How to Trade Options on TD Ameritrade (Now Schwab) (2024)

Learning how to trade options on TD Ameritrade changed in 2023… Now all TD Ameritrade accounts have transferred over to megabroker Schwab, as the final stage in their 2020 merger.

Check out my guide to options trading on Schwab here.

Options trading is a battlefield, so you need a weapon that serves you well. Luckily Schwab held onto TD Ameritrade’s popular trading platform thinkorswim — even decommissioning their own platform StreetSmart Edge in favor of thinkorswim!

I’ll share my thoughts about Schwab here, but it’s on you to determine whether it’s right for your needs. What works for others might not work for you and vice versa.

I think Schwab is a great online broker for trading options, but you might think differently. Read on to dive deeper into Schwab’s features and decide whether it’s right for you.

Trading on TD Ameritrade (now Schwab)

You actually have multiple platform choices when trading options on Schwab. You can use Schwab’s more straightforward mobile or web trading platforms. You can also use its more powerful desktop platform thinkorswim.

Thinkorswim is geared more toward experienced option traders. It has multiple advanced features. These features help you monitor stocks, perform technical analysis, and plan trades.

Thinkorswim’s app also has a mobile version. This helps you monitor and make option trades from your phone or tablet.

If you’re in the market for a power trading platform, try StocksToTrade. It’s my favorite trading platform (and the one I helped design).

Give StocksToTrade a try today — a 14-day trial is only $7!

What else does Schwab offer? Here’s a look at its other features:

• Educational material in multiple formats
• Multiple customer support options
• High-level trading and charting tools
• Desktop, web, and mobile apps

Looking for online brokers other than Schwab? Check my guide to options trading with Webull.

Benefits of Trading Options Using TD Ameritrade (now Schwab)

What are the benefits of trading options using Schwab? Here are some of the top ones:

Affordable Options Trading Fees

Like most brokers, Schwab charges a $0.65 contract fee and no commissions on options.

I don’t mind paying this additional transaction cost in exchange for good executions. You’re probably doing something wrong if you can’t be profitable because of trading fees.

Great Trade Execution

Schwab has some of the fastest executions out there. This means your orders should execute when you want them to.

The broker claims an average execution time of 0.04 seconds. Your mileage may vary. This is one of the biggest differences you should look at when you try out a new broker.

No Minimum Balance Requirement

Like most brokers, Schwab doesn’t require a minimum deposit. Between this and thinkorswim’s great paper trading platform, you can get your feet wet and try options trading on the cheap (or free).

Various Tradable Assets

This broker has tradable assets of every type. Schwab lets you trade stocks, options, exchange-traded funds, mutual funds, and more. Even if you have a strategy that doesn’t factor in these assets, it’s nice to know that your broker can change if you decide to.

Solid Customer Service

You want a brokerage service with solid customer service that won’t leave you high and dry. Schwab has 24/7 customer support through numerous channels. Some of its customer support options include phone, text, email, and social media.

Steps to Start Trading Options on TD Ameritrade (now Schwab)

Here are the four steps to start trading options on Schwab:

1. Open a Schwab Account

The first thing to do is sign up for a Schwab brokerage account.

2. Log into the Schwab or Thinkorswim App

Once you have an account, log into your Schwab or thinkorswim app. You can trade on both platforms, but they have some differences.

Thinkorswim is better for advanced traders thanks to its sophisticated trading tools. Schwab’s web and mobile platforms work if you’re just learning to trade options.

After you’re logged in, ensure your account is funded before continuing.

3. Select “Options” on the App

Schwab needs to approve you for options trading. Go into the Options menu and select Request Options Approval or Upgrade.

Finish the application form to continue. This form gauges your trading experience and risk profile.

You’ll get sorted into one of four trading levels based on experience and risk level. Level 1 only has access to basic options strategies. The higher the level, the more advanced options strategies you can use.

4. Start Trading Options

The usual rules still apply:

• Don’t copy other traders. Your goals and risk tolerance may differ from other active traders.
• Learn from successful traders. You can join online communities and talk with veteran traders.
• Make your own stock watchlists. Learn the thought behind a traders’ picks and make it your own.
• Record and review every trade to learn what can be improved. Becoming a self-sufficient trader means learning from your mistakes and getting better every day.

Learning from experienced traders is especially important. You can skip a lot of trial and error by following their tips and studying their options strategies.

I don’t trade options — I leave it to pros like tech entrepreneur and trader Ben Sturgill. Hissmart-money webinarsare the product of more than 2 decades of experience in the market and a unique technology, and they’re well worth checking out.

Check out the webinar here to see why Ben’s smart-money scanner has been going haywire lately!