FAQ - General

How can I save my settings?

Drawings, charts, styles, etc. are saved automatically and stay the same regardless of where you log in from.

View settings, like workspaces, aren’t saved by thinkorswim® and they aren’t automatically the same between computers. To manually save view settings: 

  1. Click Setup in the upper right corner.
  2. Click Save Workspace as… and give your workspace a name. 
  3. Click OK to save your new workspace on your current computer. 

How can I view my messages?

Click Messages  in the top right corner of thinkorswim® to open your Message Center

How can I update my account If I’m seeing delayed data?

Login to Schwab.com and bring up the professional/non-professional subscription agreement

  • Non-professional users should select non-professional in the agreement, agree to the addendum, and log back in to thinkorswim® to see the updated data.
  • Professional users should select professional on the agreement before chatting with thinkorswim® support for more information about real-time quotes and pricing. 

What products does thinkorswim® support?

All US exchange traded equities, futures, and forex products are currently supported. A full list of product offerings is also available.

What is the difference between Trade Price and Cost?

Trade Price is the average price per share, calculated based on each share’s purchase price. It includes all open positions in a symbol and is updated on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis when positions are closed. 

Cost is the average price of all open tax lots (including wash sale adjustments and specific tax lot method sales) and tends to be used when accounting for the tax implications of trades.

When using tax lot methods with non-FIFO trades (e.g., LIFO, Best Tax, etc.), using Cost instead of Trade Price will give a more accurate representation of your true Cost Basis.

Schwab does not provide tax advice. Clients should consult a professional tax advisor for their tax advice needs.

What is the difference between Trade Price and Cost for options trading?

Upon exercise or assignment of an option premium, Trade Price reflects the contract’s strike price, whereas Cost reflects the strike price plus or minus the premium paid or received.