Can you trade options at TD Ameritrade?
Options trading is increasingly popular, but it's still something of a niche product aimed at more experienced traders, so not all brokers offer it and trading conditions can differ widely.
We have good news: TD Ameritrade offers options trading, under good conditions and with access to many options markets. Click to open your TD Ameritrade account or read on for details and comparisons.
I've tested dozens of brokers in recent years, including their options trading features. TD Ameritrade impressed me overall; here's why:
- It has an above-average options trading score based on fees, products and UX.
- TD Ameritrade offers access to 8 options markets.
- Options trading fees at TD Ameritrade are low.
- Trading platform and research quality make a difference.
- See how TD Ameritrade compares to the best in class.
Before we begin, let's see if TD Ameritrade is available in your country:
TD Ameritrade has an above-average options trading score
To assess whether TD Ameritrade is a great place to trade options, we calculated a comprehensive options score that takes into account options trading fees, the potential number of options products available, and the quality of the broker's trading platform (including charting and other research tools).
TD Ameritrade's overall options score of 4.6 stars is considered above average among the brokers we cover that offer options trading. Here's how TD Ameritrade scored against some close rivals:
| Broker | Options score |
|---|---|
| TD Ameritrade | 4.6 /5 |
| E*TRADE | 3.1 /5 |
| Charles Schwab | 4.3 /5 |
Need a refresher course on options trading? Here's a high-level overview of all you need to know about trading options. If you're already familiar with the basics, you can dive right into options trading strategies or the niceties of options pricing.
Still lacking options trading mileage? We suggest you start with our introduction to options trading for beginners.
TD Ameritrade has access to 8 options markets
| Broker | Options exchanges (#) |
|---|---|
| TD Ameritrade | 8 |
| E*TRADE | 5 |
| Charles Schwab | 8 |
Options fees at TD Ameritrade are low
Fees charged by TD for options trading are similar to those of its competitors: stock index options commission for 10 contracts is $6.5. The options fees are based on the number of traded options contracts.
In the table below, we listed options trading fees (calculated in USD terms) at TD Ameritrade and some of its competitors for trading 10 options contracts.
| Broker | US stock options | US stock index options |
|---|---|---|
| TD Ameritrade | $6.5 | $6.5 |
| E*TRADE | $6.5 | $6.5 |
| Charles Schwab | $6.5 | $6.5 |
Please note that some brokers don't charge a separate fee for closing an options trade. In these cases, in order to represent this discount properly, we calculated with just half of the opening fee, because most other brokers charge for both the opening and closing transactions.
So what's all the fuss about fees? Aren't they just a tiny fraction of the value of a typical trade? Well, they may be, but differences in fees among brokers can still be substantial. Of the 100+ brokers we cover, the cheapest one charges $5 for trading 10 US stock index options contracts, while the most expensive one charges $35. Even if you're just a casual trader who does one or two options deals a month, the difference in trading fees can add up to hundreds of dollars a year. Just think of all the goodies you can buy with that money!
Trading platform and research quality make a difference
Trading fees and product selection are only part of the story when it comes to options trading.
- A great trading interface (especially on desktop) with user-friendly search and order functions, good charting capabilities and quality research material is an option trader's best friend.
- Costs don't stop at trading fees; if you trade often and want access to your trading profits, withdrawal fees can sting.
In the table below, you can check how TD Ameritrade compares to some close competitors in trading platform quality and other features.
| Broker | Research score |
|---|---|
| TD Ameritrade | 5.0 /5 |
| E*TRADE | 4.8 /5 |
| Charles Schwab | 4.3 /5 |
See some great alternatives to TD Ameritrade
TD Ameritrade is great for options trading, but can you go one better? See for yourself by browsing our top ten list of the best options brokers in your country.
Alternatively, if you want a broader comparison or have some specific other brokers in mind, you can use our broker comparison tool to size up options brokers along many different criteria.
Check out this short video for a behind-the-scenes peek into how our experts personally test and evaluate brokers.
Further reading
- Options fees at TD Ameritrade
- Stock options trading conditions at TD Ameritrade
- Stock index options trading conditions at TD Ameritrade
- ETF options trading conditions at TD Ameritrade
Everything you find on BrokerChooser is based on reliable data and unbiased information. We combine our 10+ years finance experience with readers feedback. Read more about our methodology.
