Last updated: July 2026. Written by Josh Hutcheson, OnlineCourseing editor. See our review methodology.
QUICK VERDICT
A note on risk, up front: trading is high-risk, and the honest data is sobering — brokerage and regulator disclosures consistently show the majority of active retail traders lose money over time. A good course teaches skills, risk management, and discipline; none teaches a way to beat those odds reliably. We have cut the courses that promise guaranteed returns or specific monthly profits, because those claims are the clearest sign of a low-quality program.
Options are powerful and genuinely useful — for hedging, income strategies, and defined-risk trades — but they are also complex, and a poorly understood option position can lose 100% of its value fast. That makes structured learning more important here than almost anywhere in trading. The picks below are reputable and beginner-friendly; we cut the courses promising specific monthly returns.
1. Best for beginners — Options Trading Basics (Ultimate Beginners)
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The strongest starting point by a wide margin. It builds options from first principles — calls, puts, the Greeks, and defined-risk strategies — in plain language, without pushing a risky “income system.” At 4.5★ across nearly 10,000 ratings, it is both the highest-rated and most-trusted beginner option course we found.
Best for: complete beginners who want to genuinely understand options. Worth knowing: it is foundational by design — expect to go deeper on strategy afterward.
2. Best next step — Options Trading MasterClass
Once the basics click, this course goes further into strategy and profitability without the get-rich framing. At 4.3★ it is a solid intermediate step for building real strategy knowledge — spreads, risk-defined trades, and position management.
Best for: those past the basics who want practical strategy depth. Worth knowing: options strategy still carries real risk — size accordingly.
A MORE DURABLE INVESTMENT — CFI
Learn the analysis, not a “system”
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A word on the risks of options
Options can lose their entire value by expiration, and selling options can expose you to losses larger than your initial outlay. That is not a reason to avoid them, but it is a reason to learn properly and start with defined-risk, small positions. Be especially wary of any course or account promising a fixed monthly return from options — consistent, guaranteed options income is not a thing, and that pitch is the hallmark of a weak or dishonest program.
Related: our stock trading courses, technical analysis courses, and best financial modeling courses.
Options trading courses compared
| Course | Best for | Rating | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Options Trading Basics (Ultimate Beginners) | Beginners | 4.5 | Beginner |
| Options Trading MasterClass | Strategy depth | 4.3 | Intermediate |
How to choose an options course — and start safely
Pick a course that grounds you in the fundamentals first — calls, puts, and the Greeks — and teaches defined-risk strategies before anything exotic. Then start safely: paper trade until the mechanics are second nature, begin with small, risk-defined positions where your maximum loss is known in advance, and avoid selling naked options until you fully understand the exposure. Any course pushing you straight into high-leverage income strategies is skipping the part that keeps beginners solvent.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best options trading course?
Options Trading Basics (the Ultimate Beginners course, 4.5 stars, ~10,000 ratings) is the best starting point – clear, foundational, and honest. Options Trading MasterClass is a solid next step for strategy depth once the basics click.
Can a beginner learn options trading?
Yes, but options are complex and it is worth learning the fundamentals – calls, puts, and the Greeks – thoroughly before risking money. Start with defined-risk strategies and small positions, ideally after paper trading first.
Are options trading courses worth it?
A good one is worth it because options reward understanding and punish guessing. The value is in learning risk-defined strategies and the mechanics, not in any promised income – be skeptical of courses guaranteeing monthly returns.
Is options trading riskier than stocks?
It can be. Options can expire worthless (losing 100%), and some strategies expose you to large losses. Used carefully with defined risk, options can also reduce risk through hedging – which is exactly why proper training matters.