Does Charles Schwab Have Crypto?

·

If you're wondering whether Charles Schwab offers cryptocurrency trading, the short answer is no—not directly. As of 2025, Charles Schwab does not allow customers to buy, sell, or hold Bitcoin, Ethereum, or any other digital assets on its platform. However, that doesn’t mean Schwab investors are completely locked out of the crypto market. There are several indirect yet strategic ways to gain exposure to blockchain innovation and digital asset trends through traditional financial instruments.

This article explores how you can invest in the crypto ecosystem via Charles Schwab—even without direct crypto support—and compares it with platforms like Robinhood that do offer native cryptocurrency trading.

Can You Buy Bitcoin at Charles Schwab?

While you cannot purchase Bitcoin directly through Charles Schwab, the brokerage does provide access to Bitcoin and Ethereum futures contracts. These are derivative products traded on regulated exchanges, allowing investors to speculate on price movements without owning the underlying asset.

Each futures contract costs $2.25 per contract, per side, making it a relatively low-cost way to engage with crypto markets for experienced traders. Futures trading is available through Schwab’s advanced platforms like StreetSmart Edge and thinkorswim, which offer robust tools for technical analysis and risk management.

👉 Discover how futures trading can expand your investment strategy beyond traditional stocks.

Invest in Crypto Through Schwab-Listed Stocks

One of the most accessible ways to tap into the crypto economy is by investing in publicly traded companies involved in blockchain technology, digital wallets, mining hardware, or crypto infrastructure.

Charles Schwab charges zero commissions on U.S.-listed stock trades, making this a cost-effective path—especially for active investors.

To find relevant stocks, use Schwab’s Equity Screener tool:

Although there's no dedicated "crypto exposure" filter, many tech firms play critical roles in the blockchain ecosystem. For example:

Oracle Corporation (ORCL)

Oracle is deeply involved in blockchain development, offering distributed ledger solutions used across financial services and supply chain industries. Despite a modest 1-star Morningstar rating, Refinitiv gives ORCL an “Outperform” rating with a $131 price target (current price: ~$103). The stock pays a quarterly dividend of $0.40, yielding about 1.55% annually, adding income potential to growth exposure.

Diversify with Crypto-Adjacent Mutual Funds

For investors seeking broader market exposure and reduced volatility, mutual funds and ETFs focused on technology offer a smart alternative.

Schwab offers three main fund types:

While ETFs and closed-end funds trade commission-free, mutual funds may carry loads or fees—though many don’t when traded within Schwab.

Use the Fund Screener under the Research tab to filter by:

One standout option is the BlackRock Technology Opportunities Fund (BSTSX):

This fund offers diversified access to companies driving innovation behind cryptocurrencies—even if they’re not pure-play crypto firms.

👉 See how top-performing tech funds are positioning for the next wave of digital finance.

Use Options to Gain Leverage on Crypto-Linked Assets

Schwab’s powerful options trading platform enables sophisticated strategies using stocks and ETFs tied to the crypto space.

To explore options:

  1. Go to the Trade tab
  2. Select Options to view chains and use the strategy builder
  3. Enter tickers like AMD, NVDA, or crypto-related ETFs

For instance, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) produces GPUs widely used in cryptocurrency mining. With hundreds of thousands of options contracts traded daily, AMD offers excellent liquidity and flexibility for directional or hedging strategies.

You can also trade options on futures contracts through platforms like thinkorswim, giving experienced traders additional tools to express views on Bitcoin and Ethereum price action—without holding digital coins.

Alternatives: Robinhood for Direct Crypto Access

If direct ownership of cryptocurrencies is your goal, Robinhood serves as a viable alternative to Schwab.

While both platforms offer commission-free stock and ETF trading, Robinhood goes further by supporting:

Supported cryptos include:

To find them:

Each coin profile includes:

However, Robinhood does not allow crypto trading within IRAs, limiting retirement planning flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Charles Schwab support any form of cryptocurrency?

A: No direct crypto trading is offered. However, Schwab provides indirect exposure via Bitcoin and Ethereum futures contracts, crypto-related stocks, and tech-focused mutual funds.

Q: Can I buy Bitcoin on Charles Schwab?

A: Not directly. You can trade Bitcoin futures contracts but cannot own actual BTC.

Q: Are there crypto ETFs available on Charles Schwab?

A: Yes. Schwab lists several crypto-related ETFs (e.g., those holding Bitcoin futures or blockchain companies), though not spot Bitcoin ETFs issued by issuers like Grayscale.

Q: Why doesn’t Charles Schwab offer crypto?

A: Schwab has cited regulatory uncertainty and investor protection concerns as key reasons for delaying direct crypto support.

Q: Is Robinhood safer than Schwab for crypto investing?

A: Schwab is generally seen as more conservative and regulated. Robinhood offers direct crypto access but lacks some safeguards and retirement integration.

Q: Can I transfer crypto from Robinhood to another wallet?

A: Yes. Robinhood now allows users to send and receive certain cryptocurrencies directly, enhancing custody control.

👉 Learn how secure crypto transfers are shaping the future of self-custody investing.

Final Thoughts

Charles Schwab remains a leader in traditional investing but has taken a cautious stance on digital assets. While it doesn’t offer direct crypto purchases, its suite of tools—futures contracts, stock screening, mutual funds, and options trading—provides multiple pathways to benefit from the growing influence of blockchain and decentralized finance.

For investors prioritizing regulation, security, and long-term wealth building, Schwab’s indirect approach may be preferable. Those seeking hands-on involvement with digital currencies might consider supplementing their portfolio with a platform like Robinhood—or exploring compliant exchanges that support full crypto functionality.

Regardless of your path, understanding your options ensures you stay ahead in the evolving financial landscape.