Your home for getting started with options trading at Schwab.
Whether you are starting out or looking to use advanced strategies, these steps can help you get more out of your options trading experience at Schwab.
1. Make sure you have an account that's approved to trade options strategies you're interested in.
New to Schwab? Open a brokerage account.
Start by opening an individual or joint brokerage account.
Apply for options approval or upgrade your level.
Log in to complete an application to apply for options approval.
Check your options approval level.
Log in to see the strategies your account is approved to trade.
2. Select a platform that best fits your needs.
Review a detailed comparison of our platforms and their options trading features below. For a full comparison, visit our Platforms Comparison page.
compare platforms
- thinkorswim® desktop
- thinkorswim® web
- thinkorswim® mobile app
- Schwab.com
- Schwab Mobile App
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Place single and multi-leg option orders>thinkorswim® desktopthinkorswim® webthinkorswim® mobile appSchwab.comSchwab Mobile App
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Options probabilities>thinkorswim® desktopthinkorswim® webthinkorswim® mobile appSchwab.comSchwab Mobile App
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Options statistics>thinkorswim® desktopthinkorswim® webthinkorswim® mobile appSchwab.comSchwab Mobile App
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Options screener>thinkorswim® desktopthinkorswim® webthinkorswim® mobile appSchwab.comSchwab Mobile App
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Tools to see liquidity changes>thinkorswim® desktopthinkorswim® webthinkorswim® mobile appSchwab.comSchwab Mobile App
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Chart indicators and studies>thinkorswim® desktopthinkorswim® webthinkorswim® mobile appSchwab.comSchwab Mobile App
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Simulated trade and portfolio risk analysis>thinkorswim® desktopthinkorswim® webthinkorswim® mobile appSchwab.comSchwab Mobile App
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Fundamental analysis>thinkorswim® desktopthinkorswim® webthinkorswim® mobile appSchwab.comSchwab Mobile App
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In-platform live chat with options specialists>thinkorswim® desktopthinkorswim® webthinkorswim® mobile appSchwab.comSchwab Mobile App
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Livestreamed market commentary>thinkorswim® desktopthinkorswim® webthinkorswim® mobile appSchwab.comSchwab Mobile App
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thinkorswim® desktop>thinkorswim® web>
Customize your trading experience with our platforms:
3. Get insights and education to help you keep on top of the market and your trading.
Get the latest market news—and what it may mean for your options trading.
Gain insights from industry pros about what's happening in the markets—available live or on-demand on our media affiliate, Schwab Network™.*
*Schwab Network is brought to you by Charles Schwab Media Productions Company ("CSMPC"). CSMPC, Charles Schwab Futures and Forex LLC, and Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. are separate but affiliated subsidiaries of The Charles Schwab Corporation. CSMPC is not a financial advisor, registered investment advisor, broker-dealer, or futures commission merchant.
4. Get live options support when you need it.
Our options trading specialists are dedicated to using their trading experience to help you evaluate and implement your options strategies.
Have a specific question?
We're available Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm ET, at 877-594-6324.
You can also find a consultant and chat online for additional support.
Open an account today.
Open a Schwab brokerage account online in minutes. Get specialized trading and research tools plus award-winning support.
Already a client and want to apply for options approval? Or need to upgrade?
Apply for the options approval level right for you in just a few minutes.
Have questions about options? We're here to help.
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