<?xml version="1.0"?>
<ownershipDocument>

    <schemaVersion>X0202</schemaVersion>

    <documentType>3</documentType>

    <periodOfReport>2006-05-16</periodOfReport>

    <noSecuritiesOwned>0</noSecuritiesOwned>

    <issuer>
        <issuerCik>0001123541</issuerCik>
        <issuerName>PENSON WORLDWIDE INC</issuerName>
        <issuerTradingSymbol>PNSN</issuerTradingSymbol>
    </issuer>

    <reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0001188456</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>DREW JOHN</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>C/O TECHNOLOGY CROSSOVER VENTURES</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2>528 RAMONA STREET</rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>PALO ALTO</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>CA</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>94301</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
        <reportingOwnerRelationship>
            <isDirector>1</isDirector>
            <isOfficer>0</isOfficer>
            <isTenPercentOwner>1</isTenPercentOwner>
            <isOther>1</isOther>
            <otherText>Disclaims 13(g) group status</otherText>
        </reportingOwnerRelationship>
    </reportingOwner>

    <reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0001197937</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>KIMBALL RICK</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>C/O TECHNOLOGY CROSSOVER VENTURES</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2>528 RAMONA STREET</rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>PALO ALTO</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>CA</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>94301</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
        <reportingOwnerRelationship>
            <isDirector>0</isDirector>
            <isOfficer>0</isOfficer>
            <isTenPercentOwner>1</isTenPercentOwner>
            <isOther>1</isOther>
            <otherText>Disclaims 13(g) group status</otherText>
        </reportingOwnerRelationship>
    </reportingOwner>

    <reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0001082906</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>HOAG JAY C</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>C/O TECHNOLOGY CROSSOVER VENTURES</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2>528 RAMONA STREET</rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>PALO ALTO</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>CA</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>94301</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
        <reportingOwnerRelationship>
            <isDirector>0</isDirector>
            <isOfficer>0</isOfficer>
            <isTenPercentOwner>1</isTenPercentOwner>
            <isOther>1</isOther>
            <otherText>Disclaims 13(g) group status</otherText>
        </reportingOwnerRelationship>
    </reportingOwner>

    <reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0001188444</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>REYNOLDS JON Q JR</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>C/O TECHNOLOGY CROSSOVER VENTURES</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2>528 RAMONA STREET</rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>PALO ALTO</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>CA</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>94301</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
        <reportingOwnerRelationship>
            <isDirector>0</isDirector>
            <isOfficer>0</isOfficer>
            <isTenPercentOwner>1</isTenPercentOwner>
            <isOther>1</isOther>
            <otherText>Disclaims 13(g) group status</otherText>
        </reportingOwnerRelationship>
    </reportingOwner>

    <reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0001188458</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>GRIFFITH WILLIAM</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>C/O TECHNOLOGY CROSSOVER VENTURES</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2>528 RAMONA STREET</rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>PALO ALTO</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>CA</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>94301</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
        <reportingOwnerRelationship>
            <isDirector>0</isDirector>
            <isOfficer>0</isOfficer>
            <isTenPercentOwner>1</isTenPercentOwner>
            <isOther>1</isOther>
            <otherText>Disclaims 13(g) group status</otherText>
        </reportingOwnerRelationship>
    </reportingOwner>

    <reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0001211137</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>FEINBERG HENRY</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>C/O TECHNOLOGY CROSSOVER VENTURES</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2>528 RAMONA STREET</rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>PALO ALTO</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>CA</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>94301</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
        <reportingOwnerRelationship>
            <isDirector>0</isDirector>
            <isOfficer>0</isOfficer>
            <isTenPercentOwner>1</isTenPercentOwner>
            <isOther>1</isOther>
            <otherText>Disclaims 13(g) group status</otherText>
        </reportingOwnerRelationship>
    </reportingOwner>

    <reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0001283643</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>TECHNOLOGY CROSSOVER MANAGEMENT V LLC</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>C/O TECHNOLOGY CROSSOVER VENTURES</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2>528 RAMONA STREET</rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>PALO ALTO</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>CA</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>94301</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
        <reportingOwnerRelationship>
            <isDirector>0</isDirector>
            <isOfficer>0</isOfficer>
            <isTenPercentOwner>1</isTenPercentOwner>
            <isOther>1</isOther>
            <otherText>Disclaims 13(g) group status</otherText>
        </reportingOwnerRelationship>
    </reportingOwner>

    <reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0001274664</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>TCV V LP</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>C/O TECHNOLOGY CROSSOVER VENTURES</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2>528 RAMONA STREET</rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>PALO ALTO</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>CA</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>94301</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
        <reportingOwnerRelationship>
            <isDirector>0</isDirector>
            <isOfficer>0</isOfficer>
            <isTenPercentOwner>1</isTenPercentOwner>
            <isOther>1</isOther>
            <otherText>Disclaims 13(g) group status</otherText>
        </reportingOwnerRelationship>
    </reportingOwner>

    <reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0001283642</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>TCV MEMBER FUND L P</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>C/O TECHNOLOGY CROSSOVER VENTURES</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2>528 RAMONA STREET</rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>PALO ALTO</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>CA</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>94301</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
        <reportingOwnerRelationship>
            <isDirector>0</isDirector>
            <isOfficer>0</isOfficer>
            <isTenPercentOwner>0</isTenPercentOwner>
            <isOther>1</isOther>
            <otherText>GP of fund owns &lt;10%</otherText>
        </reportingOwnerRelationship>
    </reportingOwner>

    <derivativeTable>
        <derivativeHolding>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Series A Preferred Stock</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <conversionOrExercisePrice>
                <footnoteId id="F4"/>
            </conversionOrExercisePrice>
            <exerciseDate>
                <footnoteId id="F3"/>
            </exerciseDate>
            <expirationDate>
                <footnoteId id="F2"/>
            </expirationDate>
            <underlyingSecurity>
                <underlyingSecurityTitle>
                    <value>Common Stock</value>
                </underlyingSecurityTitle>
                <underlyingSecurityShares>
                    <value>2608049</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F7"/>
                </underlyingSecurityShares>
            </underlyingSecurity>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>I</value>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value>TCV V, L.P.</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F1"/>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </derivativeHolding>
        <derivativeHolding>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Series A Preferred Stock</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <conversionOrExercisePrice>
                <footnoteId id="F4"/>
            </conversionOrExercisePrice>
            <exerciseDate>
                <footnoteId id="F3"/>
            </exerciseDate>
            <expirationDate>
                <footnoteId id="F2"/>
            </expirationDate>
            <underlyingSecurity>
                <underlyingSecurityTitle>
                    <value>Common Stock</value>
                </underlyingSecurityTitle>
                <underlyingSecurityShares>
                    <value>49263</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F7"/>
                </underlyingSecurityShares>
            </underlyingSecurity>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>I</value>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value>TCV Member Fund, L.P.</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F5"/>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </derivativeHolding>
        <derivativeHolding>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Series B Preferred Stock</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <conversionOrExercisePrice>
                <footnoteId id="F6"/>
            </conversionOrExercisePrice>
            <exerciseDate>
                <footnoteId id="F3"/>
            </exerciseDate>
            <expirationDate>
                <footnoteId id="F2"/>
            </expirationDate>
            <underlyingSecurity>
                <underlyingSecurityTitle>
                    <value>Common Stock</value>
                </underlyingSecurityTitle>
                <underlyingSecurityShares>
                    <value>713037</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F7"/>
                </underlyingSecurityShares>
            </underlyingSecurity>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>I</value>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value>TCV V, L.P.</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F1"/>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </derivativeHolding>
        <derivativeHolding>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Series B Preferred Stock</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <conversionOrExercisePrice>
                <footnoteId id="F6"/>
            </conversionOrExercisePrice>
            <exerciseDate>
                <footnoteId id="F3"/>
            </exerciseDate>
            <expirationDate>
                <footnoteId id="F2"/>
            </expirationDate>
            <underlyingSecurity>
                <underlyingSecurityTitle>
                    <value>Common Stock</value>
                </underlyingSecurityTitle>
                <underlyingSecurityShares>
                    <value>13706</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F7"/>
                </underlyingSecurityShares>
            </underlyingSecurity>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>I</value>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value>TCV Member Fund, L.P.</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F5"/>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </derivativeHolding>
    </derivativeTable>

    <footnotes>
        <footnote id="F1">These shares are directly held by TCV V, L.P. Each of John L. Drew (&quot;Drew&quot;),  Jay C. Hoag  (&quot;Hoag&quot;), Richard H. Kimball (&quot;Kimball&quot;), Jon Q. Reynolds, Jr. (&quot;Reynolds&quot;), William J.G. Griffith IV (&quot;Griffith&quot;) and Henry J. Feinberg (&quot;Feinberg&quot;) (collectively the &quot;TCM Members&quot;) are members of Technology Crossover Management V, L.L.C. (&quot;TCM V&quot;) which is the sole general partner of TCV V, L.P. The TCM Members and TCM V may be deemed to beneficially own the shares held by TCV V, L.P. but the TCM Members and TCM V disclaim beneficial ownership of such shares except to the extent of their pecuniary interest therein.</footnote>
        <footnote id="F2">Not applicable</footnote>
        <footnote id="F3">Immediately</footnote>
        <footnote id="F4">Each outstanding share of the Issuer's Series A Converible Preferred Stock will automatically convert into 0.4167 shares of the Issuer's Common Stock upon the closing of the Issuer's IPO.</footnote>
        <footnote id="F5">These shares are directly held by TCV Member Fund, L.P. Each of the TCM Members are members of TCM V which is a general partner of TCV Member Fund, L.P. The TCM Members and TCM V may be deemed to beneficially own the shares held by TCV Member Fund, L.P. but the TCM Members and TCM V disclaim beneficial ownership of such shares except to the extent of their pecuniary interest therein.</footnote>
        <footnote id="F6">Each outstanding share of the Issuer's Series B Preferred Stock will automatically convert into 0.3225 shares of the Issuer's Common Stock upon the closing of a firm committment underwritten public offering of the Issuer's Common Stock under the 1933 Act (&quot;IPO&quot;).</footnote>
        <footnote id="F7">In addition, upon conversion into Common Stock, the holders of the Issuer's Series A and Series B Convertable Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive dividends payable in Common Stock which accrue through the conversion date.</footnote>
    </footnotes>

    <remarks></remarks>

    <ownerSignature>
        <signatureName>Carla S. Newell  Authorized signatory for John L. Drew</signatureName>
        <signatureDate>2006-05-16</signatureDate>
    </ownerSignature>

    <ownerSignature>
        <signatureName>Carla S. Newell  Authorized signatory for Richard H. Kimball</signatureName>
        <signatureDate>2006-05-16</signatureDate>
    </ownerSignature>

    <ownerSignature>
        <signatureName>Carla S. Newell  Authorized signatory for Jay C. Hoag</signatureName>
        <signatureDate>2006-05-16</signatureDate>
    </ownerSignature>

    <ownerSignature>
        <signatureName>Carla S. Newell  Authorized signatory for Jon Q. Reynolds Jr.</signatureName>
        <signatureDate>2006-05-16</signatureDate>
    </ownerSignature>

    <ownerSignature>
        <signatureName>Carla S. Newell  Authorized signatory for William J.G. Griffith IV</signatureName>
        <signatureDate>2006-05-16</signatureDate>
    </ownerSignature>

    <ownerSignature>
        <signatureName>Carla S. Newell  Authorized signatory for Henry J. Feinberg</signatureName>
        <signatureDate>2006-05-16</signatureDate>
    </ownerSignature>

    <ownerSignature>
        <signatureName>Carla S. Newell  Authorized signatory for Technology Crossover Management V, L.L.C.</signatureName>
        <signatureDate>2006-05-16</signatureDate>
    </ownerSignature>

    <ownerSignature>
        <signatureName>Carla S. Newell  Authorized signatory for TCV V, L.P.</signatureName>
        <signatureDate>2006-05-16</signatureDate>
    </ownerSignature>

    <ownerSignature>
        <signatureName>Carla S. Newell  Authorized signatory for TCV V Member Fund, L.P.</signatureName>
        <signatureDate>2006-05-16</signatureDate>
    </ownerSignature>
</ownershipDocument>
