--- title: "Charles Schwab to Launch Bitcoin and Ethereum Trading Soon" date: 2026-04-16 author: "Kathleen Kinder" featured_image: "https://coinlaw.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/charles-schwab-to-launch-bitcoin-and-ethereum-trading.jpg" categories: - name: "Cryptocurrency" url: "/crypto.md" tags: - name: "News" url: "/tag/news.md" --- # Charles Schwab to Launch Bitcoin and Ethereum Trading Soon Charles Schwab is preparing to launch direct Bitcoin and Ethereum trading for retail clients in the coming weeks, marking a major step into mainstream crypto adoption. ## Key Takeaways - Charles Schwab will soon offer spot trading for Bitcoin and Ethereum to retail users. - The service allows investors to manage crypto alongside traditional assets in one account. - Fees are set at 0.75 percent per trade, positioning Schwab competitively. - The move reflects growing institutional adoption of digital assets and rising retail demand. ## What Happened? Charles Schwab announced plans to roll out **direct Bitcoin and Ethereum trading** through its platform in the next few weeks. The new service, called **Schwab Crypto**, will allow retail investors to access crypto markets without leaving their brokerage accounts. The launch expands Schwab’s digital asset offerings beyond existing exposure through funds and derivatives, signaling a deeper commitment to crypto adoption. > CHARLES SCHWAB is launching direct Bitcoin and Ethereum trading. > > The $9.5 trillion asset manager is moving to compete with Robinhood. The wall of money is getting bigger. [pic.twitter.com/nIm48vyGR2](https://t.co/nIm48vyGR2) > > — Bitcoin Archive (@BitcoinArchive) [April 16, 2026](https://twitter.com/BitcoinArchive/status/2044777105351745760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) ## Schwab Enters Direct Crypto Trading Market With this rollout, **Charles Schwab** is [formally entering the **spot crypto trading space**](https://coinlaw.io/charles-schwab-crypto-trading-launch/), a move that aligns with broader trends across Wall Street. The firm, which manages nearly **12 trillion dollars in client assets**, is aiming to simplify access for everyday investors. The new product will support: - **[Bitcoin](https://coinlaw.io/bitcoin-statistics/) and [Ethereum](https://coinlaw.io/ethereum-statistics/), which together make up a large share of the crypto market**. - **Integration across Schwab.com, Schwab Mobile, and thinkorswim**. - **A unified experience where users can manage stocks, ETFs, and crypto in one place**. By allowing investors to trade crypto within a familiar platform, Schwab is removing a key barrier that previously pushed users toward crypto native exchanges. ## Pricing, Custody, and Infrastructure Details Schwab confirmed that it will charge **0.75 percent per trade**, making it more affordable than some competitors like Fidelity Crypto while staying competitive with platforms such as [Coinbase](https://coinlaw.io/coinbase-statistics/) and Robinhood. To support the offering: - **Clients will open a separate crypto account linked to their brokerage account**. - **Charles Schwab Premier Bank will act as custodian for digital assets**. - **Paxos, a regulated blockchain infrastructure provider, will handle trade execution and sub custody**. The company also plans to expand its crypto services over time by adding: - **More digital assets beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum.** - **Deposit and withdrawal features for transferring crypto.** ## Rising Competition Across Finance and Crypto Schwab’s move highlights a growing convergence between **traditional finance firms and crypto platforms**. On one side, major institutions like **Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, and Fidelity** are expanding their crypto offerings. On the other, crypto native platforms such as **Coinbase and** [**Kraken** are moving into stock trading](https://coinlaw.io/kraken-24-7-tokenized-stock-perpetuals/) and broader financial services. This two way expansion is intensifying competition as firms race to become **all in one financial platforms**. ## Prediction Markets Also on Schwab’s Radar Beyond crypto, Schwab is also exploring **prediction markets**, though the company is taking a cautious approach. CEO Rick Wurster noted that while financial event based prediction tools could eventually be introduced, they are **not currently a top priority** for clients. He also emphasized a clear distinction between **data-driven financial forecasting** and speculative betting. Schwab indicated it may evaluate opportunities in this space later, but for now, the focus remains on **core investment products like crypto trading**. ## Focus on Education and Investor Support Schwab plans to pair its crypto rollout with **education and support services** to help users navigate the market. Investors will gain access to: - **Research and insights from Schwab Center for Financial Research**. - **Coaching and educational resources**. - **24/7 customer support via phone and chat**. The company cited internal research showing that **pricing transparency, security, and brand trust** are key factors influencing crypto adoption among retail investors. ## CoinLaw’s Takeaway In my experience, this move from **Charles Schwab** feels like a tipping point. When a firm of this size makes crypto trading simple and accessible, it sends a strong signal that **digital assets are no longer on the sidelines**. I found that many investors hesitate because they do not trust unfamiliar crypto platforms. Schwab solves that problem by bringing crypto into a **trusted and regulated environment**. That could quietly bring a wave of new participants into the market. At the same time, this also means **competition will heat up fast**. Traditional brokers and crypto platforms are now fighting for the same users, and that will likely lead to **better pricing, more features, and faster innovation**.