Overview
Tastytrade (formerly tastyworks) is a brokerage platform founded in 2017 by Tom Sosnoff and Scott Sheridan, the same team behind TD Ameritrade's thinkorswim platform. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Tastytrade is designed specifically for active options and futures traders, offering low commissions and a unique options-centric trading experience.
Tastytrade is regulated by the SEC and FINRA and is a member of SIPC. In 2021, IG Group acquired Tastytrade for $1 billion, expanding its international reach. The platform is known for its distinctive approach to options trading education through the tastylive media network, which broadcasts live trading shows daily.
What makes Tastytrade unique is its options-first design philosophy. The platform provides powerful options analysis tools, probability-based trade evaluation, and capped commission structure that saves active traders significant fees compared to competitors.
Key Features
- Capped options commissions: $1.00 per contract to open, $0 to close (capped at $10/leg)
- Options-first platform: Purpose-built for options and futures trading
- Follow-feed: Copy trades from tastylive hosts and community members
- Probability analysis: Built-in probability of profit (POP) calculations
- Curve analysis: Visual options payoff diagrams with break-even analysis
- tastylive network: Free daily live trading shows and education
- Portfolio management: Net liquidating value, beta-weighted deltas, buying power
- Futures trading: Micro futures, /ES, /NQ, /CL with competitive rates
Supported Markets
| Market Type | Details | |-------------|---------| | Stocks | US stocks on NYSE, NASDAQ | | ETFs | Commission-free ETF trading | | Options | US equity, index, and ETF options | | Futures | CME, CBOT, NYMEX, COMEX — standard and micro contracts | | Futures Options | Options on futures contracts | | Crypto | BTC, ETH, and select tokens |
Fee Structure
| Type | Fee | |------|-----| | Stocks & ETFs | $0 commission | | Options (open) | $1.00 per contract (capped at $10/leg) | | Options (close) | $0 | | Futures | $1.25 per contract | | Micro Futures | $0.85 per contract | | Futures Options | $2.50 per contract | | Account minimum | $0 |
Platforms & Interfaces
- tastytrade Desktop: Purpose-built platform with options chain, curve analysis, watchlists
- tastytrade Mobile: iOS and Android apps with full options capabilities
- tastytrade Web: Browser-based trading at tastytrade.com
- API: Open API for algorithmic trading and data access
Regulation
- SEC / FINRA (United States)
- SIPC member — up to $500,000 protection
- Owned by IG Group (LSE-listed, FCA-regulated)
Getting Started
- Open an account at tastytrade.com — individual, joint, IRA, or entity
- Complete identity verification with SSN and personal information
- Fund via ACH, wire transfer, or account transfer ($0 minimum)
- Download the platform and start trading options