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Opening a brokerage account can feel intimidating, but Robinhood makes the process refreshingly simple. If you're opening your first investment account, Robinhood is one of the fastest and most beginner-friendly places to start.
Below, I'll walk you through exactly how to open a Robinhood account -- what you'll need, how long it takes, and what to expect at each step.
4.5/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Bottom Line
A top pick for beginners, Robinhood combines $0 commission trades, an easy-to-use app, and a rare retirement deposit match.
Before you begin, make sure you have the following ready:
Social Security number
U.S. residential address
Email address and mobile phone number
A U.S. bank account to link and fund your account
Robinhood doesn't support business or trust accounts.
Step 1: Start the Robinhood application
Go to Robinhood.com or download the Robinhood mobile app. Click Sign up to begin. The entire process can be completed online in just a few minutes.
Step 2: Enter your personal information
You'll be asked to provide basic details, including:
Full legal name
Date of birth
Social Security number
U.S. address
Email and phone number
This information is required to verify your identity and comply with federal regulations.
Step 3: Link your bank account
Next, you'll connect a checking or savings account to fund your Robinhood account. Most major banks connect instantly, though some may require manual verification.
Step 4: Submit your application
Once your information is complete, submit your application. Robinhood reviews your details and sends an email with your account status.
Many users are approved within minutes, though approval can take up to seven days in some cases.
Step 5: Fund your account and start investing
After approval, you can transfer money into your account and begin trading. There's no minimum deposit required to get started.
How long does it take to open a Robinhood account?
In many cases, approval is nearly instant. If additional identity verification is required, it may take a few extra days, but delays are uncommon.
Transferring assets to Robinhood
You can also transfer eligible investments from another brokerage. Robinhood doesn't charge transfer fees, though your current brokerage might.
Assets you can transfer:
Stocks
ETFs
Cash
Margin positions (if enabled)
Certain options contracts
You can't transfer mutual funds, fractional shares, or crypto assets.
Most transfers take up to a week, and your investments won't be accessible while they're in transit.
Who can open a Robinhood account?
Do you have to be a U.S. citizen?
No -- but you must:
Be a legal U.S. resident
Have a valid Social Security number (TINs aren't accepted)
U.S. citizens living abroad aren't eligible.
How old do you have to be?
You must be 18 or older. Robinhood doesn't offer custodial accounts.
4.5/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Bottom Line
A top pick for beginners, Robinhood combines $0 commission trades, an easy-to-use app, and a rare retirement deposit match.
No. Robinhood allows only one individual account per person.
Enable two-factor authentication, use biometric login on mobile, and monitor your account regularly.
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We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Motley Fool Money is 100% owned and operated by The Motley Fool. Our knowledgeable team of personal finance editors and analysts are employed by The Motley Fool and held to the same set of publishing standards and editorial integrity while maintaining professional separation from the analysts and editors on other Motley Fool brands.
Terms may apply to offers listed on this page.
James McClenathen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Robinhood Disclosure:
Robinhood disclosure
All investments involve risk and loss of principal is possible.
Securities are offered through Robinhood Financial LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Cryptocurrency services are offered through an account with Robinhood Crypto, LLC (NMLS ID 1702840). Robinhood Crypto is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the New York State Department of Financial Services. Cryptocurrency held through Robinhood Crypto is not FDIC insured or SIPC protected. For more information see the Robinhood Crypto Risk Disclosure.
Trades of stocks, ETFs and options are commission-free at Robinhood Financial LLC. Other fees may apply. Please see Robinhood Financial’s Fee Schedule to learn more.
Fractional shares are illiquid outside of Robinhood and are not transferable. Not all securities available through Robinhood are eligible for fractional share orders. For a complete explanation of conditions, restrictions and limitations associated with fractional shares, see the Fractional Shares section of our Customer Agreement.
Robinhood Gold is an account offering premium services available for a $5 monthly fee. Not all investors will be eligible to trade on Margin. Margin investing involves the risk of greater investment losses. Additional interest charges may apply depending on the amount of margin used. Bigger Instant Deposits are only available if your Instant Deposits status is in good standing.
Investing is risky. Bonus offers subject to terms and conditions, visit robinhood.com/hoodweek for more information. Margin is not suitable for all investors. Robinhood Gold is offered through Robinhood Gold LLC and is a subscription offering services for a fee. Brokerage services offered through Robinhood Financial LLC (member SIPC), a registered broker dealer.
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