Setting up Schwab API

The following steps assume you already have a trading account setup with Schwab.

1) Make sure Windows Local Host is turned on

a. On your PC go to Control Panel > Programs > Turn Windows Features On or Off

b. Make sure Internet information Services and Internet Information Services Hostable Web Core are checked

2) Enable Think or Swim (you will not be able to trade until this feature is enabled and approved on your account)

a. In Schwab trading portal, go to Trade menu

b. Click Trading Platforms

c. Scroll down and click button that reads "Learn how to enable thinkorswim"

d. Accept all prompts to enable Thinkorswim

3) Create a free Developer Account at https://developer.schwab.com/

4) Create an APP

a. Go to Dashboard

b. Click CREATE APP button

API Product = Accounts and Trading Production

Order Limit = 120

App Name = MyApp

App Description = This is my app for Excel

CallBack URL = https://127.0.0.1

5) Wait for approval - can take up to a month if you don't press them. I found that sending email to traderapi@schwab.com helps. Once the App is approved, the Status of the App will change to "Ready for Use"

6) Once your App is "Ready for Use" click on the Details of the App and copy the App Key and Secret into the App Key and App Secret areas on the Settings tab of the Excel workbook. Enter your Schwab account number into the Account Number area on the Settings tab of the Excel workbook. Leave the Callback URL as https://127.0.0.1

Your Excel workbook should now be ready to use.

Click on the Stocks tab and click Get Quotes. The first time you use the spreadsheet it will ask you to authenticate. This will result in an error page, but that is normal.