Enable Real-Time Futures Data on Schwab

[Bear.22]

Guys,

Are there issues with TOS not executing limit or stop orders? I find it interesting that there are times where order filling is an issue during active trading hours. For instance: trying to trade the 10 Year treasury (/ZN), there's plenty of volume that's present, there's plenty of liquidity with the 10 year, but the darn trade won't execute. But when doing the same trade with OnDemand using the same time frame and the same instrument (/ZN) it executes just fine.

Is this a Schwab issue?

Thanks for your insights.
G

 

[antwerks]

First four blocks above have been checked above. I've even removed volume from the AT as there are those who say this speeds things up as well. #5 I am not sure. Can you be so kind as to drill down on the link within Schwab to check this real-time futures data enabled? I am logged in and I don't see this option within profile/account settings.

Step-by-Step: Enable Real-Time Futures Data on Schwab

Real-time data is managed through your Schwab client dashboard, not TOS directly.

1. Login to Schwab.com (Client Portal)

• Go to: https://www.schwab.com
• Sign in using your Schwab credentials.

2. Go to “Service” or “Profile” Settings

• Click on your profile name or go to Menu > Profile or Account Settings.
• Look for “Market Data Subscriptions” or “Service Settings” under your account.

3. Locate Futures Market Data

• Look for a section like:
  • “CME Real-Time Data”
  • “Futures Exchange Data”
  • “Futures Level 1/Level 2”

These may be grouped by exchange:

• CME Group (CME, CBOT, NYMEX, COMEX)
• ICE (Intercontinental Exchange)

4. Enable (Sign Agreements if Required)

• If you see checkboxes or agreement prompts, accept and enable real-time access.
• Some exchanges (like CME) require you to declare “non-professional status” to get free or low-cost real-time access.

5. Log Out and Back Into TOS

• Restart TOS to apply the new permissions.
• Go to Setup > Application Settings > General > Quote Speed, and confirm it’s on “Real-Time”.

Can’t Find It on Schwab?

If the web interface doesn’t show the option, or you’ve recently transitioned from TD Ameritrade:

Call Schwab Support (TOS desk):

• ThinkOrSwim Support (24/7): 800-672-2098
• Request real-time futures data to be enabled on your linked TOS account.

 

[Bear.22]

You may have to go to your Schwab page for futures settings

Not seeing anything within Schwab to tweak futures settings.

 

[Bear.22]

Step-by-Step: Enable Real-Time Futures Data on Schwab

Real-time data is managed through your Schwab client dashboard, not TOS directly.

1. Login to Schwab.com (Client Portal)

• Go to: https://www.schwab.com
• Sign in using your Schwab credentials.

2. Go to “Service” or “Profile” Settings

• Click on your profile name or go to Menu > Profile or Account Settings.
• Look for “Market Data Subscriptions” or “Service Settings” under your account.

3. Locate Futures Market Data

• Look for a section like:
  • “CME Real-Time Data”
  • “Futures Exchange Data”
  • “Futures Level 1/Level 2”

These may be grouped by exchange:

• CME Group (CME, CBOT, NYMEX, COMEX)
• ICE (Intercontinental Exchange)

4. Enable (Sign Agreements if Required)

• If you see checkboxes or agreement prompts, accept and enable real-time access.
• Some exchanges (like CME) require you to declare “non-professional status” to get free or low-cost real-time access.

5. Log Out and Back Into TOS

• Restart TOS to apply the new permissions.
• Go to Setup > Application Settings > General > Quote Speed, and confirm it’s on “Real-Time”.

Can’t Find It on Schwab?

If the web interface doesn’t show the option, or you’ve recently transitioned from TD Ameritrade:

Call Schwab Support (TOS desk):

• ThinkOrSwim Support (24/7): 800-672-2098
• Request real-time futures data to be enabled on your linked TOS account.

This is what I see:

 

[antwerks]

This is what I see:
View attachment 25211

You may have to call... You can try using the “Streaming Quotes” Link - In your screenshot, the last item is "Streaming Quotes" — click on that. It may take you to real-time data preferences???

 

[Bear.22]

You may have to call... You can try using the “Streaming Quotes” Link - In your screenshot, the last item is "Streaming Quotes" — click on that. It may take you to real-time data preferences???

Naw, that's just the indices stock info, on Schwab's website. I'll have to call and ask these guys about this. I don't see anywhere on their website where one can tweak futures settings other than trading permissions which I have.

 

[Carl-not-Karl]

" For instance: trying to trade the 10 Year treasury (/ZN), there's plenty of volume that's present, there's plenty of liquidity with the 10 year, but the darn trade won't execute. "

I have had a similar situation trading /M2K (Russell 2000 Emicro): Moved right through my Stop and took a few seconds for me to realize it and ended closing the trade with the Sell MKT button.
I have also noticed issues if I keep moving the Buy Stop/Sell Limit in Active Trader.
If I recall in the tos futures docs we signed there is mention of "Fast moving markets..." where trades may not be executed.

 

[Bear.22]

I have had a similar situation trading /M2K (Russell 2000 Emicro): Moved right through my Stop and took a few seconds for me to realize it and ended closing the trade with the Sell MKT button.
I have also noticed issues if I keep moving the Buy Stop/Sell Limit in Active Trader.
If I recall in the tos futures docs we signed there is mention of "Fast moving markets..." where trades may not be executed.

Thanks for sharing your experience(s). That pesky small font corporate CYA legalese never goes away ("trades may not be executed"). I am researching other platforms/brokers in order to get even a wee-bit of leveling of the playing field on behalf of the retail trader. It may very well be just a pipe-dream of mine.

Cheers,
G

 

[Carl-not-Karl]

Thanks for sharing your experience(s). That pesky small font corporate CYA legalese never goes away ("trades may not be executed"). I am researching other platforms/brokers in order to get even a wee-bit of leveling of the playing field on behalf of the retail trader. It may very well be just a pipe-dream of mine.

Cheers,
G

"... pesky small font corporate CYA legalese never goes away ... " will be in all retail brokerage docs.
" It may very well be just a pipe-dream of mine. " < insert Good Luck emoji here > LOL