The basic steps to move money out of Robinhood

To withdraw funds 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. Robinhood processes most cash withdrawals in one to three business days, though the receiving bank may take an additional day or two to show the money in your account.

The process differs slightly depending on whether you are withdrawing cash sitting in your account or selling securities first. If you hold stocks, ETFs, options, or crypto, you must sell those positions before the cash becomes available to withdraw. Robinhood does not let you transfer securities to another brokerage directly — you have to liquidate them.

You can only withdraw to a bank account you have already linked to your Robinhood account. Robinhood verifies new bank accounts by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) and asking you to confirm those amounts. This verification step typically takes one to two business days.

Key Takeaways

  • Cash withdrawals from Robinhood take one to three business days to leave your account, plus one to two additional days for your bank to receive and display the funds.
  • You must sell any stocks, ETFs, options, or crypto before you can withdraw the proceeds — Robinhood does not allow direct transfers of securities to other brokerages.
  • New bank accounts must be verified through a two-step process involving small test deposits, which adds one to two business days to your first withdrawal to that account.
  • Robinhood charges no withdrawal fee, but your bank may charge a fee for receiving an incoming transfer depending on your account type and bank policies.

Linking a bank account for the first time

Before you can withdraw anything, you need at least one linked bank account. In the Account menu under "Transfers," select "Link a bank account" and enter your routing number and account number. You can find both on a check, or by logging into your bank's website or app.

Robinhood will deposit two small amounts into that account within one to two business days. Once you see those deposits, go back to Robinhood and confirm the exact amounts. After you confirm, the account is verified and ready for withdrawals.

If you already have a bank account linked from a previous deposit, you can use that same account to withdraw. You do not need to re-verify it.

How long withdrawals actually take

Robinhood initiates the withdrawal from your account within one business day of your request. The money then travels through the banking system to your linked bank account, which typically takes one to two additional business days. In practice, most people see the money arrive within two to four business days total from the time they request it.

Weekends and bank holidays slow this down. If you request a withdrawal on a Friday afternoon, Robinhood may not process it until Monday, and your bank may not receive it until Wednesday or Thursday. If you need the money by a specific date, request it earlier in the week.

Robinhood's status page shows whether the system is experiencing delays. If you submitted a withdrawal more than five business days ago and it has not arrived, contact Robinhood support with your transaction ID.

Selling securities before you can withdraw

If your Robinhood account holds stocks, ETFs, options, or cryptocurrency, that money is not sitting as cash — it is tied up in those positions. You must sell them first. Open each position, tap "Sell," enter the quantity or percentage you want to sell, and confirm. The sale executes immediately during market hours (9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern on weekdays for stocks).

After the sale completes, the cash appears in your account balance. You can then withdraw it using the standard withdrawal process. There is no waiting period between selling and withdrawing, though the withdrawal itself still takes one to three business days to reach your bank.

If you hold fractional shares, you can sell those too. Robinhood will sell the fractional portion at the same time as whole shares.

Withdrawals from a Robinhood retirement account

Robinhood offers IRAs (both traditional and Roth) and SEP IRAs for self-employed people. Withdrawals from these accounts follow different rules than a regular taxable brokerage account, and the rules depend on your age and account type.

With a traditional IRA or SEP IRA, withdrawals before age 59½ typically trigger a 10% penalty plus income tax on the amount withdrawn, with some exceptions (like first-time home purchase or medical hardship). Roth IRA withdrawals work differently — you can withdraw contributions tax-free at any time, but earnings withdrawals before 59½ usually incur the same penalty.

To withdraw from a retirement account on Robinhood, use the same "Transfers" menu and select the retirement account. Robinhood will ask you to confirm that you understand the tax implications. The actual transfer to your bank account takes the same one to three business days as a regular account. Robinhood will report the withdrawal to the IRS on Form 1099-R, and you will owe taxes on it when you file your return (unless it qualifies for an exception).

What happens if your linked bank account changes

If you close the bank account you linked to Robinhood, or if your bank merges with another bank and changes your routing number, you need to link a new account before your next withdrawal. Robinhood will reject a withdrawal to a closed or invalid account.

Link the new account through the same "Link a bank account" process. If it is a new bank entirely, you will go through the verification step again. If it is the same bank with an updated routing number, Robinhood may recognize it and skip verification, but this varies.

If a withdrawal fails because the bank account no longer exists, Robinhood will hold the cash in your account and notify you. You then link a new account and resubmit the withdrawal request.

Fees and limits on withdrawals

Robinhood does not charge a fee to withdraw money from your account. However, your bank may charge a fee for receiving an incoming wire or ACH transfer, depending on your account type and the bank's policies. Check with your bank before withdrawing if you are unsure.

Robinhood does not publish a maximum withdrawal amount per transaction or per day. In practice, you can withdraw your entire account balance in a single request. However, if you are withdrawing a very large amount, Robinhood's fraud detection system may flag it and ask you to confirm the withdrawal through email or phone.

If you have a margin account (one where you borrowed money to buy securities), you cannot withdraw more than your available cash balance. Robinhood calculates this as your total account value minus the amount you owe on margin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I withdraw money while the stock market is closed?

Yes. Withdrawals are processed by the banking system, not the stock market. You can request a withdrawal at any time, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Robinhood will initiate the transfer during the next business day, and your bank will receive it one to two business days after that.

What if I sell a stock and immediately try to withdraw the money?

The cash appears in your account right away after the sale completes, and you can withdraw it immediately. There is no settlement period for withdrawals. However, if you are using Robinhood's instant settlement feature (available to Gold members), the cash is available instantly; otherwise, there may be a brief delay of a few minutes for the sale to fully process.

Can I withdraw to a different bank account than the one I used to deposit?

Yes, as long as you link that bank account to Robinhood first. You can link multiple bank accounts and choose which one to withdraw to each time. New accounts must go through the verification process before you can use them for withdrawals.

What if my withdrawal shows as pending for more than five business days?

Contact Robinhood support with your transaction ID and the date you requested the withdrawal. Delays beyond five business days are unusual and may indicate a problem with your bank account or a system issue on Robinhood's end. Robinhood can investigate and may be able to cancel and resubmit the withdrawal.

Do I have to withdraw all my money at once?

No. You can withdraw any amount up to your available cash balance. You can make multiple withdrawals on the same day or on different days. Each withdrawal is processed separately and takes one to three business days.