can i transfer stocks from robinhood? Complete Guide

This guide answers “can i transfer stocks from robinhood” and explains ACATS, what can and cannot be moved, step-by-step transfer instructions, fees, timing, limitations (fractional shares, crypto,...

2026-01-02 12:07:00

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Can I Transfer Stocks From Robinhood?

Short description: This article answers whether and how investors can move stock positions and cash out of or into Robinhood accounts. It explains the main transfer mechanisms (ACATS and alternatives), what is and is not transferable (including fractional shares and crypto), typical fees and timing, step-by-step instructions to transfer out of Robinhood, and practical checks and troubleshooting tips.

As a quick note for readers: the search query "can i transfer stocks from robinhood" is commonly used by investors moving accounts to another broker. This guide explains the transfer process, limitations, and what to expect, and it recommends Bitget and Bitget Wallet when you want custody or trading options outside Robinhood.

As of 2026-01-21, according to Robinhood’s Help Center, outgoing automated transfers for securities use standard industry processes and may be subject to fees and holds during the transfer.

Overview

Yes — generally you can transfer stocks from Robinhood to another brokerage in most cases. The most common method is the Automated Customer Account Transfer Service (ACATS), a standardized clearinghouse process that moves positions and cash between member broker-dealers.

Robinhood’s platform includes separate entities for different products. That distinction matters because what you can move depends on which Robinhood account holds the asset:

Robinhood Financial (RHF) holds most US-listed securities and cash. These are normally transferable via ACATS.
Robinhood Crypto (RHC) holds cryptocurrencies and crypto-related activity; crypto on RHC is generally not transferable to other broker-dealers.
Robinhood Strategies and other product accounts may include different instruments or pooled products; eligibility for transfer depends on the product.

Before initiating a move, confirm which Robinhood entity holds each asset. That will determine whether the asset can be moved directly, must be sold for cash first, or is ineligible for transfer.

Key Concepts and Terminology

ACATS (Automated Customer Account Transfer Service): An industry-standard system administered by the National Securities Clearing Corporation (NSCC) that automates transfers of securities and cash between member broker-dealers. The receiving broker typically initiates an ACATS request.
DTC (Depository Trust Company): DTC provides electronic custody and settlement services for many securities. DTC facilitates position custody transfers via book-entry movements but is not the consumer-facing account transfer protocol in most retail moves.
Transfer Agent Transfers: For certain securities (often unregistered shares, restricted shares, or direct registration), transfers can happen through the issuer’s transfer agent rather than through DTC or ACATS.
Settled vs. Unsettled Shares: Settled shares are free to transfer. Unsettled shares (from very recent purchases or sales) may be subject to transfer limits until the settlement cycle completes.
Fractional Shares: Partial-share positions created by fractional-share programs are typically not transferable as fractional units between brokerages.
Receiving vs. Delivering Broker: The receiving broker is the firm you move assets to. The delivering broker is the firm you move assets from (Robinhood is the delivering broker in outbound transfers).
Residual (Sweep) Transfers: After a primary ACATS move, small residual balances or cash from fractional-share sales can be swept and delivered separately. These residuals may arrive after the main transfer completes.
Account Holds/Restrictions: Initiating a transfer can trigger trading, deposit, or withdrawal restrictions on the delivering account until the transfer completes. Open orders for transferred positions are usually canceled.

What Can and Cannot Be Transferred from Robinhood

What can usually be transferred:

Whole, settled shares of US-listed securities held in Robinhood Financial or Robinhood Strategies accounts are generally transferable via ACATS.
Cash balances held in RHF can be moved through ACATS.

What typically cannot be transferred directly:

Fractional shares: Fractional positions in Robinhood are normally not transferable to other brokerages that do not support transferring fractional units.
Cryptocurrency held in Robinhood Crypto (RHC): Crypto assets held on Robinhood are generally not transferable to other exchanges or custodial platforms. They may need to be sold for cash before moving.
Certain mutual funds, annuities, or proprietary instruments: Some products are ineligible for ACATS and require special handling or cannot be moved.

Always verify the specific asset on your account and ask the receiving broker which items are eligible before initiating a transfer.

Transfer Methods

ACATS Transfers (standard)

ACATS is the usual, automated method for moving securities and cash between retail broker-dealers. The receiving broker initiates the ACATS transfer on your behalf. Key points:

You open the target account (same account type) at the receiving firm.
The receiving firm files an ACATS transfer request using your Robinhood account details.
Robinhood (the delivering firm) validates the request and transfers eligible positions and cash through the clearing system.
ACATS is the standard route for whole shares and settled cash.

Alternatives (DTC, transfer agent, physical certificates)

DTC transfers and transfer-agent transfers are used for custody-level or issuer-specific movements. These methods are normally not the correct way to request a standard retail account transfer.
Physical certificates are very rare. If you hold paper stock certificates (uncommon with Robinhood users), transferring them requires issuer procedures and signature guarantees.

For most retail users, ACATS is the appropriate and fastest method.

Step-by-Step Process to Transfer Stocks Out of Robinhood

Pick a receiving broker and open a compatible account.
- The receiving account type must match the delivering account type (e.g., individual-to-individual, IRA-to-IRA).
- If you plan to move options or margin positions, enable the matching permissions in the receiving account.
Resolve negative balances, unsettled funds, margin loans, or restrictions.
- Clear any debit balance, unsettled trades, or outstanding fees before requesting a transfer.
Confirm account ownership and name match.
- Account names and Social Security numbers or tax IDs must match exactly between delivering and receiving accounts.
Decide full transfer vs partial transfer (see below for details).
Ask the receiving broker to initiate the ACATS transfer.
- Provide your Robinhood account number and any information requested by the receiving broker. The receiving broker typically needs your Robinhood account number and may request Robinhood’s DTC or clearing information when processing paperwork.
Monitor the transfer status.
- The receiving broker and Robinhood will exchange status updates. Expect the main movement to take a few business days.
Verify positions and cost basis once the transfer arrives.
- Confirm that the holdings, quantities, and reported cost bases match your records. Keep statements for tax reporting.

Full Transfer vs Partial Transfer

Full Transfer (ACATS full account transfer): Moves all eligible assets and cash from your Robinhood account to the receiving account. After completion, the delivering broker often closes the old account. In some cases, fractional shares may be sold and the proceeds transferred as cash.
Partial Transfer (ACATS partial transfer): Moves only specified eligible positions and/or cash. Non-transferable assets can remain in the delivering account.

Treatment of fractional and unsettled items:

In a full transfer, fractional shares are commonly liquidated and the cash proceeds transferred as part of the residual sweep.
In a partial transfer, you may be able to select only whole, settled shares to move; fractional shares typically remain and must be sold or kept.
Unsettled trades will generally not transfer until they are settled. If unsettled items exist, the transfer could be delayed or those positions excluded.

Fees and Reimbursements

Outgoing transfer fees from Robinhood: Broker-dealers historically charged outgoing ACATS fees to customers. As of 2026-01-21, Robinhood’s public help notes mention that outgoing ACATS fees may apply; confirm the current fee with Robinhood support before initiating a transfer.
Receiving broker fees: Some brokers charge incoming transfer fees in limited scenarios (rare). More commonly, the receiving broker may offer to reimburse the delivering broker’s outgoing transfer fee as a promotion when you move assets in.
Promotions and reimbursements: Many brokers sometimes advertise transfer-in promotions or reimbursement offers for transfer-out fees. If you prefer to avoid a net charge, confirm with the receiving broker whether they will reimburse an outgoing fee and what documentation they require.

Note: Fee policies change. Verify current fee amounts with Robinhood and the receiving broker before requesting a transfer.

Timing and What to Expect

Typical timing: ACATS transfers commonly take about 5–7 business days. NSCC ACATS rules set standard maximums (often up to 6 business days) for routine transfers, though practical completion is frequently within 5 business days.
Delays: Transfers can be delayed by unsettled trades, open margin loans, account verification mismatches, or ineligible assets. Other causes include transfer rejections, manual verification needs, or regulatory holds.
Residual sweeps: After the primary transfer, small cash balances or proceeds from fractional-share sales may be swept and delivered separately. Expect follow-up adjustments in the days after the main transfer.

As of 2024-06-01, NSCC ACATS guidance indicates that standard transfers should be completed within industry timelines, although exceptions can extend processing time.

Account Holds, Restrictions and Effect on Trading

When you request a full transfer out of Robinhood, the delivering account may be restricted. Restrictions can include the inability to place new trades, deposit funds, or withdraw cash until the transfer completes.
Open orders that involve positions being transferred are usually canceled by the delivering broker. If you had active orders, you should re-enter them in the receiving account after the transfer completes.
If your account has a margin loan or other obligations, the delivering broker may require payoff or special handling before releasing assets.

Special Cases and Limitations

Fractional Shares

Fractional shares are generally not transferable between retail brokerages. If you hold fractional shares in Robinhood and initiate a transfer:

In a full transfer, Robinhood may liquidate fractional shares and transfer the cash proceeds as part of the residual.
In a partial transfer, fractional shares are likely to remain in the Robinhood account and must be sold or retained.

If you rely on fractional-share exposure, plan for possible liquidation and potential tax consequences (selling may trigger capital gains or losses).

Cryptocurrency Holdings

Crypto on Robinhood Crypto (RHC) is typically not transferable to other brokers or external wallets. If you want to move crypto holdings, your main options are:

Sell the crypto on Robinhood for cash, then transfer the cash to the receiving broker via ACATS.
Keep crypto in Robinhood if the receiving platform does not support the same assets.

In some full-transfer scenarios, delivering platforms may liquidate crypto after a period and transfer cash, but policies differ and should be checked with Robinhood support.

When you need custody or wallet control for crypto, consider using dedicated custodial platforms or Bitget Wallet for Web3 wallet capabilities.

Options and Other Derivatives

Options positions and other derivatives may be transferable, but transfer rules depend on the receiving broker’s willingness to accept the specific positions.

Some brokers will not accept positions that expire within a short window.
If you have complex margin arrangements or portfolio margin, the receiving account must have equivalent permissions.

Before transfer, ask the receiving broker whether they can accept each options position and any restrictions.

Account Type Mismatches

Transfers will fail if account types don’t match exactly. Common mismatches include:

Individual account to joint account.
Traditional IRA to Roth IRA (different retirement tax treatments).
Custodial accounts vs. individual accounts.

If your account types do not match, you may need to open the correct account type and then request a transfer, or transfer by selling assets and moving cash.

Preparing Before You Request a Transfer

Clear any negative balances, overdrafts, or margin loans.
Confirm which assets are eligible to transfer and which must be sold.
Verify that your personal data (name, SSN/TIN, DOB) matches on both accounts.
Enable matching permissions in the receiving account (options, margin, margin type).
If you want to transfer cost basis information, ask the receiving broker how they will record carryover cost basis and provide account statements if needed.

After the Transfer: What to Check

Verify that all eligible positions and cash arrived in the receiving account.
Reconcile quantities and cost basis records to ensure accurate tax reporting.
Keep copies of both delivering and receiving account statements for the transfer date as evidence of holdings and cost basis.
Watch for residual sweeps in the weeks following the transfer and review statements for any additional adjustments or fees.

Troubleshooting and Common Problems

Common issues and how to address them:

Transfer rejected due to account information mismatch: Confirm name, SSN/TIN, and account type match exactly and ask the receiving broker to re-submit.
Ineligible assets: Sell the asset in Robinhood and move cash, or keep the asset in Robinhood.
Untimely settlement: Wait until trades settle, then re-request the transfer or exclude unsettled trades from the request.
Outstanding margin balance: Pay down or transfer margin/loan obligations before the transfer.

When in doubt, contact both the receiving broker and Robinhood’s support. Escalate with the clearing firm if necessary; both firms may coordinate through their clearing intermediaries to resolve disputes.

Alternatives to Direct Transfer

If a direct transfer is not possible or practical, consider these alternatives:

Sell holdings on Robinhood and transfer cash via ACATS. This is simple but may trigger taxable events.
Move only eligible holdings and leave ineligible assets in Robinhood, then manage the remaining balance separately.
Recreate positions manually in the receiving account after selling in Robinhood. This can help if you want to avoid transfer hassles, but beware of timing differences and potential tax consequences (wash-sale rules may apply).

Each alternative has trade-offs including taxes, execution risk, and timing exposure. Plan around settlement windows and tax considerations.

Tax and Reporting Considerations

Transfers are generally not taxable events. Moving shares by transfer between like-kind brokerage accounts does not trigger a sale.
However, selling shares before transfer is a taxable event and may produce capital gains or losses.
Cost basis and holding-period reporting: Verify that the receiving broker correctly carries over your cost basis and acquisition dates. Keep documentation from Robinhood showing original purchase dates and amounts.
Promotions or bonuses tied to transfers may be taxable and reported on 1099 forms. Confirm the tax treatment of any credit or incentive you receive on transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: can i transfer stocks from robinhood if I own fractional shares?

A: In most cases, fractional shares cannot be transferred as fractions. For a full transfer, Robinhood may liquidate fractional shares and transfer cash proceeds. For a partial transfer, fractional shares usually remain in the Robinhood account.

Q: can i transfer stocks from robinhood that include crypto?

A: Crypto held in Robinhood Crypto is typically not transferable to other broker-dealers. You will usually need to sell crypto for cash on Robinhood and transfer the cash if you want funds moved.

Q: how long will my transfer take?

A: ACATS transfers commonly complete in about 5–7 business days, with NSCC rules often allowing up to 6 business days for routine processing. Delays can occur for unsettled trades, margin issues, or account mismatches.

Q: will I be charged to transfer out of Robinhood?

A: Robinhood may charge an outgoing ACATS fee. Fee policies can change, so verify the current fee with Robinhood. Receiving brokers sometimes reimburse outgoing transfer fees as a promotion.

Q: who starts the transfer?

A: The receiving broker usually initiates the ACATS transfer request on your behalf. Contact your new broker and provide your Robinhood account details to begin.

References and Official Resources

As of 2026-01-21, according to Robinhood Help Center materials, ACATS is the primary way to move securities and cash between broker-dealers and outgoing transfer fees may apply.
As of 2024-06-01, NSCC ACATS procedural guidance notes standard timelines for account transfers and settlement interactions.
For educational detail on transfer timing and mechanics, refer to industry resources such as Investopedia and standard broker-dealer support pages for ACATS procedures.

Source notes here are for attribution and verification. Readers should consult Robinhood’s current support documentation and the receiving broker for the latest, binding guidance.

Revision History / Notes to Editors

Fees, processing times, and the specific treatment of fractional shares and crypto can change. Review this article regularly against Robinhood’s official policies and NSCC guidance.
Update the article when Robinhood or regulatory rules materially change ACATS handling, or when Robinhood adopts new policies for crypto outbound transfers.

Practical Next Steps and Bitget Recommendation

If you decide to move positions off Robinhood, consider these practical steps:

Choose a receiving platform that meets your needs. If you need advanced trading features or Web3 custody, explore Bitget and Bitget Wallet as primary options for trading and self-custody.
Confirm account type and permissions, and have the receiving broker initiate the ACATS transfer.
Monitor the transfer, reconcile cost basis, and keep statements for tax records.

Want an alternative with robust trading tools and Web3 wallet integration? Explore Bitget’s exchange services and Bitget Wallet for custody and decentralized-app connections. Bitget can support traders who want more control over execution and direct wallet features.

Troubleshooting Contacts and When to Escalate

If the receiving broker reports a rejection, ask for the rejection reason in writing. Common rejections include account-name mismatch, ineligible securities, or outstanding margin.
If Robinhood indicates a hold or payoff requirement, resolve the balance or provide requested documentation.
If coordination between firms stalls, ask both brokers for the clearing firm contact and escalate to the clearing firm or NSCC processes as needed.

Further help: contact Robinhood support and the receiving broker’s transfer team for status updates and next steps.

Final Notes and Reader Action

If your immediate goal is to move assets out of Robinhood, start by verifying which accounts hold your assets and whether those assets are eligible for ACATS transfer. Reach out to your chosen receiving broker to begin the transfer request. Keep records, confirm cost basis carryover, and expect the process to take several business days.

If you are considering a new platform with advanced trading tools or Web3 access, explore Bitget’s trading features and Bitget Wallet as possible destinations for transferred funds and new positions. For step-by-step assistance, contact the receiving broker’s transfer team to initiate the ACATS request and follow their instructions.

Thank you for reading. If you need a printable checklist or an email template to start your transfer request, request a custom checklist and we’ll provide one tailored to your account type.

The content above has been sourced from the internet and generated using AI. For high-quality content, please visit Bitget Academy.