WeBull's core trading platform is free, but you pay for certain features and services
WeBull does not charge you to open an account, place stock or options trades, or hold positions. You will not pay commissions on stocks, ETFs, options, or cryptocurrencies. The platform itself costs nothing to use.
However, WeBull makes money from you in other ways. Some features require a paid subscription, margin trading costs interest, and certain data streams are premium-only. Understanding which parts are free and which cost money matters before you fund an account.
Key Takeaways
- Stock, ETF, options, and crypto trades carry no commission on WeBull, and the basic platform is free to use.
- Real-time stock data and Level 2 quotes cost extra through paid subscriptions; basic delayed data is free.
- Margin accounts charge interest on borrowed money, and options trading requires approval and carries its own risks.
- WeBull's paper trading (practice account) is free and does not require a deposit.
- Wire transfers out of your account are free, but some deposit methods may carry fees from your bank.
What costs nothing on WeBull
Opening a standard brokerage account is free. You can fund it with a bank transfer, debit card, or wire, and WeBull does not charge you to deposit money. You can place as many stock, ETF, options, or cryptocurrency trades as you want without paying a per-trade commission.
Holding positions overnight costs nothing. You can keep stocks, ETFs, or crypto in your account indefinitely without a storage fee or inactivity charge. Withdrawing money through a wire transfer is also free, though your bank may charge you on their end.
WeBull's paper trading account—a practice account with simulated money—is completely free and requires no deposit. You can use it to learn the platform and test strategies without risking real money.
Paid subscriptions for market data and research tools
WeBull offers two subscription tiers: WeBull Pro and WeBull Pro+. Both unlock real-time stock quotes, Level 2 market depth data, and advanced charting tools. Without a subscription, you see 15-minute delayed stock quotes and basic charts.
WeBull Pro costs a monthly fee (the amount varies by region and changes periodically). WeBull Pro+ costs more and adds additional research features and data streams. You can cancel either subscription at any time with no penalty.
If you do not subscribe, you can still trade—you just see delayed prices and have fewer charting options. Many casual traders never pay for a subscription and trade successfully on the free tier.
Margin accounts and interest charges
A standard cash account is free to maintain. If you open a margin account, WeBull allows you to borrow money to buy securities. Borrowing costs interest, calculated daily based on how much you borrow and WeBull's margin interest rate.
Margin rates vary depending on your account balance and the amount borrowed. WeBull publishes its rates, but they change over time. You only pay interest on the money you actually borrow—if you do not use margin, there is no charge.
Margin accounts also require a minimum balance (typically $2,000) and carry additional risks. If your account value drops, WeBull can force you to sell positions to meet a margin call. Most new traders should start with a cash account to avoid these complications.
Options trading approval and costs
WeBull does not charge a commission on options trades, but you must be approved for options trading first. Approval is based on your experience level and account balance. WeBull assigns you an approval level (Level 1 through 4), and each level allows different types of options strategies.
Options trading itself carries no commission, but each contract represents 100 shares, so the cost per trade depends on the option price. You also pay the bid-ask spread—the difference between what buyers will pay and what sellers ask—just as you do with stocks.
If an options trade goes against you, you can lose money quickly. Options are complex and risky, especially for new traders. WeBull requires you to understand these risks before approving your account.
Cryptocurrency trading and wallet transfers
WeBull allows you to buy and sell cryptocurrencies commission-free. You pay only the spread between the bid and ask price. Holding crypto in your WeBull account costs nothing.
Transferring crypto out of WeBull to an external wallet may carry a network fee (also called a blockchain fee), which goes to the cryptocurrency network, not to WeBull. The size of this fee depends on network congestion and the specific cryptocurrency. WeBull does not charge you directly for the transfer, but you will see the network fee deducted from the amount you send.
Account features that remain free
WeBull does not charge for account maintenance, inactivity, or closing your account. You can set up alerts, use the mobile app, and access educational content at no cost. Customer support is available through the app and website without a fee.
You can also link multiple bank accounts to fund your WeBull account, and switching between them costs nothing. Dividend payments and stock splits are handled automatically and do not trigger any charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does WeBull charge fees to close my account?
No. Closing your account is free. If you have an open position, you must close or sell it first. Once your account balance is zero, you can request closure through the app with no penalty.
Do I have to pay taxes on my trades through WeBull?
WeBull does not charge you taxes, but you owe taxes on your gains to the IRS. WeBull provides tax documents (Form 1099) at the end of the year to help you report your trades. Taxes are your responsibility, not WeBull's fee.
What happens if I do not have enough money to cover a trade?
On a cash account, the trade will be rejected if you lack sufficient funds. On a margin account, WeBull will lend you the money and charge interest. Margin accounts also carry the risk of a margin call if your account value drops.
Can I trade for free during after-hours sessions?
Yes. WeBull offers commission-free trading during pre-market and after-hours sessions, just like regular market hours. You still see the same bid-ask spreads and pay any subscription fees if you have them.
Is there a minimum deposit to open a WeBull account?
WeBull does not require a minimum deposit to open an account. However, some features—like margin trading—require a minimum account balance once you fund it. You can open an account and use paper trading with zero dollars.