Option Trading | Scottrade Options Trading

Option Trading

Option trading magnifies risk and can therefore magnify profits and losses. Before engaging in options trading, it's important to understand how it works. This section will help you learn about options trading hours, how to place orders, how to check or modify orders and what commissions and fees are associated with options trading.

Options Trading Hours
Options only trade during regular market hours. You cannot place orders for options for the pre-market or after-hours trading.

Placing Options Orders
The Options Order Entry page is where you begin the option order process. Click the Trade tab at the top, then click Options from the menu bar on the left.

Checking Order Status
You can view the status of your option order multiple places. On the home page (click the Home tab at the top), open option orders will display under "Open Orders".

Modifying/Canceling an Open Order
To modify an order, click the Modify link next to the order you want to modify on the Order Status page.

Option Commissions & Exercise Fee
There are certain commissions associated with buying and selling options through Scottrade, as well as a fee for exercising the option.

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All investing involves risk. The value of your investment may fluctuate over time, and you may gain or lose money.

Online market and limit stock trades are just $7 for stocks priced $1 and above. Additional charges may apply for stocks priced under $1, mutual fund, and option transactions. Detailed information on our fees can be found in the Explanation of Fees (PDF).

You must have $500 in equity in an Individual, Joint, Trust, Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, or SEP IRA account with Scottrade to be eligible for a Scottrade Bank® account. In this instance, equity is defined as Total Brokerage Account Value minus Recent Brokerage Deposits on Hold.

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Select investments are commission free to those using Scottrade's online platforms. Other fees and charges may apply.

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Investors should consider the investment objectives, charges, expense, and unique risk profile of an Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) carefully before investing. A prospectus contains this and other information about the ETF and should be obtained from the issuer. The prospectus should be read carefully before investing.

Leveraged and Inverse ETFs may not be suitable for all investors and may increase exposure to volatility through the use of leverage, short sales of securities, derivatives and other complex investment strategies. These funds’ performance will likely be significantly different than their benchmark over periods of more than one day, and their performance over time may in fact trend opposite of their benchmark. Investors should monitor these holdings, consistent with their strategies, as frequently as daily.

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Margin trading involves interest charges and risks, including the potential to lose more than deposited or the need to deposit additional collateral in a falling market. The Margin Disclosure Statement and Agreement (PDF) is available for download, or it is available at one of our branch offices. It contains information on our lending policies, interest charges, and the risks associated with margin accounts.

Options involve risk and are not suitable for all investors. Detailed information on our policies and the risks associated with options can be found in theScottrade Options Application and Agreement, Brokerage Account Agreement, and by downloading the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options and Supplements from The Options Clearing Corporation, or by requesting a copy from a Scottrade branch office. Supporting documentation for any claims will be supplied upon request.

Market volatility, volume, and system availability may impact account access and trade execution.

Testimonials may not be representative of the experience of other clients and are no guarantee of future performance or success.

Keep in mind that while diversification may help spread risk it does not assure a profit, or protect against loss, in a down market.

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