The basic steps to move money out of Robinhood
To withdraw cash from Robinhood, you log into your account, go to the Account menu, select "Transfers," and choose "Withdraw." You then pick a linked bank account and enter the amount you want to move. Robinhood will send the money to that bank account — the transfer usually takes one to three business days, though it can take longer depending on your bank.
The process is straightforward, but there are real limits on when you can withdraw, how much you can move, and what happens if you try to pull out money that's tied up in trades or unsettled cash. Understanding these rules before you try to withdraw saves you from frozen accounts or rejected transfers.
Key Takeaways
- Cash withdrawals take one to three business days to reach your bank account, and weekends or holidays can add time.
- You can only withdraw settled cash — money from sales that have cleared, usually two business days after the trade.
- Robinhood charges no withdrawal fee, but your bank may charge a fee for receiving an incoming transfer.
- If you have an unsettled trade or a margin call, Robinhood may block withdrawals until the issue is resolved.
- Withdrawals from a margin account are subject to your available buying power, not just your cash balance.
Linking a bank account before you can withdraw
You cannot withdraw money without first connecting a bank account to your Robinhood account. Go to Account, then "Transfers," then "Link a Bank Account." You'll enter your bank's routing number and your account number — both appear on a check or in your bank's app. Robinhood will verify the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under a dollar each) into that account within one to two business days.
Once those deposits arrive, you go back into Robinhood and confirm the two amounts. After confirmation, that bank account is linked and you can withdraw to it. You can link multiple bank accounts and choose which one to send money to each time you withdraw.
If you don't know your routing number, your bank's website has it, or you can call customer service. Do not guess — a wrong routing number will send your money to the wrong bank and create a delay while the transfer is reversed.
Settled cash versus unsettled cash and why it matters
When you sell a stock or option in Robinhood, the money doesn't become available to withdraw immediately. It enters a settlement period — usually two business days after the sale. During those two days, the trade is clearing through the financial system. You can see the money in your account and use it to buy other stocks, but you cannot withdraw it.
If you try to withdraw unsettled cash, Robinhood will reject the request. The app will show you how much cash is settled and how much is unsettled. Check this before you initiate a withdrawal, because a rejected transfer can delay your plans and may trigger a fee from your bank if they charge for failed transfers.
Weekends and holidays extend the settlement window. If you sell on a Friday, the two-day clock doesn't start until Monday, so your cash may not settle until Wednesday. Plan accordingly if you need the money by a specific date.
Withdrawal limits and how Robinhood enforces them
Robinhood does not publish a single maximum withdrawal amount, but your withdrawal is limited by the amount of settled cash in your account. If you have $500 in settled cash, you can withdraw up to $500. If you have $10,000, you can withdraw up to $10,000.
On a margin account — where Robinhood lends you money to buy stocks — the limit is based on your available buying power, not your cash balance. If you have $5,000 in cash but a $10,000 buying power, you cannot withdraw more than $5,000 because the extra $5,000 is borrowed money. Withdrawing it would put you in violation of your margin agreement.
If you have an active margin call (Robinhood is demanding you deposit money or sell positions to cover losses), you cannot withdraw until the call is resolved. Robinhood will block the withdrawal and explain why in the app.
How long the transfer takes and what can delay it
Once you initiate a withdrawal, Robinhood processes it the same business day if you submit before the market close (normally 4 p.m. Eastern). The money then travels to your bank, which usually takes one to three business days. Some banks are faster — many large banks credit transfers within one business day — while smaller banks or credit unions may take the full three days.
Weekends and holidays pause the clock. If you withdraw on a Friday afternoon, the transfer may not leave Robinhood until Monday, and your bank may not receive it until Tuesday or Wednesday. If you withdraw on a holiday, the delay is even longer.
Your bank can also delay a transfer if it triggers their fraud detection system. Large or unusual withdrawals sometimes get held for review. If this happens, your bank will contact you — usually by phone — to confirm the transfer is legitimate. Once you confirm, the hold is lifted and the money is credited.
Fees and what they cost you
Robinhood charges no fee to withdraw cash from your account. The transfer itself is free on Robinhood's side. However, your bank may charge a fee for receiving an incoming wire transfer or ACH transfer, depending on your account type and bank. Check your bank's fee schedule or call them before you withdraw if you're concerned about charges.
Some banks waive incoming transfer fees for certain account types (like premium checking) or if you maintain a minimum balance. If your bank does charge, the fee is usually between $0 and $10 per transfer. It comes out of your bank account, not your Robinhood account.
What to do if your withdrawal is rejected or stuck
If Robinhood rejects your withdrawal, the app will show a reason — usually "insufficient settled cash," "margin call active," or "bank account not verified." Read the message carefully, because it tells you exactly what to fix. If it's a settlement issue, wait the required number of business days. If it's a margin call, sell positions or deposit money to resolve it. If it's a bank account issue, re-verify the account or link a different one.
If your withdrawal is stuck in progress — meaning it left Robinhood but hasn't arrived at your bank after five business days — contact your bank first. The delay is usually on their end. Provide them with the transfer date and amount. If your bank says they never received it, contact Robinhood support through the app and provide the same details. Robinhood can trace the transfer and resubmit it if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I withdraw money while I have open positions?
Yes. Open positions don't block withdrawals. Only unsettled cash from recent sales and active margin calls prevent withdrawals. You can hold stocks and withdraw cash at the same time.
What's the difference between a withdrawal and a transfer?
In Robinhood's language, a withdrawal moves money out of your account to your bank. A transfer can mean either a withdrawal (money out) or a deposit (money in). The app uses "Transfers" as the menu label for both directions.
Do I have to withdraw to a bank account I deposited from?
No. You can withdraw to any bank account you've linked and verified, even if you never deposited from it. Robinhood doesn't require the withdrawal account to match the deposit account.
What happens if I withdraw while a trade is pending?
If the trade hasn't settled yet, the cash from that trade is not available to withdraw. If you withdraw other settled cash, the pending trade continues normally. The two are separate — withdrawing doesn't cancel trades.
Can I withdraw partial amounts, or do I have to take it all out?
You can withdraw any amount up to your settled cash balance. You don't have to close your account or withdraw everything. You can leave money in Robinhood and withdraw only what you need.