Firstrade Securities has added a new options analysis tool to its web platform, the latest move by discount brokers competing to attract retail traders looking beyond basic stock investing.

The Options Builder tool, which went live today (Wednesday), lets users filter strategy suggestions based on whether they expect prices to rise or fall, then review potential profits and losses through interactive charts. The company partnered with Paris-based Trading Central to integrate volatility data and pricing analytics into the interface.

Firstrade’s Volatility Analytics Target Active Traders

The tool includes what Firstrade calls a Strategy Lab, where users answer questions about their market outlook and risk tolerance. The system then suggests multi-leg options strategies and displays potential outcomes across different price scenarios.

A separate dashboard shows volatility trends and peer comparisons drawn from Trading Central's market data. Users can execute trades directly from the analysis screens rather than switching between research and order entry. The broker had already worked with the company a year earlier, when it added Trading Central’s AI-powered analytics to its mobile trading app.

"We're excited to see Options Insight integrated into Firstrade's platform, bring investors the depth of analysis and decision-support tools they need to trade options with confidence," Alain Pellier, CEO of Trading Central, said in a statement.

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Firstrade has offered zero-commission options trading since 2018, when it became the first major broker to eliminate both per-trade fees and per-contract charges. The firm now faces competition from larger rivals like Charles Schwab and Fidelity, which also dropped options fees.

In the first half of this year, the broker also introduced its Overnight Trading service, allowing 20/5 access to 1,200 securities.

Multiple Experience Levels

Firstrade is pitching the tool to both newcomers learning basic strategies and experienced traders who want volatility metrics and real-time data feeds. The company said the interface simplifies comparisons between different strike prices and expiration dates.

"At Firstrade, we're constantly striving to make sophisticated investing tools more approachable," John Liu, CEO of Firstrade, said. "Options Builder represents another step forward in helping our customers trade smarter — combining clear education, transparent risk visualization, and actionable analytics in one intuitive experience."

Options trading among retail investors surged during the pandemic and has remained elevated, particularly for short-dated contracts on individual stocks. Brokers have responded by adding educational content and simplified order entry, though regulators have raised concerns about inexperienced traders taking on complex derivatives positions.

FinanceMagnates.com reported last month that the online brokerage is adding technology to address fragmented 401(k) retirement accounts, as nearly 32 million Americans have abandoned them.

Firstrade said additional investing tools are in development but did not provide details or a timeline. The Options Builder is currently available only on the web platform, not the mobile app.