Charles Schwab has officially launched Bitcoin and Ethereum trading for selected retail clients in the US. Discover how Schwab Crypto works, fees, eligibility, and what this means for the future of crypto investing.
Charles Schwab Launches Bitcoin & Ethereum Trading
In a major move for the cryptocurrency industry, has officially rolled out direct crypto trading services for selected retail clients across the United States. The Wall Street giant is now allowing eligible users to trade two of the world’s largest cryptocurrencies — and — directly through its investment platform.
The launch marks another significant step toward mainstream crypto adoption as traditional financial institutions continue expanding into digital assets.
Charles Schwab Crypto Trading Now Live
Starting this week, selected retail investors can open dedicated “Schwab Crypto” accounts and buy or sell Bitcoin and Ethereum alongside traditional investments such as stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds.
However, the service is currently limited to eligible US residents. Customers living in New York, Louisiana, and certain US territories are not yet able to access the platform. International users are also excluded during the initial rollout phase.
To access crypto trading, clients must already hold an eligible brokerage account with Charles Schwab. Supported accounts currently include individual and joint brokerage accounts.
How Schwab Crypto Works
According to the company, will manage crypto trade execution and sub-custody services, while Schwab Premier Bank will serve as custodian for the offering.
The platform is expected to charge a 75-basis-point trading fee, making it one of the latest traditional finance firms to monetize growing retail demand for digital assets.
This launch follows Schwab’s earlier introduction of a dedicated crypto-focused section on its website under the “Schwab Crypto” branding.
Why This Is Important for the Crypto Market
The entry of Charles Schwab into direct crypto trading is considered a major milestone for institutional crypto adoption. Founded in 1971, the financial giant manages nearly $12 trillion in client assets, making it one of the largest brokerage and banking institutions in America.
Industry analysts believe this move could encourage more traditional investors to gain exposure to cryptocurrencies through trusted financial platforms rather than standalone crypto exchanges.
Even though the announcement generated strong interest across financial markets, Bitcoin continued trading near the $80,000 level, while Ethereum hovered around $2,300 at the time of reporting.
Charles Schwab Reports Strong Q1 2026 Results
The crypto rollout comes during a period of strong financial growth for Charles Schwab.
The company reported:
- $2.5 billion net income in Q1 2026
- Adjusted earnings per share rising 38% year-over-year
- Quarterly revenue increasing 16% to $6.48 billion
- Client assets reaching $11.77 trillion
- More than 1.3 million new brokerage accounts opened
Total client accounts reportedly climbed to 47.2 million, showing strong retail investor engagement despite market volatility.
Bitcoin and Ethereum Continue Attracting Wall Street
The launch of Schwab Crypto highlights the growing integration between traditional finance and digital assets. Major Wall Street firms are increasingly offering crypto-related services as investor demand continues rising in 2026.
With Bitcoin ETFs, Ethereum investment products, and institutional crypto adoption gaining momentum, many analysts see this trend accelerating throughout the year.
