Schwab Enables Crypto Transfers After Completing Bitcoin and Ether Trading Launch

Charles Schwab has completed the rollout of direct Bitcoin and Ether trading for eligible retail clients, CEO Rick Wurster announced during the company’s October 15 Fall Business Update.

. The brokerage is also gradually introducing cryptocurrency transfers, allowing eligible customers to move digital assets between Schwab and external wallets.

“Schwab Crypto” is now available to all eligible clients, according to Wurster’s remarks in a Quartr transcript. He also confirmed plans to add three more cryptocurrencies by the end of 2026.

Solana, Avalanche and Chainlink Set to Join Schwab Crypto

The planned additions are Solana (SOL), Avalanche (AVAX) and Chainlink (LINK), which Schwab first announced in August. While the original announcement referred to a launch in the coming months, Wurster’s latest update established a year-end target. The retail service itself began rolling out in May, according to The Defiant.

Schwab is also positioning cryptocurrency and prediction markets as potential sources of transaction-based revenue. During the business update, Wurster cited both areas when discussing opportunities to generate additional income from the company’s platform. Schwab Crypto charges a 0.75% fee on each purchase and sale, with a minimum charge of one cent, according to its account FAQ.

Schwab’s $13.33 Trillion Client Asset Base

Schwab reported $13.33 trillion in client assets as of September 30, according to its third-quarter earnings release. This included $7.49 trillion in Investor Services and $5.85 trillion in Advisor Services.

Access to crypto trading depends on account eligibility. Applicants must have a qualifying linked brokerage account, including an individual or joint account. Schwab’s current terms exclude residents of New York and Louisiana, U.S. territories and international jurisdictions. Eligibility is not guaranteed for every client.

The brokerage is also preparing a separate crypto offering for financial advisers. That service was previously expected to launch around mid-2027, according to reporting by Family Wealth Report and The Defiant.

Crypto Deposits and Withdrawals Roll Out in Phases

Schwab’s FAQ states that crypto deposits and withdrawals are being introduced gradually, with eligible clients receiving email notifications when the features become available. The service currently supports Bitcoin transfers over the Bitcoin network and Ether transfers over Ethereum. Enrolled users can move existing holdings into Schwab or send crypto to external wallets.

The development builds on Schwab’s April launch announcement, which outlined plans to introduce deposits and withdrawals at a later stage.

Clients hold their digital assets through a separate account at Charles Schwab Premier Bank linked to their brokerage account, while Paxos provides sub-custody services.

Schwab Sets Limits on Crypto Transfers

The transfer service includes identity verification and passkey setup requirements. Clients must also wait at least 24 hours before using a newly added withdrawal address.

Withdrawals are limited to three transactions within 24 hours, with a maximum of $5,000 per transfer. Monthly deposits are capped at $50 million. Schwab does not charge its own transfer fee, although withdrawals incur blockchain network fees.

Schwab’s Crypto Strategy Signals a Broader Brokerage Shift

Completing the retail rollout while adding transfers and expanding the supported assets suggests Schwab is moving beyond offering limited exposure to Bitcoin and Ether toward a more integrated digital-asset service. The combination of trading fees, additional cryptocurrencies and wallet transfers could help the brokerage attract clients who want to manage traditional investments and crypto within the same financial relationship.

However, the service remains subject to eligibility rules, transfer limits and geographic restrictions, while the planned adviser offering is still on a separate timeline. Schwab’s longer-term opportunity will depend on whether it can make crypto access convenient enough to compete with dedicated exchanges without compromising the regulatory controls and account structure expected of a major brokerage.