Charles Schwab Grand Ave, Oakland

I called the Oakland Schwab office to ask about the complimentary financial plan that's been advertised recently. I was told that to get that complimentary plan you need to have assets of $1 Million or above. That small detail isn't mentioned in any of the advertising, commercials or on the web page. It feels a bit misleading, and a bit like bait and switch, so heads up.

Schwab is NOT A BANK it uses third party vendors, and forget asking for immediate service when all the local offices are closed during business hours. Covid is not an excuse for having a temporary closure especially when one can go to Wells Fargo, Chase, Merrill Lynch for daily banking needs. Walt Bettinger needs to up his game!

I was with C. Schwab for over 30 years. Recently I moved my inheritance from Vanguard to Schwab. The Schwab financial advisor said I was all set for retirement at age 65. If I get a SS check and medicare, I should be OK he said. I found his presentation vague and depressing. And that's why my investments are with Edward Jones (Ballena Bay, Alameda) now.

9/10 times no one answers the phone, can’t get an appointment either. Very disappointing when you have to do it through physical cause sometimes you get a a check from an old IRA or something.

I was on the phone over 1 hour and no one answer. I hope they can answer the phone sooner to handle their business transactions.