On April 16, 2026, Charles Schwab Corp. made a significant announcement that promises to reshape the landscape of cryptocurrency trading for retail investors. The company introduced Schwab Crypto™, a platform designed to offer direct access to trading Bitcoin and Ethereum, two of the most dominant cryptocurrencies in the market. This innovative service aims to provide clients with not only trading capabilities but also educational resources and dedicated support, all while maintaining competitive pricing.

1. A Phased Rollout to Retail Clients

Schwab Crypto™ will begin a phased rollout in the coming weeks, targeting both current and prospective cryptocurrency investors. In a recent survey conducted by Schwab, nearly 500 participants identified crucial factors influencing their choice of a trading firm, including low and transparent pricing, brand reputation, and asset security. With Schwab Crypto™, these elements are at the forefront of the offering.

Jonathan Craig, Head of Retail Investing at Charles Schwab, emphasized the company’s commitment to integrating cryptocurrency trading into their clients' broader financial lives. “We know our clients want to conduct more of their financial lives at Schwab,” Craig stated, highlighting the platform's dual functionality—allowing users to trade cryptocurrencies alongside traditional investments.

2. A Holistic Crypto Investing Experience

At launch, Schwab Crypto™ will feature several compelling attributes:

Direct Trading in Leading Cryptocurrencies: Clients will be able to trade Bitcoin and Ethereum, which together constitute approximately 75% of the total cryptocurrency market capitalization.

Comprehensive Educational Resources: Schwab will provide in-depth educational materials, including insights from the Schwab Center for Financial Research and tailored content through Schwab Coaching®, guiding investors in understanding the digital assets market.

Integrated Trading Platform: Investors can manage and trade both cryptocurrency and traditional investments seamlessly across Schwab.com, Schwab Mobile, and the thinkorswim® platform.

24/7 Expert Support: Clients will benefit from Schwab’s award-winning customer service, with access to knowledgeable professionals available via phone or chat.

Competitive Pricing: Schwab Crypto™ will offer one of the lowest pricing structures in the industry at just 75 basis points on the dollar value of each trade.

In addition to these features, Schwab plans to expand its cryptocurrency offerings over time, including the introduction of additional cryptocurrencies and capabilities for clients to transfer existing digital assets into their Schwab accounts.

3. Partnership with Paxos for Secure Transactions

To enhance the security and efficiency of its crypto trading platform, Schwab has partnered with Paxos, a leading blockchain infrastructure provider. Paxos will oversee sub-custody and trade execution services, leveraging a federally regulated trust model and robust technology. Joe Vietri, Head of Digital Assets at Charles Schwab, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “Paxos is a strong partner for blockchain infrastructure. Their regulatory standing and digital asset expertise will help us deliver the seamless, integrated experience our clients expect from Schwab.”

4. Schwab's Established Leadership in Digital Assets

Charles Schwab has already established itself as a leader in the digital assets space, with clients holding approximately 20% of spot crypto exchange-traded products. The introduction of Schwab Crypto™ further solidifies its commitment to providing retail investors with diverse opportunities to access and invest in digital assets.

For those eager to engage with cryptocurrency, Schwab invites potential users to gain early access to Schwab Crypto™ and explore educational resources at Schwab.com/cryptocurrency.

5. Conclusion

With the launch of Schwab Crypto™, Charles Schwab Corp. is positioning itself as a comprehensive provider for retail cryptocurrency trading, merging traditional investment services with the burgeoning digital assets market. By focusing on education, security, and competitive pricing, Schwab aims to attract both seasoned investors and newcomers alike, enhancing their overall investment experience. As the crypto landscape continues to evolve, Schwab's innovative approach could set a new standard in the financial services industry.

Original press release