Schwab switches on 24/7 trading for crypto futures, a first for the firm

Schwab Opens the Clock on Crypto Futures

@CharlesSchwab has enabled nearly around-the-clock trading for select cryptocurrency futures on its thinkorswim platform, covering $BTC, $ETH, $SOL, and $XRP products. This marks the first 24/7 product in Schwab's history. The contracts were already live on the platform but had previously been restricted to standard market hours. The change brings the brokerage's futures offering in line with crypto's nonstop trading cycle.

The cryptocurrency futures trading is provided through Charles Schwab Futures and Forex LLC, a registered Futures Commission Merchant. These are cash-settled contracts, not direct holdings of spot coins, meaning clients gain price exposure without taking custody of the underlying digital assets.

Schwab manages $12.61 trillion in total client assets and recorded 10.3 million daily average trades in April 2026. Opening always-on access to crypto derivatives at that scale pushes mainstream exposure to digital assets further into traditional brokerage infrastructure.

Spot Crypto and a Broader Platform Push

The futures update is part of a wider set of platform improvements announced by the firm. Improvements include expected price range data for marginable securities on Schwab.com, expanded dividend reinvestment functionality on Schwab Mobile, and new tools across thinkorswim that improve options visibility, order transparency, and fixed-income position views. Schwab has also expanded fractional trading to include most U.S. stocks and ETFs, allowing clients to invest for a set dollar amount with a new minimum of $1.

On the spot crypto front, Schwab has already announced plans to go further. Schwab is already a leader in digital assets, with clients holding approximately 20% of spot crypto exchange-traded products. The introduction of spot crypto trading builds on existing access that includes spot crypto ETPs, crypto futures, options on spot crypto ETPs, and crypto-related ETFs. On the advisor side, Jalina Kerr, managing director at Schwab Advisor Services, confirmed the firm is targeting a mid-2027 launch of spot crypto trading, transfers, and custody capabilities for independent financial advisors, though she noted the timeline remains subject to change.

Sources:
Charles Schwab Official Press Release: Enhancements to Retail Trading Experience
Charles Schwab Official Press Release: Spot Crypto Trading Launch Details
Crypto.news: Charles Schwab targets 2027 crypto trading for advisor clients