October 16th 2026, 1:36 PM
Schwab Adds Direct Bitcoin and Ethereum Trading to Retail Clients
Key Summary
Charles Schwab has launched direct Bitcoin and Ethereum trading for its retail clients, reaching a client base of 40.1 million. The service, called Schwab Crypto, offers flat 0.75% fees on trades valued between $1 and $2 million and comes bundled with educational resources and ongoing support. However, the service is initially limited to certain client categories and geographic regions, excluding New York and Louisiana.
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Introduction
Charles Schwab has made a significant move into the cryptocurrency market by launching direct Bitcoin and Ethereum trading for its retail clients. The brokerage giant has been expanding its services to cater to the growing demand for digital assets.How Schwab Crypto Works
The Schwab Crypto account is a new product that allows clients to buy and sell Bitcoin and Ethereum directly. The service is available on Schwab.com, Schwab Mobile, and thinkorswim, the firm's active trading platform. Clients can trade spot Bitcoin and Ethereum with a flat 0.75% fee on trades valued between $1 and $2 million.Exclusive Regions
The service is initially limited to certain client categories and geographic regions. New York and Louisiana clients are excluded from the service, which may cap adoption in the short term. However, Schwab plans to add trading for Solana, Avalanche, and Chainlink by the end of 2026.- \1\1\1\1
Precedent & Market Context
Schwab's move into the cryptocurrency market follows growing regulatory clarity and a market that increasingly favors direct trading. Competitors including Fidelity and E*TRADE have pursued similar direct crypto strategies. The expansion of Near Protocol's expansion onto Solana through Sunrise has also sparked a 14% price increase for NEAR. This trend towards direct trading and increased adoption of digital assets is expected to continue.Who is Left Out?
New York and Louisiana clients are excluded from the service due to regulatory restrictions. However, Schwab plans to add trading for these regions in the future. The service also excludes certain client categories, which may limit adoption in the short term.Conclusion
Charles Schwab's move into the cryptocurrency market is a significant development for the industry. The launch of direct Bitcoin and Ethereum trading for its retail clients is a major step forward for the company and the market as a whole. As the market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Schwab and other competitors respond to the growing demand for digital assets.#Bitcoin#Ethereum#Crypto#CharlesSchwab