Charles Schwab Launches 24/7 Bitcoin Futures Trading on thinkorswim Platform

Charles Schwab, a major financial services firm, has made a notable entry into the always-on cryptocurrency market by enabling nearly 24/7 Bitcoin futures trading across its thinkorswim platforms. This move provides clients with continuous access to digital asset derivatives, a first for the company.

With $12.61 trillion in total client assets and processing 10.3 million daily average trades in April 2026, Schwab's decision underscores a growing institutional embrace of cryptocurrency offerings. The new service features Bitcoin futures with a $5 multiplier, representing the firm's inaugural 24/7 product. This expansion arrives as Bitcoin's price has seen a significant correction, dropping from an all-time high of $126,198.07 in October 2025 to approximately $66,000 by June 2026, a decline of about 45% from its peak. This current market condition, alongside other factors, has contributed to a period of Bitcoin's stagnation.

Broadening Digital Asset Horizons

Schwab's venture into 24/7 futures trading is part of a wider strategy to integrate digital assets into its offerings. The firm previously launched Schwab Crypto in April 2026, a spot trading service that provides retail clients with direct access to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies through a phased rollout. This initiative marked Schwab's initial direct engagement with digital asset ownership, moving beyond just exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and futures-linked products.

Looking ahead, Charles Schwab aims to introduce spot crypto trading, custody, and transfer services for registered investment advisors (RIAs) by mid-2027. This long-term vision indicates a comprehensive approach to digital assets, recognizing their evolving role in the financial landscape. Such strategic moves by traditional finance giants like Schwab highlight a significant shift, echoing sentiments about how blockchain poses a direct threat to traditional finance.

Catering to Diverse Investor Needs

Futures contracts allow investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin's price movements without directly owning the underlying asset. Schwab's offering includes both standard and micro-sized contracts, with CME Micro Bitcoin futures featuring a $0.10 multiplier. This lower barrier to entry makes leveraged Bitcoin exposure more accessible for retail participants who may not meet the capital requirements of full-sized contracts.

James Kostulias, Managing Director and Head of Trading Services at Charles Schwab, emphasized the firm's dedication to expanding its offerings as retail trading evolves. Beyond crypto, the thinkorswim platform update also enhances fractional and notional trading for most U.S. stocks and ETFs, with a minimum investment of just $1. This allows clients to place dollar-based orders directly, simplifying the investment process. The platform also provides expected price range data for marginable securities and supports dividend reinvestment through Schwab Mobile.

Key Takeaways:

• Charles Schwab now offers nearly 24/7 Bitcoin futures trading on thinkorswim.
• This is Schwab's first 24/7 product and part of a broader crypto strategy.
• The firm also provides retail spot crypto access and plans RIA services by mid-2027.
• Both standard and Micro Bitcoin futures contracts are available, lowering entry barriers.