Best Options Trading Brokers 2026

Choosing the right options broker can save you hundreds per month in commissions and give you analytics that make the difference between profitable and losing trades. In 2026, the best options brokers are dramatically better than they were five years ago — lower commissions, better tools, and more education. Here's what actually matters when choosing an options platform, and which brokers deliver it.

Quick Comparison

Advertiser disclosure: We may earn commissions when you open accounts through our links.

Broker	Rating	Commissions	Min. Deposit	Best For
Tastytrade	4.8	$1/contract	$0	Active options traders	Open Account →
Interactive Brokers	4.6	$0.65/contract	$0	Professional traders	Open Account →
Webull	4.5	Free	$0	Active traders wanting free commissions	Open Account →
Charles Schwab	4.4	$0.65/contract	$0	Full banking + investing integration	Open Account →

In-Depth Reviews

#1

Tastytrade Options Trading Last reviewed Feb 2026

4.8 / 5

Best for: Active options traders

From

$1/contract

Open Tastytrade Account → Full review →

Tastytrade was built from the ground up for options traders — not adapted from a stock platform. The free-to-close model alone saves active traders hundreds per year, and the analytics are the best in the retail space.

Min. Deposit $0

Commission $1/contract

Options Fee Free to close positions

Regulated By FINRA

What stands out

✓Purpose-built for options and futures trading

✓Free to close positions (huge for active traders)

✓Superior options analytics and P&L visualization

Watch out for

✕Not ideal for long-term buy-and-hold investors

✕No mutual funds or fractional shares

✕Mobile app less polished than desktop

Open Tastytrade Account →

#2

Interactive Brokers Professional Trading Last reviewed Feb 2026

4.6 / 5

Best for: Professional traders

From

$0.65/contract

Open IBKR Account → Full review →

Interactive Brokers is the ceiling of what a retail broker can offer — 150+ global markets, the lowest margin rates in the industry, and the most powerful trading platform available outside of institutional systems.

Min. Deposit $0

Commission $0.65/contract

Options Fee IBKR Lite is commission-free

Regulated By FINRA

What stands out

✓Access to 150+ global markets and exchanges

✓Industry-lowest margin rates (5.33% for $100K+)

✓Most comprehensive options strategy tools available

Watch out for

✕Interface is complex and intimidating for beginners

✕IBKR Pro commissions are confusing to understand

✕Customer service is slow for retail accounts

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#3

Webull General Trading Last reviewed Feb 2026

4.5 / 5

Best for: Active traders wanting free commissions

From

Free

Get Free Stocks on Webull → Full review →

Webull delivers professional-grade charting and zero-commission options trading in one polished app. For cost-conscious traders who want real tools without the price tag, it's hard to beat.

Min. Deposit $0

Commission Free

Options Fee Zero commissions on stocks, ET

Regulated By FINRA

What stands out

✓Fully commission-free including options

✓Advanced charting with 50+ technical indicators

✓Extended hours trading 4am–8pm ET

Watch out for

✕No mutual funds or OTC stocks

✕Customer support can be slow

✕No automated investing or robo-advisor

Get Free Stocks on Webull →

#4

Charles Schwab General Trading Last reviewed Feb 2026

4.4 / 5

Best for: Full banking + investing integration

From

$0.65/contract

Open Schwab Account → Full review →

After acquiring TD Ameritrade, Schwab now offers the legendary thinkorswim platform alongside full banking integration — giving traders and investors the best of both worlds under one roof.

Min. Deposit $0

Commission $0.65/contract

Options Fee Free stocks and ETFs

Regulated By FINRA

What stands out

✓thinkorswim — one of the best trading platforms ever built

✓Schwab Intelligent Portfolios (robo-advisor) free at $5K

✓Best banking integration of any broker

Watch out for

✕TD Ameritrade merger created temporary confusion

✕Schwab.com interface less intuitive than thinkorswim

✕Commission-free ETF list excludes some popular funds

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best broker for selling covered calls?

Tastytrade is the top choice for covered call sellers. The free-to-close pricing means you pay $1/contract to open a covered call position and nothing to close it — saving significantly vs. paying $0.65 both ways on every roll. The analytics also make it easy to track your premium income and manage positions.

What broker has the lowest options commissions?

Webull charges zero commissions including zero per-contract fees — making it the lowest cost for high-volume options traders. Tastytrade's $1 to open / free to close model is cheaper for positions you hold to expiration or close at a loss. For most active traders, Tastytrade's free-to-close wins.

Can I trade options in an IRA?

Yes — most brokers allow options trading in IRAs, but with restrictions. Covered calls and cash-secured puts are universally allowed. Spreads require approval and not all brokers offer them in IRAs. Tastytrade, Schwab, and Fidelity all have strong IRA options programs.