I need help with Option Scanning with ThinkorSwim

Discussion in 'Options' started by TimtheEnchanter, Jul 2, 2020.

  1. Screen Shot 2020-07-02 at 1.37.42 PM.png I am new with the software and I like to simply scan for highly volatile options, close to expiration where I can sell premium by betting a direction. The problem is many options are not volatile and there is not enough premium. Today, I got lucky finding BA and AMNZ but a scan would be nice to have (especially since I am a ToS user. I am signed up with the rep to go over the software but any ideas (even outside of ToS), would be most appreciated!
    BA has zero days left but there was still trading. I sold 5 BA July 2 190 Calls @ .20 and bot 5 BA July 2 195 Calls @.07 - I love saving commission when the options expire quietly.
    AMZN I made a mistake the trade had 8 days left I am not keen to hold something like this for a long weekend. So I made a quick 87 bucks.. Screen Shot 2020-07-02 at 1.32.19 PM.png
     
    Last edited: Jul 2, 2020
  2. Just to add; I have tried a ToS option scan and it just goes away forever, despite the fact that it shows a number of hits...I must be doing something wrong.
     
  3. ZBZB

    ZBZB

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  4. Thanks, seems like a great deal - 14 days free trial!
     
  5. In the TOS scanner add the following option filter:
    1) "Days to exp" for the range you want like 0 to 5 days
    2) ImplVol min of 30
    3) Last min of $1.00
    Then hit scan, you will get a ton of stock options to trade. Note the above are just suggestions

    To scan for options spread, use the spread hacker

    Just remember, you should use the live account to run scans. Paper account scans are limited.
     
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  6. Thanks, the 3) the last min of $1.00 - can you explain?
     
  7. The minimum option price is $1.00. It can be any value, including zero
     
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