsored retirement, equity compensation, deferred compensation and other benefit plans ("Employee Benefit Plan Account"), where Schwab maintains the account and holds the account assets. However, keep in mind that transactions initiated by your employer, third party plan administrator (other than Schwab Retirement Plan Services, Inc. or Schwab Retirement Plan Services Company), trustee (other than Schwab Bank) or each of their employees, representatives or agents who have access to your account, or other people to whom you have granted authority to access your account or to act on your behalf, are considered authorized and not covered.

Does the guarantee apply to Charles Schwab Trust Company or Charles Schwab Trust Company of Delaware?

No. Personal Trusts for which Charles Schwab Trust Company or Charles Schwab Trust Company of Delaware act as trustee are subject to safeguards under state law fiduciary standards and protections.

Does the guarantee apply to my annuities or 529 college savings plan accounts at Schwab?

No. Annuities and 529 college savings plan accounts are not included because the assets are maintained by or held at a third party and Schwab cannot be responsible for any failure of those third parties to safeguard your information or protect your account.

Does the Schwab Security Guarantee cover transactions in TD Ameritrade accounts?

Prior to the TD Ameritrade accounts being moved over to Schwab's platform,  transactions occurring in TD Ameritrade accounts will be covered by the TD Ameritrade Asset Protection Guarantee.