How to Sell Options on Vanguard (Step-by-Step Guide)

Vanguard is not the most intuitive platform for options trading. But you can absolutely sell puts and calls on it — if you know where to click.

Here’s the clean walkthrough.

Step 1: Navigate to Trade Options

From your dashboard:

1. Scroll to the account

2. Click “Transact”

3. Select “Trade Options”

Choose whether you want to sell a call or put.

For income strategies like cash secured puts: Select Put → Sell to Open

Step 2: Enter the Stock

Type in the ticker symbol. Then choose the expiration date.

Vanguard allows you to view options by:

• Expiration

• Strike price

Viewing by expiration is usually cleaner.

Step 3: Select Your Strike Price

You can select up to 10 strikes to compare. Yellow = In the money; White = Out of the money.

Once you choose a strike: It auto-populates into the order ticket.

Step 4: Set Quantity and Limit Price

Choose:

• Quantity (each contract = 100 shares)

• Limit price (always use limit orders)

Refresh pricing before submitting. Liquid stocks update constantly.Illiquid stocks may not move much.

Step 5: Choose Duration

Options:

• Day

• Good till cancelled (60 days max)

Always confirm you’ve selected duration.

Step 6: Commission Awareness

Vanguard charges $1 per contract.

If you’re selling lots of cheap contracts, commission can eat into profits. This matters.

Step 7: Submit and Monitor Selling Options on Vanguard

After submission:

• Go to “Today’s Trades”

• You can modify or cancel open orders

• Refresh to check execution

Pro tip: Some traders prefer viewing option chains on platforms like Fidelity or Robinhood, then placing the trade on Vanguard.

Cleaner chain. Same execution.

Selling options on Vanguard isn’t complicated — but it’s not flashy either. Once you know the workflow, it’s straightforward. Ready to learn more? Join Theta Daddies investors group, today!