Thousands of Americans Are Signing Up to Trade Stocks for Free. Here's What to Do Instead by Ian Salisbury When taxi drivers start offering stock-market tips, it’s time for the pros to get out of the market — at least that’s what Wall Street lore says. Maybe Charles Schwab’s assumes Main Street investors aren’t familiar with that old adage. In October, the discount brokerage announced a new policy of commission-free stock, ETF and option-trades.