Credit vs. Debit Spreads: Let Volatility Guide You

September 1, 2023
When deciding between trading credit spreads or debit spreads, it can be helpful to align the options strike prices and expirations with the level and direction of implied volatility.

Vertical spreads are among the first strategies many option traders learn because they're relatively straightforward and typically have defined risk and return possibilities. There are two types of vertical spreads: credit spreads1 and debit spreads2. But many traders struggle to choose one over the other. While the forecast for the underlying stock price is often the primary consideration, traders shouldn't overlook the level and direction of implied volatility3 (IV) when deciding between these two spreads.

Credit spreads vs. debit spreads: Too high or too low?

Traders often start by identifying the level of IV, which plays a crucial role in the pricing of options. When IV is relatively high, options tend to be expensive, and some traders prefer credit strategies to maximize the premium received. When IV is relatively low, options prices tend to be cheaper, and—you guessed it—some traders prefer to buy options to minimize cost, excluding transaction fees. Keep in mind, however, volatility can always go higher or lower. This is why it can be helpful to put volatility in the context of IV percentiles, which compares current IV to past highs and lows, typically in the 52-week range.

IV levels for an underlying stock can be found on the thinkorswim® platform under the Analyze or Trade tab. Look at Today's Options Statistics, found below the Option Chain. There are several volatility stats listed here, and each has its benefits and uses (see figure below). For now, we'll focus on IV and IV percentiles.

As a general rule, some traders consider buying a debit spread when IV is between the 0 to 50th percentile of its 52-week range. That's because spreads tend to be less expensive when IV is low.

Example of daily options statistics from thinkorswim platform

The tables show examples of daily options statistics from the thinkorswim platform, including a stock with current implied volatility of 48%, which is in the 68th percentile, and one with implied volatility of 25%, which is in the 5th percentile.

thinkorswim® platform

For illustrative purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

IV isn't necessarily cheap or expensive until you compare it to its own trading percentile range. Some traders prefer selling a credit spread when IV is greater than the 50th percentile of its 52-week range.

The direction of volatility

Now let's talk about the direction of implied volatility. Direction matters because options trades are exposed to changes in IV—also known by its options greek term vega—for the duration of the trade.

Debit spreads typically have positive vega and benefit when IV rises over time. All else being equal, an increase in IV could provide the opportunity to sell the spread for more than the debit. By contrast, credit spreads typically have negative vega and benefit when IV falls over time. This makes sense, because as IV falls, options can become less expensive and are cheaper to buy back.

However, because vertical spreads involve both long and short options, some gains (or losses) from changes in IV in one contract will likely be offset by losses (or gains) from changes in IV of the other. The net vega of the spread can serve as a rough estimate to help understand how much IV will help or hurt the position, but other factors—such as changes in the underlying stock price, how much time has passed, the bid/ask spread, and transaction fees—will also affect the outcome of the trade.

As another general rule, some traders prefer buying debit spreads when IV is low and rising, although there is no guarantee that IV will continue rising. Likewise, some traders prefer selling credit spreads when IV is high and falling. To view implied volatility on a price chart on thinkorswim, from the Charts tab, select Studies > Add Study > Volatility Studies > ImpVolatility (see figure below).

Stock chart with IV indicator on thinkorswim platform

The thinkorswim chart shows an example of implied volatility moving higher as the underlying stock price trends lower followed by a period of declining implied volatility as the underlying stock trends higher.

For illustrative purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

It's worth pointing out there are countless ways to construct vertical spreads with various strike prices, expirations, and IV levels. A lot depends on a trader's forecast for the timing and movement of the underlying stock. Generally, traders often use debit spreads in anticipation of a move higher or lower in shares, and they tend to use credit spreads to collect premium.

The bottom line, all else being equal, is that tracking the level and direction of IV can sometimes help traders decide between credit and debit spreads, as well as show how changes in volatility can influence the value of a spread.

1A vertical credit spread is the simultaneous sale and purchase of options contracts of the same class (puts or calls) on the same underlying security within the same expiration but different strike prices. A put vertical credit spread is the sale of a put and the purchase of a put with a lower strike price. A call vertical credit spread is the sale of a call and the purchase of a call with a higher strike price.

 2A vertical debit spread is the simultaneous purchase and sale of options contracts of the same class (puts or calls) on the same underlying security within the same expiration but different strike prices. A put vertical debit spread is created by buying a put and selling a put with a lower strike price. A call vertical debit spread is the purchase of a call and the sale of a call with a higher strike price.

3Expressed as a percentage and computed using a theoretical options-pricing model, implied volatility reflects the market's perception of an underlying asset's future volatility.

Options carry a high level of risk and are not suitable for all investors. Certain requirements must be met to trade options through Schwab. Please read the options disclosure document titled "Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options." Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.

Investing involves risks, including loss of principal. Hedging and protective strategies generally involve additional costs and do not assure a profit or guarantee against loss.

With long options, investors may lose 100% of funds invested. Short options can be assigned at any time up until expiration, regardless of In the Money (ITM) amount.

Spread trading must be done in a margin account.

Multiple leg options strategies will involve multiple commissions.

The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision.

All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed.

Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.

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