Withdrawing cash from Robinhood works differently depending on whether you want to move money out of the app or sell investments first

To get money out of Robinhood, you first decide whether you're withdrawing cash that's already sitting in your account or selling stocks, options, or crypto to create cash. If you have unsettled funds (money from a recent sale that hasn't cleared yet), Robinhood won't let you withdraw it until the settlement period ends — usually two business days for stocks. Once your money is settled and available, you initiate a withdrawal through the app or website, and Robinhood sends it to the bank account you've linked. The transfer typically takes one to three business days, though some banks process it faster.

The most common reason withdrawals get stuck is a mismatch between the name on your Robinhood account and the name on your linked bank account. Robinhood's system checks these names closely, and even small differences can trigger a hold or rejection. You'll also need to make sure you've completed identity verification in the app — Robinhood requires this before any money leaves your account.

Key Takeaways

  • Cash withdrawals from Robinhood go to a linked bank account and take one to three business days to arrive.
  • You cannot withdraw unsettled funds — money from stock sales must clear for two business days before you can move it.
  • The account name on Robinhood must match your bank account name exactly, or the withdrawal will be rejected or delayed.
  • You must complete identity verification in the Robinhood app before initiating any withdrawal.
  • If a withdrawal fails, check your bank's incoming transfer limits and contact Robinhood support with your transaction ID.

How to link a bank account for withdrawals

Before you can withdraw anything, you need to add a bank account to Robinhood. Open the app, go to Account, then tap Transfers. Select Link a Bank Account and follow the prompts to enter your routing number and account number. Robinhood will verify the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into it within one to two business days. You then confirm those amounts in the app to prove you own the account.

Make sure the name on your bank account matches the name on your Robinhood account exactly — including middle initials, suffixes, or any other details. If your bank account is under "John Michael Smith" but your Robinhood account says "John M. Smith," the system may reject the link or flag it for review. If you've recently changed your name or opened a new account, verify both names match before you try to withdraw.

Selling investments to create withdrawable cash

If your money is tied up in stocks, options, or crypto, you need to sell first. In the Robinhood app, find the position you want to sell, tap Sell, enter the quantity or dollar amount, and confirm. The sale executes immediately during market hours (or at the next market open if you sell after hours). For stocks, the cash appears in your account right away, but you cannot withdraw it for two business days — this is the settlement period required by the SEC, not a Robinhood rule.

Options and crypto settle faster. Crypto sales settle within minutes, and options typically settle by the next business day. If you're selling during a market closure (weekends, holidays, or after 4 p.m. ET on weekdays), the sale will execute when the market reopens. Plan ahead if you need the money on a specific date.

The withdrawal process step by step

Once you have settled cash available, open the Robinhood app and go to Account. Tap Transfers, then Withdraw. Select the bank account you want the money sent to — if you've only linked one account, it will be the default. Enter the amount you want to withdraw and confirm. Robinhood will show you the expected arrival date based on your bank's processing time.

After you confirm, the withdrawal is submitted. You'll see it listed under your transfer history with a status of "pending" or "processing." Robinhood sends the money to your bank within one business day, but your bank controls how long it takes to appear in your account — typically one to two more days. Some banks, especially online banks, process transfers faster and may show the money within hours.

Why withdrawals fail or get delayed

The most common reason a withdrawal is rejected is a name mismatch. If your Robinhood account name is "Sarah Johnson" but your bank account is under "S. Johnson" or "Sarah J. Johnson," the transfer will fail. Contact Robinhood support and ask them to review the rejection reason — they can sometimes override a mismatch if you provide ID proving both names are yours.

Your bank may also reject the transfer if it exceeds your account's daily or monthly incoming transfer limit. This is a bank-side restriction, not something Robinhood controls. Check your bank's transfer limits in your banking app or by calling customer service. If your bank has flagged the transfer as suspicious, it may hold it for review — this is common if the receiving account is new or if the transfer amount is unusually large for your account.

If your withdrawal shows "pending" for more than three business days, contact Robinhood support with your transaction ID (found in your transfer history). Provide them with the exact amount, the date you initiated it, and the bank account it was sent to. They can check whether the transfer was actually sent and, if it was, help you contact your bank to locate it.

Withdrawing from a Robinhood retirement account

Robinhood offers IRAs (Traditional, Roth, and SEP), and withdrawals from these accounts follow different rules. You cannot simply withdraw money from an IRA the way you can from a regular brokerage account — early withdrawals before age 59½ typically trigger a 10% penalty plus income tax on the amount withdrawn. Roth IRAs have different rules: you can withdraw contributions (the money you put in) anytime without penalty, but earnings withdrawals before 59½ are penalized unless you meet an exception.

To move money out of a Robinhood IRA, you have two options: take a withdrawal (which may be taxed and penalized) or roll the account to another provider. A rollover moves your entire IRA balance to a new custodian without triggering taxes or penalties. Contact Robinhood's support team to request a rollover — they'll provide you with the forms your new provider needs. This process usually takes five to ten business days.

Moving your entire account to another brokerage

If you want to transfer your investments and cash to a different brokerage, you can request an ACAT transfer (Automated Customer Account Transfer). This moves your positions and cash to the new brokerage without forcing you to sell everything. Go to your new brokerage's website and look for "transfer account" or "ACAT" — they'll guide you through the process and handle the details with Robinhood.

The transfer typically takes five to ten business days. During this time, your Robinhood account will be locked — you cannot trade or withdraw. Once the transfer completes, your account closes and all your money and positions are at the new brokerage. If you have unsettled funds or pending trades, the transfer may be delayed until those clear.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for money to show up in my bank account after I withdraw from Robinhood?

Robinhood sends the withdrawal within one business day, but your bank controls the final timing. Most banks show the money within one to three business days. Some online banks process faster and may deposit it within hours. Check your bank's transfer processing times in their app or by calling customer service.

Can I withdraw money if I have unsettled funds?

No. Stock sales must settle for two business days before you can withdraw the cash. Options and crypto settle faster — crypto within minutes and options by the next business day. Plan ahead if you need the money on a specific date.

What do I do if my withdrawal was rejected?

Check the rejection reason in your transfer history. The most common cause is a name mismatch between your Robinhood and bank accounts. Contact Robinhood support with your transaction ID and the rejection reason. They can tell you whether to update your bank account information or if the issue is on your bank's side.

Can I withdraw money from my Robinhood IRA without penalties?

Withdrawals from Traditional IRAs before age 59½ trigger a 10% penalty plus income tax. Roth IRAs let you withdraw contributions anytime without penalty, but earnings withdrawals before 59½ are penalized unless you meet an exception. Consider a rollover to another IRA provider instead — it avoids taxes and penalties.

What if my bank account information changes after I link it to Robinhood?

If you close the bank account linked to Robinhood or switch banks, update your linked account in the app before you try to withdraw. Go to Account, Transfers, and update your bank information. If you attempt a withdrawal to a closed account, it will be rejected and returned to Robinhood, which may take several days.