chief_clay77 says:

Requirements:

Generally brokers have different options approval levels– the lowest level allows you to sell options on stock you already own, the second level allows you to buy calls or puts, and the last level allows you to sell options on stock you don't own.

I suspect that any broker will give anyone with at least a modicum of stock experience the right to sell options on stock they already own (this is called a covered call.) Since you're merely agreeing to sell property to a person at a certain price, this is fairly safe and you generally cant get into too much trouble.

Buying long calls and puts is riskier, and your broker will probably expect you to have experience trading stocks and options before letting you pay with these.

Selling options on stocks you don't own (naked calls or puts) can be extremely dangerous and brokers will expect you to have a good deal of experience before approving you.

Personally I like selling calls on stock I already own. Buying options is a good deal riskier, and I'd advise you to start out with extremely small sums. Also I'd advise buying relatively long term options, as these give the stock you own more time to move dramatically in the direction you want.

And generally brokers charge a flat fee for buying options, plus a smaller fee for each contract purchased (for example etrade is 9.99 + 0.75/contract)

Finally try tradeking or zecco. They're both very inexpensive, and seem to be pretty willing to give out options approval through at least level 2.