OptionsHouse Review: is it legit broker?

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OptionsHouse review conducted by expert’s traders at Fxstay , Is OptionsHouse legit or a scam? Our OptionsHouse review covers fees, regulation, pros & cons. Read before you trade with this broker.

OptionsHouse Review: A Comprehensive Analysis of the Popular Options Trading Platform

Introduction

OptionsHouse was once a prominent online brokerage firm widely recognized for its specialization in options trading, competitive pricing, and advanced trading tools designed for both active traders and investors seeking to explore options strategies. Founded in 2005, OptionsHouse quickly gained popularity for its low fees, sophisticated platform, and rich educational resources tailored towards derivatives trading.

In 2017, OptionsHouse was acquired by ETRADE, a leading brokerage firm, and later fully integrated into ETRADE’s platform. Despite this integration, OptionsHouse’s legacy as a trailblazer for options traders remains significant in the world of online trading.

This comprehensive review will dive into the features, pricing, platform, customer service, pros and cons, and overall user experience of OptionsHouse, helping traders and investors understand what made it stand out and what aspects may still be relevant today through E*TRADE.

Company Background and History

OptionsHouse was launched by PEAK6 Investments in 2005 with the goal of providing an affordable and user-friendly online platform focused heavily on options trading. Unlike many traditional brokers that charged high commissions and fees, OptionsHouse adopted a low-cost commission structure, catering primarily to active traders and options enthusiasts.

The brokerage became well known for its powerful trading tools, including a flexible and customizable platform, educational resources aimed at options strategies, and an emphasis on providing value through low commissions.

In 2017, ETRADE acquired OptionsHouse for approximately $725 million, combining its robust platform and customer base with ETRADE’s broader market offerings and resources. This acquisition led to OptionsHouse users gradually transitioning to the ETRADE platform, but many of the features and philosophies behind OptionsHouse influenced ETRADE’s evolving product suite.

Trading Platforms and Tools

One of OptionsHouse’s most celebrated strengths was its online trading platform, built with active traders in mind.

Desktop Platform

OptionsHouse’s desktop platform was designed to provide traders with fast, intuitive access to complex options strategies, along with real-time market data and customizable tools.

Key features included:

  • Strategy Builder: Allowed traders to construct multi-leg options strategies with visual profit/loss graphs and scenario analysis.

  • Advanced Charting: Included numerous technical indicators and drawing tools for deep technical analysis.

  • Streaming Market Data: Real-time quotes with Level II data for better insight into market depth.

  • Watchlists & Alerts: Users could create multiple watchlists and set custom price alerts.

  • Flexible Order Types: Support for advanced order types such as stop-limit, trailing stop, and bracket orders.

Mobile App

OptionsHouse offered a robust mobile app that mirrored much of the desktop functionality, allowing traders to execute trades, monitor positions, access charts, and receive alerts on the go.

Web Platform

For users who preferred browser-based trading, OptionsHouse provided a web platform with clean design and key functionalities including:

  • Fast trade execution.

  • Options strategy creation.

  • Real-time streaming quotes.

  • Market news and research.

Though less feature-rich than the desktop platform, the web interface was sufficient for casual trading and quick monitoring.

Investment Products Offered

OptionsHouse catered mostly to active traders and options investors, but it also supported other investment types.

  • Options Trading: The core offering with highly competitive commissions and an intuitive strategy builder.

  • Stocks and ETFs: Access to thousands of U.S. stocks and exchange-traded funds.

  • Mutual Funds: Available but less emphasized; fewer options compared to some competitors.

  • Futures: Not supported.

  • Forex: Not supported.

  • Fixed Income Securities: Limited offerings.

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The focus on options meant that other asset classes were somewhat secondary but still accessible for those looking to diversify.

Commissions and Fees

OptionsHouse’s pricing was one of its main selling points, especially for active options traders.

  • Options Trading: $4.95 per trade plus $0.50 per contract.

  • Stocks and ETFs: $4.95 per trade with no per-share fees.

  • Mutual Funds: $9.95 per trade.

  • Account Minimum: $0 minimum to open an account.

  • Inactivity Fee: $50 if no trade activity occurred in a 12-month period and account balance was under $2,500.

This fee structure was considered very competitive in the industry, particularly for options trading, where some brokers charged higher per-contract fees or flat fees that added up quickly.

Research and Educational Resources

OptionsHouse invested significantly in investor education, particularly around options trading.

  • Options Education Center: Comprehensive tutorials, videos, and articles explaining options basics, strategies, and risks.

  • Webinars and Live Events: Regular webinars covering trading strategies, market outlooks, and platform tutorials.

  • Market Research and Analysis: Provided market news, earnings reports, and analyst commentary.

  • Trade Ideas and Screeners: Tools to help identify stocks and options with high potential based on filters and metrics.

These educational tools helped position OptionsHouse as a platform accessible to both novice and experienced options traders.

Customer Service and Support

OptionsHouse offered customer service via:

  • Phone Support: Available during extended market hours.

  • Email and Live Chat: For less urgent issues and account questions.

  • Robust Online Help Center: FAQs, tutorials, and troubleshooting guides.

Generally, OptionsHouse received favorable reviews for responsive and knowledgeable support, though some users noted room for improvement during peak trading times.

Security and Regulatory Compliance

OptionsHouse was a member of FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) and SIPC (Securities Investor Protection Corporation), offering investors up to $500,000 in account protection, including $250,000 for cash claims.

The platform implemented strong security protocols including:

  • SSL encryption for all data transmissions.

  • Two-factor authentication options.

  • Continuous monitoring of accounts for suspicious activity.

These measures ensured that customer accounts and personal information were safeguarded.

Pros and Cons of OptionsHouse

Pros:

  • Extremely competitive commissions, especially for options traders.

  • Powerful, easy-to-use platform with sophisticated options tools.

  • Wide variety of investment options including stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds.

  • Strong educational resources focused on options trading.

  • No account minimum and transparent fee structure.

  • Responsive customer service.

Cons:

  • Lack of futures and forex trading capabilities.

  • Inactivity fees could be a drawback for casual investors.

  • Limited mutual fund and bond options compared to full-service brokers.

  • After acquisition, full platform support phased out in favor of E*TRADE, limiting OptionsHouse’s standalone future.

Who Was OptionsHouse Best For?

OptionsHouse was primarily tailored for:

  • Active Options Traders: Low fees, advanced tools, and easy strategy building.

  • Intermediate to Advanced Traders: Educational resources for improving options knowledge.

  • Cost-Conscious Investors: Competitive pricing with no hidden fees.

  • Tech-Savvy Investors: Flexible, customizable trading platforms.

  • Stock and ETF Traders: Though the focus was on options, the stock/ETF offering was also competitive.

Transition to E*TRADE and What It Means

In 2017, the acquisition of OptionsHouse by ETRADE led to the merging of the two platforms, with the OptionsHouse brand retired and customers gradually moved to ETRADE’s platform. Many of OptionsHouse’s features were integrated or enhanced under E*TRADE’s brokerage services.

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While the OptionsHouse brand no longer exists, its competitive pricing and options-focused features influenced E*TRADE’s offerings, making the latter a strong choice for options traders.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Is OptionsHouse still operating?
    No, it was acquired by E*TRADE in 2017 and the platform was integrated.

  2. What made OptionsHouse different from other brokers?
    Low commissions, especially for options trades, and a platform focused on options strategies.

  3. What were the stock and ETF commissions?
    $4.95 per trade with no additional per-share fees.

  4. How much did options contracts cost?
    $0.50 per contract, plus a $4.95 base trade fee.

  5. Was there an account minimum to open an OptionsHouse account?
    No, there was no minimum deposit required.

  6. Did OptionsHouse support futures or forex trading?
    No, it did not offer futures or forex trading.

  7. What investment products were available?
    Options, stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and limited bonds.

  8. What platforms did OptionsHouse offer?
    Desktop, web, and mobile platforms.

  9. Did OptionsHouse have educational resources?
    Yes, especially strong in options education, including webinars and tutorials.

  10. Was there an inactivity fee?
    Yes, $50 if no trades occurred within 12 months and balance was under $2,500.

  11. How was the customer support?
    Generally responsive with phone, email, live chat, and help center options.

  12. What security measures were in place?
    SSL encryption, two-factor authentication, and SIPC protection.

  13. Could I build complex options strategies on OptionsHouse?
    Yes, it had an intuitive strategy builder with profit/loss visualization.

  14. Did OptionsHouse charge for mutual fund trades?
    $9.95 per transaction for mutual funds, many no-transaction-fee funds available.

  15. Was margin trading supported?
    Yes, margin accounts were available.

  16. Did OptionsHouse offer dividend reinvestment?
    Yes, DRIP was supported.

  17. Could OptionsHouse users access real-time market data?
    Yes, streaming real-time quotes and Level II data were available.

  18. Did OptionsHouse provide market news?
    Yes, with integrated news and analyst commentary.

  19. Are OptionsHouse accounts now with E*TRADE?
    Yes, all OptionsHouse accounts were transitioned to E*TRADE.

  20. Is E*TRADE a good replacement for OptionsHouse?
    E*TRADE offers similar and expanded options trading capabilities with competitive fees.

Conclusion

OptionsHouse was a pioneering brokerage platform that empowered traders, especially options traders, with low fees, intuitive and powerful tools, and a commitment to education. Though it no longer exists as a standalone platform following its acquisition by ETRADE, its influence lives on through the enhanced options trading capabilities ETRADE offers today.

If you are an active options trader or investor looking for a platform with a strong legacy in options strategies, consider E*TRADE as a natural successor that has built upon the foundation laid by OptionsHouse.

OptionsHouse Review FAQs 2

  1. OptionsHouse Review 2025: Is It Still a Top Choice for Traders?

  2. OptionsHouse Broker Review: Features, Fees, and Performance

  3. OptionsHouse for Beginners: What You Need to Know

  4. Is OptionsHouse Right for You? A Detailed 2025 Breakdown

  5. OptionsHouse Trading Platform Review: Pros and Cons

  6. OptionsHouse Review for Long-Term Investors

  7. OptionsHouse Review for Active Traders: Speed and Tools

  8. Is OptionsHouse Safe? Security and Regulatory Overview

  9. Real User Reviews of OptionsHouse: What Traders Say

  10. The History of OptionsHouse: From Startup to Acquisition

💸 Fees, Pricing & Account Value

  1. OptionsHouse Fees Explained: Commissions, Margin, and More

  2. Are There Hidden Fees on OptionsHouse? What to Watch Out For

  3. How OptionsHouse Makes Money and What It Means for You

  4. OptionsHouse Pricing Compared to Industry Standards

  5. Is OptionsHouse a Low-Cost Broker for Options Trading?

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🛠️ Platform, Tools & Features

  1. OptionsHouse Platform Features: Charting, Tools, and Research

  2. How to Use OptionsHouse Research Tools Like a Pro

  3. OptionsHouse for Options Trading: Features and Strategies

  4. OptionsHouse Mobile App Review: Trading Anywhere

  5. Automated Trading and Alerts on OptionsHouse: What’s Available?

👤 Audience-Specific Reviews

  1. OptionsHouse for New Traders: A Beginner-Friendly Broker?

  2. OptionsHouse for Retirees: Is It Suitable for Retirement Accounts?

  3. OptionsHouse for Casual Traders and Side Hustlers

  4. OptionsHouse for Day Traders: Execution Speed and Tools

  5. OptionsHouse for Swing Traders: Platform and Features

🧑‍🏫 How-To Guides

  1. How to Open an OptionsHouse Account Step-by-Step

  2. How to Buy Stocks and Options on OptionsHouse

  3. Setting Up Alerts and Watchlists on OptionsHouse

  4. How to Trade Options on OptionsHouse: A Beginner’s Guide

  5. Managing Your Portfolio Using OptionsHouse Tools

📘 Strategic & Thought Leadership

  1. Why OptionsHouse Became Popular Among Options Traders

  2. OptionsHouse vs Robinhood: Who’s Better for Options Trading?

  3. The Acquisition of OptionsHouse: What Changed?

  4. OptionsHouse’s Role in the Brokerage Industry Today

  5. Is OptionsHouse Still Competitive in 2025?

🧩 SEO & Niche Topics

  1. OptionsHouse Account Types: IRAs, Margin, and More Explained

  2. OptionsHouse Minimum Deposit Requirements

  3. OptionsHouse Promotions and Bonus Offers for New Clients

  4. Common OptionsHouse Complaints and How to Address Them

  5. Best Alternatives to OptionsHouse in 2025

⚖️ OptionsHouse vs. Other Brokers

    1. OptionsHouse vs Robinhood: Which Is Better for Options Trading?

    2. OptionsHouse vs E*TRADE: Features and Fees Compared

    3. OptionsHouse vs TD Ameritrade: Platform and Service Showdown

    4. OptionsHouse vs Fidelity: Who Offers Better Value?

    5. OptionsHouse vs Charles Schwab: Research Tools and Pricing

    6. OptionsHouse vs Webull: Which Has the Better App?

    7. OptionsHouse vs Merrill Edge: Comparing Investment Options

    8. OptionsHouse vs Ally Invest: What Changed After the Acquisition?

    9. OptionsHouse vs Interactive Brokers: Best for Active Traders?

    10. OptionsHouse vs Vanguard: Which Is Better for Retirement?

Optionshouse broker vs others

  1. OptionsHouse vs. E*TRADE: Which Broker Is Better for Options Trading?

  2. OptionsHouse or TD Ameritrade: Which Platform Fits Your Needs?

  3. OptionsHouse vs. Charles Schwab: Fees, Features, and Tools Compared

  4. OptionsHouse vs. Fidelity: Best Choice for Active Traders?

  5. OptionsHouse vs. Robinhood: Options Trading Showdown

  6. Trading Platforms Compared: OptionsHouse vs. E*TRADE

  7. Options Trading: OptionsHouse vs. TD Ameritrade – Who Wins?

  8. Research Tools Faceoff: OptionsHouse vs. Fidelity

  9. Mobile Trading Experience: OptionsHouse vs. Robinhood

  10. Retirement Accounts Compared: OptionsHouse vs. Charles Schwab

  11. OptionsHouse vs. E*TRADE: Pros and Cons You Should Know

  12. OptionsHouse vs. TD Ameritrade: Which Broker Is Right for You?

  13. Side-by-Side Review: OptionsHouse vs. Fidelity for Active Traders

  14. OptionsHouse or Robinhood: Which Broker Matches Your Style?

  15. Discount Broker Battle: OptionsHouse vs. Charles Schwab

  16. Best Broker for Options Trading: OptionsHouse vs. TD Ameritrade

  17. Beginner Investors: OptionsHouse vs. Robinhood – Which Is Easier?

  18. Active Traders: OptionsHouse vs. E*TRADE – Who Wins?

  19. Retirement Investors: OptionsHouse vs. Fidelity – Which Is Better?

  20. Low-Cost Trading: OptionsHouse vs. Robinhood – Which Is Cheaper?

  21. Thinking of Switching? OptionsHouse vs. Other Top Brokers

  22. OptionsHouse vs. Competitors: Which Broker Should You Trust?

  23. Two Brokers, One Portfolio: OptionsHouse vs. [Broker] Compared

  24. OptionsHouse vs. Big Players: Who Offers the Best Value?

  25. From OptionsHouse to E*TRADE: How Does the Transition Compare

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