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SoFi Expands Options Trading With Level 1 Access for Members

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SoFi has announced the rollout of Options Level 1 for SoFi Invest members, marking a new milestone in making options trading more accessible. The expansion allows members to pursue foundational, risk-adjusted strategies like covered calls and cash-secured puts — with no commissions, no contract fees, and integrated education built into the platform. The feature is already rolling out and will be available to all eligible members in the coming weeks.

Options Level 1 builds on SoFi’s existing investment offerings by introducing strategies designed to assist members manage risk, generate premium income, and diversify their portfolios. Members approved for options trading can now apply for Level 1 access directly in the SoFi app, where they’ll also find a comprehensive library of educational resources explaining how options work, their risks, and how to integrate them responsibly into a .

“One of the most consistent requests we heard from SoFi Invest members was access to Options Level 1 and we’re thrilled to deliver on that demand,” said Anthony Noto, CEO of SoFi. “By expanding access to options trading and embedding education directly into the experience, members can responsibly diversify their strategies and pursue their long-term financial goals with confidence, all within SoFi’s one-stop shop.”

New Options Capabilities for Retail Investors

With the rollout of Options Level 1, SoFi members gain access to trading strategies that were previously limited to more advanced accounts. These include:
• Covered calls, which allow investors to generate income by writing options against shares they already own.
• Cash-secured puts, which allow investors to potentially acquire shares at a lower price while generating option premium income.

These foundational strategies are widely considered entry points for investors looking to use options as part of a diversified approach to portfolio management. By making them available in an accessible, fee-free environment, SoFi is aiming to lower the barrier to entry for retail investors who want to explore options without the complexity and cost often associated with them.

The rollout also complements SoFi’s Options Level 2 strategies, expanding the scope of choices for members as they progress in their trading journey. Educational tools within the app are designed to assist investors understand assignment risks, tax considerations, and hedging benefits, ensuring that options are used responsibly.

Takeaway

SoFi is lowering the barrier for options trading by introducing Level 1 strategies with no fees and built-in education, empowering members to diversify and manage risk.

Roadmap: More Strategies and Advanced Tools

SoFi has outlined an ambitious roadmap for expanding its options capabilities in the months ahead. Planned features include:
• Additional options levels and strategies for advanced traders.
• Options trading in IRAs to enhance retirement portfolio flexibility.
• Zero day to expiration (0DTE) contracts for more active traders.
• Enhanced options screening and strategy tools, including profit/loss calculators and improved chain navigation.
• Margin enhancements to support more sophisticated strategies.

SoFi is also removing fees for options exercise and assignment, an significant move for active traders who often face hidden costs when positions are closed. By eliminating these charges, the company is signaling its and cost reduction as a key diverseiator in retail investing.

These upgrades come amid a year of rapid growth in SoFi Invest’s broader capabilities. In addition to expanding options trading, the platform has introduced , alternative funds, and a revamped robo-advisor built with BlackRock. The goal: to become a comprehensive investment hub that serves both beginners and sophisticated investors alike.

Takeaway

SoFi’s roadmap points to deeper integration of advanced options tools, retirement strategies, and transparent pricing — reinforcing its goal of becoming an .

Building on SoFi Invest’s Expansion

SoFi’s push into options comes as the company broadens its investment product lineup beyond traditional equities and ETFs. In 2024 and 2025, SoFi Invest introduced a range of opportunities across alternative assets, giving members access to funds from firms like Fundrise, Cashmere, and Liberty Street Advisors with exposure to companies including OpenAI, Discord, and Epic Games. Through a partnership with Templum, members can also invest in privately held companies such as SpaceX, Databricks, and xAI.

Additionally, SoFi has expanded its menu of alternative funds from managers like ARK, KKR, Carlyle, and Franklin Templeton. These products cover private credit, real estate, and pre-IPO investments, making sophisticated . SoFi also relaunched its robo-advisor with BlackRock, offering diversified portfolios that include alternatives — reinforcing the theme of expanding access once reserved for institutional investors.

By adding Options Level 1 to this portfolio of offerings, SoFi is signaling its intent to serve investors at every stage of their financial journey — from beginners exploring ETFs to experienced members viewking diversification through private markets, alternatives, and options.

Takeaway

SoFi’s latest options rollout complements its expansion into private markets and alternatives, creating a multi-layered platform for all types of investors.

Balancing Opportunity with Risk

While SoFi is democratizing access to options, it is also underscoring the risks involved. Options strategies like covered calls and cash-secured puts can result in assignment, loss of underlying shares, or significant financial losses. To mitigate these risks, SoFi integrates education, clear disclosures, and an approval process that evaluates members based on their trading experience, financial situation, and investment objectives.

The platform encourages members to carefully review the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options before beginning, and provides in-app educational resources to assist them build knowledge before executing trades. SoFi’s transparent approach aligns with its broader mission to deliver responsible financial tools that support members’ long-term independence.

By combining accessible features with robust risk education, SoFi aims to strike a balance between empowering retail investors and ensuring they engage responsibly with options trading — a historically complex area of investing.

Takeaway

SoFi is expanding access to options trading while embedding secureguards and education to ensure members understand and manage the risks responsibly.

Outlook: Options as Part of SoFi’s All-in-One Vision

The rollout of Options Level 1 represents another step toward SoFi’s ambition of being a one-stop shop for digital financial services. With over 11.7 million members, the platform already spans lending, saving, investing, and insurance — and is now deepening its trading capabilities with a stronger focus on advanced tools and alternative assets.

As competition intensifies in retail investing, SoFi’s integrated approach sets it apart. By offering options alongside private markets, alternative funds, and robo-advisory portfolios, SoFi is creating a platform that mirrors the services of full-service wealth managers but in a digital-first, lower-cost environment.

Looking ahead, SoFi’s roadmap for options trading — including advanced strategies, IRAs, and 0DTE contracts — signals that the company is committed to scaling options as a central part of its investment ecosystem. This positions SoFi to serve a new generation of investors viewking both diversification and control within a single platform.

Takeaway

SoFi’s expansion into Options Level 1 is part of its long-term strategy to become a digital-first full-service wealth manager, integrating advanced tools with accessibility and education.

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