Charles Schwab Launches Spot Bitcoin Trading for Retail Clients: Direct BTC/ETH Purchase on Existing Platforms

Charles Schwab, one of the largest brokerage firms in the U.S., has announced the launch of direct spot bitcoin trading through its new platform Schwab Crypto™, enabling retail clients to buy and sell bitcoin and ethereum directly within their existing accounts. The feature will roll out in phases over coming weeks, with a transaction fee of 75 basis points—among the lowest in the brokerage industry. Blockchain infrastructure provider Paxos will handle sub-custody and trade execution under a federally regulated trust structure. The move positions Schwab alongside Coinbase, Robinhood, and Webull in the retail crypto trading space, while leveraging its massive client base and existing investment tools. Schwab's head of digital assets stated the goal is to be the destination of choice for retail investors integrating digital assets confidently.