How to transfer stocks from Robinhood to Fidelity

You can move your stocks from Robinhood to Fidelity through a process called an ACATS transfer (Automated Customer Account Transfer Service). Fidelity handles most of the work on their end; you start the transfer at Fidelity, not at Robinhood. The transfer usually takes 5 to 7 business days, though it can take up to 30 days in rare cases. Your stocks move as-is — you do not sell them and rebuy them, so you avoid triggering a taxable event.

The basic sequence is: open a Fidelity brokerage account (if you don't have one), gather your Robinhood account details, start the transfer request at Fidelity, and wait for Robinhood to release your positions. You will not be able to trade during the transfer, and some fractional shares may be sold off or held back depending on what you own.

Key Takeaways

  • You initiate the transfer at Fidelity, not at Robinhood, by requesting an incoming ACATS transfer and providing your Robinhood account number and login credentials.
  • The transfer takes 5 to 7 business days on average, during which you cannot buy or sell stocks in either account.
  • Fractional shares (anything less than one whole share) may be sold for cash or held back, depending on the security and Fidelity's rules at the time of transfer.
  • Your cost basis and holding period transfer with your shares, so you will not trigger a taxable event by moving accounts.
  • Robinhood may charge an account closure fee (typically $75 to $100) if you close the account within 30 days of opening it; Fidelity does not charge a transfer fee.

What you need before you start

Have your Robinhood account number and login credentials ready. You can find your account number in the Robinhood app under Account Settings or in any statement email. Write down your username and password — Fidelity will ask for them during the transfer request.

You will also need an active Fidelity brokerage account. If you do not have one, open it first at Fidelity's website. The account opening takes a few minutes and requires your Social Security number, address, and employment information. You do not need to fund the account before starting the transfer.

Check what you own in Robinhood and note any fractional shares. If you have fractional shares, Fidelity will either sell them for cash (which lands in your Fidelity account) or hold them back — the exact outcome depends on the security and current Fidelity policy. Call Fidelity at 1-800-343-3548 before you transfer if you want to know what will happen to a specific fractional position.

Starting the transfer at Fidelity

Log into your Fidelity account and go to the Accounts & Trade section. Look for "Transfer Positions" or "Move My Money" — the exact link name varies by whether you are on desktop or mobile. Select "Incoming Transfer" and choose "ACATS" as the transfer type.

Fidelity will ask you to enter your Robinhood account number and your Robinhood login credentials. Do not change your Robinhood password before or during the transfer — Fidelity needs the current credentials to pull your account information. After you submit, Fidelity sends an automated request to Robinhood.

You will receive an email confirmation from Fidelity with a reference number. Save this number. Fidelity will also send you a second email when Robinhood has received and accepted the transfer request — this usually happens within one business day.

What happens during the transfer

Once Robinhood receives the transfer request, your Robinhood account is locked. You cannot buy, sell, or transfer money in or out. The same applies to your Fidelity account during the transfer — you cannot trade the positions that are moving. This freeze typically lasts 5 to 7 business days.

Robinhood sends your positions to Fidelity in batches. Most stocks arrive within the first few days, but some may take longer depending on the security type. Options, cryptocurrency, and certain other holdings may not transfer at all — Robinhood will either sell them or hold them in your Robinhood account after the transfer completes.

You will receive email updates from both Fidelity and Robinhood as the transfer progresses. The final confirmation comes when Fidelity posts all positions to your account and sends you a completion notice.

After your stocks arrive at Fidelity

Once the transfer completes, your stocks appear in your Fidelity account with their original cost basis and purchase dates intact. You can now trade them, set up automatic investments, or use them as collateral for margin borrowing if you have a margin account.

Your Robinhood account will show a zero balance after the transfer. You can close it immediately or leave it open — Robinhood will not charge you a monthly fee for an inactive account. However, if you opened the Robinhood account fewer than 30 days before the transfer, Robinhood may charge a $75 to $100 account closure fee when you close it.

Check your Fidelity account for any cash balance that resulted from fractional shares being sold. This cash sits in your settlement fund and you can withdraw it, reinvest it, or leave it there.

What does not transfer

Options contracts do not transfer through ACATS. If you own options in Robinhood, you will need to close them before the transfer or let them expire. Robinhood will not automatically sell them — they will remain in your Robinhood account after the transfer completes, and you can close them there.

Cryptocurrency does not transfer either. If you own Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other digital assets in Robinhood, you must sell them before the transfer or they will remain in Robinhood. You can then repurchase them at Fidelity if you want, though Fidelity's crypto offerings are more limited than Robinhood's.

Fractional shares of stocks may or may not transfer, depending on the specific security. Most common stocks transfer as fractional shares, but some do not. Fidelity will sell fractional shares that cannot transfer and deposit the cash into your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the transfer actually take?

Most transfers complete in 5 to 7 business days from the time Robinhood receives the request. Weekends and holidays do not count. In rare cases — usually when Robinhood is processing a high volume of transfers or when you own unusual securities — it can take up to 30 days. Fidelity will send you status updates by email.

Will I owe taxes on the transfer?

No. Moving stocks between brokers does not trigger a sale, so there is no taxable event. Your cost basis and holding period move with your shares, so your tax situation remains unchanged. When you eventually sell a stock at Fidelity, your gain or loss is calculated from your original purchase price at Robinhood.

What if I have a Robinhood Gold margin account?

Your margin balance does not transfer. You will need to pay off any borrowed money before or during the transfer. Fidelity will not accept a transfer of borrowed funds. Once your stocks arrive at Fidelity, you can apply for margin there if you want, but you start with zero borrowed balance.

Can I transfer only some of my stocks?

Yes. When you start the transfer at Fidelity, you can choose which positions to move and which to leave behind. Robinhood will keep the positions you did not select. You can do multiple transfers over time if you prefer to move your portfolio gradually.

What if Robinhood rejects the transfer?

Robinhood usually rejects a transfer if your login credentials are wrong, your account has a negative balance, or you have pending transactions. Check that your username and password are correct and that your Robinhood account balance is positive. If you have a pending deposit or withdrawal, wait for it to complete before trying again. Contact Fidelity at 1-800-343-3548 if the rejection persists.