can i move my stocks from robinhood — Transfer Guide

Moving (Transferring) Stocks from Robinhood

This article answers the common question “can i move my stocks from robinhood” and provides a practical, step‑by‑step guide for U.S. retail investors who want to transfer securities out of or into Robinhood. Read on to learn what assets are transferable, how the ACATS process works, timing and fees to expect, special cases (fractional shares, crypto, options), internal Robinhood transfers, alternatives (selling and moving cash), and best practices to reduce delays and errors.

As of 2026-01-18, according to Robinhood support pages and recent guides, outbound transfers typically complete in about 5–7 business days under normal conditions. Historical outbound ACATS fees have been reported as $75, though brokerage fee schedules can change — always confirm current fees before initiating a transfer.

Quick answer to the headline question: can i move my stocks from robinhood? Yes — most whole shares of U.S. equities and ETFs can be moved out of a Robinhood account to another brokerage via ACATS or moved between accounts you own at Robinhood. Fractional shares, most crypto, and some other instruments have transfer limits or require liquidation.

Overview of transfer options

When asking “can i move my stocks from robinhood,” there are two primary transfer paths to understand:

• Outbound transfer to another brokerage (brokerage‑to‑brokerage) using ACATS — the most common method for moving a portfolio in kind.
• Internal transfers between Robinhood accounts you own (for example, moving positions between your individual account and a joint or IRA account within Robinhood) — handled through Robinhood’s internal transfer procedures.

Important note: crypto held on Robinhood is not generally transferable via ACATS. If you are transferring because you prefer another platform’s features — consider custody and wallet options such as Bitget Wallet for crypto (if you intend to move crypto holdings elsewhere or take custody outside Robinhood-compatible systems).

What assets are transferable

Transferable assets

Generally, the following are typically transferable in kind via ACATS from Robinhood to another U.S. broker, subject to account compatibility and settlement status:

• Whole, settled shares of U.S.-listed equities.
• Whole shares of ETFs listed on major U.S. exchanges.
• Cash balances in the brokerage account (subject to settlement and transfer selection).
• Certain options positions (where permitted), provided the receiving account supports options and margin requirements are met.
• Some mutual funds and ADRs, depending on the receiving broker’s capabilities and the delivering broker’s processes.

Account type matters: Individual, joint, and traditional IRAs are commonly transferable in kind, but IRA-to-IRA transfers often require trustee-to-trustee procedures and additional paperwork. Check both Robinhood and the receiving broker for retirement account requirements.

Non-transferable or limited assets

The following commonly cannot be transferred in kind via ACATS, or they have important limitations:

• Fractional shares: Fractional holdings are often not transferable as fractions; they are usually sold by the delivering broker and the cash proceeds moved instead.
• Robinhood crypto: Crypto held inside Robinhood is typically not ACATS-transferable. Full account transfers often require liquidation of crypto holdings unless the platform provides a specific crypto withdrawal method (confirm with Robinhood).
• Certain mutual funds or proprietary products may be non‑transferable if the receiving broker does not support that fund.
• Derivatives beyond plain options (e.g., futures) and some structured products are usually not transferable via ACATS.
• Positions with restrictions (e.g., recent acquisitions, unsettled trades, or securities subject to transfer-agent holds) may be blocked or delayed.

When planning a transfer, verify support for each instrument at the receiving broker before initiating the move.

Transfer methods and terminology

ACATS (Automated Customer Account Transfer Service)

ACATS is the standardized U.S. clearing system used for brokerage‑to‑brokerage transfers of customer accounts. Key points:

• The receiving broker usually initiates the ACATS request on your behalf.
• ACATS supports in‑kind transfers of eligible securities and cash balances between participating institutions.
• During the ACATS process, positions are placed on hold and cannot be traded until the transfer completes or is rejected.

If you plan to move stocks from Robinhood to another broker, expect the receiving firm to ask you to provide your Robinhood account number and to select whether you want a full account transfer or a partial transfer of specific positions.

DTC, transfer agent, and other methods

• DTC (Depository Trust Company) transfers and transfer‑agent transfers handle certain types of transfers (e.g., moving full share certificates or specific institutional operations), but these are not the standard method for retail full‑account moves. ACATS is the usual retail path.
• For some rare cases (e.g., moving securities that are not ACATS‑eligible), transfer agent transfers may be used, but this requires working with the delivering broker and the transfer agent directly.
• Do not assume DTC or transfer‑agent transfers will be faster or preferable; discuss options with both brokers if you have an unusual security.

Step-by-step process to move stocks from Robinhood

Below is a practical walkthrough for the most common scenario: moving stocks from Robinhood to another brokerage using ACATS.

Before you start (preparation)

1. Resolve account flags and negative balances:
   • Pay down any margin debt, negative cash balances, or unsettled transfer obligations. Transfers will be blocked if the account has negative balances or outstanding margin obligations.
2. Check unsettled trades and settlement windows:
   • Avoid initiating a transfer immediately after a recent trade. Trades must settle (typically T+2 for most equities) to transfer as settled positions.
3. Confirm receiving broker support:
   • Verify the receiving broker accepts the types of securities you hold (whole shares, ETFs, options, etc.).
4. Decide full vs partial transfer:
   • A full transfer moves the entire account, including cash and positions. A partial transfer moves only selected positions or amounts.
5. Gather account information:
   • Have your Robinhood account number, account type (individual, joint, IRA), and identity documents ready. The receiving broker will need this information.
6. Check fees and reimbursement policies:
   • Ask whether the receiving broker will reimburse any outgoing transfer fee that Robinhood charges. Historically, outbound ACATS fees (e.g., $75) have been applied by some brokers, but fee schedules change.

Initiating the transfer

1. Open the receiving account (if you haven’t already):
   • Complete identity verification and account setup with the receiving broker.
2. Request an ACATS transfer through the receiving broker:
   • In most cases, you will log into the receiving broker’s portal, choose “transfer in” or “transfer account,” and provide your Robinhood account details.
3. Specify full vs partial and target positions:
   • For partial transfers, select the exact symbols and the amounts you want moved. For fractional holdings, understand the likely outcome (see fractional section).
4. Sign authorization:
   • You’ll typically electronically authorize the transfer request in the receiving broker’s system. This authorization is what triggers the ACATS process.
5. Monitor communications:
   • The receiving broker will communicate status updates. They may contact you if there are questions or issues.

During the transfer

• Trading restrictions: Positions selected for transfer may be placed on hold and will generally not be tradable until transfer completion or rejection.
• Expected timeframe: Typical ACATS transfers complete in about 5–7 business days, though some transfers complete faster and some take longer if there are complications.
• Unsettled items: Trades that are still unsettled at initiation may be handled separately — some brokers will liquidate unsettled fractional parts or carry over the settled portion.
• Partial transfers can leave residual fractional amounts in the delivering account; those residuals may be sold or left until you close the account.

After the transfer completes

1. Confirm holdings and quantities:
   • Check that all listed positions and cash amounts arrived at the receiving broker in the expected quantities.
2. Verify cost basis and tax lot data:
   • Cost basis information should be transferred, but verify it in the receiving account for accurate 1099 reporting.
3. Resolve missing assets:
   • If an expected position did not transfer, contact the receiving broker first. They will liaise with Robinhood to resolve ACATS exceptions.
4. Close or retain original account:
   • If you performed a full transfer, some users then close the old account. If you did a partial transfer, you may retain the Robinhood account for residual holdings.

Fees, timing, and reimbursements

Outgoing transfer fees

Historically, some brokerages (including Robinhood at times) have charged an outbound ACATS fee for transferring assets out. Reported historical amounts have been around $75 for an ACATS transfer, but fee schedules change. Always check Robinhood’s current support pages or fee disclosures before initiating a transfer.

Timeframe

• Typical ACATS completion: 5–7 business days under normal conditions.
• Faster completions: Some transfers finish in 2–3 business days when all records and positions are straightforward.
• Delays: Transfers can be delayed by unsettled trades, pending corporate actions, options or complex positions, account verification issues, or mismatched account registrations.

Incoming-transfer reimbursements

• Some brokers offer to reimburse the outbound transfer fee charged by the delivering broker for transfers in. Check the receiving broker’s promotion and reimbursement terms (limits, documentation required, and whether reimbursements are conditional on transfer type).

Special cases and limitations

Fractional shares

• Fractional shares are commonly held in Robinhood accounts for retail investors. Most brokerages do not support fraction-to-fraction transfers between firms.
• When you request a full account transfer, fractional shares are often sold by Robinhood and the cash proceeds are transferred to the receiving broker.
• Partial transfers may leave fractional remainders in the delivering account; plan for tax consequences if fractions are sold.

Crypto holdings

• Crypto holdings on Robinhood historically have different handling than ACATS securities. Most Robinhood crypto cannot be moved via ACATS to another brokerage.
• If you need to move crypto to self-custody or another exchange that supports withdrawals and deposits, consider the receiving platform’s withdrawal and deposit options. For Web3 wallet recommendations, Bitget Wallet is a purpose‑built option to consider for custody and on‑chain transfers.
• Important: If you initiate a full account transfer and Robinhood does not support outbound crypto transfer in the same way as securities, the crypto portion may require liquidation. Confirm crypto transfer policies with Robinhood before initiating a full account ACATS move.

Options, margin, and short positions

• Options positions can transfer if both delivering and receiving brokers support options and if your receiving account has the required approval levels.
• Short positions and margin accounts usually require the receiving account to have margin privileges. Full account transfers that include margin or short positions may be rejected if the receiving account does not mirror risk approvals.
• Options expiring within a short time window or with special exercise/assignment conditions may be disallowed from transfer.

Managed accounts, IRAs, trusts, custodial accounts

• Managed accounts and advisory relationships may have restrictions when transferring assets. Some managed or programmatic positions may not be transferrable in kind.
• IRA transfers often require trustee-to-trustee processing and additional paperwork. Process times and steps may differ from a retail individual account transfer.
• Trusts and custodial accounts require exact matching of registration names and may need legal documentation.

Internal transfers within Robinhood

• If you own multiple accounts at Robinhood (for example, individual and joint or individual and IRA), Robinhood supports internal transfers between accounts you own subject to account type rules.
• Internal transfers are often faster than ACATS moves because the assets remain within the same broker and back‑office system.
• Limitations: Internal transfers still must respect account-type constraints (e.g., you cannot move taxable brokerage assets into an IRA without a rollover or contribution process). Check Robinhood’s internal transfer help resources for details and processing times.

Alternatives to an in-kind transfer

Sell and transfer cash

• You can sell holdings on Robinhood, transfer the settled cash out to your bank, then deposit and repurchase securities at the receiving broker.
• Pros: Simpler for non‑transferable items (fractionals, crypto) and when you do not require cost‑basis carryover.
• Cons: Realizes taxable gains or losses and exposes you to market timing risk (gap between sale and repurchase).

Recreate positions manually

• Another option is to manually buy identical positions at the receiving broker once you fund it. This avoids transfer hassles but requires you to manage tax lot tracking and possible differences in execution and fees.
• Note: If you recreate positions, ensure you retain accurate records of original cost basis for tax reporting if you sold positions at Robinhood.

Tax, reporting, and recordkeeping

• Cost basis and tax lots: The delivering broker usually transfers cost-basis information to the receiving broker via ACATS, but you should verify the transferred cost basis after the move.
• Form 1099: Your tax reporting will be based on activity in the accounts for the relevant tax year(s). Keep records of sales, transfers, and any proceeds from fractional‑share liquidations.
• If you sell fractional shares or other positions to facilitate a transfer, document trade dates, proceeds, and cost basis to support accurate tax reporting.

Troubleshooting and common FAQs

• My transfer is delayed: Common causes include unsettled trades, negative balances, mismatched registration information, restricted securities, or options/margin complexity. Contact the receiving broker first — they coordinate ACATS troubleshooting with Robinhood.
• A position didn’t arrive: Confirm whether the security is ACATS‑eligible. If it is, raise a ticket with the receiving broker to open an exception investigation.
• Partial transfer left small amounts in Robinhood: These residuals may be fractional shares or unsettled items; you may need to sell them or request a separate transfer once settled.
• Whom to contact: The receiving broker initiates and monitors the ACATS. If you see a rejection or missing asset, the receiving broker will typically work with Robinhood to resolve the issue.

Practical tips and best practices

• Checklist before requesting: Resolve negative balances, confirm instrument support, gather account numbers, confirm fee and reimbursement policies, and allow at least 7 business days for the process.
• Time transfers around corporate actions: Avoid initiating a transfer during dividend ex‑dates, ex‑rights dates, or pending corporate actions if possible.
• Keep screenshots and confirmations: Save confirmations, email threads, and any authorization screens in case of disputes.
• Communicate with the receiving broker: Use their transfer support — they will typically handle the ACATS coordination and can provide status updates.

Bitget options and relevant services

While this guide focuses on moving U.S. equities out of Robinhood, if your broader goal includes moving crypto or using features outside of conventional brokerage services, consider the following Bitget capabilities:

• Bitget Wallet: For users seeking Web3 custody and on‑chain transfer options, Bitget Wallet supports private key custody and standard blockchain withdrawals. If you plan to migrate crypto from custodial platforms that support withdrawals, Bitget Wallet can be an option for custody and transfers.
• Bitget exchange services: If you are evaluating an alternative platform for active trading and crypto services, Bitget offers a range of order types and custody solutions. Always evaluate supported asset lists, deposit/withdrawal processes, and regulatory disclosures before changing platforms.

Call to action: Explore Bitget Wallet and Bitget account options to understand custody choices and supported assets when your plan involves crypto or cross‑platform trading needs.

References and further reading

• Robinhood support: Transfer your assets out — official guidance on outbound transfers and policies.
• Robinhood support: Transfer your assets in — guidance for inbound transfers and reimbursement policies.
• Robinhood support: Transferring assets overview — general help and links.
• Robinhood support: Internal assets transfer — how to move assets between accounts you own at Robinhood.
• Benzinga: How to transfer your stocks off Robinhood — practical step‑by‑step reporting.
• Motley Fool: How to transfer stocks between brokerages — general workflow and checklist.
• Bankrate: Switching online brokers — transfer expectations and timelines.
• Shacknews: How to transfer stocks from Robinhood to other brokers — practical notes.

As of 2026-01-18, according to Robinhood support pages, transfers commonly complete within 5–7 business days, though individual cases will vary.

Troubleshooting checklist (quick)

• Verify account registration matches exactly between delivering and receiving accounts.
• Clear negative or margin balances before initiation.
• Check unsettled trades and wait for settlement if needed.
• Confirm receiving broker supports the instruments you want to transfer.
• Keep records of communications and transfer authorization.

Further explore Bitget features if you need crypto custody or advanced crypto trading beyond what brokerage transfers handle. For assistance with ACATS transfers, start with the receiving broker’s transfer in portal — they will initiate the process and help escalate issues with Robinhood if necessary.

Further reading and notes: brokerage policies and fees change over time. Always verify current Robinhood documentation and your receiving broker’s requirements before initiating a transfer.