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Charles Schwab Begins Rolling Out Schwab Crypto to Retail Clients

Charles Schwab’s rollout of Schwab Crypto adds direct Bitcoin and Ethereum trading for U.S. retail users, while highlighting the firm’s large asset base and existing client exposure to spot crypto ETFs.

BTC
ETH

Fact Check
The claim is strongly supported by multiple authoritative sources. Charles Schwab's own official press release (pressroom.aboutschwab.com) announced the Schwab Crypto product with all the described features. The Block and crypto.news both independently confirm the May 13, 2026 launch date for the phased retail rollout of spot BTC and ETH trading. CNBC's April 2026 reporting corroborates the pre-launch announcement. All sources are consistent: the product is called 'Schwab Crypto,' it launched on May 13, 2026, it covers Bitcoin and Ethereum, and it is available directly within Schwab accounts (via a linked Schwab Premier Bank crypto account). The only nuance is that the rollout is phased, meaning not all eligible customers gained access simultaneously on day one, but the claim's use of 'first eligible customers' accurately reflects this.
Summary

Charles Schwab has begun rolling out Schwab Crypto to U.S. retail customers, enabling spot Bitcoin and Ethereum trading with a 0.75% fee. The service adds direct crypto trading within Schwab’s brokerage ecosystem, with custody handled by Charles Schwab Premier Bank and Paxos providing custody and execution support. The new report also says Schwab manages about $12 trillion in client assets and that its customers hold about 20% of U.S. spot crypto ETF shares, underscoring the firm’s potential influence in the retail digital asset market. The service is not yet available in New York or Louisiana.

Terms & Concepts
  • Bitcoin: The largest cryptocurrency by market value, commonly used as a digital asset and store of value.
  • Ethereum: A blockchain network and cryptocurrency that supports smart contracts and its native cryptocurrency, ETH.
  • spot crypto ETF: An exchange-traded fund that holds the underlying cryptocurrency directly, giving investors market exposure without directly owning the asset themselves.