Gatsby Review – What Does This Trading App Offer?

Commission-free options trading was first pioneered by Robinhood, but since then dozens of other brokers have entered this popular space. One of the latest apps to launch is Gatsby, a commission-free stock, options, and ETF platform that offers a unique rewards program for options traders. Gatsby caters specifically to new options traders with simple analysis tools and a streamlined trading interface.

In our Gatsby review, we’ll take a closer look at this trading app to help you decide if it’s right for you.

Gatsby Pricing Options

Gatsby is a commission-free brokerage app with no monthly account fee. Notably, Gatsby doesn’t charge contract fees, which makes it cheaper than many other commission-free brokers for trading options.

You’ll need to make a $10 minimum deposit by ACH transfer to open an account.

Gatsby Features

Assets & Account Types

Gatsby offers trading on most US exchange-traded stocks as well as hundreds of ETFs and stock options. Options trading is limited to long put and long call positions, so there is no way to open a multi-leg trade. The brokerage only offers standard investing accounts, not retirement accounts. There is no option to trade on margin at this time.

Options Trading

Gatsby’s most innovative feature is its approach to options trading. The app is designed to make options trading as simple as possible and specifically targets traders who are new to trading options.

Gatsby’s interface offers the current price and gives you several strike price options to choose from. For each strike price and expiration date combination, the app displays a simple risk indicator that has three tiers from “Low” to “High.” Since all positions are simple puts or calls, Gatsby doesn’t include more complex profit and loss charts.

Charting and Technical Analysis

Like a number of other trading apps, Gatsby is light on technical firepower. The app only includes line price charts and doesn’t support candlestick charts or technical indicators. Gatsby also doesn’t present data about trading volume or stock fundamentals. There is a built-in news feed on each stock page, but the app doesn’t have an overall feed where you can monitor market headlines. So, for the most part, the app leaves you to do your own research elsewhere.

Social Trading

The main source of information in Gatsby is from its built-in social trading network. You can connect social platforms like Facebook and Twitter to your account and then follow friends who also use the Gatsby app. You’ll see a feed of all trades made by people you follow, which can offer ideas for stocks to trade. Users can like trades, but the app doesn’t allow commenting or messaging.

Rewards Program

One unique aspect of Gatsby is its rewards program for options traders. Every time you place an options trade, you receive points (typically one point per trade). Once you reach 500 points, you can redeem them for a credit to your account or a prepaid gift card.

Notably, you only earn rewards for options trades – not for stock or ETF trades.

Gatsby Customization and Layout

The Gatsby app is available for iOS and Android devices. The broker does not have a web trading platform at this time.

The app is very user-friendly and has a surprisingly sparse design. Instead of being bombarded by charts and price information, you simply see a feed of trades you or your friends have made. You can see your account balance and buying power at the top of the screen alongside your current rewards balance.

On trading pages, you’ll see a line chart in the upper half of the screen and a feed of trades on that stock in the lower half of the screen. The chart has simple “Buy Puts” and “Buy Calls” buttons, which you can tap to open a new order screen.

Once on the order screen, you can simply swipe side to side to select a contract expiration date and strike price. Then swipe up to open a trade.

Support

Gatsby offers support by email only, but you can get a response 24/7. The broker’s website also has an FAQs page that includes a handful of troubleshooting articles.

Gatsby Platform Differentiators

The main thing that differentiates Gatsby from similar trading apps like Robinhood is that it’s primarily built for options trading. Gatsby’s order entry process for options trades is incredibly simple, and the fact that options trading is the default when you land on a stock trading page is noteworthy.

Another thing that helps Gatsby stand out is that it’s one of only a few truly free brokerage apps for options trading. There are no commissions, no contract fees, and no account fees. Many full-service brokers that recently announced commission-free options trading, such as Charles Schwab, still charge contract fees.

Gatsby’s rewards program for options trading is also unique. The brokerage doesn’t specify how much its rewards are worth, so it’s hard to know how impressive this program really is. That said, if you’re planning to trade options anyway, then getting a bonus along the way is a plus.

What Type of Trader is Gatsby Best For?

Gatsby is best for new options traders who want to make options trading easy rather than dive into deep analysis. The most prevalent form of information in the app is the social feed, which makes it easy to generate trade ideas based on what your friends are buying and selling. The lack of technical charts and options risk analysis tools can also be a benefit for traders who find these features overwhelming.

That said, traders who want to practice careful trading or want access to detailed research tools will not appreciate Gatsby. The platform offers almost no analytical tools for options trading other than a simple risk indicator. It also only allows long put and long call trades rather than more complex multi-leg options strategies that enable a greater degree of risk management. 

Pros

• Commission-free stock, options, and ETF trading
• $10 minimum to open an account
• Rewards program for frequent options traders
• Follow friends and see what they’re trading
• Simple, user-friendly mobile app
• 24/7 email support

Cons

• No multi-leg options trading
• Very few tools for risk analysis