Options Trading

When you're ready to take on options trading (it's not for beginners), you need an online options broker that will give you access to choices without bogging you down with a site that's hard to navigate or high commissions that will eat into your profits. We've made your search easy with an options broker comparison tool. It's the first step toward trading options.

Compare Options Trading

Robinhood

Options Trading: $0

Pros:

Commission-free trades
No minimum
Extended trading hours

Cons:

No IRAs
Limited research
No mutual funds & bonds

Our Review: (4.0) Robinhood lets you trade stocks commission-free and has no account minimums. Is it safe? Are there hidden fees? Read on for the pros and cons... Read full review

Get a Free Stock (worth between $2.50 and $200)

Ally Invest

Options Trading: $0 base + $0.50 per contract

Pros:

Low commission for stock trades
No account minimums
Ally platform

Cons:

No physical locations

Our Review: (4.4) Ally Invest offers free trades for stocks and ETFs. But is it good? Find out how it compares to other online brokers... Read full review

Get Up to $3,500

TD Ameritrade

Options Trading: $0.65 per contract

Pros:

Easy to Use
Thinkorswim Platform
Customer Service

Cons:

Trade Fees

Our Review: (4.2) TD Ameritrade fees are higher than competitors, but is it worth it? We say yes and here's why. We analyze and compare it for you in our in-depth review... Read full review

Commission-Free Trading - Online Stock, ETF and Option Trades

E*TRADE

Options Trading: $0 per trade + $0.65 per contract
$0 per trade + $0.50 per contract if you make 30+ trades a quarter

Pros:

Expansive set of resources and tools
Easy to use website
Industry leader

Cons:

Trade fees

Our Review: (4.2) E*TRADE is a highly well-known name, but does that mean it is better than its competitors? Read our in-depth review and see how it compares... Read full review

Learn more about E*TRADE

Fidelity

Options Trading: $0 per online trade, plus $0.65 per contract

Pros:

Research reports
Beginner-friendly tools
Mobile app

Cons:

Restricted platform

Our Review: (4.4) Thinking of opening a brokerage account with Fidelity? There are many reasons to love Fidelity and a few reasons to think about going elsewhere... Read full review

Commission-Free Trading - Online Stock, ETF and Option Trades

Charles Schwab

Options Trading: $0 + $0.65 per contract

Pros:

Vast selection of commission-free ETFs and mutual funds
2 platforms (one for beginners and one for advanced traders)
24/7 customer service including online chat

Cons:

Commission costs on mutual funds outside of the commission-free funds
Robo-advisor option requires a minimum investment of $5,000

Our Review: (4.2) Charles Schwab is one of the oldest names in the world of investing. With low fees, no account minimums, and robust research tools, it's a good brokerage for all levels of investors... Read full review

$0 Commissions on Online Stock, ETF, and Options Trades

Merrill Edge

Options Trading: $0 + $0.65 per contract

Get $150 with New Merrill Edge Account

Interactive Brokers

Options Trading: $.15-$.70 per contract ($1 minimum per order)

Pros:

Large number of investments, including options, futures, and forex
Customize trading platform
Tools and opportunities for research

Cons:

$10,000 minimum to open an account.
Platform can be too much for a beginner to understand
Inactivity fees if you don't meet the trade commission requirements.

Our Review: (4.3) Do you have $10,000 and plenty of trading knowledge? Interactive Brokers may provide you with a solid trading platform. With their competitive fees and robust trading options, they are a common choice for the experienced trader... Read full review

ZacksTrade

Options Trading: $1 for First Contract + $0.75 per additional

Vanguard

Options Trading: Less than $500,000: $7 + $1 per contract.
$500,000+: $2 + $1 per contract

Pros:

Large selection of mutual funds and commission-free ETFs
Broker assistance is available at no additional cost
Easy to use

Cons:

Commission structure penalizes frequent traders
Customer service wait times
Commission costs on non-Vanguard investment options

Our Review: (3.9) Vanguard Brokerage may be a full-service broker, but typically long-term investors preferring ETFs and mutual funds see the greatest return on their investment with them... Read full review