Charles Schwab Rolls Out Direct Bitcoin and Ether Trading for Retail Clients

Highlights:

• Charles Schwab has started direct Bitcoin and Ether trading for eligible U.S. retail brokerage clients.
• Schwab Crypto now allows investors to buy Bitcoin and Ether besides stocks and ETFs.
• Charles Schwab launched the crypto service after reporting $11.77 trillion in client assets.

Charles Schwab, a U.S.-based brokerage platform, has begun rolling out direct Bitcoin and Ether trading to retail investors. Schwab said the first group of eligible retail clients can now trade Bitcoin and Ether besides stocks and other investments. The launch expands Schwab’s crypto offerings beyond exchange-traded funds, futures contracts, and digital asset funds.

CHARLES SCHWAB ENTERS SPOT CRYPTO TRADING💥

Charles Schwab, managing over $12 trillion in assets, has launched spot Bitcoin and Ethereum trading for select retail clients through Schwab Crypto.

This is another major step in the institutionalization of crypto.

Why this matters:… pic.twitter.com/OjkSecLfcD

— The Liquidity Letter (@liquidityletter) May 13, 2026

Charles Schwab announced the crypto trading rollout in April. The company said clients would access crypto trading through Schwab’s website, mobile application, and Thinkorswim platform. Schwab also said retail investors would view Bitcoin, Ether, stocks, and ETFs from one brokerage account interface. The Tuesday rollout started after the company completed earlier platform integration plans.

Charles Schwab said it will expand Bitcoin and Ether trading access to more eligible U.S. retail clients during the next rollout phases. However, the company currently blocks retail investors in New York and Louisiana from accessing Schwab Crypto trading services. Charles Schwab also said some retail brokerage clients do not qualify for Bitcoin and Ether trading during the first rollout phase. The company plans to add more approved retail brokerage accounts during future rollout stages.

Schwab Crypto Expands Bitcoin and Ether Trading Through Paxos Infrastructure

Charles Schwab requires retail clients to open separate Schwab Crypto accounts before accessing cryptocurrency trading services. Charles Schwab Premier Bank holds custody for crypto assets traded through the platform. Meanwhile, blockchain infrastructure provider Paxos manages trade execution and sub-custody services for Schwab Crypto. Charles Schwab disclosed those operational details during its April announcement.

🚨 Schwab Launches Spot Crypto Trading for Retail Clients

Charles Schwab has introduced spot cryptocurrency trading for its retail brokerage clients, according to Seeking Alpha. The firm's Q1 revenue of $6.34B missed estimates by $30M, while its non-GAAP EPS of $1.39 was in-line…

— Crynet (@crynetio) April 16, 2026

The Schwab Crypto platform charges a 75-basis-point fee for every cryptocurrency transaction completed through the service. Charles Schwab integrated crypto trading directly into its brokerage infrastructure for retail investors. As a result, Schwab clients can track Bitcoin, Ether, stocks, and ETFs from one investment interface. Schwab Crypto also allows retail investors to buy Bitcoin and Ether directly without using standalone crypto exchanges.

Charles Schwab previously offered crypto-linked ETFs, futures contracts, and digital asset funds before launching direct spot trading. Those earlier Schwab products only gave retail investors indirect cryptocurrency exposure through ETFs and futures contracts. The rollout gives brokerage users direct exposure to the underlying digital assets instead of derivative-based products.

Schwab Reports $11.77 Trillion in Client Assets Before Crypto Launch

Charles Schwab reported $11.77 trillion in total client assets during its first-quarter financial report. The company also reported 39.1 million active brokerage accounts during the same reporting period. Charles Schwab now offers direct Bitcoin and Ether trading access across 39.1 million brokerage accounts.

Charles Schwab reported adjusted net income of $2.6 billion during the first quarter of this year. The brokerage firm also reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.43 during the same quarter. Charles Schwab reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.43 after recording 38% yearly growth. Meanwhile, the company reported quarterly revenue of $6.48 billion after a 16% yearly increase.

Millions of Charles Schwab clients already use the company’s platforms for retirement accounts, stock trading, and investment management. The rollout places direct cryptocurrency trading inside a brokerage environment already used by traditional investment clients.