Charles Schwab will soon add Solana, Avalanche, and Chainlink to its crypto trading platform, giving nearly 40 million U.S. brokerage clients access to more digital assets beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum
Charles Schwab is preparing to expand its crypto trading platform by adding support for Solana (SOL), Avalanche (AVAX), and Chainlink (LINK) in the coming months. The move will give Schwab's nearly 40 million U.S. brokerage account holders the ability to trade three of the largest altcoins by market capitalization, broadening the firm's digital asset lineup beyond Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH).
Broader Access for U.S. Retail Investors
Schwab Crypto, which launched in May 2026, currently allows retail clients to buy and sell BTC and ETH through the company's website, mobile app, and thinkorswim platform. The service charges a 0.75% fee on each trade and is available in all U.S. states except New York and Louisiana, with no international or U.S. territory access. By adding SOL, AVAX, and LINK, Schwab is responding to growing demand for access to established altcoins among mainstream investors, while maintaining a measured approach to asset selection.
Competitive Pressures and Product Strategy
Schwab's expansion comes as traditional brokerages face increasing competition from crypto-native platforms that offer a wider range of tokens and trading products. The company, which reported $13.04 trillion in client assets and 39.9 million active brokerage accounts as of July 31, has so far limited its crypto offering to a small set of assets. According to Schwab, the new listings are intended to give clients more flexibility in building digital asset allocations alongside their existing investment and banking services. The Schwab Crypto accounts are provided through Charles Schwab Premier Bank, with operational support from Charles Schwab & Co.
Gradual Rollout and Future Plans
Schwab has not specified an exact launch date for the new tokens, stating only that SOL, AVAX, and LINK will be available "in the coming months." The firm has indicated it will continue to add more cryptocurrencies and digital assets over time, but has not named additional candidates. This incremental approach stands in contrast to some competitors that list dozens or even hundreds of tokens at once, a strategy that can introduce additional regulatory and liquidity risks.
Alternative Assets and Market Context
The addition of new tokens is part of Schwab's broader push into alternative trading products. In June 2026, the Wall Street Journal reported that Schwab plans to launch prediction contracts tied to the S&P 500 index in partnership with Cboe Global Markets, allowing clients to take positions on index outcomes. This reflects a wider trend among major financial firms to diversify their product offerings and compete for retail investor attention. Regulatory uncertainty remains a factor for all U.S. crypto platforms, as highlighted by ongoing legislative efforts such as those discussed in recent coverage of the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act.
As of July 31, 2026, Charles Schwab reported record second-quarter net revenue of $7.1 billion and net income of $2.8 billion. The company's crypto trading platform serves nearly 40 million active brokerage accounts, with access to BTC and ETH since May 2026. The 0.75% trading fee applies to all supported tokens, and geographic restrictions remain in place for New York, Louisiana, U.S. territories, and international users.
Adding new cryptocurrencies to a brokerage platform involves a range of operational, regulatory, and liquidity considerations. Each token must be evaluated for market depth, custody arrangements, and compliance with state and federal requirements. For U.S. investors, access to altcoins like Solana, Avalanche, and Chainlink through a regulated brokerage may offer greater convenience and perceived security compared to using offshore or unregulated exchanges. However, trading fees, withdrawal restrictions, and limited asset selection can affect the overall user experience and investment outcomes.
