interactive brokers option assignment fee

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Commissions

• Stocks, ETFs and Warrants
• Futures and FOPs
• Spot Currencies
• Fixed Income
• Mutual Funds
• Exchange Incentive Program

North America

Asia-pacific.

Our transparent Tiered pricing for options in US markets includes our low broker commission, which decreases depending on volume, plus exchange and regulatory fees. 1

United States - Smart Routed 2 : Tiered Commissions

United States - NANOS Options on CBOE

United States - Direct Routed

United States - Exchange Fees

United States - Regulatory Fees

United States - Transaction Fees

United States - OCC Clearing Fees

Canada: Tiered Commissions

• IBKR's Tiered commission models are not intended to be a direct pass-through of exchange and third-party fees and rebates. Costs passed on to clients in IBKR’s Tiered commission schedule may be greater than the costs paid by IBKR to the relevant exchange, regulator, clearinghouse or third party. For example, IBKR may receive volume discounts that are not passed on to clients. Likewise, rebates passed on to clients by IBKR may be less than the rebates IBKR receives from the relevant market. For example, IBKR may receive enhanced rebate payments for exceeding volume thresholds on particular markets, but typically will not pass these enhancements directly to clients.
• Access to IB SmartRouting for US Listed Securities is generally available only to IBKR Pro accounts.
• Volumes on both US and Canadian markets contribute to sliding scale.
• The Options Regulatory Fee ("ORF") is charged by the following exchanges: AMEX, BATS, BOX, CBOE, CBOE2, EDGX, EMERALD, ISE, GEMINI, MERCURY, MIAX, NOM, NASDAQBX, PSE, PHLX.
• Fee applies to executions which clear in the "Customer" account with OCC. This will generally include Public Customer and Professional Customer transactions.
• Transaction fees are only charged for sell orders.
• Commissions apply to all order types.
• Commissions are not charged for US exercise and assignment.
• Commissions are not charged for US cabinet buy-to-close trades. This is applicable only when the option minimum tick is > $0.01. Complex orders are excluded.
• IBKR considers exchange fees and/or rebates in determining where to route an order. Under certain circumstances, IBKR may route a marketable order to an exchange that is not currently posting the national best bid or offer (NBBO) but which may be willing to "step up" and execute the order at the NBBO, in order to avoid or reduce the exchange fee for executing the order. If this routing method is used, the client generally will pay a lower execution fee than client would have otherwise paid. In those cases where IBKR routes to an exchange that is not currently posting the NBBO in order to reduce or avoid exchange fees, IBKR will guarantee the client a fill at the NBBO at the time that IBKR routed the order.
• Volume breaks are applied based on monthly cumulative trade volume summed across all options contracts at the time of the trade. Contract volumes for advisor, separate trading limit, and broker accounts are summed across all accounts for the purpose of determining volume breaks. These fees are applied on a marginal basis for a given calendar month. If for example, you execute 12,000 US contracts in a month, your execution costs would be: 10,000 contracts at USD 0.65 2,000 contracts at USD 0.50
• Modified orders will be treated as the cancellation and replacement of an existing order with a new order. On certain exchanges, this may have the effect of subjecting modified orders to commission minimums as if they were new orders. For example, if an order for 200 contracts is submitted and 100 contracts execute, then you modify the order and another 100 contracts execute, a commission minimum would be applied to both 100 contract orders.
• Order minimums will be applied to the individual legs of a COMBO order.

Our transparent Tiered pricing for options includes our low broker commissions, plus exchange, and clearing fees. VAT, also referred to as consumption tax , goods and services tax , where applicable, will be separately applied for eligible services. 1,2

European and Asian Index Options are considered part of the Futures pricing scheme. Volumes are combined with the Futures and FOP trading volume for the tier break consideration. They will not be combined with the monthly volume of stock options when determining commissions. Clients wishing to receive the Tier commissions for European and Asian Index Options must select tiered pricing for Futures & FOPs through Client Portal.

European Stock Options – Single Tier

European Stock Options – Volume Incentive Tiers 4, 5

European Index Options 4

Exchange and Regulatory Fees

• Stamp duty on option exercise (UK=0.5%) is directly passed through to the customer.
• Exchange fees for Swedish options are not used to determine the minimum per order. Exchange fees are passed through in addition to the stated IBKR commissions.
• Note, index options traded under the tiered pricing structure are combined with futures and option on futures trading for volume tiers. They will not be included with the monthly volume of stock options when determining commissions.
• EUR 1.00 per Order
• GBP 1.00 per Order
• CHF 1.35 per Order
• For the purpose of determining the monthly volume tier, each mini stock option contract traded on Euronext Paris will count as 1/10 of the volume of one standard size stock option contract.
• Commissions are charged for exercise and assignment.
• Cost-Plus Tiered pricing available for index options with the exception of index options in Sweden. See futures commissions for more information.
• Modified orders will be treated as the cancellation and replacement of an existing order with a new order. On certain exchanges, this may have the effect of subjecting modified orders to commission minimums as if they were new orders. For example, if an order for 200 contracts is submitted and 100 contracts execute, then you modify the order and another 100 contracts execute, a commission minimum would be applied to both 100 contract orders. Orders that persist overnight will be considered a new order for the purposes of determining order minimums.
• Volume breaks are applied based on monthly cumulative trade volume summed across all options contracts at the time of the trade. Contract volumes for advisor, separate trading limit, and broker accounts are summed across all accounts for the purpose of determining volume breaks. These fees are applied on a marginal basis for a given calendar month. If for example, you execute 12,000 European stock options contracts in a month, your execution costs would be: 8,000 contracts at EUR 1.00 4,000 contracts at EUR 0.70

Our transparent Tiered pricing for options in non-US markets includes our low broker commission, which decreases depending on volume, plus exchange, regulatory and overnight position fees. 1

Australian Index Options – Volume Incentive Tiers 2,3

Tiered plans charge our low broker commissions, decrease based on volume, plus exchange, regulatory, and clearing fees, plus VAT where applicable. In cases where an exchange provides a rebate, we pass some or all of the savings directly back to you. 1

• The cost for exercise/assignments of ASX options will be 0.275 per contract for stock options and 0.75 per contract for index options.
• Index Option volume will be combined with the Future and FOP trading volume for the tier break consideration.
• All exchange and regulatory fees included except for Hong Kong stock options.
• Commissions are not charged for exercise and assignment, except in Australia.
• Tiered pricing available for index options. See futures commissions for more information.
• European and Asian Index Options are available for Cost-Plus Tiered pricing.

Options - Tiered Pricing Structure

URL: www.interactivebrokers.eu/en/index.php?f=

Friday, November 10, 2023

Understanding interactive brokers fees for options trading.

Interactive Brokers is a popular brokerage platform that offers a wide range of options for traders. One of the key factors to consider when trading options is the fees associated with each trade. In this article, we will explore the different fees that Interactive Brokers charges for options trading.

Table of Contents

Commission fees, exchange fees, exercise and assignment fees, margin rates, market data fees, inactivity fees, platform fees.

Interactive Brokers charges a commission fee for each options trade that you make. The commission fee is typically based on a per-contract basis, with different rates depending on the volume of trades you make.

In addition to commission fees, Interactive Brokers also charges exchange fees for options trades. These fees are charged by the exchanges themselves and are passed on to the trader.

If you choose to exercise an option or if your option is assigned, Interactive Brokers may charge fees for these actions. It's important to understand these fees before entering into options trades.

When trading options on Interactive Brokers, it's important to understand the fees associated with exercising and being assigned on an options contract.

Exercise Fees

Interactive Brokers charges a fee for exercising an options contract. The fee varies depending on the type of option being exercised and the currency in which the option is denominated. It's important to check the fee schedule on the Interactive Brokers website to understand the exact fee structure.

Assignment Fees

If you are assigned on an options contract, Interactive Brokers will also charge a fee. The fee varies depending on the type of option and the currency in which the option is denominated. Again, it's important to check the fee schedule to understand the exact fee structure.

Understanding the exercise and assignment fees in Interactive Brokers options trading is essential for managing your costs and making informed trading decisions. Be sure to review the fee schedule and consider these fees when planning your options trading strategy.

Interactive Brokers offers margin accounts for options trading, which allow you to leverage your trades. However, margin rates can vary depending on your account balance and the size of your trades.

Access to real-time market data is essential for successful options trading. Interactive Brokers charges fees for access to market data, which can vary depending on the exchanges you are trading on.

If you do not make any trades on your Interactive Brokers account for a certain period of time, you may be charged inactivity fees. It's important to stay active in your trading to avoid these fees.

Interactive Brokers offers a powerful trading platform for options traders. However, there may be additional fees for accessing certain features or using advanced tools on the platform.

Key Takeaways

• Interactive Brokers charges commission fees for options trades
• Exchange fees are also charged for options trades
• Exercise and assignment fees may apply for options contracts
• Margin rates can vary based on account balance and trade size
• Market data fees are charged for access to real-time data
• Inactivity fees may be applied if no trades are made
• Platform fees may apply for access to advanced tools and features

Q: Can I avoid paying commission fees on options trades?

A: Commission fees are a standard part of options trading with Interactive Brokers, but you can potentially reduce these fees by trading in higher volumes or qualifying for special promotions.

Q: How can I avoid inactivity fees?

A: To avoid inactivity fees, make sure to make at least one trade on your Interactive Brokers account within the specified time period. You can also set up automated trades to stay active.

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Post a comment.

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Commissions below are for U.S. markets. Click each product for full global commissions.

Stocks/etfs.

USD 0.0005 to 0.0035 per share

USD 0 on No Transaction Fee ETFs

USD 0.005 per share

USD 0.15 to 0.65 per contract

USD 0.65 per contract

USD 0.25 to 0.85 per contract

USD 0.85 per contract

Fixed: US-Future and Future Options

Spot Currencies

0.08 to 0.20 basis points × Trade Value per order

Tight spreads as narrow as 1/10 PIP

10 basis points × Face Value per order

View commission details for more information on transaction fees, minimums and maximums.

Disclosures

• Lower investment costs will increase your overall return on investment, but lower costs do not guarantee that your investment will be profitable.
• 1 basis point=0.0001.
• IBKR may change these rates at any time in its sole discretion. Commission rates may also vary by program or arrangement. Restrictions apply. The published rates are for direct clients of IBKR. Clients introduced through another broker or managed by an advisor may pay additional commissions set by their introducing broker or advisor. Clients should contact their introducing broker or advisor about the rates that will apply to their account.

Interactive Brokers Canada Inc. is a member of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) and Member - Canadian Investor Protection Fund . Know Your Advisor: View the CIRO AdvisorReport. Trading of securities and derivatives may involve a high degree of risk and investors should be prepared for the risk of losing their entire investment and losing further amounts. Using borrowed money to finance the purchase of securities involves greater risk than using cash resources only. If you borrow money to purchase securities, your responsibility to repay the loan and pay interest as required by its terms remains the same even if the value of the securities purchased declines. Interactive Brokers Canada Inc. is an order execution-only dealer and does not provide investment advice or recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of any securities or derivatives. Our registered office is located at 1800 McGill College Avenue, Suite 2106, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 3J6, Canada.

Know Your Advisor: View the CIRO AdvisorReport

URL: www.interactivebrokers.ca/en/index.php?f=

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OPEN ACCOUNT

• Start Application
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• Individual, Joint or IRA
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• Institutions Home
• Registered Investment Advisors
• Proprietary Trading Groups
• Hedge Funds
• Introducing Brokers
• Family Offices
• Compliance Officers
• Small Businesses
• Money Managers
• Fund Administrators

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• Margin Rates
• Interest Rates
• Short Sale Cost
• Research and News
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Commissions Options

Minimize Your Costs to Maximize Your Returns*. Low commissions with no added spreads, ticket charges, platform fees, or account minimums.

North America Europe Asia-Pacific

United States

Third Party Fees

Exchange fees.

Regulatory Fees

Options Regulatory Fee (ORF): USD 0.01925 /contract 2,3

Transaction Fees

SEC Transaction Fee: USD 0.000008 * Value of Aggregate Sales 4

FINRA Trading Activity Fee: USD 0.00244 * Quantity Sold

OCC Clearing Fees

Trades of 1-2750 contracts: USD 0.02 /contract

Trades > 2750 contracts: USD 55.00 /trade

United States - Examples

Tiered examples:.

Contract Volume ≤ 10,000 per month:

1 Contract @ USD 2 Premium = USD 1.00 2 Contract @ USD 5 Premium = USD 1.30 3 Contract @ USD 0.075 Premium = USD 1.50 5 Contract @ USD 0.03 Premium = USD 1.25

Contract Volume 10,001 - 50,000 per month:

1 Contract @ USD 2 Premium = USD 1.00 2 Contract @ USD 5 Premium = USD 1.00 3 Contract @ USD 0.075 Premium = USD 1.50 5 Contract @ USD 0.03 Premium = USD 1.25

Contract Volume 50,001 - 100,000 per month:

1 Contract @ USD 2 Premium = USD 1.00 2 Contract @ USD 5 Premium = USD 1.00 5 Contract @ USD 2 Premium = USD 1.25

Contract Volume ≥ 100,001 per month:

1 Contract @ USD 2 Premium = USD 1.00 5 Contract @ USD 5 Premium = USD 1.00 7 Contract @ USD 2 Premium = USD 1.05

NANOS Options on Cboe

Mexico - Example

Fixed examples:.

1 AMXL Contract = MXN 25 1 NAFTRAC Contract = MXN 20 1 QQQQ Contract = MXN 30

• Volumes on both US and Canadian markets contribute to sliding scale.
• The Options Regulatory Fee ("ORF") is charged by the following exchanges: AMEX, BATS, BOX, CBOE, CBOE2, EDGX, EMERALD, ISE, GEMINI, MERCURY, MIAX, MEMX, NOM, NASDAQBX, PSE, PHLX.
• Fee applies to executions which clear in the "Customer" account with OCC. This will generally include Public Customer and Professional Customer transactions.
• Transaction fees are only charged for sell orders.
• Direct routed orders are charged USD 1.00/contract on all option premiums
• Third party clearing, regulatory, and transaction fees are charged on NANOS options on Cboe
• IBKR's Tiered (i.e., commission plus external venue fees/rebates) commission models are not intended to be a direct pass-through of exchange and third-party fees and rebates. Costs passed on to clients in IBKR’s Tiered commission schedule may be greater than the costs paid by IBKR to the relevant exchange, regulator, clearinghouse or third party. For example, IBKR may receive volume discounts that are not passed on to clients. Likewise, rebates passed on to clients by IBKR may be less than the rebates IBKR receives from the relevant market. For example, IBKR may receive enhanced rebate payments for exceeding volume thresholds on particular markets, but typically will not pass these enhancements directly to clients. In certain circumstances, IBKR may receive discounts with respect to third party fees, including exchange and/or clearing fees, that may not pass-through to clients.
• Commissions apply to all order types.
• Commissions are not charged for US exercise and assignment.
• Commissions are not charged for US cabinet buy-to-close trades. This is applicable only when the option minimum tick is > $0.01. Complex orders are excluded.
• IBKR considers exchange fees and/or rebates in determining where to route an order. Under certain circumstances, IBKR may route a marketable order to an exchange that is not currently posting the national best bid or offer (NBBO) but which may be willing to "step up" and execute the order at the NBBO, in order to avoid or reduce the exchange fee for executing the order. If this routing method is used, the client generally will pay a lower execution fee than client would have otherwise paid. In those cases where IBKR routes to an exchange that is not currently posting the NBBO in order to reduce or avoid exchange fees, IBKR will guarantee the client a fill at the NBBO at the time that IBKR routed the order.
• Volume breaks are applied based on monthly cumulative trade volume summed across all options contracts at the time of the trade. Contract volumes for advisor, separate trading limit, and broker accounts are summed across all accounts for the purpose of determining volume breaks. These fees are applied on a marginal basis for a given calendar month. If for example, you execute 12,000 US contracts in a month, your execution costs would be: 10,000 contracts at USD 0.65 2,000 contracts at USD 0.50
• Modified orders will be treated as the cancellation and replacement of an existing order with a new order. On certain exchanges, this may have the effect of subjecting modified orders to commission minimums as if they were new orders. For example, if an order for 200 contracts is submitted and 100 contracts execute, then you modify the order and another 100 contracts execute, a commission minimum would be applied to both 100 contract orders.
• Order minimums will be applied to the individual legs of a COMBO order.
• Non-Trading Permit Holders, non-broker/dealer and professional customers may be eligible for the CBOE Frequent Trader program. Under the program, rebates may be provided on certain CBOE proprietary products. Clients must contact the exchange directly regarding the application and approval process. Once enrolled, clients should notify IBKR by email at [email protected] to ensure their orders are routed with the proper FTID designation. Once enrolled, rebates will be provided directly from the CBOE

* Lower investment costs will increase your overall return on investment, but lower costs do not guarantee that your investment will be profitable.

Interactive Brokers Canada Inc. is a member of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) and Member - Canadian Investor Protection Fund . Know Your Advisor: View the IIROC AdvisorReport. Trading of securities and derivatives may involve a high degree of risk and investors should be prepared for the risk of losing their entire investment and losing further amounts. Using borrowed money to finance the purchase of securities involves greater risk than using cash resources only. If you borrow money to purchase securities, your responsibility to repay the loan and pay interest as required by its terms remains the same even if the value of the securities purchased declines. Interactive Brokers Canada Inc. is an order execution-only dealer and does not provide investment advice or recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of any securities or derivatives. Our registered office is located at 1800 McGill College Avenue, Suite 2106, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 3J6, Canada.

Know Your Advisor: View the IIROC AdvisorReport

URL: www.interactivebrokers.ca/en/index.html?f=

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Unaffiliated subreddit of Interactive Brokers, a popular multinational brokerage firm. It is often best known for its trader workstation, API's, and low margins. It operates the largest electronic trading platform in the U.S. by number of daily average revenue trades. The company brokers stocks, options, futures, EFPs, futures options, forex, bonds, and funds.

IBKR option assignment fee? I got charged $40

Needed help from the IBKR gang! I got charged approx. $40 when my 8.5 CLOV put got assigned. Any reason why?

This was for only 1 contract.

• Best Stock Brokers Best Stock Trading Apps Best Stock Trading Platforms for Beginners Best Paper Trading Platforms Best Day Trading Platforms
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• E*TRADE vs Interactive Brokers Charles Schwab vs Fidelity Merrill Edge vs Fidelity Compare Brokers arrow_right_alt
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Best Stock Trading Apps of 2024

Written by Sam Levine, CFA, CMT Edited by Carolyn Kimball Fact-checked by Steven Hatzakis Reviewed by Blain Reinkensmeyer

Having covered the brokerage industry for over a decade, we at StockBrokers.com have seen stock trading apps evolve from basic watch lists to fully functioning stand-alone trading platforms. Now the focus has shifted to making stock apps easy to use while still offering features that can satisfy the most demanding investors.

To find the best app for stock trading, I compared trading apps from 17 brokers side by side. My testing uncovered some interesting differences in both he user experience and features, which I'll break down below. For example, Merrill Edge’s app takes an entirely different approach to sharing stock data than, say, Interactive Brokers, but Interactive Brokers has three apps to choose from.

Why you can trust StockBrokers.com

Since 2009, we've helped over 20 million visitors research, compare, and choose an online broker. Our writers have collectively placed thousands of trades over their careers. Here's how we test .

Best Stock Trading Apps

Here are the online brokers with the best apps for trading in 2024.

• E*TRADE - Best for Casual Traders
• Fidelity - Best App for Investors and Beginners
• Charles Schwab - Best for Traders
• Merrill Edge - Best App for Stock Research
• Firstrade - Best for Chinese-Speaking Investors
• Webull - Excellent Charts

Best Overall

Mobile trading with Interactive Brokers is well-supported across all devices. From lightning-quick streaming data to full-featured order entry and portfolio management, Interactive Brokers includes everything professionals require in three different high-performing apps. Read full review

• Astounding array of customizable tools
• Allows trading in foreign markets
• Convenient apps for individual investors
• Restrictive trading permissions
• Main platforms might feel cold

New clients, special margin rates.

Best for Casual Traders

In our 2024 Annual Awards, E*TRADE once again ranked among the best because its apps are easy to use and feature-rich. Our recommendation: use E*TRADE mobile for stock trading and Power E*TRADE Mobile for options trading. Read full review

• Watch lists are the best in the business
• Smooth mobile navigation
• High-quality high-net-worth Morgan Stanley proprietary research
• Cryptocurrencies not currently available
• Margin rates are high compared to other brokers

Best App for Investors and Beginners

Fidelity’s mobile experience is cleanly designed, bug-free and delivers a phenomenal experience for investors. Fidelity’s investing app is excellent for everyday investors, while novices will appreciate Bloom and Spire. Read full review

• Excellent research and mobile app
• Top-notch education
• Decades of reliable client service
• No dedicated mobile app for active trading

Best for Traders

With the addition of TD Ameritrade's thinkorswim platforms and the enhancement of several features, Schwab is now a vigorous competitor with thought-provoking research and commentary and a client experience to fit any preference. Read full review

• TD Ameritrade’s excellent thinkorswim trading platforms now available
• Trading-friendly app and browser enhancements
• Exceptional high net worth services
• No cryptocurrency trading
• Mutual fund fees are complex

Best App for Stock Research

Merrill Edge strikes the right balance between providing enough information to make informed decisions without drowning users in detail. Its easy-to-use mobile app is a particular winner for existing Bank of America customers. Read full review

• Portfolio Story, Dynamic Insights, and the Stock and Fund Stories are groundbreaking features
• High-quality proprietary research
• Some site elements slow to load
• No crypto, futures, forex or penny stocks

Best for Chinese-Speaking Investors

Firstrade scored well for penny stock trading in our 2024 Annual Awards, and is a great choice for Chinese-speaking investors. However, it lags behind the competition in certain areas, especially platforms, tools and education. Read full review

• Excellent for Chinese-speaking investors
• Has bolstered its options education and trading capabilities
• Easy-to-use mobile app
• Trading platform and tools trail industry leaders
• Investor education is thin

Excellent Charts

Webull is an excellent choice for beginning and intermediate traders. The user experience is outstanding, and Webull has better charts than its natural competitor, Robinhood. Options contracts are commission-free, but crypto markups and markdowns are on the high side. Experienced investors may eventually miss the features, research, and investment choices available at leading brokers. Read full review

• Terrific user experience across all devices
• Zero-cost option trading
• 44 cryptocurrencies
• Limited investment options
• 1% markups and markdowns on crypto trades

compare_arrows Compare trading platforms head-to-head

Use the broker comparison tool to compare over 150 different account features and fees.

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Winners Summary

Best overall - interactive brokers.

Interactive Brokers offers three mobile apps to retail investors, and I tried out stock trades on all three. Each has a unique focus. I prefer the IBKR Mobile flagship app for its extensive features, but beginners might appreciate the other two apps, as they are much easier to use. The Impact app focuses on ESG (environmental, social and governance) investing. Global stock investors will find a very friendly experience on the Global Trader app. Though I found the stock trading on Impact and Global Trader to be very similar, I also enjoyed using Global Trader to speculate in foreign currency, even if it was only a few dollars. Read review .

Interactive Brokers apps gallery

Best for casual traders - E*TRADE

What stands out to me about E*TRADE apps is, first, how clearly everything is labeled and, second, the responsiveness. E*TRADE Mobile and Power E*TRADE Mobile are quick, clear, and feature-rich and won’t scare novice traders into giving up and just buying CDs. I prefer E*TRADE Mobile for monitoring market news and doing deep stock research dives. Power E*TRADE Mobile does a better job with chart-driven day trading. Read review .

E*TRADE stock trading apps gallery

A demo of E*TRADE Mobile, the broker’s more beginner-friendly mobile app.

Best app for investors and beginners - Fidelity

I found that Fidelity’s mobile experience is cleanly designed, bug-free, and delivers comprehensive research and market insights in an easy-to-navigate format. Fido’s app will satisfy almost every long-term investor, but I think its logical layout makes it easier for beginning investors to find useful insights into the markets and their holdings. Read review .

Fidelity app gallery

Best for traders - Charles Schwab

Schwab’s mobile suite should satisfy everyone except for the most active professionals and a few highly specialized traders. There’s Schwab Mobile for occasional and long-term investors and, new for this year, thinkorswim mobile for active traders. Though I’m happy to use either Power E*TRADE or thinkorswim, I lean toward thinkorswim personally because I prefer the layout. Read review .

Best app for stock research - Merrill Edge

Merrill has a unique way of presenting stock information that makes the former investment analyst/advisor in me very happy. Edge’s Story format delivers what I think clients absolutely need to know before they make an investment. For existing Bank of America customers, the universal account access and functionality make the app an easy winner. Read review .

What are some tips for choosing the best stock trading app?

Now that almost all stock apps offer free stock trading , we recommend comparing other features to choose the best stock trading app. The most widely used stock app features are watch lists, stock charts, and order tickets, so make sure those are great. To help readers, we include full screenshots of each stock trading app in our broker reviews .

Fun fact: Not all stock trading apps offer real-time streaming quotes. Instead, some apps only refresh stock quotes every few seconds or longer. Watch lists aside, apps like TradeStation's and Charles Schwab's thinkorswim provide excellent stock chart tools and stock alerts functionality. Both brokers offer traders access to several hundred technical indicators in addition to endless customization options.

What is the best stock trading app?

The best stock trading apps for 2024, based on our extensive, hands-on app testing, are:

• Interactive Brokers - Best Overall

What is the best stock trading app for beginners?

For beginners in 2024, the best stock trading apps are Fidelity and Charles Schwab . Between the two brokers, Schwab has the edge for educational resources and trading tools. Meanwhile, Fidelity stands out for ease of use.

What app allows you to practice stock trading?

Several mobile apps allow you to practice stock trading without risking real money — also called paper trading . Here are our top brokers with simulated trading:

• Webull - Best for beginners
• Charles Schwab - Best for complex trading layouts
• Interactive Brokers - Best for foreign investing
• E*TRADE - Best for new options traders
• TradeStation - A window into automated trading
• eToro - The herd is the word

Are stock trading apps safe?

Trading apps from established U.S. based brokerage firms are safe against theft and broker insolvency. Brokers in the United States are among the highest-regulated financial service providers in the world. They go to enormous lengths to protect your privacy and you are protected against the loss of cash and securities by the Security Investors Protection Corporation if, for some reason your broker is financially distressed (up to $500,000 in securities and $250,000 in cash per customer). Many brokers buy additional coverage to insure even larger amounts.

Remember, SIPC insurance does not cover against losing money from your investments going down. Your investing decisions will play a far bigger part than the risk of fraud or theft in determining whether your portfolio is safe.

How do I buy shares of stock on my phone?

Follow these steps to make a mobile stock purchase. There may be minor variations between brokers for these steps.

• Open an account with a broker . Most brokers have no minimum deposit or investment minimum, so you can try them out for free. See our top picks above.
• Once you have opened an account with a broker, deposit money . Some give instant credit for deposits via e-checks.
• Choose a stock . You may have to search for its symbol. Once you have it, there will be a “trade” or “buy” and “sell” buttons. Tap “buy.”
• Select the number of shares or dollar amount you want to buy .
• Choose either a market order or a limit order . A limit order specifies the maximum you are willing to pay for the stock.
• Select time in force , either for the day, or good-until-canceled.
• Hit confirm , check for any errors, then send the trade.

Can I start trading with $100?

Yes. Nowadays, most online brokers require no minimum deposit to open an account, commission-free stock and ETF trades, as well as the availability of fractional shares. As a result, new traders can start trading with a small investment such as $100.

To compare features and pricing, use our online broker comparison tool .

Our Research

Why you should trust us.

Sam Levine, CFA, CMT , the lead writer for StockBrokers.com, has over 30 years of investing experience and actively trades stocks, ETFs, options, futures, and options on futures. He's held roles as a portfolio manager, financial consultant, investment strategist and journalist. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and the Chartered Market Technician (CMT) designations and served on the board of directors of the CMT Association.

Blain Reinkensmeyer , head of research at StockBrokers.com, has been investing and trading for over 25 years. After having placed over 2,000 trades in his late teens and early 20s, he became one of the first in digital media to review online brokerages. Blain created the original scoring rubric for StockBrokers.com and oversees all testing and rating methodologies.

For this guide:

• We used our own brokerage accounts for testing. For several brokers, we also used test accounts that were provided to us.
• We collected 450 data points (25 per broker).
• We took over 200 app screenshots.
• We tested each online broker's mobile app (or apps, for those brokers offering more than one).
• Our editorial team met with the product teams of nine online brokers.

How we tested

For this guide to the best stock apps, we thoroughly tested key features including the availability and quality of watch lists, charting, real-time and streaming quotes, stock alerts, and educational resources, among other variables. We also look for a fluid user experience moving between mobile and desktop platforms, where offered. Our writers maintained active, funded online brokerage accounts for testing. In certain circumstances, a demo account was provided by the broker.

StockBrokers.com uses a variety of computing devices to evaluate trading platforms. Our reviews were conducted using the following devices: iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, MacBook Pro M1 with 8 GB RAM running the current MacOS, and a Dell Vostro 5402 laptop i5 with 8 GB RAM running Windows 11 Pro. In testing platforms and apps, our reviewers place actual trades for a variety of instruments.

As part of our data check process, we sent a data profile link to each broker summarizing the data we had on file and the data they provided us last year, with a field for entering any data that had since changed. For the brokers that filled out these profiles, we audited the information for any discrepancies between our data and the broker’s data to ensure accuracy.

As part of our review process, all brokers had the opportunity to provide updates and key milestones in a live meeting that took place in the fall. Meetings with broker teams also took place throughout the year as new products rolled out. Insights gathered from these calls helped steer our testing efforts to ensure every feature and tool was assessed.

Trading platforms tested

• Ally Invest review
• Charles Schwab review
• eToro review
• E*TRADE review
• Fidelity Investments review
• Firstrade review
• Interactive Brokers review
• J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing review
• Merrill Edge review
• Public.com review
• Robinhood review
• SoFi Invest review
• tastytrade review
• TradeStation review
• Tradier review
• Vanguard review
• Webull review

» Looking for forex trading apps? See our picks for best forex trading apps on our sister site, ForexBrokers.com.

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Popular stock broker reviews, about the editorial team.

Sam Levine has over 30 years of experience in the investing field as a portfolio manager, financial consultant, investment strategist and writer. He also taught investing as an adjunct professor of finance at Wayne State University. Sam holds the Chartered Financial Analyst and the Chartered Market Technician designations and is pursuing a master's in personal financial planning at the College for Financial Planning. Previously, he was a contributing editor at BetterInvesting Magazine and a contributor to The Penny Hoarder and other media outlets.

Carolyn Kimball is managing editor for Reink Media and the lead editor for the StockBrokers.com Annual Review. Carolyn has more than 20 years of writing and editing experience at major media outlets including NerdWallet, the Los Angeles Times and the San Jose Mercury News. She specializes in coverage of personal financial products and services, wielding her editing skills to clarify complex (some might say befuddling) topics to help consumers make informed decisions about their money.

Steven Hatzakis is the Global Director of Research for ForexBrokers.com. Steven previously served as an Editor for Finance Magnates, where he authored over 1,000 published articles about the online finance industry. Steven is an active fintech and crypto industry researcher and advises blockchain companies at the board level. Over the past 20 years, Steven has held numerous positions within the international forex markets, from writing to consulting to serving as a registered commodity futures representative.

Blain Reinkensmeyer has 20 years of trading experience with over 2,500 trades placed during that time. He heads research for all U.S.-based brokerages on StockBrokers.com and is respected by executives as the leading expert covering the online broker industry. Blain’s insights have been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and the Chicago Tribune, among other media outlets.

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13 Best Professional Options Trading Software in India 2024

Table of Contents

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Summary: If you want to get started with options trading, you will need the right software. We have researched and created a list of the top options trading tools to help you make informed buy and sell decisions and optimize your profits.

Options are a type of contract whose price depends on an underlying asset like bonds and currencies. This asset class category has gained huge popularity in recent years.

With a brokerage investment account, the bearer may buy (call option) or sell (put option) an amount of the asset (like a stock) at a pre-negotiated cost by the last date of contract expiry. However, there are no losses incurred if you choose not to buy. 

Best 5 Brokers for Option Trading

• Overall Best Trading Platform for Options: E*Trade
• Best Broker for Low-Cost Options Trading: Interactive Brokers
• Best for Mobile Options: IQ Option Trader
• Best for Advance Trading: TD Ameritrade
• Best for Newbies: Olymp Trade

What is Options Trading Software?

Options Trading software provides precise information to investors for making profitable trading decisions based on market changes and via option analysis. They can buy and sell options online from anywhere in the world. Additionally, the options trading platform provides real-time analytics and quotes, charting and other custom trade functions.

With options trading tools, investors can decide when to trade and how much after considering the risk. For example, if you want to buy later when you think the value of an asset will increase, you can lock in a price called strike price for future purchases.

Further, real-time analysis helps traders make correct investment decisions. Also, the option analysis software provides tracking, probability calculations, risk management, 3-D charting, real-time quotes, profit/loss analysis, volatility analysis and more.

13 Best Options Trading Software for Beginners in 2024

Here are some of the best option trading platforms in India that you can consider for option and other stock trading.

E*TRADE Options Analysis Platform (For Foreign Stocks)

E*TRADE is one of the first US-based brokerages founded in 1982 and is regulated by financial authorities such as Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for safety. Moreover, it is great for beginners who want to get into options trading.

E*Trade provides learning materials to learn options trading. It has a user-friendly interface that is intuitive for both casual and active traders. In addition, there are recommendations for future key events, tools like StrategySEEK for screening and LiveAction for scanning, among others.

E*TRADE Pros and Cons

• Low trading fees (only per contract fee)
• Advanced mobile trading platforms for different trading styles
• Prebuilt portfolio for quick investments
• Position management (real-time streaming Greeks, risk analysis, custom grouping, and others
• Simple Risk/Reward translation (with Snapshot Analysis tool)
• Third-party research reports and ratings
• Library-based educational content with archived recordings.
• Only US markets, no foreign exchange (forex) market
• Absence of live broadcasting
• Only bank transfer option available

Minimum Account Balance:  None. There is no inactivity or account fee.  

E*TRADE Charges/Fees:  Options contract fee is INR 47.28 per contract and INR 36.37 per contract for merchants who execute at least 30 trades per quarter.

Why Choose E*TRADE?

ETRADE stands out as the top options broker for multiple reasons. Its investor education tools are top-notch, offering valuable resources for traders to enhance their knowledge. In fact, this options analysis software is a viable option for those looking to trade options, as it charges zero commission fees on US listed stocks, ETFs, and options.

Additionally, its Market Insights feature provides users with a comprehensive understanding of their target market, which is essential for successful trading.

TradeStation – Desktop-Based Options Platform

TradeStation is a stockbroker founded in 1982 and designed by traders. It is a popular choice among active or intermediate-level traders. Moreover, traders can choose TS Go for trades via mobile and Web or standard TS Select account for full access via the desktop platform.

For TS select users, it helps design, test, monitor, and automate custom trading strategies for options. TS Go users can create custom watch lists and view chart patterns without creating an account.

It is one of the best technical analysis software as it offers several technical indicators to help you trade profitably. In addition, there is a trading simulator to test-drive new strategies in real-time and customization options to highlight the most relevant data.

TradeStation Pros and Cons

• Great statistical modeling and technical analysis tools
• High-quality educational tools
• Comprehensive research
• Analytics to optimize trading strategies (with Portfolio Maestro)
• High uptime despite surges in trading volume
• Access to a community of active traders.
• No international trading
• The steep learning curve for deposit and withdrawal
• Customer service could be better.

Minimum Account Balance:  INR 0 to INR 1,45,482 based on account type  

TradeStation Charges/Fees:  For Stock options, it is INR 43.64 per contract (TS Select) and INR 36.37 per contract (TS Go). However, for Futures options, the charge is INR 109.11 per contract, per side.

Why Choose TradeStation?

TradeStation is a leading stock management platform that stands out for its trader-centric approach. This option software offers advanced tools for creating and testing unique trading strategies. It also provides choices for mobile and web-based trading.

Also, its customizable features, trading simulator, and chart pattern viewing make it an excellent choice for active and intermediate traders.

Suggested Read: Top Nifty Buy Sell Signal Software for Indian Stock Market

TD Ameritrade Options Trading Tool

TD Ameritrade was founded in 1975 for derivatives-focused (like options) active traders, both professional and inexperienced. Moreover, the navigation is highly dependent on the chosen platform-specific website, mobile apps, and thinkorswim platform.

The data, charting, and several tools assist in finding market opportunities. While educational tutorials help investors grow their skills. There are Level II quotes, customizable screeners, market heat maps, backtesting capabilities, and other capabilities for making the right options trading decisions.

TD Ameritrade Pros and Cons

• Offers a desktop trading platform with advanced features (Thinkorswim platform)
• Well-designed mobile apps to quickly access balance history, positions, and the like
• Unlimited streaming of real-time data
• Automated portfolio building
• Money transfer options like credit/debit cards and electronic wallets unavailable
• Navigation is difficult due to extensive content and tools.

Minimum Account Balance:  A deposit of INR 1,45,482 is necessary to avail margin and certain options privileges.  

TD Ameritrade Charges/Fees:  INR 47.28 per contract fee for options trades. However, there is no exercise or assignment fee.

Why Choose TD Ameritrade?

TD Ameritrade is a great choice for option trading due to its wide variety of investments and commission-free exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Also, it allows options trading with no deposit minimums or hidden fees.

Additionally, TD Ameritrade provides access to in-depth data and news from sources like Morningstar & TheStreet, which assists traders in creating custom strategies for investments.

Try Now: Stock Market Software | CryptoCurrency Exchange Software | Financial Management Software

Charles Schwab – Unique Order Type for Foreign Options Stocks

Charles Schwab was founded by an American investor and financial executive of the same name. Moreover, the options trading broker’s platform works well for beginners, advanced professionals and those dependent on premium research.

Also this option analysis software offers three platforms- StreetSmart Edge, Schwab.com, and StreetSmart Central. In addition, there are two mobile apps, namely, Schwab Mobile and StreetSmart Mobile.

The desktop platform, StreetSmart Edge is fully customizable and focused on option traders. In fact, traders can view options chains, monitor/ track orders, analyze charts, place orders with auto-adjustable limits, and more with this option analysis software.

Charles Schwab Pros and Cons

• Several levels of customization and personalization options
• Portfolio Builder tool for diverse financial goals, risk tolerances and time
• Multi-layer encryption technology for mobile.
• Limitation on available margin
• Low base interest rate.

Minimum Account Balance:  To start using the Charles Shwab account, a minimum of INR 72,741 is needed.

Charles Schwab Charges/Fees:  The charge is INR 47.28 per contract for new and existing clients in this option software.

Why Choose Charles Schwab?

Charles Schwab is an ideal choice for beginners and advanced level traders with its well-rounded offerings. This option prediction tool offers a unique set of advantages for option trading.

Most importantly, it charges zero percent commission on limited stocks and EFTs and there is no hidden fees policy. You will also get access to the Robo advisor to manage your portfolio. In addition, Charles Schwab offers expert advice and support to help traders maximize their potential profits.

Interactive Brokers for Professional Options Traders Outside India

Interactive Brokers is a customizable and user-friendly platform for options trading in NSE of India and international markets. Also, users can create their Mosaic layouts, and links to frequently used tools are saved for easy access.

This option trading analysis software is best for international trading with low margin rates. Interactive Brokers Lite is suitable for casual traders, while the pro version is catered towards experienced traders and investors. Choices like charting and scanners are available to both Lite and Pro users of this option prediction tool.

Interactive Brokers Pros and Cons

• Smart order router for optimal execution
• Portfolio Checkup for a visual representation of portfolio over time
• Advanced features on a mobile app like 2-factor authentication
• High forex fees
• Data streaming is allowed on one device at once.

Minimum Account Balance:  None. This was recently done to attract more customers.

Interactive Brokers Charges/Fees:  The fee is INR 47.28 per contract for options trading.

Why Choose Interactive Brokers?

Choose Interactive Brokers for a strong investment platform that provides a diverse set of assets such as stocks, options, futures, currency, cryptocurrencies, bonds, and funds.

Additionally, the option software also provides 150+ worldwide market access, research reports, tools, calculators, and instructional materials in various languages through a single account.

eOption for Low-Cost Options Screening in Foreign Stock Market

eOption is a global online financial trading platform that enables traders to access, trade, and check the status of options, Stocks, and ETFs. Additionally, it is targeted at active options traders who want a low commission and fast execution of their strategies.

The layout makes navigation simple, and the drag-and-drop feature enables an easy setup. It is one of the best option trading tools that comes with integrated market data to ensure comprehensive financial research before trade executions. Personal information is secured through SSL encryption in PC and mobile platforms.

eOption Pros and Cons

• Several indicators and screening tools
• Auto Trading for executing trade alerts
• Profit & Loss (P&L) Performance.
• Limited educational content
• No international offerings or forex trading.

Minimum Account Balance:  None. INR 1,818,525 equity within 60 days for international accounts.

eOption Charges/Fees:  The per-contract fee is just INR 7.27. However, there is an additional charge of INR 144.75 per trade.

Why Choose eOption?

eOption is a great option for those who wish to choose from diverse investment products such as equities, ETFs, options, mutual funds, and fixed-income securities.

The platform provides extensive strategy scanning capabilities and ensures commission-free trading. It also provides live expert support to help you reach your trading goals.

Tastyrade (Formerly Tastyworks) – Supports Mobile Options Trading

Established in 2017, Tastytrade is targeted at active traders and is the brokerage companion to Tastytrade. It offers Web, mobile, and desktop platforms.

Several tools for analyzing and trading options are present on the platform. Additionally, there are also choices for portfolio checking, reading Tastytrade news, know what other traders are up to.

Users can customize color, chart settings, font sizes, and the like. In addition, there are great educational and research materials to improve the trading efficiency of traders.

Tastytrade Pros and Cons

• Streaming real-time quotes
• Huge library of pre-recorded videos and shows to understand software features.
• Built-in key analytics for managing trade tickets
• No demo or paper trading account for beginners
• No credit/debit card deposit options.

Minimum Account Balance: INR 1,45,482 to gain margin privileges for buying.

Tastytrade Charges/Fees: INR 72.74 per contract. A maximum of INR 727.41 per leg can be charged for options trades.

Why Choose Tastytrade?

Tastytrade focuses on derivatives such as options, futures options and futures for professional traders. Moreover, it provides features like curve analysis and Quick order adjustment for making fast and easy changes to your trades.

Additionally, Tastytrade offers multiple trading options, including stocks, options, futures, and now even cryptos.

Tradier Brokerage – Facilitates Low-Cost Options Trading Outside India

Tradier Brokerage is a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)-registered equity and options trading software founded in 2012. Account settings for management and market data are based in the cloud. It works best for active and experienced traders.

Traders can attach their brokerage account to a third-party platform like Orion Multi Trader, Stockstotrade, Esignal, 1Option, among others. In addition, the option software has partnered with educators to help traders improve their financial and investing knowledge.

Tradier Brokerage Pros and Cons

• Paper trading and Sandbox building mode for customization
• Real-time market data
• Affordable margin rates
• Too many features can be confusing
• Certain securities require a phone for trading.

Minimum Account Balance:  There is an inactivity fee for international accounts and those with less than INR 1,45,482 and two trades per year.

Tradier Brokerage Charges/Fees:  INR 25.46 per contract.

Why Choose Tradier Brokerage?

Tardier Brokerage offers a variety of tools, such as paper trading and real time data, which let traders gain valuable knowledge and experience in the options market. Also, Tradier ensures low margin rates, allowing traders to maximize their capital.

Furthermore, it supports seamless integration with third-party brokerage accounts, so users can manage their investments from a single platform.

Suggested Read: Top Swing Trading Apps in India

Zerodha Sensibull – Free Options Trading Advice with Free and Virtual Money

Zerodha Sensibull is India’s first options trading platform. Moreover, it combines features of a strategy engine with the trading platform that allows execution of the strategy.

This best option trading software in India is available in Free (14 days), Lite and Pro versions. The Lite plan is suitable for beginners, while the pro version is suited for professionals.

Traders can compare options, Get P&L and Greeks in real-time, generate multileg strategies, analyze multiple positions at once, among other choices. Furthermore, users receive data like volatility, risk, and profit/loss potential with the option chain analysis software before trading.

Additionally, with Zerodha Strategy Builder, you can also create and test your own trading strategies.

Zerodha Sensibull Pros and Cons

• Execution of complex strategy simpler
• Foreign Institutional Investors (FII) market data
• Event calendar for trades with risk notifications
• Option Chain with good visualization
• Reward and risk-based filtering is not available

Minimum Account Balance:  Lite at INR 480 per month and Pro at INR 640 per month.

Zerodha Sensibull Charges/Fees:  Only pay the normal brokerage.

Why Choose Zerodha Sensibull?

Zerodha Sensibull provides traders with a robust platform that includes unique tools such as Option Analyst, Futures Conversion, and Event notifications.

Zerodha Sensibull also provides Option Chain and FII Data for the overview of the market and to keep track of institutional investor movements. It is one of the best software for trading, as it also includes tutorials to understand different strategies and tactics for trading.

Opstra – Best Application for Option Trading and Strategy Builder

Opstra is an options analysis platform that helps traders in building strategies. It comes with numerous tools for traders to discover, analyze and track options trading opportunities.

It provides an option strategy builder online. Moreover, traders can back-test their option trading strategies on the live market with virtual money. In addition, there are resources to gain an in-depth understanding of options basics, options strategies, options greeks, and more.

Opstra Pros and Cons

• Options algorithm for better trading
• Provides volatility skew analysis
• Offers open Interest charts
• Results calendar of Indian FNO Stocks
• It has a steep learning curve.
• It only supports stocks and exchange-traded funds trading.

Minimum Account Balance:  Aside from a free plan, traders can go for an INR 1000 per month subscription for the pro plan.

Optra Charges/Fees:  Opstra options trading software’s paid plan starts at INR 1300 per month.

Why Choose Opstra?

Opstra is an excellent choice for traders looking for thorough trading experience that does not break the bank. Additionally, it offers a free-to-use segment for F&O, CDS, and MCX trading with an up-to-date results calendar, intuitive dashboard designs, and advanced options tracking capabilities.

Optstra also provides users with powerful analytics tools like Option Algorithms and Open Interest Analysis to identify trends and analyze risk levels.

IQ Option Trader Mobile Options Trading Platform

IQ Option trader is a regulated online trading platform founded in 2013. It is best suited for contract for difference (CFD) trading and binary options.

This trading analysis software offers several tools like economic calendars, stock screeners, multi-chart layouts, volatility alerts and more. Traders can choose from 49 different options.

The proprietary mobile app has all the features of the desktop version. Additionally, the interface is user-friendly and intuitive. The iOS version adheres to all the latest trading rules by Apple.

IQ Option Trader Pros and Cons

• It offers multiple deposit options
• Offers Technical indicators to identify the most profitable stocks.
• Supports 13 languages
• Limits binary options trading.

Minimum Account Balance:  A minimum deposit of INR 727.41 is required.

IQ Option Trader Charges/Fees:  The overnight fee for IQ Options Trader is 0.01 percent to 0.03 percent. However, it depends on the face value.

Why Choose IQ Option?

IQ Option is a top choice for modern traders due to its reasonable spreads and fast support. It provides options trading for professional accounts, as well as built-in trading tools, technical indicators, and different deposit options.

Furthermore, its exclusive mobile app and multiple language support make it a convenient and accessible choice for traders around the world.

Olymp Trade Platform – Best for Risk-free Options Trading Practice

Olymp Trade is an international options analysis software founded in 2014 that offers forex, CFDs and digital options trading. There are customized strategies, analytics, news, and more for all kinds of traders.

In addition, users can get tips and experience from professional analysts and expert traders. This options analysis software has a special training account to help users trade without risking their funds.

The user can register to receive 10,000 currency units and practice. Then, when a trader is ready, he/ she can switch to a live account, deposit actual funds, and start trading.

Olymp Trade Pros and Cons

• 30+ technical indicators to identify the most profitable stocks.
• Optimization for mobile viewing
• Web-based, no installation and downloads required.
• Not regulated
• No choice for automation of strategies

Minimum Account Balance:  A minimum deposit of INR 727.41 is needed.

Olymp Trade Charges/Fees:  Brokerage fee lies between 0.8 to 15% of the total investment.

Why Choose Olymp Trade?

Olymp Trading is an excellent choice for investors due to its low minimum deposit and access to a sample account. It also includes a multitude of educational materials such as analyst assistance, webinar sessions, and economic calendars.

The platform provides a diverse range of assets to trade, including key currency pairings, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and significant company stocks.

Quantsapp is a cutting-edge trading platform that provides traders with a variety of advanced capabilities. Also, Quantsapp’s innovative algorithm gives users a one-of-a-kind options strategy builder that can produce over 250 million combinations to identify the best trading strategy.

Furthermore, Quantsapp supports pair trading, allowing users to identify high probability pair trades, backtest them, and save them for future use. You can experience options analysis software capabilities and optimize your options trading techniques like never before.

Quantsapp Pros and Cons

• Handful of tools to help you with trading
• Unique option strategy builder
• Various educational courses, webinars, and articles are available
• Premium features seem quite expensive
• Lacks risk management tool

Minimum Account Balance: N/A

Quantsaapp Charges and Fees: Quantsapp options trading software’s paid plan starts at Rs 3250 per month.

Why Choose Quantsapp?

Quantsapp trading software offers an all-in-one solution for traders with daily market update notifications, and a wealth of exclusive learning articles for options trading. It also provides a wide range of free and paid trading tools, and the ability to share data points and strategies with friends.

It is a comprehensive platform that caters to traders’ needs, providing valuable insights and resources to enhance their trading strategies and stay ahead in the market.

Key Features of Great Options Trading Platform to Use

Any great Options Trading Platform will come with features like advanced charting tools, automated trading, and real time market data analysis to help you trade profitably. Here are some other core features of an options trading software:

Option chains with data streaming in real-time.

Get deeper insights from profit and loss (P&L) or probability charts directly from the option chain. P&L charts are useful for analyzing an option trade theoretically. Users can also view a P&L summary within the chain.

Greeks are the measure of sensitivity to the metric changes in the market. Several available Greeks (like delta, gamma, theta) can be viewed while analyzing an option chain for an open option position. Moreover, their values can be streamed with data in real-time.

Automatically fill in a trade ticket and easily roll an option position to the next relative contract expiration.

Probability analysis tool to calculate probability and analyze hypothetical open positions with a customizable probability histogram or chart.

Analyze the value of an active option position with respect to simultaneous changes in factors like stock/ asset price, date, and volatility.

You can group option positions on metrics like vertical, covered call, and more. You can enter and exit positions quickly to reduce the risk.

Options screener to evaluate options and generate a list of potential trading ideas depending on chart patterns.

Suggested Read: Best Technical Analysis Software for Stock Trading in India

Advantages & Disadvantages of Options Trading

The purpose of options trading varies as per the investor’s goal. Options offer many advantages like added recurring income and protection against the declining stock market. Another benefit of options trading is the high return potential with less risk. 

However, options trading involves certain risks that every investor must know before making a trade. For example, options trading often involves lower liquidity with a higher commission of options brokers. Also, its premium value decreases with time. 

Given the increasing investors’ interest and the complex nature of options trading, there are multiple option trading tools.

Conclusion: Which Options Trading Analysis Software is Better

Option trading tools can provide you with the relevant information to make profitable trading decisions depending upon the market changes. With it, you can buy and sell Options from any location globally.

If you are also searching for the best software for trading, you can consider options like E*TRADE, TradeStation, Interactive Brokers, and Tastyworks. Before deciding upon any software, make sure it fits in your budget and offers all the features that you need for trading.

FAQs Related to Options Trading Analysis Software

What is the minimum amount required for options trading.

The minimum amount for buying an option is the premium prevailing in the market combined with brokerage and other charges for at least one lot. The number of shares in a lot are variable. For selling, you need margin money in your account, depending on your broker and exchange. The premium obtained will depend on the future for an option seller.

Where can you practice options trading?

Traders should be well trained as options trading is quite difficult. You can practice options trading on simulator platforms like Trade Station Mobile, E-Trade, Investopedia, among others.

Is there any free options trading software?

There are several options trading software like Gatsby, Quantsapp, Sensibull and Robinhood that helps users start options trading with no minimum money in the account.

Is Robinhood a good platform for options trading?

Robinhood is a good platform to start with options trading, especially for mobile. Options trading for investors on Robinhood comes with no commission, exercise fee, per-contract fee, or assignment fee. In addition, you can explore more options trading platforms with features like customizable charts and faster real-time response once you have a basic understanding.

Which is the best software for trading options?

E*TRADE is a market leader in option trading software, providing a user-friendly platform with advanced options trading capabilities such as options chains, options analytics, and options strategies.

What trading software do professionals use?

Different professionals use different softwares according to their taste. However, the most common softwares used for advanced option trading are TD Ameritrade, E*Trade, Tastytrade.

Ayushee is currently pursuing MBA Business Analytics from SCMHRD, Pune with a strong background in Electronics and Communication Engineering from IGDTUW. She has 2 plus years of full-time work experience as an SEO content writer and a Technology Journalist with a keen interest the amalgamation of business and... Read more

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Commissions Options Asia-Pacific

COMMISSIONS

Minimize Your Costs to Maximize Your Returns*. Low commissions with no added spreads, ticket charges, platform fees, or account minimums.

Index Options

Stock Options

Australia - Third Party Fees

Australia - Examples

1 ASX-listed Contract = AUD 2.00

1 Index Option = IBKR Execution Fee AUD 1.50 + Exchange Fee AUD 0.45 = AUD 1.95

MCH Options

Hong Kong - Examples

1 Index Option = HKD 30.00

India - Third Party Fees

N225 Options 7

N225 Mini Options 9

Japan - Third Party Fees

Japan - examples.

1 Stock Option (TSEJ) Contract = JPY 90

• SGD Denominated
• USD Denominated

Singapore - Examples

Fixed example:.

1 Option (NIFTY) Contract = USD 2.85

South Korea

South Korea - Examples

10 Contracts @ KRW 0.75 Premium (100,000 Multiplier) = KRW 1,500

• Asian Index Options are considered part of the Futures pricing scheme. Volumes are combined with the Futures and FOP trading volume for the tier break consideration. They will not be combined with the monthly volume of stock options when determining commissions. Clients wishing to receive the Tier commissions for European and Asian Index Options must select tiered pricing for Futures & FOPs through Client Portal.
• The cost for exercise/assignments of ASX options will be 0.275 per contract for stock options and 0.75 per contract for index options.
• For all exercise and assignments standard stock commissions apply plus Stock Exchange Options Clearing House (SEOCH) fee of HKD 2.00 per exercised stock option contracts.

Tier 3 Stock options are options with the following underlyings: 3, 23, 151, 241, 267, 293, 386, 390, 489, 728, 788, 902, 939, 998, 1186, 1359, 1398, 1772, 1800, 1833, 1898, 1918, 1988, 2007, 2202, 2282, 2333, 2600, 2800, 3323, 3328, 3333, 3988, 9626.

• For first 100 lots. Portion of order above 100 lots will be charged at INR 5 per lot.
• The maximum per order for NRIs will be INR 150
• The fee for an exercise or assignment of the monthly Nikkei contract is 6 bps with a maximum limit of JPY 420 per contract.
• Introductory rate. This rate is subject to change.
• The fee for an exercise or assignment of the monthly Nikkei Mini contract is JPY 15 per contract.
• IBKR's Tiered (i.e., commission plus external venue fees/rebates) commission models are not intended to be a direct pass-through of exchange and third-party fees and rebates. Costs passed on to clients in IBKR’s Tiered commission schedule may be greater than the costs paid by IBKR to the relevant exchange, regulator, clearinghouse or third party. For example, IBKR may receive volume discounts that are not passed on to clients. Likewise, rebates passed on to clients by IBKR may be less than the rebates IBKR receives from the relevant market. For example, IBKR may receive enhanced rebate payments for exceeding volume thresholds on particular markets, but typically will not pass these enhancements directly to clients. In certain circumstances, IBKR may receive discounts with respect to third party fees, including exchange and/or clearing fees, that may not pass-through to clients.
• Commissions apply to all order types.
• Commissions are not charged for exercise and assignment, except in Australia and Japan.
• All exchange and regulatory fees included except for Hong Kong stock options.
• Modified orders will be treated as the cancellation and replacement of an existing order with a new order. On certain exchanges, this may have the effect of subjecting modified orders to commission minimums as if they were new orders. For example, if an order for 200 contracts is submitted and 100 contracts execute, then you modify the order and another 100 contracts execute, a commission minimum would be applied to both 100 contract orders. Orders that persist overnight will be considered a new order for the purposes of determining order minimums.
• IBKR may change these rates at any time in its sole discretion. Commission rates may also vary by program or arrangement. Restrictions apply. The published rates are for direct clients of IBKR. Clients introduced through another broker or managed by an advisor may pay additional commissions set by their introducing broker or advisor. Clients should contact their introducing broker or advisor about the rates that will apply to their account.

* Lower investment costs will increase your overall return on investment, but lower costs do not guarantee that your investment will be profitable.

URL: www.interactivebrokers.com/en/index.php?f=

Futures Physical Options Delivery

POLICIES AND INSTRUCTIONS

Delivery, Exercise and Corporate Actions

Summary of physical delivery future options policies.

• With respect to certain commodities and options, it is the industry standard to refer to the expiration month of such commodities as the month following the actual Expiration or Delivery Date for that product. TWS may not show the correct expiration or notice date information. For specifics on IB's handling please click here . QM (Oil); QG (Gas); most government US and German bond future options are examples that use atypical dating.
• The standard commission will be charged for the exercise or assignment of any Future Option Contract.

URL: www1.interactivebrokers.com/en/index.php?f=

The 10 best Roth IRAs for June 2024

Saving for a financial goal that may be years, or sometimes even decades away, may not be at the top of your to-do list. But time moves quickly, and it’s important to save for your golden years as early and efficiently as possible. 

That’s where your retirement savings account comes into play. There are several different savings vehicles you can use to begin saving for retirement. 

If you’re looking for a place to park your retirement savings, we’ll help make the decision a little easier. The Fortune Recommends TM editorial team reviewed close to 20 Roth IRA accounts across various financial institutions. We weighed minimum account deposits, minimum balance requirements, account fees, investing assets, and customer service options. ( Read our full methodology here .) 

The 10 best Roth IRAs

While saving for retirement is a common goal, there are several routes you can take to get there. The retirement savings account  you choose can make a huge difference in how much you’re able to save in a given time and how quickly you hit your retirement savings goals. Note: rates, fees, and account requirements are up to date as of April 30, 2024, but are subject to change.

Interactive Brokers

Firstrade Roth IRA

TD Ameritrade Roth IRA

Charles Schwab Roth IRA

Fidelity Roth IRA

Merrill Edge Roth IRA

TIAA Roth IRA

E*Trade Roth IRA

SoFi Roth IRA

Fidelity Go® Roth IRA

What to know about Roth IRAs 

Roth IRA’s function a bit differently than other types of retirement accounts. Withdrawals from your Roth IRA during  retirement are tax-free, because as you save, you’ll pay taxes on the money you contribute to your account. 

What’s more—you can withdraw contributions you’ve made to your Roth IRA without having to pay extra taxes or penalties if you meet certain age requirements and have had your account for more than five years. 

It’s also important to note that Roth IRAs have certain contribution limits outlined by the IRS. For 2023, the total contributions you make each year to your Roth IRAs can’t be more than $6,500 ($7,500 if you’re age 50 or older). You’ll have to meet certain income requirements as well and this will vary depending on your tax filing status. To contribute to a Roth IRA, you must have a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of less than: 

• $153,000 for single filers 
• $228,000 for married and filing jointly 

How to choose a Roth IRA

If you’re considering a Roth IRA for your retirement savings, you’ll want to consider the following before settling on one account: 

Account fees and minimums: Read the fine print on the account you’re considering to determine if that institution or platform charges a minimum to open or maintain your account. Does that account offer any added perks that may justify a higher fee such as financial coaching or access to a wider range of investment options? Some accounts charge zero fees and don’t have any account minimums, while others have minimums in the thousands. If you’ve just started saving for retirement, you might prefer an account that requires less or no money upfront. 

Investment assets: The assets available for you to invest in are not uniform across the board. Some Roth IRAs are made up of just one or two assets, while others can give you exposure to a more diverse mix of assets.  

Educational resources: Some consumers may need a little more guidance when it comes to saving for retirement and figuring out how much they should be saving and how that should change over time. If you’re not sure what your strategy should be or how to prepare for retirement, it might be more beneficial to open an account with an institution that offers a suite of educational resources for extra guidance. 

Alternatives to Roth IRAs 

Roth IRAs are not the only retirement savings vehicles you can choose from. Some alternative options include: 

• Traditional IRA: A tax-advantaged personal savings plan where contributions may be tax deductible.
• 401(k): An employer-sponsored retirement account that allows employees to contribute a portion of their pre-tax income to their account. These contributions grow tax-free until the funds are withdrawn during retirement. 
• SEP IRA: This is a Simplified Employee Pension plan set up by your employer. Contributions made to this IRA are made directly by your employer.
• SIMPLE IRA: A Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees set up by an employer. Under a SIMPLE IRA plan, employees can opt to make salary reduction contributions, and the employer makes matching or nonelective contributions. 
• Payroll Deduction IRA: This IRA is set up by an employer. Employees make contributions by payroll deduction to an IRA (Traditional or a Roth IRA) they establish with a financial institution.

O ur methodology

The Fortune Recommends TM team compared Roth IRAs from almost 20 different financial institutions and platforms. Our top picks are available across the U.S., so you can sign up for an account no matter where you’re located. We ranked the retirement accounts using the following categories:

How we scored Roth IRAs

The rates, fees, and minimum deposit requirements for Roth IRAs are subject to fluctuation at the discretion of the individual banks and brokerages on our list.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the minimum amount needed to open a roth ira .

The IRS does not require a minimum deposit to open a Roth IRA. However, your financial institution may have its own rules and requirements to open a Roth IRA. 

What’s the difference between a Roth IRA and a traditional IRA? 

The key difference between the two account types is that a Roth IRA allows you to make after-tax contributions that will grow tax-free. You’re also eligible to make tax- and penalty-free withdrawals after a certain age. Contributions made to a traditional IRA can be made with pre-tax or post-tax dollars and that money will grow tax-deferred. You won’t pay taxes on that money until you make a withdrawal. 

Can you withdraw money from a Roth IRA? 

You can withdraw contributions made to your Roth IRA without incurring any taxes or penalties. However, you can only withdraw Roth IRA earnings after age 59 ½ and after you’ve had the account for five years in order to avoid paying taxes and penalties. 

• Our list of the best checking account bonuses can help give you a bonus on your checking balance.
• Maximize your returns with one the best high-yield savings accounts .
• Opting for one of the best savings accounts can fetch you a higher APY for your savings.
• Check out our ranking of the best money market accounts .
• Check out the best personal loans to help fund your next big purchase.

EDITORIAL DISCLOSURE : The advice, opinions, or rankings contained in this article are solely those of the Fortune Recommends ™ editorial team. This content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of our affiliate partners or other third parties.

• Best Day Trading Platforms and Brokers in 2024

Pocket Option Review 2024

Pocket Option excels for its easy-to-use web platform which provides a best-in-class user experience for short-term binary traders. The $50 minimum deposit is also accessible for beginners while opening an account is really easy. Looking at the negatives, Pocket Option still trails alternatives in its market offering and regulatory credentials.

Established in 2017, Pocket Option is a binary options broker offering high/low contracts on forex, stocks, indices, commodities and cryptocurrencies. With over 100,000 active users and a global reach, the platform continues to prove popular with budding traders.

Trading App

Pocket Option delivers an excellent mobile trading experience directly through mobile and tablet browsers, without needing a native app. You can easily customize charts using the settings at the top while placing trades in one click is a breeze using the ‘higher’ and ‘lower’ buttons at the bottom of the screen. The interface also adapts seamlessly to horizontal viewing, mirroring the desktop layout for a consistent user experience.

Binary Options Trading

Pocket Option offers ultra-short-term binaries from 5 seconds on one of the simplest web platforms for beginners. Payouts rival alternatives at 90%+ while the ‘Double Up’ and ‘Rollover’ features provide further opportunities to profit. Considering the negatives, the suite of 130+ assets trails binary brokers like Quotex, which offer 400+.

Forex Trading

Binary and OTC options can be purchased on 40+ currency pairs, with 55+ currency pairs available if you deposit $1000. Typical payouts are reasonable at 81% and the $1 minimum trade makes the broker accessible to new forex traders. There is also access to the MT4 and MT5 platforms for experienced forex traders.

Stock Trading

Pocket Option continues to trail alternatives in the stock department with just several dozen of the most popular shares like Microsoft and Google. That said, the payouts are competitive on stocks reaching 92% while indices offer an alternative way to speculate on stock markets with returns up to 67%.

Crypto Trading

Pocket Option offers a modest crypto offering with 10+ digital currencies including Bitcoin and 65+ tokens if you deposit $1000. The integrated analytics feature in the platform is helpful for finding opportunities, while the daily signals service makes it straightforward to act on short-term crypto opportunities.

Copy Trading

Pocket Option hosts a user-friendly social trading service. Available in the platform, you can use the ‘Top Ranked Trades’ leaderboard, among others, to find traders to follow. The social trading solution is also available 24/7 and has active community chats. Tip: check the number of trades made and profit generated over several months rather than comparing providers over a few days.

• Best Binary Broker Runner Up 2023 - DayTrading.com
• Best Binary Broker 2022 - DayTrading.com

✓ Pros

• The web platform shines for its straightforward design and usability that will appeal to beginners looking to speculate on popular financial markets in a few clicks
• The MetaTrader platforms offer integrated analysis with helpful technical summaries for short-term traders
• The range of payment methods beats the majority of rivals, providing fast, secure and convenient deposits for traders in most countries
• Well-funded traders who deposit $1000+ can qualify for a 2%+ payout boost, more tradable assets and exclusive perks
• Extremely fast and smooth sign-up process that takes less than 2 minutes

✗ Cons

• The MISA is a weak regulator with limited investor protection for retail traders
• The maximum binary contract length of 4 hours is restrictive for longer-term trading strategies. Alternatives like Videforex offer binaries up to 1 month
• Pocket Option offers a slimmed down iteration of the MT4 and MT5 that doesn't provide the full charting package for advanced traders
• Despite offering competitive payouts up to 92%, binary brokers like IQCent offer higher returns up to 98% based on tests
• You need to deposit $1000 to access the extended list of 250+ assets, otherwise just 130+ assets are available

In this Pocket Option review , I evaluate the broker in the key areas you should consider before opening an account. I also compare the broker to suitable alternatives, leveraging my first-hand experience testing the platform.

Regulation & Trust

Pocket Option gets a low trust rating due to its weak regulatory credentials.

It’s not authorized by a trusted financial body and is instead overseen offshore by the Mwali International Services Authority , license T2023322.

The company has also been registered in other offshore jurisdictions over the years, including the Marshall Islands.

This type of weak regulatory oversight is common in the binary industry due to restrictions from many reputable authorities.

Still, it means you are unlikely to get access to a compensation scheme in the event the broker goes bankrupt.

It also means Pocket Option’s operating practices are subject to limited regulatory scrutiny, increasing the risk of unfair trading practices and scams.

On the upside, the brand has been around since 2017 and is now a well-established part of the binary options industry with over 100,000 clients in more than 95 countries.

Accounts & Banking

Pocket Option gets a high accounts and banking rating for its easily accessible trading accounts and huge selection of funding options.

Live Account

Pocket Option offers several accounts depending on what and how you want to trade: Quick Trading , Shares Trading , Forex MT4 , and Forex MT5 .

All accounts have an accessible minimum deposit for beginners of $50. Notably, this is well below rivals like IQCent with its $250 minimum.

That said, you need to deposit more to get the best trading conditions and features.

Pocket Option ranks all clients from Stranger to Guru based on account balance, with all users automatically enrolled at Stranger level before making a deposit.

Essentially, depositing funds unlocks higher levels, rewarding you with extra perks. These include increased payouts for some of the higher tiers, which for me is the greatest benefit.

I’ve compared the Newbie, Beginner and Experienced tiers below to show you some of the different perks available.

Deposits & Withdrawals

Pocket Option stands out for its 30+ payment methods – more than nearly every other broker we’ve tested. The other benefit is the near-instant account funding and zero transfer fees.

Supported deposit options include debit and credit cards, wire transfers, and electronic payment solutions like Fasapay. Cryptocurrency transfers are also accepted.

However, where it excels is its local transfer solutions that make deposits convenient for traders in respective countries. Traders in Vietnam, for example, can use the country’s most popular digital wallet – MoMo Pay.

Looking at the drawbacks, since only USD is accepted as a base currency, conversion charges may apply.

Withdrawals

Withdrawals can be made via the same methods as deposits, again with no fees.

The minimum withdrawal amount is low at $10 and there is no maximum withdrawal limit.

Bonuses & Promotions

Pocket Option regularly runs bonus schemes, as well as publishing referral and promo codes.

For example, while using the platform I was offered a 50% welcome bonus  up to $5000.

However, my years in the industry have shown that bonuses almost always come with stringent terms and conditions. In this instance, I found the required net turnover fairly high before you can withdraw any profits made with bonus funds. After depositing $50 and receiving  a $25 bonus, the required trading turnover was $1250.

I never recommend picking a binary options broker for their bonuses. While useful for practicing short-term trading strategies, other factors are more important, including the quality of the platform and whether the broker can be trusted.

Demo Account

Pocket Option offers a free demo account which allows you to test the broker’s services without any financial risk. The virtual sum provided is reasonable, at $10,000 , and can be topped up easily.

The process to start demo trading is the quickest I’ve experienced. Simply click on the Free Demo button at the top of the broker’s website and you will be directed straight to the platform, with no registration required.

This also means you can switch seamlessly between live and demo mode – ideal for short-term traders who want to continually test and execute their strategies.

Assets & Markets

Pocket Option gets an average assets and markets rating because its range of tradable assets is limited for entry-level traders.

There are only 130+ binaries and over-the-counter (OTC) options spanning forex , stocks , commodities and crypto  unless you deposit $1000 to access a wider range of instruments, which brings the total to 250+

I’ve compared the number of standard assets available with two leading alternatives, and as you can see below, Pocket Option is the middle of the pack. Notably, Quotex offers hundreds more assets for serious traders.

We’ve routinely tested Pocket Option over several years, and keep an up-to-date log of the popular assets you can trade as standard:

• Forex: The platform features over 40 forex pairs. These range from the major pairs such as USD/EUR, to minor and exotic pairs such as NZD/JPY.
• Commodities: Pocket Option offers several commodities. These include gold, silver, platinum, UK Brent (oil), US Crude (oil), and natural gas.
• Stocks: Over 30 US stocks are available with lower account tiers. These include popular companies like Apple, Pfizer, HP and Google.
• Cryptocurrencies: Around 10 cryptocurrencies are available as standard, including Bitcoin and Ethereum.

It’s a real drawback for me that Pocket Option requires a $1000+ deposit to trade an extended suite of 250+ assets when many alternatives offer their full range of instruments as standard.

Fees & Costs

Pocket Option gets a good fees and costs rating for its competitive payouts and low non-trading fees.

Like most binary options brokers , Pocket Option does not charge a commission on trades. Instead, the broker primarily earns money from clients’ losing trades.

While Pocket Option will pay you a fixed payout if your trade expires ‘in the money’, you will lose your investment if it finishes ‘out of the money’.

It’s good to see there are no deposit and withdrawal charges, or inactivity fees, which can deter casual investors.

Pocket Option offers fairly good payouts up to 92% on winning trades, though they trail our top-rated binary broker for 2023 – IQCent .

Most disappointing are the returns on crypto – the 15% offered on Bitcoin while trading on the platform falls way behind some rivals, and this means I can’t recommend the broker for active crypto traders.

I have recorded the payouts that were available to me on the Pocket Option platform during testing and compared them with two leading alternatives below. As you can see, IQCent offers higher returns across the board.

Note, you can get a payout boost of 2% to 8% if you qualify for a premium account tier (Experienced to Guru). However, given the large minimum deposit requirements ($1000 to $50,000), I have excluded them from this analysis.

Platforms & Tools

Pocket Option sets itself apart from most binary brokers by offering an in-house web platform and access to leading third-party software: MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) .

After many days of testing the trading platforms, here’s my verdict:

• The in-house platform is great for beginners , with a user-friendly design that makes for an enjoyable trading experience.
• The MetaTrader platforms are better for intermediate and advanced traders familiar with MT4 and MT5, though don’t expect the full charting package.

Pocket Option Web Platform

The web platform has clearly been built for beginners with a simple layout and the basic tools you need to place short-term trades.

You can trade through your web browser or the mobile app – both were smooth and glitch-free during our experiments.

Navigation & Design

The platform features a simple and streamlined design, with charts, trading functions and order tickets easy to navigate.

You can also have up to four charts open at a time, which I find useful for tracking multiple markets.

My only minor complaint is that I am unable to view charts across the full screen. I think the platform should allow you to collapse or drag the ‘Trades’ window on the right to provide more room for chart analysis.

Pocket Option delivers a reasonable range of charting tools that will meet the needs of most beginner traders.

There are  4 chart types  including Heiken Ashi and line , plus  14  timeframes  ranging from 5 seconds to 1 day, suitable for short-term trading strategies. There are also 31 technical indicators, including moving averages and Bollinger Bands .

On the downside, the range of 9 drawing tools is disappointing, although popular options like Fibonacci Retracements are present.

Unique Features

One of the stand-out features for me is Express Trades . This essentially acts as a multiplier, providing increased payouts of 100%+ if you open at least three trades. You have the flexibility to choose individual expiry times, as well as price direction.

The Double Up and Roll Out features also offer straightforward avenues to effectively double your returns in one click if you are confident in your market prediction.

But while these features make for a more dynamic and exciting trading experience, a careful approach to risk management is still required.

Social Trading

Pocket Option offers social trading directly through the in-house terminal. You can copy trades via signals or by mirroring master traders.

The tool functioned well during my assessment, delivering comprehensive data on prospective copiers. For example, I could filter successful traders via top rankings or profit levels and then copy a chosen trader in real time.

The system is also available 24/7 with no minimum stake and copy settings are fully flexible depending on your investment parameters.

How To Place A Binary Options Trade

I find trading on the Pocket Option platform really straightforward as it only requires a few steps:

• Choose an asset from the dropdown menu found top left of the chart
• Select an expiry time using either the clock or choose a specific time
• Add your investment stake using the toggles or manual input
• Review the potential payout in percentage and value
• Select the market direction; choose ‘lower’ if you think the price will decrease or ‘higher’ if you think it will increase

MT4 and MT5

If you are already familiar with the MetaQuotes software or want the best charting tools, MT4 and MT5 are normally the platforms to use.

MT4 is the go-to for forex trading, which is the asset class it was originally designed for, while MT5 is the latest iteration built for multi-asset trading.

During my tests, I was initially struck that the web-accessible MetaTrader platforms don’t feel as modern or sleek as the Pocket Option platform.

However, my main gripe is that Pocket Options’ MT4 and MT5 software don’t appear to offer the full charting package. For example, I couldn’t see the 38 technical indicators, 44 graphical objects and 21 timeframes normally available in MT5. It’s the same story in MT4.

Pocket Option appears to offer an unusual iteration of the MetaTrader package that doesn’t provide the full suite of tools for advanced traders. This is a serious drawback for experienced MetaTrader users.

All of Pocket Option’s platforms are available as mobile apps, though I was disappointed that the proprietary solution is not available on iOS devices, making this broker less suitable for mobile traders with iPhones.

Still, the trading app is fully functional and glitch-free. It’s user-friendly with in-built support, which is great for beginners who are new to the platform.

You also benefit from 24/7 access to the financial markets, live signals and copy trading, plus full account management, providing a comprehensive solution for mobile traders.

Pocket Option gets an average research rating because although it offers more than many binary brokers, it trails traditional forex and CFD brokers in its market insights.

In the MT4 and MT5 platforms, you can click on the magnifying glass in the right of the platform to bring up a calendar and insights:

• The insights offer good technical summaries of short-term market movements, though beginners may struggle to understand the intricacies.
• The calendar highlights major events that could impact markets in the US, Europe and beyond, with a helpful priority/impact rating and forecasts. However, the calendar only shows events over the next 48 hours, making it difficult to plan too far ahead.

Pocket Option is also fairly unique in the binary options space for offering a dedicated Analytics app. It offers daily, technical and fundamental analysis, as well as engaging video reviews.

My minor gripe is that the Analytics app is only available on Android devices and focused on a narrow range of assets: EUR, USD, GBR, JPY, CHF, CAD, NZD, AUD, Gold, Silver, Brent, and Stocks.

From a usability perspective, it would also be better to have these insights integrated into the web platform so you don’t have to go into a separate app.

Pocket Option earns a high education rating  for outperforming its peers with content available via an external website ,  hosting diverse materials including visual aids, videos, tutorials, e-books and more.

There is also a good level of educational content available directly in the platform, covering user tutorials, understanding the forex market, plus tips and tricks.

The highlight for me is the guides on different trading strategies which are easy to follow with supporting visuals from real market events. With a focus on charting techniques, they will serve day traders in particular, who often use technical analysis.

Customer Support

Pocket Option gets a decent customer support rating following multiple positive interactions during tests.

My experience with the customer support team has mostly been positive, with responsive and professional telephone support (+44 20 8123 4499) available between 10:00 am and 2:00 am (UTC +2) as well as an online email form.

My main frustration is that live chat support is reserved for traders who have deposited into a live account. This means if you are a prospective user trading in demo mode, you cannot contact an agent quickly.

I think Pocket Option could improve its customer service by opening its live chat support to prospective traders. It can be useful, especially for beginners, to get answers to key account and trading queries before depositing funds.

Should You Trade With Pocket Option?

Based on our exhaustive tests of Pocket Option which have spanned several years, the broker continues to deliver a compelling service for binary options traders.

Short-term traders can make straightforward high/low market predictions in just a couple of clicks on an easy-to-use platform and app.

Signing up is also very smooth and the minimum deposit is accessible at just $50, making it good for beginners.

Yet despite some improvements to its trading features, Pocket Option could still do more to serve serious traders, including expanding its market offering and returns on popular assets.

Is Pocket Option Legit Or A Scam?

Pocket Option is a legitimate company registered in the Republic Of Costa Rica through Infinite Trade LLC.

Year after year it has proven a credible broker with binary traders, boasting over 100,000 active users.

Can I Trust Pocket Option?

Although it’s not regulated by a top-tier financial body, Pocket Option has built a large user base and picked up industry awards, including our Best Binary Broker 2022. 

Still, online trading is risky, especially with offshore binary brokers, so only invest what you can afford to lose.

Is Pocket Option Regulated?

Pocket Option is regulated by the Mwali International Services Authority , license number T2023322.

This is not a well regarded regulator so beware that you may not receive safeguards like investor protection in the event the brokerage becomes insolvent.

Is Pocket Option A Good Or Bad Binary Broker?

Pocket Option continuously ranks as one of the best binary options brokers based on our comprehensive evaluation process that takes into account over 200 data points and blends quantitive metrics with qualitative insights gathered over many years.

While it trails alternatives like Quotex for its range of binaries and IQCent for its payouts, Pocket Option’s web platform is great for beginners, it offers a good suite of educational tools, and opening an account couldn’t be easier.

Is Pocket Option Good For Day Trading?

Yes, Pocket Option offers ultra-short-term binaries from 5 seconds to 4 hours. The web platform and app are also stable, responsive and free from glitches based on testing, while it’s straightforward to place multiple trades in a few clicks.

Is Pocket Option Good For Beginners?

Yes, Pocket Option is good for beginners. In fact, it’s best for new traders owing to the straightforward sign-up, low minimum deposit and stake, plus the platform that’s clearly been designed with novice traders in mind.

Is Pocket Option Available 24/7?

Some of the assets on Pocket Option are available 24/7. Cryptocurrencies and over-the-counter assets can be traded around the clock, including on weekends.

Top 3 Alternatives to Pocket Option

Compare Pocket Option with the top 3 similar brokers that accept traders from your location.

• World Forex – World Forex is an offshore broker registered in St Vincent and the Grenadines, offering commission-free trading with a $1 minimum deposit and 1:1000 leverage. Digital contracts are also available, offering beginners a straightforward way to speculate on popular financial markets. Go to World Forex
• Grand Capital – Grand Capital is a MetaTrader broker with welcome bonuses, trading competitions and an intuitive copy trading service. Several account types and 400+ assets provide trading opportunities for various types of investors and strategies. New users can also open an account and start trading in a matter of minutes. Go to Grand Capital
• Videforex – Launched in 2017, Videforex offers access to stock, index, crypto, forex and commodities markets via binary options and CFDs. The proprietary platform, mobile app and integrated copy trading are user-friendly and will suit new and casual traders, and the market analysis tools and trading contests provide good ways to improve your trading skills. Go to Videforex

Pocket Option Comparison Table

Compare Trading Instruments

Compare the markets and instruments offered by Pocket Option and its competitors. Please note, some markets may only be available via CFDs or other derivatives.

Pocket Option vs Other Brokers

Compare Pocket Option with any other broker by selecting the other broker below.

The most popular Pocket Option comparisons:

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Customer Reviews

This average customer rating is based on 7 Pocket Option customer reviews submitted by our visitors.

If you have traded with Pocket Option we would really like to know about your experience - please submit your own review . Thank you.

Among the positive aspects of PocketOption, I would distinguish a wide choice of currency pairs and a variety of deposit methods. I am satisfied with its platform. Slippages sometimes occur, but rarely exceed 10 pips. Therefore, my conclusion about the broker is that it is a completely adequate broker and you can work with it.

Good to trade ,quick and reliable,the only draw back is it’s difficult to verify your address and sometimes they cancelle your withdrawal requests and ask you to verify your profile again

UID 6992xxxx Pros: This broker offers many different trading resources all on one website or app. You have access to trading signals, strategies and bonuses. You have the ability to do risk free trades. Which means if you lose the trade, you can cancel the trade and get your money back. Same day deposits and withdrawals, once your account is verified of course. They offer $1 hour long tournaments throughout the day. And one free tournament once a day. And as you progress as a trader, you gain access to more trading advantages and bigger bonuses. This a MUST TRY broker.

Cons: The only thing that I would classify as a con is the deposit/withdrawal methods. Don’t get me wrong, they offer many different ways to make a deposit or withdrawal. But the methods they use are based on your particular region. In my region, there about 30 different cryptocurrencies that can be used but they don’t accept any type of card payments from my region.

Overall: Overall my experience has been a positive one. Something that I forgot to mention earlier is their support team. I normally get questions and concerns addressed in a very timely manner. Which makes this broker a MUST TRY broker. There will always be good and bad reviews, but this is one of those times that you need to give the broker a chance.

We anonymized part of the UID for security reasons.

Super easy to trade. Great if you want to trade really short with 5 second contracts. Smooth sign up process.

6 months and counting and Pocket Option is still the best binary app I’ve used. Charts are easy to use on my phone and I can make short-term trades in a couple of swipes. Ticks all my boxes.

I really like Pocket Option’s easy to use and reliable platform. The charting tools are a step above other binary platforms I’ve traded on.

I’ve been trading binaries at Pocket Option for weeks and have been pleased with the platform – it’s easy to use with a strong charting package. My only complaint is that it’s no good for long-term trading – the longest expiry time is 4 hours.

Submit Your Own Review of Pocket Option

If you have experience trading with Pocket Option please share your personal review of the broker and what you think are strong and weak points. Thank you.

Article Sources

• Pocket Option Website
• Pocket Option Blog
• Infinite Trade LLC (Pocket Option) MISA License

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