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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.
4.80/5
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.
4.80/5
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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Terms may apply to offers listed on this page.
Motley Fool Stock Disclosures
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
Margin borrowing increases your level of market risk, as a result it has the potential to magnify both your gains and losses. Before using margin, customers must determine whether this type of strategy is right for them given their investment objectives and risk tolerance. Regardless of the underlying value of the securities you purchased, you must repay your margin loan. Robinhood Financial can change its maintenance margin requirements at any time without prior notice. If the equity in your account falls below the minimum maintenance requirements (varies according to the security), you’ll have to deposit additional cash or acceptable collateral. If you fail to meet your minimums, Robinhood Financial may be forced to sell some or all of your securities, with or without your prior approval. For more information please see Robinhood Financial’s Margin Disclosure Statement, Margin Agreement and FINRA Investor Information.
Margin trading involves risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Borrowing on margin increases your level of market risk and can amplify both gains and losses.
Robinhood Financial may change maintenance margin requirements at any time without prior notice. If the equity in your account falls below minimum maintenance requirements, you may need to deposit additional cash or collateral. If those requirements are not met, Robinhood Financial may sell securities in your account without prior approval.
The 3% matching on annual contributions requires a subscription with Robinhood Gold ($5/mo) and customers must stay subscribed to Gold for 1 year from the date of the first eligible deposit to keep the full Gold match. The funds that earned the match must be kept in the account for at least 5 years to avoid a potential Early IRA Match Removal Fee. Match rate subject to change. Non-Gold customers receive a 1% match. Offer only applies to self-directed IRAs. For more information refer to the IRA Match FAQ.
You must have compensation (wage income) in order to contribute to an IRA. Funds being contributed into or distributed from retirement accounts may entail tax consequences. Contributions are limited and withdrawals before age 59 1/2 may be subject to a penalty tax. Robinhood does not provide tax advice; please consult with a tax adviser if you have questions.
The Robinhood IRA is available to any U.S. customer with a Robinhood brokerage account in good standing.
The 3% matching on annual contributions requires a subscription with Robinhood Gold ($5/mo) and customers must stay subscribed to Gold for 1 year from the date of the first eligible deposit to keep the full Gold match. The funds that earned the match must be kept in the account for at least 5 years to avoid a potential Early IRA Match Removal Fee. Match rate subject to change. Non-Gold customers receive a 1% match. Offer only applies to self-directed IRAs. For more information refer to the IRA Match FAQ.
You must have compensation (wage income) in order to contribute to an IRA. Funds being contributed into or distributed from retirement accounts may entail tax consequences. Contributions are limited and withdrawals before age 59 1/2 may be subject to a penalty tax. Robinhood does not provide tax advice; please consult with a tax adviser if you have questions.
The Robinhood IRA is available to any U.S. customer with a Robinhood brokerage account in good standing.
Robinhood Strategies charges an annual management fee of 0.25% on the net portfolio value of each managed account. Eligible Robinhood Gold subscribers pay no management fees on the portion of their managed account net portfolio value that exceeds $100,000, thereby limiting the annual management fee to $250. Other fees apply.
All investments involve risk and loss of principal is possible.
Brokerage services are offered through Robinhood Financial LLC, ("RHF") a registered broker dealer (member SIPC) and clearing services through Robinhood Securities, LLC, ("RHS") a registered broker dealer (member SIPC).
RHF and RHS are not banks. All are separate but affiliated entities. Securities offered by RHF are not FDIC insured and involve risk, including possible loss of principal.
Robinhood Gold is a subscription-based membership program of premium services offered through Robinhood Gold, LLC.
Portfolio management of managed accounts by Robinhood Asset Management, LLC (“Robinhood Strategies”), an SEC-registered investment advisor.
Options involve risk and are not suitable for all investors. Please read Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options before trading options.
Cryptocurrency trading is offered through Robinhood Crypto, LLC (NMLS ID 1702840). Trading and holding digital assets involves significant risk, including the risk of substantial loss. Cryptocurrency held through Robinhood Crypto is not FDIC insured or SIPC protected.
*Trading and owning digital assets involves significant risk, including the risk of substantial loss. Cryptocurrency trading is 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.
** Network fees may apply. Availability may be subject to regulatory approval in certain states.
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