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.
Open an account
Apply for options approval or upgrade your level.
Log in to complete an application to apply for options approval.
Apply for options approval
Check your options approval level.
Log in to see the strategies your account is approved to trade.
Check your options approval
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
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thinkorswim® desktop
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thinkorswim® web
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thinkorswim® mobile app
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Schwab.com
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Schwab Mobile App
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Options probabilities
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thinkorswim® desktop
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thinkorswim® web
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thinkorswim® mobile app
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Schwab.com
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Schwab Mobile App
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Options statistics
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See AlsoCan I Start Options Trading with 1000 Rupees?- ICICI DirectOptions Trading | How to Trade Options | Angel OneHow do you trade put options on E*TRADE?thinkorswim® desktop
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thinkorswim® web
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thinkorswim® mobile app
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Schwab.com
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Schwab Mobile App
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Options screener
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thinkorswim® desktop
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thinkorswim® web
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thinkorswim® mobile app
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Schwab.com
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Schwab Mobile App
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Tools to see liquidity changes
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thinkorswim® desktop
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thinkorswim® web
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thinkorswim® mobile app
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Schwab.com
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Schwab Mobile App
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Chart indicators and studies
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thinkorswim® desktop
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thinkorswim® web
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thinkorswim® mobile app
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Schwab.com
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Schwab Mobile App
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Simulated trade and portfolio risk analysis
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thinkorswim® desktop
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thinkorswim® web
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thinkorswim® mobile app
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Schwab.com
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Schwab Mobile App
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Fundamental analysis
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thinkorswim® desktop
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thinkorswim® web
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thinkorswim® mobile app
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Schwab.com
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Schwab Mobile App
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In-platform live chat with options specialists
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thinkorswim® desktop
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thinkorswim® web
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thinkorswim® mobile app
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Schwab.com
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Schwab Mobile App
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Livestreamed market commentary
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thinkorswim® desktop
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thinkorswim® web
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thinkorswim® mobile app
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Schwab.com
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Schwab Mobile App
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thinkorswim® desktop
Learn more
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thinkorswim® web
Learn more
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thinkorswim® mobile app
Learn more
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Schwab.com
Log in
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Schwab Mobile App
Learn more
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Customize your trading experience with our platforms:
SIMULATED TRADING Sharpen your options trading skills risk-freeTUTORIAL Introduction to thinkorswimHOW TO VIDEO Set up thinkorswim for trading optionsTOP 5 QUESTIONS See what new traders ask about thinkorswimSCHWAB.COM Intuitive options trading on Schwab Trading ToolsSCHWAB MOBILE Placing options trades in the app3. Get insights and education to help you keep on top of the market and your trading.
Options Education
Learn about options trading—from placing your first trade to exploring more advanced topics—with our comprehensive collection of options articles, videos, and more.
Explore options education
Today's Options Market Update
Get timely updates from Schwab's options trading specialists, who provide their outlook on the options market.
Read options market insights
Schwab Coaching
Join our daily webcasts with Q&A—live and on-demand—to learn how to apply trading principles in current market conditions using platforms and tools to see real-time trade demos.
View coaching webcasts
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.
Open an account
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.
Log in to apply or upgrade
Have questions about options? We're here to help.
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888-245-6864
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