Charles Schwab started letting a limited group of U.S. customers trade Bitcoin and Ethereum directly inside their brokerage accounts this week. The move brings crypto into the mainstream investment platform for the first time.
The Limited Test
It's not open to everyone. Schwab didn't say how many users got access or how it chose them. The firm is clearly testing the waters with a small slice of its client base. This isn't a full rollout by any means.
Only Two Coins
Users can trade just Bitcoin and Ethereum. No stablecoins or altcoins are available yet. Schwab hasn't signaled plans to add more cryptos this year. It's keeping things simple for now.
How It Works
Customers trade these assets through their existing Schwab accounts. They don't need a separate wallet or external exchange. The brokerage executes the trades and holds the assets. It's integrated with their stock and bond holdings, making crypto feel like just another investment option.
Schwab has given no timeline for expanding access. The firm won't say if more users will get it this quarter or when others might join. The test group's feedback will likely determine the next move. We'll know more once Schwab shares results from this initial phase.
