how to buy crypto with schwab

Schwab's Crypto Select offering allows users to trade over 50 cryptocurrencies through partnerships with third-party platforms like Gemini and Fidelity.

Jan 26, 2025 at 03:18 pm

How to Buy Crypto with Schwab

Key Points:

• Understand the Fees and Limitations
• Choose the Right Schwab Account
• Create a Bridge to Trade Crypto
• Fund Your Account
• Place a Crypto Order

Instructions:

1. Understand the Fees and Limitations

Schwab does not directly offer crypto trading services. Instead, it provides access to crypto through partnerships with third-party platforms. This means you'll incur fees for both Schwab and the platform you choose.

Schwab charges an annual fee for its brokerage account and a monthly fee for its Crypto Select offering. The fees vary based on the account level and the chosen platform.

Additionally, each crypto trading platform has its own fee schedule, which may include commissions, spreads, and funding fees. Carefully review the fees before making any trades.

2. Choose the Right Schwab Account

If you don't already have a Schwab account, you'll need to open one to buy crypto. Schwab offers a range of brokerage accounts, including the Schwab One Account, which is best for basic investing needs, and the Schwab Private Client Account, which offers more advanced features and services.

Once you have a Schwab account, you'll need to sign up for Crypto Select, which provides access to crypto trading through the Gemini and Fidelity platforms.

3. Create a Bridge to Trade Crypto

To trade crypto on Schwab, you'll need to create a bridge between your Schwab account and a crypto trading platform. This process involves linking your accounts and authorizing the platform to trade on your behalf.

Go to the Crypto Select section of your Schwab account and click on the "Connect an Account" button. Select the crypto trading platform you want to use and follow the instructions to complete the bridging process.

4. Fund Your Account

Once your bridge is established, you'll need to fund your account on the crypto trading platform. You can do this by transferring funds from your Schwab account or through a bank transfer.

The exact steps for funding an account will vary depending on the platform you choose. Generally, you'll be given instructions on how to deposit funds after you create an account.

5. Place a Crypto Order

To place a crypto order, go to the crypto trading platform you're using and select the cryptocurrency you want to buy. Enter the amount you want to purchase and review the order details, including the fees and the expected order execution time.

Confirm the order and wait for it to be filled. The cryptocurrency will be added to your crypto trading platform account.

FAQs:

• What cryptocurrencies can I buy with Schwab?

Through Crypto Select, you can trade over 50 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Uniswap.

• Can I withdraw crypto from Schwab?

No, you cannot withdraw crypto directly from Schwab. You can only withdraw crypto from the crypto trading platform you're using.

• What are the risks of buying crypto?

Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile and their value can fluctuate dramatically. There is also the risk of fraud and cyberattacks on crypto exchanges.

• Is it safe to buy crypto with Schwab?

Schwab has partnered with reputable crypto trading platforms that implement security measures to protect customer assets. However, it's important to note that crypto trading involves inherent risks.

• What are the tax implications of buying crypto?

Cryptocurrencies are taxed as property by the IRS. You may be liable for taxes on crypto gains and losses, depending on your specific circumstances.