Charles Schwab to Introduce Spot Bitcoin and Ethereum Trading for Clients in Early 2026

• Schwab will offer spot Bitcoin and Ethereum trading starting in 2026 after internal testing.
• Low fees and regulatory oversight may shift investors from crypto exchanges to Schwab accounts.
• Schwab acquisitions aim to expand client access to pre-IPO and diversified trading options.

Charles Schwab is set to introduce spot trading for Bitcoin and Ethereum in the first half of 2026. The firm will begin with internal testing among employees before gradually extending access to a limited group of clients. A staged rollout will follow before the service becomes available to all investors. This approach allows Schwab to refine systems and ensure smooth operations.

The move represents a significant step for a major U.S. brokerage managing over $12 trillion in client assets. Schwab currently provides indirect crypto exposure through thematic ETFs, but direct trading will integrate digital assets with traditional investment accounts. Millions of clients currently hold stocks, bonds, and ETFs while using separate exchanges for crypto. Combining these services under one platform reduces friction and strengthens Schwab’s market presence.

Strategic Expansion and Acquisition Moves

Schwab is also preparing for additional acquisitions. The firm remains open to mergers if they provide value and expand client offerings. The $660 million acquisition of private shares platform Forge Global aims to give clients broader access to pre-IPO companies.

This aligns with Schwab’s goal of diversifying trading options beyond public markets. Recent activity suggests stronger client engagement, with daily average trades higher in the fourth quarter of 2025 than earlier periods. Client balances also rose significantly following market gains.

Fee Pressure on Crypto Exchanges

The launch of spot Bitcoin trading raises questions about pricing. Schwab already provides trading with zero commissions in stock and ETF, which may affect the fee structure of crypto trading. Analysts predict that Schwab will provide competitive fees, which will fall below 50 basis points, putting pressure on the already established crypto exchanges. Last year, Schwab revealed plans to offer direct crypto investments, highlighting growing institutional interest in digital assets.

Platforms such as Coinbase and Kraken rely heavily on trading fees, which often exceed 0.60% for advanced users. Schwab’s diversified revenue streams allow it to undercut these fees while maintaining profitability.

Additionally, Schwab provides regulatory protection under SEC and FDIC frameworks, offering security exchanges which cannot match. Retail investors who value trust may shift from traditional crypto platforms to Schwab’s ecosystem. Low-cost ETFs and tight spreads already provide near-free crypto exposure, increasing the importance of competitive pricing for direct trading.

Market Implications for Investors

Earlier this year, Charles Schwab announced plans to launch spot crypto trading within 12 months pending favorable regulations. Schwab’s entry into spot crypto trading signals a new phase for mainstream digital asset access. The integration of crypto with traditional brokerage accounts could reshape investor behavior. Exchanges dependent on retail trading spreads may face heightened competition.

Market dynamics will be determined by fee structures, custody options and regulatory safeguards. There are already indicators of major pressure on crypto-native platforms. The shift is also indicative of the larger trends in regulated and institution-friendly crypto adoption.