Trading options: at a glance
Trade with a proven leader
Schwab was named the #1 Overall Broker by StockBrokers.com in 2026.
Trade options your way
Place trades on Schwab.com or use the cutting-edge options tools and technology on award-winning thinkorswim® platforms.
Get education when it matters
Whether you prefer videos, articles, or insights from trading specialists, Schwab has the education to take your trading to the next level.
Extended-hours trading on eligible options
Trade eligible options before and after the bell to respond to market-moving news.
Recognized for trading and options excellence.
Best Investing Platform for Options Trading
U.S. News & World Report,2 2026
#1 Mobile Trading Apps
StockBrokers.com,3 2026
A Best Online Broker for 13 Years
Investor's Business Daily®,4 2026
"For most investors, the search for a brokerage firm ends at Charles Schwab. It sets the industry standard. The market typically forces a choice between a simplified mobile experience and a professional-grade trading workstation, but Schwab delivers both."
- Jessica Inskip, Director of Investor Research at StockBrokers.com
Power your options trading with our full range of trading platforms.
Schwab offers a variety of platform choices designed for different trading styles, skill levels, and device preferences. For a full comparison of trading platforms, visit our Platforms Comparison page.
Check out thinkorswim's options research tools.
Options Statistics
The proprietary Sizzle Index™ quickly compares the day's movements against the five-day average volume and volatility so you can easily spot unusual conditions.
Analyze Tab
Explore the Analyze Tab to see the risk and reward graphs showing potential profit and loss based on "what if" scenarios so you can confidently craft your options strategy.
Options Probabilities
Weigh the potential risk of your trade against the possible reward using our Risk Profile Tool.
Get insights and education to help you keep on top of the market and your trading.
Talk strategies and tactics with licensed options trading specialists.
Our dedicated team of specialists is available 24/5 to help with all of your options strategy needs, including:
- Getting help implementing an options strategy and making your first trade.
- Developing a strategy based on your objectives or evaluating an existing one.
- How to set up and optimize the platforms and tools for options trading.
Need help with your options trade? Reach us 24 hours a day, Monday–Friday, at 888-245-6864.
Trade eligible options beyond regular market hours.
With extended-hours trading available for eligible options, Schwab offers pre- and after-market ways to hedge, speculate, and react to market events. Respond to earnings announcements and other market-moving news outside regular U.S. exchange hours without waiting for the next day's open and risking a meaningful price swing.
Trading outside regular exchange hours carries added risk. Liquidity can be limited, which can lead to wider bid-ask spreads, greater price fluctuation, and a lower likelihood that an order is executed.
Eligible options available for trading in extended hours
Eligible options
| Symbol | Underlying Security | Options type |
|---|---|---|
| AAPL | Apple Inc. | Single stock |
| AMD | Advanced Micro Devices | Single stock |
| AMZN | Amazon.com Inc. | Single stock |
| AVGO | Broadcom Inc. | Single stock |
| BABA | Alibaba Group | Single stock |
| BAC | Bank of America Corp. | Single stock |
| F | Ford Motor Company | Single stock |
| GOOG | Alphabet Inc. | Single stock |
| GOOGL | Alphabet Inc. A | Single stock |
| HOOD | Robinhood | Single stock |
| INTC | Intel Corp. | Single stock |
| META | Meta Platforms Inc. | Single stock |
| MRVL | Marvell Technology Inc. | Single stock |
| MSFT | Microsoft Corp. | Single stock |
| MU | Micron Technology Inc. | Single stock |
| NFLX | Netflix Inc. | Single stock |
| NOK | Nokia Corp. | Single stock |
| NVDA | Nvidia Corp. | Single stock |
| ORCL | Oracle Corp. | Single stock |
| PFE | Pfizer Inc. | Single stock |
| PLTR | Palantir Technologies | Single stock |
| SNDK | Sandisk Corp. | Single stock |
| TSLA | Tesla Inc. | Single stock |
| TSM | Taiwan Semiconductor | Single stock |
| RUT | Russell 2000 Index | Index |
| SPX | S&P 500 Index | Index |
| VIX | Cboe Volatility Index | Index |
| XSP | Mini-SPX Index | Index |
| GLD | SPDR Gold Shares | ETF |
| IWM | iShares Russell 2000 | ETF |
| QQQ | Invesco QQQ | ETF |
| SPY | State Street SPDR S&P 500 | ETF |
| XLF | State Street SPDR Financial Sector | ETF |
Ready to trade options?
Not yet a Schwab client?
Open a brokerage account online, then go to the Getting Started page for next steps.
Options FAQs
In 2026, Schwab was named #1 Overall Broker and #1 in Customer Service by StockBrokers.com, recognized by Investor's Business Daily as Best Online Broker, and recognized by U.S. News & World Report for our award-winning options trading platforms. Schwab clients can use cutting-edge options trading tools across platforms, connect with an options specialist 24/5 to discuss strategy, and access immersive live and on-demand options education.
New clients can request options approval when they open a brokerage account for most account types. Existing clients can log in and apply for options approval on Schwab.com, through the Options & Margin link under their profile icon, or via Schwab Mobile. Trading privileges subject to review and approval. Not all clients will qualify.
Clients just getting started with options have access to extensive beginner education, including articles, videos, and Schwab Coaching webcasts. The paperMoney simulated trading environment is also built into thinkorswim platforms, allowing you to create and implement options strategies risk-free. Additionally, our options specialists are standing by 24/5 to help, whether it's evaluating a strategy or placing your first options trade.
Online options trades are $0.65 per contract. Options trading requires approval, which is based on factors including your trading experience and objectives.
