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About Real-time Options Data

Real-time options data gives you access to our charts and data through a live data feed from OPRA.

Ultimate Feature

Real-time Options Data is available exclusively on our Ultimate plan. Upgrade now to access this feature.

Overview​

By default, Free and Premium subscribers of OptionCharts access options data through a 15-minute delayed feed provided by the Options Price Reporting Authority (OPRA). Upgrading to OptionCharts Ultimate grants subscribers access to real-time data and charts, eliminating delays entirely.

In the United States, OPRA is responsible for collecting, consolidating, and distributing options data. OPRA provides two data feed options, each governed by specific fees and compliance requirements: real-time (current) data and 15-minute delayed data. As an OPRA data vendor, OptionCharts displays 15-minute delayed data publicly without incurring additional per-user fees. In contrast, real-time data distribution requires per-user fees and individual exchange agreements for each subscriber. Based on these regulations and fee structures, OptionCharts offers both 15-minute delayed and real-time data options depending on your needs.

How to access real-time market data​

To access real-time options data, subscribe to Ultimate and complete the OPRA subscriber agreement (a process quickly done through our website).

1) Upgrade to Ultimate Plan​

For new subscribers:

  1. Go to optioncharts.io/plans
  2. Select the Ultimate plan and click subscribe.

For existing subscribers of OptionCharts:

If you're already a subscriber of OptionCharts, you can upgrade your plan to Ultimate by following these steps:

  1. Log in to OptionCharts.io
  2. Go to Account Settings
  3. Click Manage Your Subscription, and follow the onscreen instructions to log in to the Customer Billing portal.
  4. Click Update subscription and choose Ultimate Plan.

2) Fill out exchange agreements:​

  1. Log in to OptionCharts.io
  2. Go to Account Settings
  3. Click Manage Agreements under Market Data section.
  4. Complete the forms and click-through agreements.

You will now have access to real-time data. You can verify it is enabled through your Account Settings. Additionally, at the top of each chart you will see 'OPRA Data Real-time' when real-time data is enabled. You can enable or disable real-time data from your account settings.

Frequently Asked Questions About Real-time Market Data​

What data is real-time and what isn't?​

We offer real-time data for all stock and options data possible, which include including last sale price, bid/ask prices, volume, greeks, IV, and quote data from options exchanges. When real-time data is enabled, all charts and tables display the latest data, with a couple minor exceptions:

  • Market Trends is not real-time. This data consists of aggregated options metrics across the entire options market and updates approximately every 10 minutes during market hours.
  • Open interest is not a real-time metric. Exchanges update it only once per day, a limitation set by the exchanges themselves, not OptionCharts.

Can I still subscribe to Real-time Options data if I'm a Professional subscriber?​

Yes, absolutely! A professional subscriber is any individual who uses market data professionally on behalf of businesses, entities, funds, or asset managers. Our per-user fees charged by OPRA are higher for professionals accessing real-time data. To offset the additional cost, we offer a subscription plan specifically for Professionals which can be found on our pricing page. If you are a Professional subscriber, please select the Ultimate Professional plan when subscribing to real-time data.

Learn about the difference between Professional and Non-Professional Subscriber Status

Why is real-time market data priced higher?​

Exchanges and data providers charge higher fees for real-time data due to additional compliance requirements, per-user licensing costs, and IT infrastructure. We price accordingly to cover these added expenses.

What are the trading hours for real-time options data?​

We display real-time options data during all active trading. In the U.S., options are traded during regular market hours, which are 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) on weekdays. Options do not trade during pre-market or post-market hours like stocks. Some exceptions, like index options, may trade until 4:15 PM ET, and we will display real-time data during those times as well.

Is there anything else I should be aware of?​

Real-time market data is a new feature, and we're actively monitoring performance and will make improvements as needed. Please let us know if you have any questions, issues, or feedback.