Charles Schwab Launching 'Schwab Crypto' for Direct Bitcoin and Ethereum Trading

The financial services giant is rolling out a new platform for eligible customers to buy and sell the two largest cryptocurrencies.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:05pm

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A high-contrast, black-and-white close-up of a complex financial mechanism, with gears, levers, and dials, representing the inner workings of the financial system and the integration of cryptocurrency trading into mainstream investment services.The launch of Schwab's new cryptocurrency trading platform signals a shift in the traditional finance industry's embrace of digital assets.NYC Today

Charles Schwab, one of the largest financial services firms in the United States, is preparing to offer clients direct access to cryptocurrencies through a new platform called 'Schwab Crypto.' The platform will initially support trading of Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), with a cautious, phased rollout approach that will first test the service internally with employees before opening it up to a limited group of customers and then the broader investor base.

Why it matters

This move by Charles Schwab represents a significant step in the mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies, as a major traditional financial institution is now offering direct crypto trading services to its clients. It also signals growing institutional interest and acceptance of digital assets as an investable asset class.

The details

According to disclosures on the company's website, the new 'Schwab Crypto' service will not be open to everyone, as not all applicants will qualify, and the service will not be available in New York and Louisiana. Charles Schwab's CEO, Rick Wurster, has described a staged rollout process, where the exchange will first test the platform internally with employees, then open access to a limited group of customers, and only after that offer the service broadly to its investor base. Schwab has not yet disclosed the exact launch date or the final fee structure for Schwab Crypto, and those decisions could be influenced by recent market conditions, such as the recent price retracement of Bitcoin to around $66,000.

  • Charles Schwab announced plans for 'Schwab Crypto' in April 2026.
  • The firm plans to first test the platform internally with employees before opening it up to a limited group of customers.
  • Schwab has not yet disclosed the exact launch date for the 'Schwab Crypto' service.

The players

Charles Schwab

One of the largest financial services firms in the United States, offering a wide range of investment and banking services to individual and institutional clients.

Rick Wurster

The CEO of Charles Schwab, who has described the firm's cautious, phased approach to rolling out the 'Schwab Crypto' platform.

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What they’re saying

“We will initially support only Bitcoin and Ethereum and are extremely confident in the technical work required to integrate crypto trading into our systems.”

— Rick Wurster, CEO, Charles Schwab

What’s next

Charles Schwab has not yet disclosed the exact launch date for the 'Schwab Crypto' platform, but the firm has indicated it will first test the service internally with employees before opening it up to a limited group of customers and then the broader investor base.

The takeaway

The launch of 'Schwab Crypto' by Charles Schwab represents a significant milestone in the mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies, as a major traditional financial institution is now offering direct crypto trading services to its clients. This move signals growing institutional interest and acceptance of digital assets as an investable asset class, and could pave the way for further integration of cryptocurrencies into the traditional financial system.