thinkorswim® web login: The official web portal is trade.thinkorswim.com. This site only provides links and guidance.
How to log in to thinkorswim® (official)
thinkorswim® is available at Schwab for eligible accounts. The web version runs in your browser, so there’s no install required.
To log in, open the official thinkorswim web portal and sign in using your Schwab credentials. If you don’t have access, the official Schwab thinkorswim pages explain how to get started.
- Open the official thinkorswim web portal (
trade.thinkorswim.com). - Confirm HTTPS and the exact domain (avoid similar‑looking URLs).
- Sign in with your Schwab Login ID and password.
- Complete two‑factor authentication if prompted.
- Use paperMoney® (simulated trading) only if you intend to practice with hypothetical funds.
Common login issues (and safe fixes)
If you can’t log in, it’s usually an access/entitlement issue, a password problem, or a browser/session issue.
Start by confirming your Schwab credentials work on the official Schwab client login, then try thinkorswim again.
- Try the official Schwab client login first to verify your credentials.
- Clear cookies for the thinkorswim domain or use a private window.
- If you recently migrated accounts, you may need to create or update Schwab credentials.
- If the platform asks to enable access first, follow the official Schwab instructions for thinkorswim.
Official learning and install resources
Schwab publishes platform guides and videos explaining how to start using thinkorswim on desktop and web, including steps for installation and the login flow.
Use the official links below to view the installation instructions and the platform overview.
FAQ
Quick answers to common questions.
What is the official thinkorswim web login URL?
The official thinkorswim web portal is trade.thinkorswim.com.
Do I need a Schwab account to use thinkorswim?
Yes. Access is tied to Schwab credentials and account eligibility. See the official Schwab thinkorswim overview for details.
Is there a download required?
For thinkorswim web: no download. For thinkorswim desktop: you download the installer from the official Schwab thinkorswim download page after logging in.
What is paperMoney®?
paperMoney is a simulated trading environment that uses hypothetical funds for learning. It’s meant for education, not live trading results.
I migrated from TD Ameritrade—what login should I use?
Follow Schwab’s official migration and credential instructions. Use only official Schwab pages to set or reset your login.
Web vs desktop login (what to expect)
thinkorswim web is the fastest way to get started: open the official portal and sign in.
thinkorswim desktop is installed on your computer and then you sign in from the app. For desktop, always download the installer from official Schwab pages.
- Web login: go to
trade.thinkorswim.com → sign in → use the platform in your browser. - Desktop login: download from the official page → install → open thinkorswim → sign in.
- Mobile login: use the official app and sign in with Schwab credentials.
When you might be blocked from logging in
Sometimes login fails even with the correct password because access is not enabled for your account type yet or your credentials were recently changed.
If you’re new to Schwab or recently migrated, follow the official instructions for creating credentials and enabling platform access.
- Try signing in to the official Schwab client portal first to verify your Login ID/password.
- If the official Schwab portal works but thinkorswim doesn’t, check official thinkorswim install instructions.
- If you see repeated verification prompts you didn’t initiate, stop and secure your account.
Browser/session fixes that don’t risk your account
Most “stuck login” problems are caused by cookies, blocked scripts, VPN/proxy behavior, or conflicting extensions.
Use these low‑risk fixes before attempting anything more drastic.
- Open a private window and try the official login again.
- Allow cookies for Schwab/thinkorswim domains (some privacy modes block them).
- Temporarily disable extensions for the official portal only.
- Try a different network if corporate filtering blocks the portal.
Official learning video (recommended)
Schwab publishes official walkthrough videos for thinkorswim web and desktop.
Use the official video page below for a guided tour of the platform layout and login entry points.
Desktop installation checklist (avoid fake installers)
If you choose thinkorswim desktop, the safe rule is simple: download only from the official Schwab thinkorswim download flow after you log in.
Avoid third‑party download pages, “repacked installers”, or links shared in comments/forums. Those are common malware vectors.
- Start at schwab.com → go to thinkorswim → follow the official download instructions.
- Download the installer only from the official page (after sign‑in if required).
- Install, then launch thinkorswim and sign in with your Schwab Login ID.
- If your OS blocks the file, do not disable protections—confirm you used the official download source.
Login safety checklist (30 seconds)
Before entering credentials, run through this quick checklist. It prevents the most common mistakes.
- Domain is exactly
trade.thinkorswim.com for web, or the desktop app you installed from Schwab. - Connection is HTTPS and your browser shows a secure connection indicator.
- You’re not being redirected through a strange URL shortener.
- You initiated the verification prompt (two‑factor). If not, deny it.
If you get error messages or repeated logouts
Session issues can happen when cookies are blocked, the browser is in a strict privacy mode, or a network device interferes with scripts.
Treat “fix” downloads and random extensions as unsafe. Use browser‑level troubleshooting and official documentation instead.
- Allow cookies for official Schwab/thinkorswim domains.
- Try a clean browser profile or private window.
- Switch networks (home vs office) to rule out filtering.
- If the issue persists, use Schwab’s official support options from schwab.com.
Sources (official)
Tip: If any link looks different from the official domain, don’t sign in—go to schwab.com and navigate from there.
