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How to Open a Robinhood Account

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Opening a brokerage account can feel intimidating, but Robinhood turns it into a walk in the park. There are a few key points to keep in mind for a smooth experience, though. We've researched Robinhood's applications, approval process, and eligibility requirements so you don't have any hiccups.

Keep reading for step-by-step instructions to opening a Robinhood account.

Robinhood
Learn More for Robinhood

On Robinhood's Secure Website.

Ratings Methodology
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Robinhood

Robinhood

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Our Rating:

Rating image, 4.5 out of 5 stars.
4.5/5 Circle with letter I in it. 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

Robinhood is a simple, low-cost brokerage with a few rare perks. It matches retirement deposits like an employer, the interface is gorgeous, and it's extremely affordable. No matter what or how you trade, Robinhood fees tend to match or beat the competition. It's worth a look.

Fees:

$0 for stocks, ETFs, and options; up to $5 monthly for Robinhood Gold

Account Minimum:

$0

Learn More for Robinhood

On Robinhood's Secure Website.

Opening a Robinhood account

Opening a Robinhood account is quick and easy. Here's how to get started.

Steps to open a Robinhood account

  1. Head to Robinhood.com or download the Robinhood app.
  2. Click "Sign up."
  3. Enter your personal details when prompted -- Robinhood makes this part straightforward.
  4. Link your bank account.
  5. Submit your application and let Robinhood work its magic.

Once you're done, Robinhood reviews your information and sends you an email with your account status. Occasionally, Robinhood may ask for additional identity verification, but this is usually quick.

How long does it take to open a Robinhood account?

While Robinhood account approval can take up to seven days, many users report their accounts are greenlit in minutes.

Transferring assets to Robinhood

After you've set up your account, you can bring in your assets and start building your portfolio. Robinhood doesn't charge fees for this process, but some brokerages do. Check your current brokerage's fee schedule before you get started to avoid unpleasant surprises.

What investments can I transfer to Robinhood?

Robinhood supports transfers of:

  • Cash
  • ETFs
  • Margin (if your Robinhood account is set up for margin)
  • Certain options contracts
  • Stocks

Crypto, mutual funds, fractional shares, and some other asset types are not transferable.

How long does a transfer take?

Transfers can take up to a week. Be aware that you won't be able to access the investments while they are in transit.

Who can open a Robinhood account?

Robinhood is accessible to most people in the U.S., but it has some clear eligibility criteria.

Do you have to be a U.S. citizen to open a Robinhood account?

You don't need to be a U.S. citizen to open a Robinhood account. However, you must:

  • Have a valid Social Security number (Tax Identification Numbers, or TINs, are not accepted).
  • Be a legal resident of the United States. Note that U.S. citizens living abroad are not eligible.

How old do you have to be to open a Robinhood account?

You need to be 18 or older to join Robinhood. Want to invest on behalf of someone under 18? Consider a custodial brokerage account. You'll need to look at another brokerage, though, as Robinhood doesn't offer this option.

Common issues during Robinhood sign-up

While creating a Robinhood account is fairly straightforward, the following are some of the most commonly encountered issues by users.

I can't link my bank account to Robinhood

If you're struggling to link your bank, here's what to check:

  • Is it a business or trust account? Robinhood doesn't support these.
  • Is the account already linked to another Robinhood account? Robinhood limits the number of Robinhood accounts that a single bank account can be linked to.
  • Does your bank use two-factor authentication? Temporarily disabling it might help. Don't forget to re-enable it after!

My application was rejected

Rejection can be frustrating, but it doesn't have to be the end of the road. Common reasons for Robinhood application rejection include:

  • Incorrect or mismatched personal information
  • Technical glitches during submission
  • Not meeting eligibility requirements

If your Robinhood account was rejected, you can try applying again. You could also consider applying to a different brokerage app. (There are lots to choose from!)

I'm having trouble opening an account

If you're still facing issues, try Robinhood's Support Center. The detailed instructions found there make troubleshooting a breeze.

Robinhood
Learn More for Robinhood

On Robinhood's Secure Website.

Ratings Methodology
Award Icon 2025 Award Winner
Robinhood

Robinhood

Learn More

Double arrow

Our Rating:

Rating image, 4.5 out of 5 stars.
4.5/5 Circle with letter I in it. 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

Robinhood is a simple, low-cost brokerage with a few rare perks. It matches retirement deposits like an employer, the interface is gorgeous, and it's extremely affordable. No matter what or how you trade, Robinhood fees tend to match or beat the competition. It's worth a look.

Fees:

$0 for stocks, ETFs, and options; up to $5 monthly for Robinhood Gold

Account Minimum:

$0

Learn More for Robinhood

On Robinhood's Secure Website.

Check out other brokerage accounts

And that's how you open a Robinhood brokerage account. Of course, if you're not impressed with Robinhood -- or you're still unsure if it's right for you -- you can compare it with our other best online brokerages picks.

And if you need some tips on how to get started investing, check out these articles:

FAQs

  • Yes, you can. In fact, if you open a joint account, you're required to also have an individual account.

  • Robinhood supports two-factor authentication to help secure your account.