Man working on laptop

Options

Get started

What are options?

Benefits of options

Higher impact trading

Options contracts represent 100 shares of an asset, so any change in that asset’s value is magnified compared to owning a single share

Mitigate your risks

If the value of your shares drop, put options let you sell your shares at a set price before the option’s expiry date

Expand your strategies

Take advantage of more than just price changes. The passage of time and movements in volatility can also affect an option’s value

How to start trading options

Just open an account, then take advantage of our built-in research tools and place an order. Make sure you understand how options work and their potential risks before trading.

get started

Trade options with no hidden fees.

Buy and sell options for

$0 + 99¢ / contract 2

Trade options with confidence

With a self-directed Questrade account, you have access to the tools, resources and support you need to make stock trades confidently.

Self-directed investing

I want to invest by myself

  • Trade stocks and ETFs commission-free 1. And options for 99¢/contract 2.

  • Find fresh new trading ideas with easy-to-use research tools

  • Mobile, web or desktop—trade your way on powerful platforms

We’re here to help you get started

Our account specialists are available to assist with any account-related questions you may have, and to help you get set up.

Start chat

Reach us by phone

Toll-free Within Canada

1.888.298.4515

From the U.S.

1.416.227.6615

International

(001) 416.227.6615

Phone hours

Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 8 PM EST

Get answers to frequently asked questions

In options trading, you are purchasing a contract that represents shares of an underlying asset (like a stock) that gives you the right to buy or sell that asset at a set time for a set price.

When you buy a stock, you get a small piece of ownership in a company. Options, on the other hand, are contracts that give you the right to buy or sell an asset at a set price by a set date.

Questrade separates options into four different levels depending on their risk. Level 1 and 2, the least risky, have no minimum equity requirements. You can learn more about options levels here.
You can buy and hold Level 1 and 2 options in a registered account. Due to industry regulations, you’ll need a margin account to hold Level 3 or 4 options. Learn more about the options levels here.
Puts and calls are the two types of option contracts. They give you the right to buy (Calls) or sell (Puts) an asset at a set price, by a set date, no matter how its value has changed.

1 'Zero commission trades', '$0 commissions', '$0 trading', 'trade commission-free' and similar messages, refer to commission-free trading for trades placed online through Questrade, Inc.'s website or mobile apps for stocks and ETFs that are listed on a stock exchange in the United States or Canada. Other fees may still apply.

2 For options trades placed online through Questrade, Inc.'s website or mobile apps the base commission has been reduced to 0.99¢ per contract. The per contract rate for online options trading is further reduced to 0.75¢ if subscribed to an active trader plan.