How to buy a call or put on the platform "Thinkorswim"
To buy a call or put on the platform "Thinkorswim," follow these steps:
- Navigate to Watchlist: Start by going to your watchlist.
- Use the Search Bar: Type in the name of the stock you are interested in. For instance, type in "Square."
- Select Expiration Date: Click the drop-down button to choose an expiration date. It's generally advisable to pick a date a week or two out.
- Option Selection Page:
- Calls: The left side is for calls.
- In the Money (ITM): Represented by anything in the purple-shaded area.
- At the Money (ATM): Indicated below the gold line at 280.
- Out of the Money (OTM): Any number below 280.
- Puts: The right side is for puts.
- In the Money (ITM): Indicated in the blue-purple shaded area.
- At the Money (ATM): Defined as any value at 257.5 above the gold line.
- Out of the Money (OTM): Numbers from 255 to 247.5.
- Select and Buy:
- Choose your desired option, for example, an at-the-money call.
- Select market order type.
- Enter the number of contracts.
- Click "Confirm and Send" to complete the purchase.
By following these steps, you can efficiently buy calls or puts on Thinkorswim.
Keywords
- Thinkorswim
- Buy call option
- Buy put option
- Expiration date
- In the Money (ITM)
- At the Money (ATM)
- Out of the Money (OTM)
- Market order
- Confirm and Send
FAQ
1. How do I navigate to the watchlist in Thinkorswim?
- You can find the watchlist on the main interface of Thinkorswim.
2. How far out should I set the expiration date for an option?
- It is advisable to choose an expiration date that is a week or two out.
3. How do I know if a call option is in the money (ITM)?
- On the calls side, any value in the purple-shaded area is considered in the money (ITM).
4. Where do I find the strike price that is at the money (ATM) for calls?
- For calls, the ATM strike price is located below the gold line at 280.
5. How do I distinguish between in the money (ITM) and out of the money (OTM) for puts?
- For puts, in the money (ITM) values are in the blue-purple shaded area, while out of the money (OTM) values range from 255 to 247.5.
6. What do I do after selecting an option?
- Choose the market as the order type, enter the number of contracts you wish to buy, and then click "Confirm and Send."