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Schwab Takes the Crypto Leap: Bitcoin & Ethereum Trading Now Available for All Investors

Brokerage titan Charles Schwab has officially entered the cryptocurrency arena, allowing retail investors to buy and sell Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) directly—no ETFs or futures required. The service rolled out in a limited pilot phase before expanding access, marking a major shift in how traditional investors engage with digital assets.

Direct Crypto Trading: What’s Changing?

Previously, Schwab clients could only gain crypto exposure through indirect means—like ETFs or futures contracts. Now, they can hold the actual cryptocurrencies in a dedicated account called Schwab Crypto. The service operates in all U.S. states except New York and Louisiana, ensuring broad accessibility while navigating regulatory hurdles.

Pricing & Security

• Transaction fee: 0.75% per trade
• Custody: Funds are securely held in Schwab Premier Bank, with Paxos managing the backend operations for buying and selling.

A Strategic Move Amidst ETF Volatility

The launch comes at a time when crypto ETFs are bleeding capital. In recent weeks, Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs saw combined outflows exceeding $233 million—with Ethereum ETFs suffering the steepest decline, despite commanding fewer total assets.

Is this a sign of investors abandoning ETFs in favor of direct crypto trading? Schwab’s timing suggests a deliberate play to capture disillusioned investors seeking more control over their digital asset holdings.

Schwab’s Financial Muscle: A Powerhouse in Motion

While crypto trading grabs headlines, Schwab’s core business remains unstoppable:

• $12 trillion in client assets under management
• 39 million+ active accounts
• 38% jump in Q1 earnings compared to last year
• 16% revenue growth in the same period

The Big Question: Is This Just the Beginning?

Schwab’s crypto foray aligns with a broader trend—traditional finance (TradFi) increasingly embracing decentralized assets. But with ETFs hemorrhaging cash, is this a long-term strategy or a trial run before major expansion?

One thing is certain: The race to onboard mainstream investors into crypto is accelerating—and Schwab just signaled it’s all in.