Charles Schwab

1. SmartMoney.com

This annual broker survey names the best and worst online brokers (out of 10) in six categories, and ranks them in a table that accompanies the article. Charles Schwab is ranked fifth overall, and for 2012 it's not named the best broker in any category, though it does accumulate 5-star ratings for banking services and research. According to a summary in the comparison table, Schwab offers a "wide assortment" of investment and banking options, however, some of its fees are on the high side.

Review: Best and Worst Brokers of 2012, J. Alex Tarquinio, May 16, 2012

2. Barron's

Charles Schwab lands in 12th place in the 2012 ranking of 27 online brokers, but it is named one of the top brokers for long-term investing, for in-person service and for novices. Reviewer Theresa W. Carey writes that Schwab is updating its trading tools with a new streaming platform, but "the usual Web platform is looking tired."

Review: Cut the Cord, Theresa W. Carey, March 12, 2012

3. ConsumerReports.org

Charles Schwab is included in ConsumerReports.org's survey, in which subscribers were asked to rate their brokers. Brokers are rated on their customer service, website usability, phone service and financial advice. A chart showing brokers' rankings appears in the February 2012 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.

Review: Brokerage Service Ratings, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, Feb. 2012

4. J.D. Power and Associates

More than 3,700 "self-directed" investors -- those who make all of their investment decisions without an investment adviser -- responded to J.D. Power and Associates' annual investor satisfaction survey in 2012. Out of 10 brokers, Charles Schwab is ranked first for overall investor satisfaction, with 801 total points. Three other brokers score nearly as highly, however, and earn similar 5- PowerCircle ratings.

Review: 2012 Self-Directed Investor Satisfaction Study, Editors of J.D. Power and Associates, June 14, 2012

5. Kiplinger.com

Elizabeth Ody at Kiplinger.com evaluate 14 brokerages by scrutinizing costs, site features and research tools. Charles Schwab is ranked fifth of the 14. The reviewer notes that Schwab "offers the broadest list of funds with no loads or transaction fees," but that its overall ranking "was weighed down by a surprisingly poor showing on customer service this year."

Review: Best Online Brokers for 2011: Charles Schwab, Elizabeth Ody, Jan. 2011

6. TopTenReviews.com

Despite the name, 18 brokers are reviewed here, and data about them are summarized in a comparison chart. Charles Schwab is rated ninth out of the 18. The reviewer likes Charles Schwab's 24/7 customer service and recommends the firm for those who "are looking for the whole investment package."

Review: Charles Schwab Review, Editors of TopTenReviews.com