Schwab Rolls Out Spot Bitcoin Trading for Retail Clients

Charles Schwab is expanding its cryptocurrency offerings by introducing spot trading for Bitcoin (BTC). This move marks a significant step into direct crypto access for retail clients, making it easier for investors to buy and hold Bitcoin through their existing accounts. Unlike crypto-native exchanges, Schwab is a legacy brokerage managing trillions of dollars in client assets and serving millions of retail investors who may have had no prior exposure to cryptocurrency trading platforms.

The rollout follows earlier reporting from CoinDesk in April that Schwab had been planning spot Bitcoin and Ether trading for the first half of 2026. While several critical details remain unconfirmed, including which cryptocurrencies will be available beyond Bitcoin and what trading fees will apply, the move aligns with a broader pattern among established financial firms.

Morgan Stanley's E*Trade has also been piloting crypto trading, signaling that legacy brokerages increasingly view direct crypto access as a competitive necessity rather than a niche offering. Schwab itself has been building toward this moment by launching 24/7 Bitcoin futures trading and signaling plans for spot trading in 2026.