You must be at least 18 years old to open a Robinhood account

Robinhood requires all account holders to be 18 or older. This is a federal requirement for brokerage accounts, not a Robinhood-specific rule. When you create an account, you will need to provide your date of birth, and the system will verify you meet this minimum age before you can fund or trade.

If you are under 18 and want to invest, you have other options. A parent or guardian can open a custodial account — sometimes called a minor account or UGMA/UTMA account — at another brokerage. The adult controls the account until you turn 18 or 21, depending on your state and the account type. Robinhood itself does not offer custodial accounts, so this route requires using a different brokerage.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be 18 years old to open and control your own Robinhood account.
  • Robinhood does not offer custodial accounts for minors, so you cannot invest through Robinhood if you are under 18.
  • A parent or guardian can open a custodial account at other brokerages like Fidelity, Charles Schwab, or Vanguard if you are under 18.
  • When you turn 18, you can open your own Robinhood account using your Social Security number and a valid government-issued ID.

What happens when you turn 18

Once you reach 18, you can open a Robinhood account on your own. You will need a valid government-issued ID (driver's license or passport), your Social Security number, and a bank account to link for deposits and withdrawals. The account setup takes a few minutes online, and you can begin trading immediately after your bank account is verified.

If you already have a custodial account at another brokerage, you do not have to move your money to Robinhood. Many people keep their custodial accounts where they are and open a separate Robinhood account for new investments. You can also transfer holdings from one brokerage to another, though this process typically takes three to five business days and may have fees depending on your current brokerage.

Why Robinhood does not offer custodial accounts

Robinhood's business model focuses on individual adult investors. The company does not currently support custodial or minor accounts. This is a business decision, not a legal requirement — other brokerages like Fidelity, Charles Schwab, E-Trade, and Vanguard do offer custodial accounts to families who want minors to start investing early.

If you are under 18 and want to start investing before you turn 18, a custodial account at another brokerage is your only option through a major firm. Some custodial accounts have lower minimum deposits and lower or no trading fees, which can make them practical for younger investors learning the basics. The trade-off is that you cannot use Robinhood's platform until you are 18 and can open your own account.

How to verify your age when you sign up

Robinhood uses your date of birth and government ID to confirm you are 18 or older. During account creation, you will enter your birth date, and the system will calculate your age automatically. If you are under 18, the account creation will stop and you will not be able to proceed further.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. Robinhood uses this to verify your identity and to report your investment income to the IRS. The company does not share this information with third parties except as required by law. Your date of birth is checked against your ID to prevent fraud and ensure compliance with federal brokerage regulations.

What to do if you are under 18 and want to invest

Talk to a parent or guardian about opening a custodial account at a brokerage that supports them. Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Vanguard, and E-Trade all offer custodial accounts with low or no account minimums. The adult will control the account and approve all trades, but you can learn how investing works and build a portfolio before you turn 18.

Some custodial accounts also offer educational tools and allow you to make trades with the adult's permission, which can be a good way to learn before managing your own money. When you turn 18, the account will transfer to your control, and you can manage it yourself or move the money to Robinhood if you prefer. This gives you time to understand how markets work without the pressure of managing a full account on your own right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my parent's Robinhood account if I am under 18?

No. Your parent's account is registered to them, and only they can log in and trade. Using someone else's account to trade is against Robinhood's terms of service and could result in the account being closed. If you want to invest, you need your own custodial account at a brokerage that supports minors.

What if I turn 18 soon — can I start an account now?

No. Robinhood verifies your age at the time you sign up, and you must be 18 on that date. You can create an account as soon as you turn 18. If your birthday is coming up, you can wait a few days and then sign up.

Do I need a Social Security number to open a Robinhood account at 18?

Yes. Robinhood requires your Social Security number to verify your identity and to report your investment income to the IRS. If you do not have a Social Security number, you cannot open an account. You can apply for one through the Social Security Administration if you do not have one yet.

Can I transfer money from a custodial account to Robinhood when I turn 18?

Yes, but the process takes several business days. You can request a transfer from your custodial brokerage to Robinhood once you turn 18 and open your own account. Some brokerages charge a transfer fee, so check with your current brokerage before you move your money.

What is the difference between a UGMA and UTMA custodial account?

UGMA (Uniform Gifts to Minors Act) and UTMA (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act) are both custodial account types, but UTMA is broader and allows more types of assets to be held. UTMA also typically transfers control to you at age 21, while UGMA transfers at age 18. The rules vary by state, so ask your brokerage which type they offer and when control transfers to you.