Can you trade options at Zacks Trade?
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: Zacks Trade offers options trading, under good conditions and with access to many options markets. Click to open your Zacks Trade account or read on for details and comparisons.
I've tested dozens of brokers in recent years, including their options trading features. Zacks Trade impressed me overall; here's why:
- It has an above-average options trading score based on fees, products and UX.
- Zacks Trade offers access to 34 options markets.
- Options trading fees at Zacks Trade are low.
- Trading platform and research quality make a difference.
- See how Zacks Trade compares to the best in class.
Before we begin, let's see if Zacks Trade is available in your country:
Zacks Trade has an above-average options trading score
To assess whether Zacks Trade 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).
Zacks Trade's overall options score of 4.3 stars is considered above average among the brokers we cover that offer options trading. Here's how Zacks Trade scored against some close rivals:
| Broker | Options score |
|---|---|
| Zacks Trade | 4.3 /5 |
| TradeStation | 3.7 /5 |
| Firstrade | 3.4 /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.
Zacks Trade has access to 34 options markets
Zacks Trade provides options from US options markets.
| Broker | Options exchanges (#) |
|---|---|
| Zacks Trade | 34 |
| TradeStation | 10 |
| Firstrade | 5 |
Options fees at Zacks Trade are low
In the table below, we listed options trading fees (calculated in USD terms) at Zacks Trade and some of its competitors for trading 10 options contracts.
| Broker | US stock options | US stock index options |
|---|---|---|
| Zacks Trade | $7.8 | $7.8 |
| TradeStation | $11.0 | $11.0 |
| Firstrade | $0.0 | $0.0 |
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 Zacks Trade compares to some close competitors in trading platform quality and other features.
| Broker | Research score |
|---|---|
| Zacks Trade | 4.3 /5 |
| TradeStation | 4.3 /5 |
| Firstrade | 5.0 /5 |
See some great alternatives to Zacks Trade
Zacks Trade 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 Zacks Trade
- Stock options trading conditions at Zacks Trade
- Stock index options trading conditions at Zacks Trade
- ETF options trading conditions at Zacks Trade
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.
