
The Charles Schwab Sweep Account offers a high-yield savings option that earns a competitive interest rate, currently 4.57% APY. This rate is significantly higher than the national average.
You can access your Sweep Account online or through the Schwab Mobile app, making it easy to manage your money on the go. The account also comes with a debit card and checks for added convenience.
The Sweep Account has no monthly maintenance fees, making it a low-cost option for savers. This is a significant advantage, especially for those who are trying to keep their expenses low.
You can link multiple accounts to your Sweep Account, including checking and savings accounts, to create a seamless money management system. This feature allows you to easily transfer funds between accounts.
Getting Started
To get started with a Charles Schwab Sweep Account, you'll need to have a basic understanding of how it works. A Sweep Account is a type of savings account that automatically sweeps excess cash from your checking account into a higher-yielding savings account.
You can open a Charles Schwab Sweep Account online or by phone, and it typically takes a few minutes to set up. You can link your existing bank accounts to the Sweep Account, allowing for seamless transfers of excess funds.
The minimum balance requirement for a Charles Schwab Sweep Account is $0, making it accessible to anyone. There are no monthly maintenance fees, either, so you won't have to worry about extra charges.
Interest and Rates
The interest rates and yields for Charles Schwab's Cash Features vary over time, and there's no guarantee that the interest rate or yield on any particular Cash Feature will be or will remain higher than the interest rate or yield on other Cash Features.
Interest rates on the Deposit Accounts may be established at a rate as low as possible consistent with prevailing market and business conditions. Interest rates can change daily, and interest accrues on your funds from the day they are deposited at the Program Bank, not while they are held by Schwab.
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The interest rates paid on the Deposit Accounts can be higher or lower than the interest rates available for other Cash Features or to depositors making deposits directly with a Program Bank or other depository institutions in comparable accounts. You should compare the terms, interest rates, required minimum amounts, and other Features of the Bank Sweep and Bank Sweep for Benefit Plans Features with other Cash Features.
Interest rates for the Bank Sweep Feature vary by tiers based on your Deposit Account balances placed with the Program Banks. Here are the current interest rate tiers for the Bank Sweep Feature:
The interest rate can be reduced to zero in certain circumstances, and the interest rates paid by the Program Banks for the Bank Sweep Feature could be different from the standard rates the Program Banks pay under the published tiers.
Eligibility and Requirements
Charles Schwab Sweep Account eligibility requirements can be changed at any time.
If you're affected by a change in eligibility, you'll receive advance notice from Schwab.
You authorize Schwab to transfer funds from an ineligible or discontinued Cash Feature to another eligible one.
Schwab will notify you in writing before making this change.
If you're an existing client invested in a Schwab Sweep Money Fund, changes in the fund's terms may render you ineligible.
In this case, Schwab will designate the Bank Sweep for Benefit Plans Feature as your new Cash Feature.
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Cash Account Features
Charles Schwab's cash sweep account automatically collects and deposits uninvested cash from your account into affiliated bank accounts, where the brokerage earns interest on it.
This practice is common among brokerages, which use your idle cash as a low-cost source of funding for their operations. In fact, Charles Schwab generated nearly half of its $18.8 billion in revenue in 2023 from net interest income, primarily from the interest earned on uninvested client cash balances.
In March 2024, Charles Schwab reported about $399 billion in client sweep cash balances, a huge sum of money to earn interest on.
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5. Limited Ability to Change Cash Feature Election

You can't make changes to your Cash Feature election just because you change your mind. If you want more information or have questions about any Cash Feature, call 1-800-435-4000.
There are specific numbers to call depending on your account type. If your Account is an Advisor Services Account, contact your advisor, or call Schwab Alliance at 1-800-515-2157.
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Cash Features Comparison
Charles Schwab reported $399 billion in client sweep cash balances in March 2024, a huge sum of money to earn interest on.
Brokerages like Charles Schwab can generate significant revenue from net interest income, with nearly half of Charles Schwab's $18.8 billion in revenue in 2023 coming from this source.
Fidelity still offers a money market sweep program, unlike most full-service brokerage firms that now offer only a bank sweep program.
Low-yielding cash sweeps have become more common, with several large brokers transitioning clients from money market funds to lower-yielding bank sweeps.
Brokerages can use the profits from client sweep cash balances to offer incentives like lower commissions, free trades, or discounted fees.
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Bank and Account Details
Charles Schwab's sweep account is a convenient way to manage your money.
The Bank Sweep Feature automatically makes deposits to and withdrawals from Deposit Accounts at one or more Program Banks.
Your funds in these Deposit Accounts are eligible for deposit insurance by the FDIC up to the standard maximum deposit insurance amount (SMDIA) of $250,000.
This deposit insurance coverage applies when your deposits are aggregated with all other deposits held by you in the same insurable capacity at that Program Bank.
You can choose from a "Single-Bank" or "Multiple-Bank" Version of the Bank Sweep Feature.
A "Multiple-Bank" Version of the Bank Sweep for Benefit Plans Feature is also available.
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Interest and Earnings
Interest rates and yields for the various Cash Features vary over time, and there's no guarantee that the interest rate or yield on any particular Cash Feature will be or will remain higher than others.
Interest accrues on your funds from the day they are deposited at the Program Bank, not while they are held by Schwab, until the day they are withdrawn. Interest is compounded daily and credited on the 15th of each month (or the following Business Day if the 15th is not a Business Day).
The interest rates paid on the Deposit Accounts can be higher or lower than the interest rates available for other Cash Features or to depositors making deposits directly with a Program Bank or other depository institutions in comparable accounts.
Interest rates can change daily, and the interest rates paid by the Program Banks for the Bank Sweep Feature could be different from the standard rates the Program Banks pay under the published tiers. As of the date of this Disclosure Statement, the Program Banks' interest rate tiers for Bank Sweep are:
- Balances of $0 to $24,999.99
- Balances of $25,000.00 to $99,999.99
- Balances of $100,000.00 to $249,999.99
- Balances of $250,000.00 to $499,999.99
- Balances of $500,000.00 to $999,999.99
- Balances of $1,000,000.00 or more
Interest rates on the Deposit Accounts may be established at a rate as low as possible consistent with prevailing market and business conditions, and interest will be credited by TD Bank and TD Bank, USA as calculated by Schwab.
Account Management
Charles Schwab offers both "Single-Bank" and "Multiple-Bank" Versions of the Bank Sweep Feature.
The Bank Sweep Feature automatically makes deposits to and withdrawals from Deposit Accounts at one or more Program Banks. The FDIC insures your funds up to $250,000 per depositor for principal and accrued interest when aggregated with all other deposits held by you in the same insurable capacity at that Program Bank.
As of the date of this Disclosure Statement, only a "Multiple-Bank" Version of the Bank Sweep for Benefit Plans Feature is available.
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Getting More Information or Making Changes to Your Cash Feature

If you're looking for more information about your Cash Feature, you can call 1-800-435-4000. This number is dedicated to answering any questions you may have about your Cash Feature or making changes to it.
To make changes to your Cash Feature, you can also contact your advisor if you have an Advisor Services Account. Your advisor can guide you through the process or direct you to the Schwab Alliance at 1-800-515-2157 for assistance.
If you're interested in learning more about your Cash Feature, I recommend taking a close look at your Account Agreement. This document outlines the specifics of your Cash Feature and how it works.
The Account Agreement also explains how withdrawals are made from your Deposit Accounts to satisfy debits in your Account. This includes when you purchase securities, request funds to be withdrawn, or use your debit card.
You can also find information about the Bank Sweep and Bank Sweep for Benefit Plans Features in Section 7 of your Disclosure Statement. This section explains how these features work and the eligibility requirements for deposit insurance coverage.
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As of the date of this Disclosure Statement, Schwab provides both Single-Bank and Multiple-Bank Versions of the Bank Sweep Feature. The Multiple-Bank Version of the Bank Sweep for Benefit Plans Feature is only available.
It's worth noting that the Program Banks reserve the right to require seven days' notice before permitting a transfer of funds out of an MMDA, but they currently have no intention of exercising this right.
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Account Statements
Your account statements will show all transactions in your Deposit Accounts, including those maintained through the Bank Sweep and Bank Sweep for Benefit Plans Features.
These statements will also display your opening and closing Deposit Account balances in each Program Bank and the interest earned for the period.
Schwab is responsible for the accuracy of your account statements, so if you have any questions or concerns, contact them for assistance.
You should retain your account statements for your records, as they will provide a clear picture of your account activity.
Schwab and Program Banks
Schwab provides both "Single-Bank" and "Multiple-Bank" Versions of the Bank Sweep Feature.
The Bank Sweep and Bank Sweep for Benefit Plans Features automatically make deposits to and withdrawals from Deposit Accounts at one or more Program Banks.
Your funds in the Deposit Accounts at each Program Bank are eligible for deposit insurance by the FDIC up to the standard maximum deposit insurance amount (SMDIA) of $250,000 per depositor for principal and accrued interest.
Subject to certain conditions, your funds in the Deposit Accounts at each Program Bank are eligible for deposit insurance by the FDIC.
Only a "Multiple-Bank" Version of the Bank Sweep for Benefit Plans Feature is available.
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Money Fund and Cash Options
Charles Schwab sweep accounts are a common practice where brokerages collect and deposit uninvested cash from your account into affiliated bank accounts, earning interest on it. This interest is substantial, with Charles Schwab generating nearly half of its $18.8 billion in revenue in 2023 from net interest income.
The interest earned on uninvested client cash balances is primarily kept by the brokerage, with only a small portion passed back to the customer. For example, in March 2024, Charles Schwab reported about $399 billion in client sweep cash balances.
Some brokerages, like Fidelity, still offer a money market sweep program, but most full-service brokerage firms offer only a bank sweep program, which often results in lower-yielding cash sweeps.
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Money Fund Feature
Some brokerage firms still offer a money market sweep program, like Fidelity, which is a better option than the low-yielding bank sweeps that have become more common in recent years.
These money market sweep programs can offer higher yields than bank sweeps, but it's essential to review the terms and conditions to ensure you understand how the interest is calculated and paid.
Charles Schwab reported generating nearly half of its $18.8 billion in revenue in 2023 from net interest income, primarily from the interest earned on uninvested client cash balances.
Brokerages that offer money market sweep programs may also provide more transparency about how the interest is distributed, so you can make informed decisions about your cash management.
Re: What Fund?
At least eight financial firms are facing lawsuits over their low-yield cash sweep accounts, which pay minuscule interest rates to clients.
These firms, including Morgan Stanley, Wells Fargo, and Charles Schwab, have been accused of breaching their fiduciary duty by funneling client money to affiliated banks and negotiating one-sided deals.
The lawsuits were filed between late June and early September 2024, according to Bloomberg Law.
The gap between what clients earned and what brokers pocketed widened significantly as the Federal Reserve raised interest rates.
Some clients are seeking better returns on their cash sweep accounts, but the outcome of these lawsuits is uncertain.
The legal action is shining a bright light on the murky practices behind cash sweep accounts.
Here are some of the firms facing lawsuits:
- Morgan Stanley
- Wells Fargo
- Charles Schwab
These firms are among the major wealth management firms that offer cash sweep accounts to their clients.
Big Brokers Criticized for Low Cash Rates
Big brokers are facing criticism for offering low cash rates in their sweep accounts. Several major wealth management firms, including Morgan Stanley, Wells Fargo, and Charles Schwab, are being sued over this issue.
The lawsuits accuse these brokerages of breaching their fiduciary duty by funneling client money to affiliated banks and negotiating one-sided deals that pay minuscule interest rates to clients. This practice is particularly egregious as the Federal Reserve raised interest rates, widening the gap between what clients earned and what brokers pocketed.
At least eight financial firms have faced lawsuits between late June and early September 2024, according to Bloomberg Law. The outcome of these lawsuits is uncertain, but the legal action is shedding light on the shady practices behind cash sweep accounts.
The low-yield cash sweep accounts have been a long-standing issue, and it's surprising that it's taking lawsuits to bring attention to it.
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Conclusion and Final Thoughts
It's essential to be aware of the profit motives of brokerage companies when using a cash sweep account like the one offered by Charles Schwab.
Cash sweep accounts are FDIC-insured, which means your money is protected up to $250,000.
You can ensure all your money is netting the best return for you by being mindful of the amount of cash you keep on hand.
By exploring alternatives, you can make informed decisions about your finances.
It's crucial to understand the terms and conditions of your cash sweep account to avoid any unexpected fees or charges.
Be sure to review your account regularly to ensure it's meeting your financial goals.
Answers
A Charles Schwab Sweep Account can be a great way to earn interest on your money.
You can link a checking account to your Schwab Sweep Account, which allows you to automatically transfer money between the two accounts.
The interest rate on a Schwab Sweep Account is tiered, with higher balances earning higher interest rates.
You can earn up to 2.5% APY on balances up to $250,000 in a Schwab Sweep Account.
Schwab Sweep Accounts are FDIC-insured, which means your deposits are insured up to $250,000.
You can access your Schwab Sweep Account online or through the Schwab mobile app.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the risk of a sweep account?
Sweep accounts carry underlying risks, including the risk of loss in the event of a bank failure, which can impact depositors
What is the difference between a money market account and a sweep account?
A money market account is a type of savings account with a fixed interest rate, while a sweep account automatically transfers excess funds into a higher-yielding investment, such as a money market fund or other liquid investment. However, unlike money market accounts, sweep accounts are not insured by the FDIC, making them a riskier option.
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