Debit and Debit Spread Option Trades

Debit spread trades, or net debit option trades, are simply those option trading strategies that result in a net debit when setting up. Unlike credit spreads where the trader receives an initial net cash payment when opening the trade, a debit trade costs something upfront.

If the trade works out as planned, the value of that position increases so that when the trader closes the position, he or she will receive more than what the trade originally cost to set up.

If you understand plain vanilla stock investing - buy low, sell higher - than you've got the basic principle of debit trades.



Spreads

Spreads are simply option trades that involve more than one option - whether at different strikes, different expiration dates, or even different type (calls vs. puts).

For more details, check out the All About Option Spreads page.

Finally, not all debit or net debit trades are technically spreads. Not that the precise terminology is crucial - the important distinction is that these trades cost money to set up and they succeed when they increase in value, whereas net credit spreads succeed when they decrease in value.



Net Debit Strategies

The strategies in order of increasing complexity . . .

Long Call
Long Put
Option Straddle
Option Strangle
Bull Call Spread
Bear Put Spread
Butterfly Option










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key option trading resources graphic

>> The Complete Guide to Selling Puts (Best Put Selling Resource on the Web)



>> Constructing Multiple Lines of Defense Into Your Put Selling Trades (How to Safely Sell Options for High Yield Income in Any Market Environment)



Option Trading and Duration Series

Part 1 >> Best Durations When Buying or Selling Options (Updated Article)

Part 2 >> The Sweet Spot Expiration Date When Selling Options

Part 3 >> Pros and Cons of Selling Weekly Options



>> Comprehensive Guide to Selling Puts on Margin



Selling Puts and Earnings Series

>> Why Bear Markets Don't Matter When You Own a Great Business (Updated Article)

Part 1 >> Selling Puts Into Earnings

Part 2 >> How to Use Earnings to Manage and Repair a Short Put Trade

Part 3 >> Selling Puts and the Earnings Calendar (Weird but Important Tip)



Mastering the Psychology of the Stock Market Series

Part 1 >> Myth of Efficient Market Hypothesis

Part 2 >> Myth of Smart Money

Part 3 >> Psychology of Secular Bull and Bear Markets

Part 4 >> How to Know When a Stock Bubble is About to Pop