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Charles Schwab is getting ready to add Bitcoin and Ethereum trading to its platform in 2026.
The company oversees about $12 trillion in client assets and is commonly used by retail and institutional investors. Schwab’s entry adds immediate pressure across the US exchange market, where many platforms rely heavily on trading fees for revenue.
GN CT.
$12 trillion Charles Schwab says it will offer $BTC & $ETH trading in early 2026
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Schwab already lets customers buy crypto-themed ETFs, but giving users the option to buy specific crypto inside the same account they use for stocks and bonds is a big upgrade. It essentially removes the need for users to rely on separate platforms for buying crypto and gives Schwab tighter control across various investment products.
Charles Schwab CEO on crypto…
“It’s a topic that’s of high engagement.”
Schwab clients own *20%* of all crypto exchange traded products.
Visits to Schwab crypto site ↑ 90% in last year.
Schwab operates one of largest brokerages in US.
Hope you’re paying attention. pic.twitter.com/XR10TRR6NK
— Nate Geraci (@NateGeraci) October 18, 2025
If Schwab applies its usual low-fee, zero-commission style to Bitcoin and Ethereum, it could directly affect Coinbase, Kraken, and other US exchanges.
Retail users on Coinbase pay close to 1% per trade, with even the advanced account charging up to 0.60% – which could be considered relatively high compared to Schwab’s usual fee model.
Schwab can charge less because it generates a lot of revenue from other services, such as interest income and advisory products; services that many crypto exchanges simply don’t offer.
The gap becomes even clearer when you look at how easily investors can already get crypto exposure inside their regular brokerage accounts.
Investors can already trade Bitcoin ETFs for free on Schwab. These come with tight spreads, making them more attractive.
In related news, Vanguard is also expanding its crypto access, which increases the competition for US exchanges that rely on retail users.
Starting tmrw vanguard will allow ETFs and MFs tracking bitcoin and select other cryptos to begin trading on their platform. They cite how the ETfs have been tested performed as designed through multiple periods of volatility. Story via @emily_graffeo pic.twitter.com/AKhMdR7pab
— Eric Balchunas (@EricBalchunas) December 1, 2025
Schwab’s plan could mark the start of more traditional financial firms moving deeper into crypto. This shift may create stronger competition for existing exchanges as they work to keep their user base.
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