Options rolling is where you close an options position and simultaneously open a new one, typically with an expiration that’s further out in time, and sometimes using a different strike price.

Rolling options doesn’t ensure a profit or guarantee against a loss. You may also end up compounding your losses. By rolling out, the duration is extended, which can also increase risks because the underlying security’s price has more time to move unfavourably.

Rolling out, up, down, or both up or down and out of an option involves closing an existing options position while simultaneously opening a new one in the following different ways:

• Rolling out by opening a new one with the same strike price, but an expiration date further out in time.
• Rolling up by opening a new one with the same expiration, but at a higher strike price.
• Rolling down by opening a new one with the same expiration, but at a lower strike price.
• Rolling up or down and out involves choosing a new strike and a new expiration that’s further out in time.

Many options strategies require active management and unlike stocks, options expire – you can’t hold on to them forever. When an option reaches expiration, it’ll either expire worthless (if it’s out-of-the-money) or result in an obligation to buy or sell shares of the underlying security (if it’s in-the-money). Rolling your options prior to expiration may help avoid these outcomes, among other reasons.

Don’t want to carry a position into expiration

If you have a position nearing expiration but you want to stay in the trade (i.e., maintain a similar strategy), you can close your existing position while simultaneously opening a new one further out in time. You can do this with a single rolling order.

When deciding to roll a long option, you can potentially reduce the cost of buying a longer-dated option by simultaneously selling the option you own and using the proceeds to buy the new option. When deciding to roll a short position, you can attempt to collect another credit by buying to close your existing position and simultaneously selling to open a new one.

Want to adjust your existing position

If one of your positions needs an adjustment, a rolling order can help.

For example, if you have a short option that is at-risk of assignment, you can use a rolling order to adjust the strike price, expiration date, or both.

Once again, any time you roll an option, you’re realising a gain or loss and then establishing a new position.

Your view of the underlying security has changed

If your view of the underlying stock has changed, you can use a rolling order to adjust your strategy by rolling to a different strike, expiration, or strategy.

When rolling a long contract

The net price of the roll will be what you get from the sale of your option minus the cost of the new option you’re buying. Rolling a long contract typically results in a net debit. Rolling to a different strike price or expiration date can affect whether the roll results in a net credit or a net debit.

• Choosing to roll a long call to a lower strike price will usually increase the amount of the net debit, while rolling a long call to a higher strike price will usually decrease the amount of the net debit.
• Choosing to roll a long put to a lower strike price will usually decrease the amount of the net debit, while rolling a long put to a higher strike price will usually increase the amount of the net debit.
• A net debit is paying out an options premium. Your cash will decrease by the amount of the trade.

When rolling a short option

The net price of the roll will be the cost of buying to close your option plus what you receive from the sale of the option you’re selling. Rolling a short contract typically results in a net credit. Rolling to a different strike price or expiration date can affect whether the roll results in a net credit or a net debit.

• Choosing to roll a short call to a higher strike price will usually decrease the amount of the net credit, while rolling a short call to a lower strike price will usually increase the amount of the net credit.
• Choosing to roll a short put to a higher strike price will usually increase the amount of the net credit, while rolling a short put to a lower strike price will usually decrease the amount of the net credit.
• A net credit is collecting an options premium. Your cash will increase by the amount of the trade.

You can access rolling for your existing options by selecting Trade → Roll position.

Robinhood does not guarantee favourable investment outcomes. The past performance of a security or financial product does not guarantee future results or returns. Customers should consider their investment objectives and risks carefully before investing in options. Supporting documentation for any claims, if applicable, will be furnished upon request.

Any content provided is for informational purposes only, doesn’t constitute investment advice, and isn’t a recommendation for any security or trading strategy.