Commission-free Options for Trading API is coming soon

Get ready by developing and testing your trading algorithms in our paper environment today

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Trading dashboard
$0
Commission-free options*
*Live trading coming soon
99.95%
Uptime
1.5ms
Order processing
#1
API Broker*
*elected by BrokerChooser

Tailored for any portfolio

  • US listed equities options
  • Level 1 & 2 (available now)
  • Level 3 (coming soon)

Trade your way

  • Form your idea, develop the algo and test its strategy; regardless if you're bullish or bearish

Automate with Alpaca

  • Program your manual option trades so they can automatically execute with Trading API

Why build with Alpaca's Trading API?

Free and Easy to Use API
SDKs are available in Python, .NET/C#, Go, Node, and more
Free Real-Time Market Data
Paper trade with real-time market data
Testing Environment
Test your trades on paper before deploying to production
Comprehensive Asset Classes
Gain exposure to options plus crypto, stocks, and ETFs
Thriving Ecosystem
Use Alpaca Connect to discover apps built by traders just like you
Explore our docs

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are options considered riskier than other investments?
Options are considered riskier than other investments due to their derivative nature and heightened price volatility. As leveraged instruments, even a small investment in options can lead to a substantial gain or loss, exceeding the risk associated with traditional investments.
How much does it cost to trade options?
Right now, users can only paper trade options. However, coming soon, your options trading is always commission-free with Alpaca's Trading API. It's important to note that this is only available to our retail customers.
What options are supported?
Currently, all exchange-listed US equity options (American style) are offered. However, index options are not supported but will be coming in the future.
Is market data for options offered?
Our Trading API supports market data for options in real time.
What options strategies are available with Alpaca?
We're launching options paper trading for Level 1 & 2 strategies: long calls, long puts, covered calls, and cash-secured puts. However, expect to see more complex and multi-leg strategies (including spreads) available in the near future.
Options trading dashboard

Start trading options on paper now

And soon trade thousands of contracts with zero commissions

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Options Disclosures

Options trading is not suitable for all investors due to its inherent high risk, which can potentially result in significant losses.
Please read Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options before investing in options.

The Paper Trading API is offered by AlpacaDB, Inc. and does not require real money or permit a user to conduct real transactions in the market. Providing use of the Paper Trading API is not an offer or solicitation to buy or sell securities, securities derivative or futures products of any kind, or any type of trading or investment advice, recommendation or strategy, given or in any manner endorsed by AlpacaDB, Inc. or any AlpacaDB, Inc. affiliate and the information made available through the Paper Trading API is not an offer or solicitation of any kind in any jurisdiction where AlpacaDB, Inc. or any AlpacaDB, Inc. affiliate (collectively, "Alpaca") is not authorized to do business.