Capital One vs Charles Schwab (COF vs SCHW)
Capital One (COF) vs Charles Schwab (SCHW) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
Capital One (COF) and Charles Schwab (SCHW) compete in financial services and payments. Here are Capital One and Charles Schwab side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy Capital One or Charles Schwab.
Capital One vs Charles Schwab: the figures
| Figure | Capital One | Charles Schwab |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $206.31 (November 4, 2026) | $93.37 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $126.6 billion | $161.5 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 12.6x | 16.0x |
| Forward P/E | 8.6x | 12.0x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +6.2% | +16.9% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 22.2% | 39.3% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | N/A | N/A |
| Dividend yield | 1.53% | 1.43% |
| Beta | 1.09 | 0.75 |
Capital One and Charles Schwab figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Capital One or Charles Schwab figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between Capital One and Charles Schwab
- Profitability: for every 100 of sales, Charles Schwab keeps 39.3 as net profit and Capital One keeps 22.2.
- Growth: Charles Schwab grew sales +16.9% year on year in its latest quarter, against +6.2% for Capital One.
- Valuation: Charles Schwab trades at 16.0x its annual earnings and Capital One at 12.6x; the market pays more for each dollar of Charles Schwab profit, usually because it expects more growth.
Capital One or Charles Schwab: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: Charles Schwab is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
- If you want income (dividends): Capital One pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If you prefer caution: Charles Schwab has a less volatile share price, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
- If price is what matters most to you: Capital One trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.
Neither Capital One nor Charles Schwab wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.
How Capital One and Charles Schwab make money
Capital One (COF)
Capital One makes most of its money from interest and fees on credit cards, its largest segment, which grew with the acquisition of Discover and its payment network. It also reports Consumer Banking, mainly auto loans and retail deposits, and Commercial Banking, which lends to U.S. businesses. Full Capital One analysis.
Charles Schwab (SCHW)
Charles Schwab is a brokerage and bank for individual investors and independent advisors, reported as Investor Services and Advisor Services. Net interest revenue earned on client cash is its largest source, followed by asset management fees on its funds and ETFs and trading revenue from platforms such as thinkorswim. Full Charles Schwab analysis.
Frequently asked questions: Capital One vs Charles Schwab
Is Capital One or Charles Schwab the better stock?
Choosing between Capital One and Charles Schwab depends on what you are looking for. Charles Schwab is growing faster right now, and Capital One trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Capital One or Charles Schwab: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, Capital One or Charles Schwab?
As of November 4, 2026, Capital One yields 1.53% and Charles Schwab yields 1.43%. Also check how much of their profit Capital One and Charles Schwab pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, Capital One or Charles Schwab?
On P/E, Charles Schwab (16.0x) is more expensive than Capital One (12.6x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.
Can I own both Capital One and Charles Schwab?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Capital One and Charles Schwab, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying Capital One or Charles Schwab.
More comparisons with Capital One or Charles Schwab
More companies like Capital One and Charles Schwab: financial services and payments stocks. Educational content about Capital One and Charles Schwab, not investment advice.