When choosing an options broker, some investors will prioritize cost, while others may be more concerned with trading features or educational resources. Regardless of your priorities, it’s important to find a brokerage that supports the type of options strategies you plan to use. You’ll also want to gain approval for options trading by proving your financial readiness and risk tolerance to the brokerage.

An option is a contract that gives the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an asset at a specific price within a certain timeframe. Investors often trade options to acquire leverage, generate income or hedge against market volatility. Options are traded on specialized exchanges, like the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) and the American Stock Exchange (AMEX).

Exploring Options: Options Trading Brokers in the UK

Investors can open a brokerage account to trade options. Once approved, they can choose from the many investment choices available in their account and execute trades using a trading platform. Options are complex investments and should only be traded by investors who understand the risks involved.

To find the best options brokers, NerdWallet’s team of experts analyzed more than 15 criteria, including fees and minimums, trading platforms, research tools and customer support. We selected brokers that offer competitive pricing for options trading, low margin rates and robust selections of stocks, ETFs and mutual funds. In addition, we considered whether a broker offers interest on uninvested cash, since that can add up over time. The final list includes online brokers that provide an excellent options trading experience for traders of all skill levels.