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What Is the Roth IRA 5-Year Rule? Are There Exceptions?

The Roth IRA 5-year rule is one of the rules that governs what an investor can and can’t do with funds in a Roth IRA. The Roth IRA 5-year rule comes into play when a person withdraws funds from the account; rolls a traditional IRA account into a Roth; or inherits a Roth IRA account.

Here’s what you need to know.

Key Points

•   The Roth IRA 5-year rule requires accounts to be open for five years before earnings can be withdrawn tax-free after age 59 ½.

•   Contributions to a Roth IRA can be withdrawn at any time without penalties.

•   Exceptions to the 5-year rule include reaching age 59 ½, disability, and using funds for a first home purchase.

•   Each conversion from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA starts a new 5-year period for tax purposes.

•   Inherited Roth IRAs also adhere to the 5-year rule, affecting the taxation of earnings withdrawals.

What Is the Roth IRA 5-Year Rule?

The Roth IRA 5-year rule pertains to withdrawals of earnings from a Roth IRA. A quick reminder of how a Roth works: An individual can contribute funds to a Roth IRA, up to annual limits. For 2025, the maximum IRS contrbution limit for Roth IRAs is $7,000, while investors 50 and older can contribute an extra $1,000. For 2026, the maximum contribution limit is $7,500, and investors ages 50 and older can contribute an addiitional $1,100.

Roth IRA contributions can be withdrawn at any time without tax or penalty, for any reason at any age. However, investment earnings on those contributions can only typically be withdrawn tax- and penalty-free once the investor reaches the age of 59 ½ — and as long as the account has been open for at least a five-year period. The five-year period begins on January 1 of the year you made your first contribution to the Roth IRA. Even if you make your contribution at the very end of the year, you can still count that entire year as year one.

Example of the Roth IRA 5-Year Rule

To illustrate how the 5-year rule works, say an investor opened a Roth IRA in 2022 to save for retirement. The individual contributed $5,000 to a Roth IRA and earned $400 in interest and they now want to withdraw a portion of the money. Since this retirement account is less than five years old, only the $5,000 contribution could be withdrawn without tax or penalty. If part or all of the investment earnings is withdrawn sooner than five years after opening the account, this money may be subject to a 10% penalty.

In 2027, the investor can withdraw earnings tax-free from the Roth IRA because the five-year period will have passed.

💡 Quick Tip: How much does it cost to open a new IRA account? Often there are no fees to open an IRA, but you typically pay investment costs for the securities in your portfolio.

Exceptions to the 5-Year Rule

There are some exceptions to the Roth IRA 5-year rule, however. According to the IRS, a Roth IRA account holder who takes a withdrawal before the account is five years old may not have to pay the 10% penalty in the following situations:

•   They have reached age 59 ½.

•   They are totally and permanently disabled.

•   They are the beneficiary of a deceased IRA owner.

•   They are using the distribution (up to $10,000) to buy, build, or rebuild a first home.

•   The distributions are part of a series of substantially equal payments.

•   They have unreimbursed medical expenses that are more than 7.5% of their adjusted gross income for the year.

•   They are paying medical insurance premiums during a period of unemployment.

•   They are using the distribution for qualified higher education expenses.

•   The distribution is due to an IRS levy of the qualified plan.

•   They are taking qualified reservist distributions.

5-Year Rule for Roth IRA Conversions

Some investors who have traditional IRAs may consider rolling them over into a Roth IRA. Typically, the money converted from the traditional IRA to a Roth is taxed as income, so it may make sense to talk to a financial or tax professional before making this move.

If this Roth IRA conversion is made, the 5-year rule still applies. The key date is the tax year in which the conversion happened. So, if an investor converted a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA on September 15, 2022, the five-year period would start on January 1, 2022. If the conversion took place on March 10, 2023, the five-year period would start on January 1, 2023. So, unless the conversion took place on January 1 of a certain year, typically, the 5-year rule doesn’t literally equate to five full calendar years.

If an investor makes multiple conversions from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA, perhaps one in 2023 and one in 2024, then each conversion has its own unique five-year window for the rule.

5-Year Rule for Inherited Roth IRA

The 5-year rule also applies to inherited Roth IRAs. Here’s how it works.

When the owner of a Roth IRA dies, the balance of the account may be inherited by beneficiaries. These beneficiaries can withdraw money without penalty, whether the money they take is from the principal (contributions made by the original account holder) or from investment earnings, as long as the original account holder had the Roth IRA for at least five years. If the original account holder had the Roth IRA for fewer than five tax years, however, the earnings portion of the beneficiary withdrawals is subject to taxation until the five-year anniversary is reached.

People who inherit Roth IRAs, unlike the original account holders, must take required minimum distributions (RMDs). They can do so by withdrawing funds by December 31 of the 10th year after the original holder died if they died after 2019 (or the fifth year if the original account holder died before 2020), or have the withdrawals taken out based upon their own life expectancy.

💡 Quick Tip: All investments come with some degree of risk — and some are riskier than others. Before investing online, decide on your investment goals and how much risk you want to take.

How to Shorten the 5-Year Waiting Period

To shorten the five-year waiting period, an investor could open a Roth IRA online and make a contribution on the day before income taxes are due and have it applied to the previous year. For example, if one were to make the contribution in April 2023, that contribution could be considered as being made in the 2022 tax year. As long as this doesn’t cause problems with annual contribution caps, the five-year window would effectively expire in 2027 rather than 2028.

If the same investor opens a second Roth IRA — say in 2024 — the five-year window still expires (in this example) in 2027. The initial Roth IRA opened by an investor determines the beginning of the five-year waiting period for all subsequently opened Roth IRAs.

The Takeaway

For Roth IRA account holders, the 5-year rule is key. After the account has been opened for five years, an account holder who is 59 ½ or older can withdraw investment earnings without incurring taxes or penalties. While there are exceptions to this so-called 5-year rule, for anyone who has a Roth IRA account, this is important information to know about.

Prepare for your retirement with an individual retirement account (IRA). It’s easy to get started when you open a traditional or Roth IRA with SoFi. Whether you prefer a hands-on self-directed IRA through SoFi Securities or an automated robo IRA with SoFi Wealth, you can build a portfolio to help support your long-term goals while gaining access to tax-advantaged savings strategies.

Easily manage your retirement savings with a SoFi IRA.

FAQ

Do I have to wait 5 years to withdraw from my Roth IRA?

Because of the Roth IRA 5-year rule, you generally have to wait at least five years before withdrawing earnings tax-free from your Roth IRA. You can, however, withdraw contributions you made to your Roth IRA at any time tax-free.

Does the 5-year rule apply to Roth contributions?

No, the Roth IRA rule does not apply to contributions made to your Roth IRA, only to earnings. You can withdraw contributions you made to your IRA tax-free at any time.



Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE

SoFi Invest is a trade name used by SoFi Wealth LLC and SoFi Securities LLC offering investment products and services. Robo investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Brokerage and self-directed investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

For disclosures on SoFi Invest platforms visit SoFi.com/legal. For a full listing of the fees associated with Sofi Invest please view our fee schedule.

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A modern, multi-story apartment building with balconies and a mix of white and brick siding, under a blue sky.

What’s the Difference Between a Co-op and a Condo?

Both co-ops and condos give a resident the right to use certain common areas, such as pools, gyms, roof decks, and courtyards. But there are big differences when it comes to what you actually own when you purchase a condo vs a co-op.

It’s easy to get confused about the difference between the two properties. If you pulled up pictures of co-ops and condos during a home search, they might seem exactly the same. But if you’re in the market for a home — especially in a large city where both housing types are popular — you’ll learn quickly that the terms are not interchangeable.

You might have wondered if you’d prefer a house or a condo. But if you’re moving in the direction of co-op vs. condo, it’s important to understand their many distinct features. You’ve done the work of budgeting for a home. Now, before you spend that budget, let’s get a handle on the difference between a condo and a co-op.

Key Points

•   Condos and co-ops both offer shared amenities and community rules, but differ significantly in ownership structure.

•   With a condo, you own your individual unit, while common areas are collectively owned by all residents.

•   In a co-op, residents own shares in a corporation that holds title to the property, granting them a proprietary lease for their unit.

•   Co-ops often have lower purchase prices but can be harder to finance and involve more stringent approval processes for buyers.

•   Key differences also exist in monthly fees, tax deductibility, privacy levels, and restrictions on renovations or resales.

What Is a Condo?

With a condominium, you own your home, but you don’t solely own anything outside your unit — not even the exterior walls. Common areas of the complex are owned and shared by all the condo owners collectively.

Buying a condo is not all that different from securing any other type of real estate. Typically, the complex will be managed by an association that is responsible for maintaining the property and enforcing any covenants, conditions, and restrictions that govern property usage. The association sets the regular fees owners pay to cover repairs, landscaping, other services, and insurance for the shared parts of the property. Special assessments also might be levied to pay for unexpected repairs and needed improvements that aren’t in the normal operating budget.

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What Is a Co-op?

In the co-op vs. condo debate, it’s key to know that with a housing cooperative, residents don’t own their units. Instead, they hold shares in a nonprofit corporation that has the title to the property and grants proprietary leases to residents. The lease grants you the right to live in your specific unit and use the common elements of the co-op according to its bylaws and regulations. A co-op manager usually collects monthly maintenance fees; enforces covenants, conditions and restrictions; and makes sure the property is well kept.

As a shareholder, you become a voting manager of the building, and as such have a say in how the co-op is run and maintained. Residents generally vote on any decision that affects the building. Should a resident wish to sell their shares, members of the board of directors will have to approve the new buyer. They will be much more involved than would be the case with a condo. That can make it a lengthy process.

Co-ops and condos are both common-interest communities, but their governing documents have different legal mechanisms that determine how they operate and can affect residents’ costs, control over their units, and even the feeling of community. (If you’re curious about another option, there’s always a townhouse, so read up on the difference between a condo and a townhouse as well.)


💡 Quick Tip: Your parents or grandparents probably got mortgages for 30 years. But these days, you can get them for 20, 15, or 10 years — and pay less interest over the life of the loan.

Some Pros & Cons of Co-Ops vs. Condos

Financing

It’s important to drill down on the details of buying an apartment. Because you aren’t actually buying any real estate with a co-op, the price per square foot is usually lower than it would be for a condo. Eligibility for a home loan may depend on credit score, down payment, minimum square footage of a unit, and more.

However, it might be somewhat harder to get a mortgage for a co-op than a condo, even if the bottom-line price is less. It might not have all that much to do with you. Some lenders are reluctant to underwrite a loan for shares in a corporation vs. real property. Most condo associations don’t restrict lending or financing in the building. If you can get a mortgage loan, the condo association will usually let you buy a place.

Fees

Because a co-op’s monthly fee can include payments for the building’s underlying mortgage and property taxes as well as amenities, maintenance, security, and utilities, it’s usually higher than the monthly fee for a condo. Either way, though, generally the more perks that come with your unit, the more there is to maintain and in turn, the more you’re likely to pay.

If you’re concerned about an increase in fees, you might want to ask the association or board about any improvements that may lead to an increase in the future — and what the rules are for those who do not pay their assessed dues. All of these factors are important to weigh when you’re making a home-buying checklist, which includes figuring out how much money you’ll need and the best financing strategy.

Taxes

If you itemize on your income tax return, you may be able to deduct the portion of a co-op’s monthly fee that goes to property taxes and mortgage interest. However, none of a condo’s monthly maintenance fee is tax deductible. You might want to consult a tax professional about these nuances before moving forward with a co-op or condo purchase.

Privacy vs. Community

If you’ve ever lived in one of those neighborhoods where the only time you saw your fellow residents was just before they pulled their cars into their garages, it could take you a while to adjust to cooperative or association living. Because you share ownership with your neighbors, you may be more likely to see them at meetings and other events. And you can trust that they’ll know who you are.

Co-op boards often require prospective buyers — who are potential shareholders — to provide substantial personal information before a purchase is approved, including personal tax returns, personal and business references. Many require in-person interviews. You may find that you like the sense of community and that everyone knows and looks out for each other. Or you may not. Again, you might want to ask some questions about socialization and privacy while checking out a particular co-op or an active condo community.

Restrictions

In a co-op, you might run into more rules regarding how you can renovate or even decorate your unit. And don’t forget: You’ll also have to deal with that rigorous application approval process if you ever decide to sell.

Both condos and co-ops frequently have restrictions on renting out extra rooms (or renting the entire unit), as well as on how many people can stay overnight or park in the parking lot, the type of pets you can have and their size, and more. Before you look at a unit, you may want to ask your agent about covenants, conditions, and restrictions that could be difficult to handle.


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The Takeaway

Whether you end up buying a co-op or a condo, ownership offers many benefits you won’t find in a rental. When you’re ready to start a serious search, take the time to look for a lender that will work with you on whatever type of loan you might require. In the co-op vs. condo terrain, there are specialists for both sides.

Looking for an affordable option for a home mortgage loan? SoFi can help: We offer low down payments (as little as 3% - 5%*) with our competitive and flexible home mortgage loans. Plus, applying is extra convenient: It's online, with access to one-on-one help.

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FAQ

Is a co-op better than a condo?

A co-op isn’t better than a condo. Which is best really depends on your lifestyle and needs. Co-ops can be a little harder to finance, and board approval of a prospective co-op buyer is often needed. But a plus for co-ops is that the portion of your maintenance fee that goes toward property taxes may be tax deductible.

What’s the downside to owning a co-op?

Some co-op owners who are selling their unit find that the screening of a prospective buyer by the co-ops management board can slow down the sale process. Co-ops may also be less flexible when it comes to decorating or renovating the unit.

Is a co-op the same as a condo?

Both co-ops and condos are often apartments, but that’s where the similarity ends. When you purchase a co-op, you technically aren’t buying the apartment itself, but rather shares in the corporation that owns the building. When you buy a condo, you are buying your unit and you share ownership of the common areas of the building with your neighbors. Co-ops usually involve a screening process in which buyers are reviewed and approved by their prospective neighbors. Condos don’t usually require this.


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*SoFi requires Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) for conforming home loans with a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio greater than 80%. As little as 3% down payments are for qualifying first-time homebuyers only. 5% minimum applies to other borrowers. Other loan types may require different fees or insurance (e.g., VA funding fee, FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums, etc.). Loan requirements may vary depending on your down payment amount, and minimum down payment varies by loan type.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

‡Up to $9,500 cash back: HomeStory Rewards is offered by HomeStory Real Estate Services, a licensed real estate broker. HomeStory Real Estate Services is not affiliated with SoFi Bank, N.A. (SoFi). SoFi is not responsible for the program provided by HomeStory Real Estate Services. Obtaining a mortgage from SoFi is optional and not required to participate in the program offered by HomeStory Real Estate Services. The borrower may arrange for financing with any lender. Rebate amount based on home sale price, see table for details.

Qualifying for the reward requires using a real estate agent that participates in HomeStory’s broker to broker agreement to complete the real estate buy and/or sell transaction. You retain the right to negotiate buyer and or seller representation agreements. Upon successful close of the transaction, the Real Estate Agent pays a fee to HomeStory Real Estate Services. All Agents have been independently vetted by HomeStory to meet performance expectations required to participate in the program. If you are currently working with a REALTOR®, please disregard this notice. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other REALTORS®. A reward is not available where prohibited by state law, including Alaska, Iowa, Louisiana and Missouri. A reduced agent commission may be available for sellers in lieu of the reward in Mississippi, New Jersey, Oklahoma, and Oregon and should be discussed with the agent upon enrollment. No reward will be available for buyers in Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Oregon. A commission credit may be available for buyers in lieu of the reward in New Jersey and must be discussed with the agent upon enrollment and included in a Buyer Agency Agreement with Rebate Provision. Rewards in Kansas and Tennessee are required to be delivered by gift card.

HomeStory will issue the reward using the payment option you select and will be sent to the client enrolled in the program within 45 days of HomeStory Real Estate Services receipt of settlement statements and any other documentation reasonably required to calculate the applicable reward amount. Real estate agent fees and commissions still apply. Short sale transactions do not qualify for the reward. Depending on state regulations highlighted above, reward amount is based on sale price of the home purchased and/or sold and cannot exceed $9,500 per buy or sell transaction. Employer-sponsored relocations may preclude participation in the reward program offering. SoFi is not responsible for the reward.

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How to Sell Options for Premium

How to Sell Options for Premium


Editor's Note: Options are not suitable for all investors. Options involve risks, including substantial risk of loss and the possibility an investor may lose the entire amount invested in a short period of time. Please see the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options.

Options traders may sell (or write) options with the hope of profiting from the premium they receive in return. Options premiums are the fee that options buyers (or holders) pay to purchase an options contract, giving them the option — though not the obligation — to buy or sell an asset at a specific price by a set date.

Unlike options holders, option writers are obligated to fulfill the terms of an options contract in exchange for the premium they receive, which could expose them to the risk of seeing substantial losses, well beyond losing the premium they receive.

While option writing has the potential to generate profits, it’s an advanced investment strategy typically used by traders experienced with risk management techniques.

Key Points

•   Selling options generates income via writing call or put contracts, collecting upfront payments.

•   Factors affecting option premiums include stock price, time value, and implied volatility.

•   Potential losses if the option is exercised represent a significant risk.

•   Retaining premiums and assets is a benefit if options are not exercised.

•   Financial advice is crucial before trading options due to their complexity and risk.

What Is An Option Premium?

An option premium is the price an option buyer pays to purchase a contract based on its upfront market cost. A seller, conversely, receives the premium upfront as compensation. In other words, it is the current market price of an option contract, and the amount the seller receives when someone purchases the contract.

When investors buy options contracts, they are purchasing a derivative instrument that gives them the right to trade the underlying asset represented by the contract at a specific price within a predetermined period of time. The premium is paid to the option writer at the time of sale, regardless of whether the buyer exercises the option.

The premium amount depends on how much time there is left until the option contract expires, the price of the underlying asset, and how volatile or risky it is.

Recommended: How To Trade Options: A Guide for Beginners

What Is Selling Options Premium?

Many investors may be familiar with the concept of purchasing an option contract, but on the other side of the market are the sellers who generate income through the premiums they receive from buyers.

Selling options is an options trading strategy in which an investor sells a buyer the right to purchase or sell an asset (typically a stock) at a predetermined price by the option’s expiration date. The premium is collected upfront as payment for the seller taking on the risk that the price of the underlying asset may move in the buyer’s favor during the contract’s term. The premium is not refundable.

If the option expires worthless, and the buyer isn’t able to exercise their right to buy or sell the underlying asset, the seller gets to keep the premium as profit, as well as retain ownership of the underlying asset (in the case of call options).

However, if the option ends up “in the money” for the buyer, the seller could incur a loss, since they’ll have to sell the stock for less than (or buy it for more than) its market price.

How Is an Options Premium Calculated?

The main factors that affect an option contract price are its intrinsic value, as determined by the stock price and strike price, implied volatility, and time value. Options sellers receive premiums upfront when a buyer purchases a call or a put option.

When an option buyer looks at options contract prices, they receive a per share quote, but each contract typically represents 100 shares of the underlying stock. Buyers will decide to either buy call or put options, depending on how they expect the stock’s price to perform in the future.

For example, a buyer could decide to purchase a call option. The seller offers it to them for a $4 premium. If the buyer purchases one contract, which represents 100 shares of that stock, they would pay $400 for it. If the buyer never executes the contract (because the price of the stock doesn’t move in their favor before the contract expires), the seller may keep the full $400 premium as compensation.

Stock Price

If an option buyer purchases a call option, they are hoping the underlying stock price increases, whereas if they buy a put option they hope it decreases. When the stock price goes up, the call option premium tends to increase and the put option premium tends to decrease. When the stock price falls, the call premium decreases and the put premium increases.

Recommended: What Makes Stock Prices Go Up or Down?

Intrinsic Value

The intrinsic value of an option is the difference between the current underlying stock price and the option’s strike price. This difference is referred to as the “moneyness” of the option, where the intrinsic value of the option is a measure of how far in the money the option is.

If the price of the underlying asset is higher than the option’s strike price, a call option is in the money, making it worth more and priced higher. If the stock price is lower than the option’s strike price, this makes a put option in the money and worth more. If an option is out of the money, it has no intrinsic value.

Time Value

Time value is the portion of the option’s premium that exceeds its intrinsic value due to time remaining before expiration. If the option has a longer timeframe left until its expiration date, it has more time to potentially move beyond the strike price and into the money. That makes it more valuable because it gives the investor more time to exercise their right to trade for a potential gain. The decrease in time value over time is called time decay.

The closer the option gets to expiring, the more rapidly time value erodes (and time decay increases). The value of the options contract declines over time due to time decay, which can be a risk for buyers. Options buyers want the stock to move enough, and soon enough to increase the option’s value before time decay reduces it. On the other hand, options sellers want the premium to decrease, which happens with every day that goes by.

Time value, sometimes referred to as extrinsic value, is calculated by subtracting intrinsic value from the option’s premium.

Implied Volatility

High premium options often reflect securities with higher volatility. If there is a high level of implied volatility, it suggests the underlying asset may experience larger price swings in the future, making the option more expensive.

A low level of implied volatility can make the option premium lower. It may benefit buyers to consider options with steady or increasing volatility, because this can increase the chance of the option reaching the desired strike price. Those who are selling options may prefer lower volatility because it may reduce the risk of large price swings, and could create an opportunity to buy back the option at a reduced price.

Other Factors

Other factors that influence option premium prices include:

•   Current interest rates

•   Overall market conditions

•   The quality of the underlying asset

•   Any dividend rate associated with the underlying asset

•   The supply and demand for options associated with the underlying asset

Options Premiums and the Greeks

Certain Greek words are associated with types of risks involved in options trading. Traders can look at each type of risk to figure out which options they may consider trading, and how those trades might respond to factors like price changes, volatility, or time decay.

•   Delta: The sensitivity of an option price to changes in the underlying asset

•   Gamma: The expected rate of change in an option’s delta for each point of movement of the underlying asset

•   Theta: The rate at which an option’s price decays over time

•   Vega: A measure of the amount the option’s price may change for each 1% change in implied volatility

•   Rho: The expected change in an option’s price for a one percentage point change in the risk-free interest rate

The Takeaway

Options are one type of derivatives that give the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an asset. To sell options for a premium, options writers must consider several factors that could influence the option’s premium value. Selling options for premium is potentially a strategy that may allow sellers to generate income. However, given that option writing has the potential to result in substantial losses, it should only be undertaken by experienced traders.

While investors are not able to sell options on SoFi’s options trading platform at this time, they can buy call and put options to try to benefit from stock movements or manage risk.

FAQ

How do you sell options to collect premium?

To sell options to collect premium, a trader writes call or put contracts and receives payment upfront from the buyer. This strategy involves agreeing to buy or sell a stock if the buyer exercises the option by expiration. Common strategies include covered calls and cash-secured puts.

What happens to the premium when you sell an option?

When an option is sold, the premium is paid upfront to the seller. If the seller holds the position to expiration and the contract is not exercised, they may keep the full amount. But if they close the position early by buying it back, the final result depends on the repurchase price.

What is the premium when you sell an option?

The premium when selling options is the amount a buyer pays for the contract. It compensates the seller for taking on the obligation to buy or sell the underlying asset if the option is exercised.

How is the premium of an option determined?

An option’s premium is based on intrinsic value, time value, implied volatility, and the price of the underlying stock. The final premium reflects current market expectations of risk and time until expiration.


Photo credit: iStock/sefa ozel

INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE

SoFi Invest is a trade name used by SoFi Wealth LLC and SoFi Securities LLC offering investment products and services. Robo investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Brokerage and self-directed investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

For disclosures on SoFi Invest platforms visit SoFi.com/legal. For a full listing of the fees associated with Sofi Invest please view our fee schedule.

Options involve risks, including substantial risk of loss and the possibility an investor may lose the entire amount invested in a short period of time. Before an investor begins trading options they should familiarize themselves with the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options . Tax considerations with options transactions are unique, investors should consult with their tax advisor to understand the impact to their taxes.

Disclaimer: The projections or other information regarding the likelihood of various investment outcomes are hypothetical in nature, do not reflect actual investment results, and are not guarantees of future results.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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Buy to Open vs Buy to Close

Buy to Open vs Buy to Close


Editor's Note: Options are not suitable for all investors. Options involve risks, including substantial risk of loss and the possibility an investor may lose the entire amount invested in a short period of time. Please see the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options.

Buy to open and buy to close are options orders used by traders in order, as the names suggest, to open new options positions or to close existing ones.

Investors use a “buy to open” order to initiate a long call or put option, anticipating that the option price may move in their favor. On the other hand, traders who want to exit an existing short options contract may use a “buy to close” order.

Key Points

•   Buy to open establishes a long position and may increase open interest depending on the counterparty.

•   High reward potential may accompany a buy to open, especially for calls, but the risk of expiration at zero value is significant.

•   Buy to close is the closing transaction for short option positions, which may benefit from time decay, yet carry the risk of loss if prices move adversely.

•   An example buy-to-open strategy involves buying a put to open, anticipating a stock decline, and later selling to close the put for more than the premium originally paid.

•   Understanding buy to open and buy to close is essential for managing risk and leveraging market movements effectively.

What Is Buy to Open?

“Buy to open” is an order type used in options trading, similar to going long on a stock. In options trading, you can buy to open a call if you expect the price to rise, which is a bullish position, or you may buy to open a put, which is taking a bearish position. Either way, to buy to open is to enter a new options position.

Buying to open is one way to open an options position. (The other is selling to open.) When buying to open, the trader uses either calls or puts and speculates that the option itself will increase in value — that could be a bullish or bearish outlook depending on the option type used. Buying to open sometimes creates a new option contract in the market, so it may increase open interest if the trade is matched with a seller opening a new position.

A trader pays a premium when buying to open. The premium paid, also called a debit, is withdrawn from the trader’s account in a manner that’s similar to buying shares.

Recommended: Popular Options Trading Terminology to Know

Example of Buy to Open

If a trader has a bullish outlook on XYZ stock, they might use a buy to open options strategy. To do that, they’d buy call options. The trader must log in to their brokerage account, and then go to the order screen. When trading options, the trader has the choice of buying to open or selling to open.

Buying to open can use either calls or puts, and it may create a new options contract in the market. As noted earlier, buying to open calls is a bullish position, while buying to open puts is a bearish position.

Let’s assume the trader is bullish and buys 10 call contracts on XYZ stock with an expiration date of January 2025 at a $100 strike price. The order type is “buy to open” and the trader also enters the option’s symbol along with the number of contracts to purchase. Here is what it might look like:

•   Underlying stock: XYZ

•   Action: Buy to Open

•   Contract quantity: 10

•   Expiration date: January 2025

•   Strike: $100

•   Call/Put: Call

•   Order type: Market

A trader may use a buy to open options contract as a stand-alone trade or to hedge existing stock or options positions.

Profits can potentially be substantial with buying to open. Going long calls features unlimited upside potential while buying to open puts has a maximum profit when the underlying stock goes all the way to zero. Buying to open options carries the risk that the options will expire worthless, however.

Finally, user-friendly options trading is here.*

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What Does Buy to Close Mean?

Buying to close options are used to exit an existing short options position and may reduce the number of contracts in the market. Buying to close is an offsetting trade that covers a short options position. A buy to close order occurs after a trader writes an option.

Writing options involves collecting the option premium — otherwise known as the net credit — while a buy to close order debits an account. The trader is attempting to profit by keeping as much premium as possible between writing the option and buying to close. The process is similar to shorting a stock and then covering.

Example of Buy to Close

Suppose a trader opened a position by writing puts on XYZ stock with a current share price of $100. The trader expected the underlying stock price would remain flat or rise, so they entered a neutral to bullish strategy by selling one options contract. A trader might also sell options when they expect implied volatility will drop.

The puts, with a strike of $100, expiring in one month, brought in a credit of $5 per share (an options contract typically covers 100 shares).

The day before expiration, XYZ stock trades relatively close to the unchanged mark relative to where it was a month ago; shares are $101. The put contract’s value has dropped sharply since the strike price is below the stock price and because there is so little time left until the expiration date. The trader may realize a profit by buying to close at $1 the day before expiration.

The trader sold to open at $5, then bought to close at $1, resulting in a $4 profit per contract ($400 at 100 shares per contract).

Differences Between Buy to Open vs Buy to Close

There are important differences between a buy to open vs. buy to close order. Having a firm grasp of the concepts and order type characteristics is important before you consider trading.

Buy to Open Buy to Close
Creates a new options position Closes an existing options contract
Establishes a long options position Covers an existing short options position
May offer reward potential Is typically used after selling an option to close a short position that may have benefitted from time decay
Can be used with calls or puts Can be used with calls or puts

Understanding Buy to Open and Buy to Close

Let’s dive deeper into the techniques and trading strategies for options when executing buy to open vs. buy to close orders.

Buy to Open Call

Either calls or puts may be used when constructing a buy to open order. With calls, a trader usually has a bullish outlook on the direction of the underlying stock. Sometimes, however, the trader might speculate based on movements in other variables, such as volatility or time decay.

Buying to open later-dated calls while selling to open near-term calls, also known as a calendar spread, is a strategy that may be used to attempt to benefit from time decay and higher implied volatility. Buying to open can be a stand-alone trade or part of a bigger, more complex strategy.

Buy to Open Put

Buying to open a put options contract is a bearish strategy when done in isolation, since profit potential comes from a decline in the underlying stock’s price. A trader commonly uses a protective put strategy when they are long the underlying stock. In that case, buying to open a put is simply designed to protect gains or limit further losses in the underlying stock. This is also known as a hedge.

A speculative trade using puts is when a trader buys to open puts with no other existing position. The trader executes this trade when they anticipate that the stock price will decline. Increases in implied volatility may also benefit the holder of puts after a buy to open order is executed.

Buy to Close

A buy to close order completes a short options trade. It can reduce open interest in the options market whereas buying to open can increase open interest. The trader may profit when buying back the option at less than the price they sold it for.

Buying to close occurs after writing an option. When writing (or selling) an option, the trader seeks to take advantage of time decay. That can be a high-risk strategy when done in isolation — without some other hedging position, there could be major losses. Writing calls has unlimited risk since the stock could theoretically continue to rise, while writing puts has substantial risk as the underlying stock can fall all the way to zero. So, a writer may use a buy-to-close order to close a position and limit losses when the price of stock is moving against them.

Shorting Against the Box

Shorting against the box is a strategy in which a trader has both a long and a short position on the same asset. This strategy may allow a trader to maintain a position, such as being long a stock.

Tax reasons often drive the desire to layer on a bearish options position with an existing bullish equity position. Selling highly appreciated shares can trigger a large tax bill, so a tax-motivated approach does not involve shorting against the box; that strategy is no longer permitted for tax deferral under the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, which classifies such offsets as constructive sales. A more common modern alternative is using buy-to-open puts for downside protection. Not all brokerage firms allow this type of transaction. Also, when done incorrectly or if tax rules change, the IRS could determine that the strategy is effectively a sale of the stock that may require capital gains payments and, under current U.S. tax law, entering an offsetting short position is treated as an immediate constructive.

Recommended: Paying Taxes on Stocks: Important Information for Investing

Using Buy to Open or Buy to Close

A trader must decide if they want to go long or short options using puts or calls. Buying to open may generally be used to seek profits from large changes in the underlying stock while selling to open often involves attempting to take advantage of time decay. Traders often place a buy to close order after a sell to open order executes, but they might also wait with the goal of the options potentially expiring worthless.

Another consideration is the risk of a margin call. After writing options contracts, it’s possible that the trader might have to buy to close at a steep loss or be required to liquidate positions by the broker. The broker could also demand more cash or other assets be deposited to satisfy a margin call.


Test your understanding of what you just read.


The Takeaway

Buy to open is a term that describes when an options trader establishes a long position. Buy to close is when a short options position is closed. Understanding the difference between buy to open vs. buy to close is crucial to options trading. These option orders allow traders to put on positions to fit a number of bullish or bearish viewpoints on a security.

SoFi’s options trading platform offers qualified investors the flexibility to pursue income generation, manage risk, and use advanced trading strategies. Investors may buy put and call options or sell covered calls and cash-secured puts to speculate on the price movements of stocks, all through a simple, intuitive interface.

With SoFi Invest® online options trading, there are no contract fees and no commissions. Plus, SoFi offers educational support — including in-app coaching resources, real-time pricing, and other tools to help you make informed decisions, based on your tolerance for risk.


Explore SoFi’s user-friendly options trading platform.

FAQ

What is the difference between buy to open and buy to close options?

Buy to open means a trader enters a new long options position by purchasing a call or put contract. Buy to close means exiting an existing short options position by purchasing it back.

What is the most successful option strategy?

There is no single “most successful” strategy. An options approach’s effectiveness may depend on the market environment, the trader’s outlook, and risk management practices.

Is it better to buy at open or close?

There is no universal rule on whether it’s better to buy options at the market’s open or close. Traders often consider liquidity, volatility, and bid–ask spreads.

Is it better to buy options that are ITM or OTM?

In-the-money (ITM) and out-of-the-money (OTM) options each have trade-offs. ITM contracts cost more but have intrinsic value, while OTM options are cheaper but riskier because they require larger price moves to be profitable.


INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE

SoFi Invest is a trade name used by SoFi Wealth LLC and SoFi Securities LLC offering investment products and services. Robo investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Brokerage and self-directed investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

For disclosures on SoFi Invest platforms visit SoFi.com/legal. For a full listing of the fees associated with Sofi Invest please view our fee schedule.

Options involve risks, including substantial risk of loss and the possibility an investor may lose the entire amount invested in a short period of time. Before an investor begins trading options they should familiarize themselves with the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options . Tax considerations with options transactions are unique, investors should consult with their tax advisor to understand the impact to their taxes.

Utilizing a margin loan is generally considered more appropriate for experienced investors as there are additional costs and risks associated. It is possible to lose more than your initial investment when using margin. Please see SoFi.com/wealth/assets/documents/brokerage-margin-disclosure-statement.pdf for detailed disclosure information.

Disclaimer: The projections or other information regarding the likelihood of various investment outcomes are hypothetical in nature, do not reflect actual investment results, and are not guarantees of future results.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

This article is not intended to be legal advice. Please consult an attorney for advice.

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How to Open a Brokerage Account

When you open a brokerage account with a brokerage firm, you transfer money into the account that you can use to start investing. While some brokerage accounts may set an account minimum, there is typically no limit to how much you can deposit or when you can withdraw your money.

With a brokerage account, investors can invest in a variety of securities, including stocks, bonds, ETFs, and more. There are many brokerages, but the steps to open a brokerage account are similar among most of them.

Key Points

  • Select a brokerage provider that aligns with your investment goals, considering services and fees.
  • Complete the online account setup by submitting personal and financial information.
  • Fund the account by transferring money, similar to a bank deposit.
  • Start trading stocks, bonds, and ETFs once the account is funded.
  • SIPC insurance protects up to $500,000 in cash and securities if the brokerage fails.[1] However, if the brokerage firm fails, the account fails, too.

How to Open a Brokerage Account

How to Open a Brokerage Account Step-by-Step

There are a few simple steps to opening your first brokerage account. We’ll dive deep into each one below.

  1. Choose a brokerage provider.
  2. Sign up for an account.
  3. Transfer money.
  4. Start trading.

Step 1: Choose a Brokerage Provider

There are several types of brokerage accounts[2], and the type you choose will depend on what you’re trying to accomplish.

  • Full-service brokerage firms not only allow clients to trade securities, they may also offer financial consulting and other services — though the price may be steep, compared to the other options here.
  • Discount brokerage firms typically charge lower fees than full-service, but as a result clients don’t have access to additional financial consulting or planning services.
  • Online brokerage firms are typically online-only, allowing clients to sign up, transfer money, and make trades through their website. These firms typically offer the lowest fees.

The accounts above are known as cash accounts: You must buy securities with funds you put in your account ahead of time.

You may also encounter other more complicated types of brokerage accounts known as margin accounts, which allow you to borrow money from your brokerage to make investments, using your case account as collateral. These accounts tend to be for sophisticated investors willing to shoulder the risk that investments bought with borrowed funds will lose value.

Before working with an individual investment advisor or a firm and opening a cash or margin account, it can be a good idea to run a check on their background. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) offers online broker checks where you can enter a broker’s name, or the name of a firm, to learn whether a broker is registered to sell securities, offer investment advice, or both.[3]

And you can learn about a broker’s employment history, regulatory actions, and whether there are past or current arbitrations and complaints.

Step 2: Sign Up for a Brokerage Account

Most brokers of all kinds allow you to open and access your brokerage account online. When you open the account, you will likely be asked to provide your Social Security number or taxpayer identification number, your address, date of birth, driver’s license or passport information, employment status, annual income and net worth. You may also be asked about your investment goals and risk tolerance.

For the most part, they should not charge you a fee for opening an account. While some may require account minimums, others allow you to open an account with no minimum deposit. There is no limit on the number of brokerage accounts you can open, and you may be able to hold multiple accounts with multiple brokerage firms.

Step 3: Transfer Money

You will need to fund your new brokerage account before you can purchase any types of securities. You can deposit money in a brokerage account like you would in a traditional bank account.

Step 4: Start Trading

Many brokerage firms will offer a way for you to earn interest on uninvested funds so that your money continues to work for you even when not invested in the market.

How Do Brokerage Accounts Work?

The brokerage firm with which you hold your account maintains the account and acts as the custodian for the assets you hold. In other words, the custodian provides a space for investors to use their account in the way that it was intended.

However, you own the investments in the account and can buy and sell them as you wish. The brokerage firm acts as a middleman between you and the markets, matching you with buyers and sellers, and executing trades based on your instructions.

For example, if you place an order with your brokerage to buy a certain number of shares of stock, the brokerage will match you with a seller looking to sell those shares and make the trade for you.

What’s the Difference Between Brokerage Accounts and Retirement Accounts?

Brokerage accounts are also known as taxable accounts, because profits on sales of securities inside the account are potentially subject to capital gains taxes. Generally speaking, these accounts offer no tax advantages for investors.

Retirement accounts, on the other hand, offer a number of tax advantages that may make them preferable to taxable accounts if you’re planning to save for retirement. Retirement accounts place limits on how much money you can contribute and when you can withdraw funds.

If retirement planning is your main concern, you may consider saving as much as you can in both a 401(k) if your employer offers one, and a traditional or Roth IRA. If you have funds left over, you may choose to invest those in your taxable brokerage account.

Is My Money Safe in a Brokerage Account?

The money and securities held in a brokerage account are insured by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC). The SIPC protects against the loss of cash and securities held at failing brokerage firms. If your brokerage firm goes bankrupt, the SIPC covers $500,000 worth of losses, including $250,000 in cash losses.

The SIPC only provides protection for the custody function of a brokerage firm. In other words, they work to restore the cash and securities that were in a customer’s account when the brokerage started its liquidation proceedings. The organization does not protect against declines in value of the securities you hold, nor does it protect against receiving and acting upon bad investment advice.

It is important that any investor realizes and accepts that investment comes with a certain amount of risk. While security prices may gain in value, it is also possible that you could lose some or all of your investment.

The Takeaway

Opening a brokerage account is a simple process that allows you to invest in securities. Effectively, you’re depositing money at a brokerage, which will allow you to buy investments such as stocks, bonds, or ETFs. There are numerous brokerages out there, and different types of brokerage accounts.

Invest in what matters most to you with SoFi Active Invest. In a self-directed account provided by SoFi Securities, you can trade stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds, alternative funds, options, and more — all while paying $0 commission on every trade. Other fees may apply. Whether you want to trade after-hours or manage your portfolio using real-time stock insights and analyst ratings, you can invest your way in SoFi's easy-to-use mobile app.

Opening and funding an Active Invest account gives you the opportunity to get up to $1,000 in the stock of your choice.¹

FAQ

How do I open a brokerage account?

Broadly speaking, you can open a brokerage account by choosing a broker or brokerage account provider, signing up, transferring money into the account, and then starting to trade or invest.

What are the different types of brokers?

There are several different types of brokerages, and those include full-service brokerage firms, discount brokerage firms, and online brokerage firms. Each type may offer different products and services, or levels of service.

Is money in a brokerage account safe?

While nothing is ever truly safe, money and securities that are held in brokerage accounts are insured by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation, or SIPC, for up to $500,000 in losses.

Article Sources

INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE

SoFi Invest is a trade name used by SoFi Wealth LLC and SoFi Securities LLC offering investment products and services. Robo investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Brokerage and self-directed investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

For disclosures on SoFi Invest platforms visit SoFi.com/legal. For a full listing of the fees associated with Sofi Invest please view our fee schedule.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Disclaimer: The projections or other information regarding the likelihood of various investment outcomes are hypothetical in nature, do not reflect actual investment results, and are not guarantees of future results.

Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs): Investors should carefully consider the information contained in the prospectus, which contains the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other relevant information. You may obtain a prospectus from the Fund company’s website or by emailing customer service at [email protected]. Please read the prospectus carefully prior to investing.

Fund Fees
If you invest in Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) through SoFi Invest (either by buying them yourself or via investing in SoFi Invest’s automated investments, formerly SoFi Wealth), these funds will have their own management fees. These fees are not paid directly by you, but rather by the fund itself. these fees do reduce the fund’s returns. Check out each fund’s prospectus for details. SoFi Invest does not receive sales commissions, 12b-1 fees, or other fees from ETFs for investing such funds on behalf of advisory clients, though if SoFi Invest creates its own funds, it could earn management fees there.
SoFi Invest may waive all, or part of any of these fees, permanently or for a period of time, at its sole discretion for any reason. Fees are subject to change at any time. The current fee schedule will always be available in your Account Documents section of SoFi Invest.


Utilizing a margin loan is generally considered more appropriate for experienced investors as there are additional costs and risks associated. It is possible to lose more than your initial investment when using margin. Please see SoFi.com/wealth/assets/documents/brokerage-margin-disclosure-statement.pdf for detailed disclosure information.

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.


¹Probability of Member receiving $1,000 is a probability of 0.026%; If you don’t make a selection in 45 days, you’ll no longer qualify for the promo. Customer must fund their account with a minimum of $50.00 to qualify. Probability percentage is subject to decrease. See full terms and conditions.

Third Party Trademarks: Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®

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