12 Best Free Options Trading Courses for 2025

Diving into options trading can seem intimidating, with its complex strategies and unfamiliar terminology. The good news is you don't need to spend a fortune to get a world-class education. While building a strong financial foundation is key, and exploring resources like the best personal finance books is a great first step, mastering options requires specialized knowledge. The internet is filled with high-quality learning materials, but finding the truly valuable, comprehensive, and genuinely free options trading courses can be a major challenge.

We've done the heavy lifting for you, curating a definitive list of the top platforms available today. This guide moves beyond simple descriptions, offering a detailed analysis of each course's structure, format, practical limitations, and ideal user. We provide direct links and screenshots to help you evaluate each one quickly. Whether you are a beginner aiming to understand calls and puts, an income-focused investor wanting to sell premium, or an experienced trader looking to refine complex strategies, this list provides the tools you need. Let’s explore the resources that will help you build your skills and trade with greater confidence, all without opening your wallet.

1. Interactive Brokers' IBKR Campus

A premier destination for serious learners, Interactive Brokers' IBKR Campus is a powerhouse of institutional-grade educational content, completely free of charge. This platform stands out by integrating its lessons directly with its proprietary, professional-level trading tools, making it one of the best free options trading courses for practical application.

The curriculum covers the full spectrum, from foundational concepts like calls and puts to advanced topics such as option valuation and complex strategies. What makes it unique is the focus on applying this knowledge within the IBKR ecosystem. Users can learn about the "Greeks" and immediately see how to use the Probability Lab or Option Strategy Lab to analyze potential trades. This direct link between theory and practice is invaluable for traders who plan to use a sophisticated platform.

Key Benefit: The ability to learn complex options theory and immediately apply it using professional-grade analytical tools on the same platform provides a seamless, hands-on learning experience.

Platform Details

• Best For: Traders who want to learn both the theory and practical application using professional-grade tools.
• Key Features: Video courses, live webinars, articles, and direct tutorials for IBKR's OptionTrader and strategy labs.
• Access: Completely free with no registration or account required.
• Limitation: The content is heavily geared towards using the Interactive Brokers platform, which might be less relevant for users of other brokerages.

Visit IBKR Campus

2. SFO Academy

For those just starting their trading journey, SFO Academy provides a welcoming and entirely frictionless entry point. It stands out by offering foundational stock and options trading courses with absolutely no strings attached, making it a truly free options trading course designed for the absolute beginner. The platform's core mission is to build financial confidence by removing common barriers like registration forms and paywalls.

The curriculum focuses squarely on the essentials, guiding newcomers through the basic mechanics of options without overwhelming them with complex strategies. SFO Academy's uniqueness lies in its community-supported model and radical accessibility; you can land on the site and start learning immediately. This approach strips away all distractions, allowing learners to focus purely on absorbing the core concepts needed to understand the market. It is an ideal first step before moving to more advanced, tool-specific platforms.

Key Benefit: Its no-enrollment, no-data-required policy offers the most straightforward and private way for beginners to start learning the fundamentals of options trading without any commitment.

Platform Details

• Best For: Absolute beginners who want a simple, no-pressure introduction to options trading fundamentals.
• Key Features: Completely free courses, focus on foundational skills, no enrollment or personal data required, and a community-supported model.
• Access: Completely free with no registration or account required.
• Limitation: The content is primarily for beginners and lacks the advanced strategic depth or interactive tools that experienced traders would need.

Visit SFO Academy

3. Udemy: Beginning Options Trading - The Right Way To Trade Options

For those who prefer a structured, classroom-style learning experience, Chris Douthit's course on Udemy offers a professional-grade introduction to options trading. This course is one of the most comprehensive free options trading courses available on a general learning platform, condensing essential concepts into over two hours of on-demand video.

The curriculum is meticulously designed for beginners, starting with the absolute basics before moving into practical strategies and critical risk management techniques. Unlike some platform-specific tutorials, this course focuses on universal principles that can be applied at any brokerage. Its position on Udemy provides a familiar and user-friendly interface for learners, making it an accessible entry point for those just starting their options trading for beginners journey.

Key Benefit: Provides a structured, high-quality video curriculum from an experienced instructor in a familiar e-learning format, making complex topics digestible for absolute beginners.

Platform Details

• Best For: Novice traders looking for a step-by-step video course that covers fundamental concepts and risk management.
• Key Features: Over two hours of on-demand video, structured modules covering options basics, practical strategies, and risk assessment.
• Access: Free with a standard Udemy account registration.
• Limitation: As a pre-recorded course, it lacks direct instructor interaction or a community forum for asking questions.

Visit Udemy: Beginning Options Trading

4. tastylive

For traders who thrive on dynamic, broadcast-style learning, tastylive offers an engaging and personality-driven educational experience. Unlike traditional, static courseware, tastylive delivers its content through a mix of live programming and an extensive on-demand video library, making it a standout choice among free options trading courses for those who prefer an energetic, market-focused approach.

The platform is built around the insights of veteran traders who explain complex topics like options Greeks, volatility, and probability of profit in a conversational and accessible manner. The content ranges from quick crash courses for beginners to deep dives into specific strategies like iron condors and strangles. Its uniqueness lies in its constant stream of fresh content that often incorporates real-time market analysis, giving learners a "watch-and-learn" perspective on how experienced traders navigate current conditions.

Key Benefit: The combination of live, daily market commentary and a vast library of recorded segments provides a continuous, immersive learning environment that keeps traders engaged and informed.

Platform Details

• Best For: Visual learners and traders who want to learn from experienced market practitioners in a dynamic, broadcast-style format.
• Key Features: Live daily programming, on-demand video courses, strategy explanations, market commentary, and insights from seasoned traders.
• Access: All educational content is completely free, with optional account creation for a more personalized experience.
• Limitation: The fast-paced, conversational style and focus on specific strategies might be overwhelming for absolute beginners looking for a more structured, foundational course.

Visit tastylive

5. Option Alpha

For traders seeking a comprehensive, video-first education, Option Alpha provides an exceptional library of content that is both deep and accessible. It stands out with a massive, free Options Basics Course featuring over 160 videos, making it one of the most extensive free options trading courses available. The curriculum is meticulously structured to guide learners from core concepts to sophisticated strategies and portfolio management.

The platform’s strength lies in its practical, strategy-focused approach. Instead of just defining terms, the videos explain how and why specific strategies work, emphasizing probability and statistical advantage. This makes complex topics digestible for beginners while still offering nuanced insights for experienced traders. Its focus on building a systematic trading framework is a key differentiator, moving learners from theory to a repeatable process. Understanding the role of probability is crucial, as is having a solid grasp of options trading risk management strategies.

Key Benefit: The sheer volume and structured nature of the video content create a university-level learning experience without any cost, allowing traders to build a solid strategic foundation at their own pace.

Platform Details

• Best For: Self-directed learners who prefer a comprehensive, video-based curriculum covering everything from basics to advanced strategy.
• Key Features: Over 160 free educational videos, structured learning paths, tutorials on specific strategies, and a focus on probability-based trading.
• Access: All educational courses are completely free; an optional account can be created to track progress.
• Limitation: The self-paced video format lacks direct, real-time interaction or instructor feedback, which may be a drawback for some learners.

Visit Option Alpha

6. The Armchair Trader's Armchair Academy

Developed in partnership with the CME Group, The Armchair Trader's Armchair Academy delivers professionally accredited courses that delve into both futures and options. This platform is an excellent choice for learners seeking structured, high-quality education that can count towards professional development credits. It provides some of the most thorough free options trading courses for those who need to understand how options function within the broader derivatives market.

The self-paced modules are designed to be interactive, guiding users through market products and trading techniques. A key differentiator is its professional accreditation; the courses can fulfill continuing education requirements for designations like CFA and GARP. This stamp of approval ensures the content is not just accurate but also relevant to industry standards, offering a significant advantage over less formal learning resources.

Key Benefit: The ability to earn accredited professional education credits from a free course makes this a uniquely valuable resource for financial professionals and serious retail traders alike.

Platform Details

• Best For: Aspiring and current financial professionals who need accredited continuing education credits.
• Key Features: Accredited self-paced courses, interactive modules, comprehensive futures and options content, and partnership with CME Group.
• Access: Free access to all courses, with registration potentially needed for certification.
• Limitation: The platform assumes some baseline financial market knowledge and offers limited community or instructor support.

Visit Armchair Academy

7. 2nd Skies Trading

Focused on clarity and practical application for newcomers, 2nd Skies Trading offers a distilled, high-impact learning experience. It provides one of the most accessible free options trading courses by stripping away complexity to concentrate on core income-generating strategies. The platform is ideal for beginners who feel overwhelmed and want a direct, step-by-step introduction to making their first trades.

The curriculum is delivered as a concise, two-part video series that explains foundational concepts and then immediately pivots to their practical use. Unlike vast libraries of content, this course is designed to be completed quickly, giving learners the confidence to explore basic strategies. For those looking to verify the effectiveness of these approaches, understanding the principles of options strategy backtesting is a logical next step.

Key Benefit: The bite-sized, video-first format makes it incredibly easy for absolute beginners to grasp essential options concepts and income strategies without any prior knowledge or commitment.

Platform Details

• Best For: Absolute beginners seeking a quick and clear introduction to options trading for income.
• Key Features: A focused two-part video series, step-by-step guidance on fundamental strategies, and an emphasis on practical application.
• Access: Completely free and accessible to anyone without requiring an email address or registration.
• Limitation: The content is introductory and lacks the depth needed for intermediate or advanced strategies and does not offer community or interactive elements.

Visit 2nd Skies Trading

8. Option Tiger

Option Tiger offers a unique, modular approach to learning by providing a collection of free, targeted mini-courses. Instead of a linear curriculum, this platform allows traders to dive into specific subjects they need to reinforce, making it a highly efficient resource for skill enhancement. It’s one of the most flexible free options trading courses for traders who already have a baseline knowledge but need to sharpen specific skills.

The platform is built for precision learning. Rather than committing to a lengthy beginner program, a user can quickly access a dedicated mini-course on risk graphs, probability analysis, or capital efficiency. This bite-sized format is perfect for busy individuals who want to fill specific knowledge gaps without sifting through content they already understand. The focus is on practical, immediately applicable concepts rather than broad, foundational theory.

Key Benefit: The ability to select and complete targeted mini-courses allows for rapid, focused skill development in specific areas of options trading without requiring a major time commitment.

Platform Details

• Best For: Intermediate traders looking to quickly strengthen their understanding of specific concepts or skills.
• Key Features: Short video mini-courses on topics like risk profiles, order types, and probability analysis.
• Access: Completely free with no registration or account required to view the mini-courses.
• Limitation: The modular, bite-sized nature means it's not a comprehensive, A-to-Z course for absolute beginners.

Visit Option Tiger

9. Cursa: Guide to Options Trading

For learners who appreciate a structured, academic-style approach, Cursa's "Guide to Options Trading" offers a self-contained course that functions like a mini-curriculum. This app-based program is designed to take beginners through the essential building blocks of options trading, from core jargon and contract types to understanding payoff diagrams for calls and puts.

It stands apart by bundling video lessons, explanatory text, and interactive exercises into a single pathway. This makes it one of the most straightforward free options trading courses for those who want a guided, step-by-step experience. The inclusion of a free digital certificate upon completion also provides a tangible sense of accomplishment, motivating users to see the lessons through to the end.

Key Benefit: The combination of a structured course format, integrated exercises, and a free digital certificate makes it an excellent, goal-oriented starting point for beginners who prefer a traditional learning environment.

Platform Details

• Best For: Beginners who prefer a structured, mobile-first learning experience with clear progression and certification.
• Key Features: Video classes, integrated exercises, foundational topics (jargon, moneyness, basic strategies), and a free digital certificate.
• Access: Free, but requires downloading and using the Cursa mobile app.
• Limitation: The content is heavily focused on fundamentals and lacks the depth on advanced strategies or platform-specific tools that experienced traders might seek.

Visit Cursa: Guide to Options Trading

10. OpenTuition

While not a traditional trading platform, OpenTuition offers a unique, academic approach to learning financial instruments, making it a valuable resource for those who want a deep, theoretical understanding. It provides free, comprehensive accountancy and financial education materials, including sections on derivatives and options, designed primarily for students pursuing professional qualifications like the ACCA. This makes it one of the more rigorous free options trading courses available for self-study.

The curriculum is structured like a university course, complete with free downloadable textbooks and streamed lectures. Instead of focusing on a specific trading platform, it teaches the fundamental mathematics and principles behind option pricing models and risk management from a financial management perspective. This approach is ideal for learners who want to build a solid, academic foundation before diving into the practicalities of a trading interface.

Key Benefit: The platform provides a free, structured, and academic-level education on financial derivatives, offering a level of theoretical depth that is often missing from broker-centric courses.

Platform Details

• Best For: Self-motivated learners and students who prefer a textbook-and-lecture style to understand the core financial theory behind options.
• Key Features: Free electronic textbooks (PDFs), streamed video lectures, and practice questions geared toward professional exams.
• Access: All materials are completely free and accessible without registration.
• Limitation: The content is tailored for accountancy and finance qualifications, lacking direct trading application or interactive tools.

Visit OpenTuition

11. Investopedia Academy

A trusted name in financial education, Investopedia Academy provides a structured entry point into the world of options trading. Its "Options for Beginners" course is a standout, offering a curriculum developed by seasoned financial experts. This makes it one of the most reliable free options trading courses for building a strong theoretical foundation.

The course is designed for absolute novices, breaking down essential concepts like calls, puts, pricing, and the Greeks into digestible modules. It emphasizes practical strategies and risk management, ensuring learners understand not just the mechanics but also the potential pitfalls. Unlike more tool-centric platforms, Investopedia's strength lies in its clear, academic approach to finance, making complex topics accessible without overwhelming new traders.

Key Benefit: The course offers a well-structured, expert-led curriculum from a highly reputable source, giving beginners the confidence that they are learning accurate and foundational options principles.

Platform Details

• Best For: Beginners seeking a structured, academic-style course on options fundamentals from a trusted educational source.
• Key Features: Comprehensive beginner-focused modules, clear explanations of core concepts, and a focus on risk management.
• Access: Free to enroll, but requires creating a free Investopedia account.
• Limitation: The free offering is primarily for beginners; more advanced strategies and topics are generally part of their paid courses.

Visit Investopedia Academy

12. Khan Academy

Known globally for making education accessible, Khan Academy offers a foundational yet powerful introduction to financial markets, including key options concepts. While not a dedicated trading academy, its finance and capital markets section serves as one of the best free options trading courses for absolute beginners who need to build a solid base of knowledge from the ground up. The platform excels at breaking down complex topics into simple, digestible video lessons.

The curriculum methodically explains the mechanics of American call and put options, walking learners through payoff diagrams and the core purpose of derivatives. Khan Academy’s strength lies in its academic, no-frills approach. It focuses purely on the "what" and "why" behind options, making it an ideal, pressure-free starting point before moving on to more complex strategy-focused platforms. The structured, high-quality video lectures and exercises ensure concepts are thoroughly understood.

Key Benefit: Provides a trusted, academic, and completely free foundation in core options principles, perfect for learners who want to understand the fundamentals without the pressure of a trading platform.

Platform Details

• Best For: Absolute beginners seeking a clear, academic understanding of what options are before learning how to trade them.
• Key Features: Structured video lessons on finance fundamentals, clear explanations of calls and puts, and interactive exercises.
• Access: Completely free and open to everyone without any need for registration or an account.
• Limitation: The content is introductory and does not cover advanced trading strategies, the "Greeks," or practical platform application.

Visit Khan Academy

Top 12 Free Options Trading Courses Comparison

Platform	Core Features & Content	User Experience & Quality ★★★	Value Proposition 💰	Target Audience 👥	Unique Selling Points ✨	Price 💰
Interactive Brokers' IBKR Campus	Expert-led videos, webinars, tool guidance	High-quality, expert content ★★★★	Free, no enrollment needed	Intermediate to advanced traders	IBKR tool integration 🏆	Free
SFO Academy	Beginner-focused free courses	Easy access, user-friendly ★★★	Completely free, no signup	Beginners	No personal info required ✨	Free
Udemy: Beginning Options Trading	On-demand practical videos, risk management	Structured, professional ★★★★	Free with account creation	Beginners	Professional instructor insights ✨	Free
tastylive	Live and recorded courses, strategy focused	Engaging, dynamic ★★★★	Free, optional account	Beginners to intermediate	Live sessions + experienced traders 🏆	Free
Option Alpha	160+ videos, beginner to advanced paths	Comprehensive, self-paced ★★★★	Free, optional account	All levels	Extensive video library ✨	Free
The Armchair Trader's Academy	Accredited, CME partnered, interactive	Professional, interactive ★★★★	Free, possible certification	Beginners to pros	CME accreditation 🏆	Free
2nd Skies Trading	Two-part beginner video series	Clear, practical ★★★	Free, no registration	Beginners	Step-by-step income focus ✨	Free
Option Tiger	Mini-courses on targeted topics	Efficient, focused ★★★	Free, no signup	Intermediate knowledge seekers	Quick skill boost ✨	Free
Cursa: Guide to Options Trading	Structured courses + exercises, certificate	Interactive, clear ★★★★	Free with app download	Beginners to intermediate	Free digital certificate ✨	Free
OpenTuition	Textbooks, lectures for professional exams	Comprehensive, no cost ★★★	Free, self-study focused	Exam candidates, self-learners	Professional qualification focus ✨	Free
Investopedia Academy	Beginner strategies and risk management	Well-structured ★★★	Free with account creation	Beginners	Reputable finance platform 🏆	Free
Khan Academy	Broad financial topics, video + exercises	High-quality, accessible ★★★	Free, no signup	All learner levels	Interactive exercises ✨	Free

From Theory to Practice: Turning Your Knowledge into Strategy

Completing one or more of the free options trading courses we've explored is a monumental first step on your journey to becoming a proficient trader. From the structured, academic approach of IBKR Campus and OpenTuition to the practical, strategy-focused content from tastylive and Option Alpha, you now have access to a wealth of knowledge that was once reserved for institutional professionals. The path forward is no longer about gathering information; it's about synthesizing it into a coherent, personal trading plan.

The goal isn't just to memorize the Greeks or define a straddle. True mastery comes from developing a consistent, repeatable strategy that aligns with your specific financial goals and risk tolerance. Whether you are a retail investor aiming for steady income, a beginner seeking guided decisions, or an experienced trader needing better risk monitoring, the principles remain the same. You must bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and practical execution.

Building Your Trading Framework

As you move from learning to doing, consider the following actionable steps to structure your approach:

• Define Your "Why": Are you trading for supplemental income, long-term growth, or portfolio hedging? Your objective will dictate your strategy. An income-focused investor will gravitate towards selling premium with covered calls and cash-secured puts, while a growth-oriented trader might explore more complex spreads.
• Select Your Core Strategies: Don't try to learn everything at once. Based on your "why," pick one or two core strategies, such as those taught in the Udemy or Option Alpha courses. Master them in a paper trading account before risking real capital.
• Master the Math: Successful trading is a game of probabilities. A crucial mathematical concept for assessing potential profitability in any probabilistic scenario is understanding how to calculate expected value. This principle helps you evaluate whether a trade's potential reward justifies its risk over the long term, moving you from guessing to making data-driven decisions.
• Establish Your Risk Rules: Decide on your maximum loss per trade and your total portfolio risk. This is the most critical step in ensuring your longevity as a trader. Tools and courses can teach you strategy, but only discipline can protect your capital.

From Education to Execution with the Right Tools

The courses listed provide the foundational 'what' and 'why' of options. However, to implement these strategies effectively in a live market, you need tools that handle the 'how'. This is especially true for income-focused traders who rely on selling covered calls and cash-secured puts. The process of manually scanning for optimal tickers, strike prices, and expiration dates is tedious and prone to error.

This is precisely where a platform like Strike Price adds immense value. It acts as the essential bridge between the concepts learned in these free options trading courses and their real-world application. It automates the complex analysis, translating concepts like probability of profit and risk assessment into clear, actionable insights. Instead of guessing which strike price offers the best premium-to-safety ratio, the platform provides real-time data and alerts, helping you manage your positions with confidence and turn your newfound knowledge into a profitable, systematic trading system.

---

Ready to apply what you've learned and transform theory into consistent income? Strike Price is the tool designed to help you find, analyze, and manage high-probability covered call and cash-secured put opportunities. Stop guessing and start making data-driven decisions by visiting Strike Price to see how it can streamline your income trading strategy.