Charles Schwab Plans Bitcoin, Ether Trading Launch in Early 2026

Charles Schwab is set to introduce spot cryptocurrency trading for Bitcoin and Ether in the first half of 2026.

“Schwab plans spot bitcoin, ether trading launch in first half of 2026 The financial services giant with almost $12 trillion in client assets is moving closer to direct crypto trading, offering subscription for early access to the Schwab Crypto account”

@coindesk

The firm will offer the service via Charles Schwab Premier Bank, with a phased rollout starting on Thinkorswim.

@coindesk

Schwab has opened a waitlist for early access to Schwab Crypto, allowing clients to buy and sell the two largest cryptocurrencies alongside traditional investments.

While the firm already offers Bitcoin ETFs and futures, direct spot trading represents a significant expansion.

A significant number of Schwab's 46 million clients were still seeking to directly hold cryptocurrencies.

The firm aims to integrate digital assets alongside stocks and bonds within one consolidated view.

CoinDesk

Schwab Crypto accounts will be offered through the banking entity, meaning assets will not have SIPC protection nor FDIC insurance.

The service will not launch in every US state, excluding New York and Louisiana.

Schwab's entry could funnel trillions of dollars of passive, retail capital into Bitcoin and Ethereum.

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Bitget

The scale of Schwab's potential impact cannot be overstated.

The launch pressures crypto-native exchanges and puts digital assets deeper into mainstream finance.

Schwab's $0 commissions set a low-cost standard that may undercut many crypto platforms.