can i transfer stocks from robinhood to sofi
Can I transfer stocks from Robinhood to SoFi?
can i transfer stocks from robinhood to sofi? Yes — you can generally transfer stock positions from a Robinhood brokerage account to a SoFi Invest brokerage account using the Automated Customer Account Transfer Service (ACAT). Transfers are normally initiated by the receiving broker, often complete in about 1–2 weeks, and commonly preserve in‑kind holdings and cost basis. Important caveats include fractional shares, crypto, and options often not transferring in‑kind, and Robinhood’s outgoing ACAT fee may apply.
As of 2026-01-21, according to Robinhood's Help Center and SoFi's support pages, the ACAT process remains the standard method for moving U.S. brokerage securities between broker‑dealers. This article explains how ACAT works, which securities are eligible, Robinhood‑ and SoFi‑specific behaviors, step‑by‑step instructions, likely timelines, fees and reimbursements, troubleshooting tips, and alternatives if an in‑kind ACAT isn’t possible.
What is an ACAT (Automated Customer Account Transfer)?
The Automated Customer Account Transfer Service (ACAT or ACATS) is an industry standard that moves securities and cash between registered broker‑dealers and transfer agents. ACAT enables an in‑kind transfer, which means eligible positions move from one brokerage account to another without being sold. The receiving broker typically initiates the ACAT request by submitting a transfer order containing the sender and receiver account numbers, the list of assets to move, and any special instructions.
Why ACAT matters:
- It preserves positions and generally preserves tax lot and cost basis information when transfers are done in‑kind.
- It avoids forced sales and potential market timing issues when holdings remain intact during the move.
- It is the routine, regulated way for customers to consolidate accounts across brokers in the U.S.
The ACAT process interacts with clearing firms, the Depository Trust Company (DTC), and transfer agents to move DTC‑eligible securities. Receiving brokers usually provide a guided transfer flow inside their app or website and will tell you when additional paperwork or identifiers (like a DTC number) are required.
Which assets are eligible to transfer in‑kind?
Generally transferable in‑kind assets:
- Whole, settled shares of NYSE‑ and NASDAQ‑listed stocks.
- Many exchange‑traded funds (ETFs) that are DTC‑eligible.
- Most U.S. Treasury, corporate, and municipal bonds that are transferable.
- Many mutual funds when both firms support the same fund share class and transfer agent procedures.
Commonly NOT transferable in‑kind:
- Fractional shares. Most brokerages cannot move fractional shares as whole securities; fractional positions are often liquidated and the cash proceeds transferred instead.
- Cryptocurrency held on a brokerage platform. Crypto is typically custodial and outside ACAT scope; most brokerages will not transfer crypto via ACAT to a traditional brokerage.
- Certain over‑the‑counter (OTC) or pink‑sheet securities that lack DTC eligibility.
- Options and many derivatives, which usually must be closed before a transfer.
Note: Eligibility can vary by receiving broker and clearing firm. If the receiving broker can clear certain mutual funds, bonds, or less common securities, an in‑kind transfer may be possible for those items.
Robinhood‑specific rules and behaviors
- Robinhood Financial (RHF) generally supports ACAT transfers for whole, settled shares of DTC‑eligible securities held in brokerage accounts.
- Fractional shares held at Robinhood are not transferable in‑kind; Robinhood will typically liquidate fractions and include the cash in a residual sweep.
- Crypto positions on Robinhood Crypto are not transferable via ACAT to a brokerage account and are usually excluded from an ACAT transfer.
- Robinhood charges an outgoing ACAT fee for partial and full ACATs; the commonly quoted outgoing fee is $100 for outgoing transfers initiated by the customer from Robinhood (verify current fee on Robinhood’s help pages).
- If a receiving firm requests it, Robinhood’s DTC participant number is 6769.
SoFi‑specific rules and behaviors
- SoFi Invest can receive ACAT transfers for eligible brokerage securities; the receiving broker typically initiates the ACAT through their transfer workflow.
- SoFi does not charge to receive an incoming ACAT in typical cases.
- SoFi’s ability to accept fractional shares depends on clearing and interoperability; in some cases SoFi can accept fractions internally, but many sending firms will liquidate fractions before transfer. Expect fractions to often be converted to cash.
- SoFi generally does not accept open options positions transferred in‑kind; options typically must be closed or exercised before transfer.
- SoFi’s incoming ACAT acceptance and timing follows normal industry windows — most transfers complete in about 1–2 weeks but can vary.
Step‑by‑step: how to transfer stocks from Robinhood to SoFi
Below is a standard ACAT workflow. The receiving broker (SoFi) typically guides you through most steps inside their app or website.
-
Confirm account compatibility
- Ensure both accounts are the same type: individual brokerage → individual brokerage; IRA → IRA. Mismatched account types are a common rejection reason.
-
Resolve account issues at Robinhood
- Settle any unsettled trades and ensure no negative cash or margin deficits. Close or transfer any open options positions if required.
-
Gather required account information
- Your Robinhood account number (from account settings).
- Your SoFi Invest account number (from your SoFi account page).
- If requested, provide Robinhood’s DTC: 6769.
-
Decide full vs partial transfer
- For a full transfer, list that you want all transferable assets moved. Full transfers typically close the sending account once complete.
- For a partial transfer, specify the exact securities (by ticker and whole share amounts) you want to move.
-
Start the transfer in SoFi
- In SoFi Invest, use the “Transfer accounts” or “Transfer assets” flow and select the ACAT/transfer‑in option.
- Provide the sending broker (Robinhood), the Robinhood account number, and the list of assets (if partial).
-
Review fee and reimbursement policies
- Expect Robinhood’s outgoing ACAT fee (commonly $100) to apply if Robinhood’s policy remains the same.
- Check SoFi’s transfer reimbursement policy (SoFi has historically offered partial reimbursements of outgoing ACAT fees under specific promotions and thresholds; verify current terms).
-
Submit and monitor
- Submit the ACAT request in SoFi. The receiving broker will send the ACAT to Robinhood and begin processing.
- Monitor email and account messages for requests for additional documentation or to resolve issues.
-
Confirm completion
- Once the transfer completes, verify positions, cost basis, and tax lot history in your SoFi account. Keep records from both brokers.
Note: SoFi’s app and web flows guide you step‑by‑step. If you need help at any stage, contact SoFi Invest support or Robinhood support for status updates.
Partial vs full transfers — differences and consequences
Partial transfer:
- You choose specific securities to move to SoFi and leave remaining holdings at Robinhood.
- Partial ACATs allow you to consolidate selected positions while keeping other accounts active.
- Robinhood’s outgoing ACAT fee may still apply for partial transfers.
- Fractional shares you try to move in a partial transfer are likely to be liquidated and transferred as cash.
Full transfer:
- Transfers all transferable assets and closes the sending account at Robinhood once the ACAT completes.
- Non‑transferable items (fractional shares, crypto, certain OTC securities) are typically sold or handled as residual items and the cash is swept to the receiving broker or sent as a check, depending on policies.
- A full transfer may trigger account closure procedures at Robinhood and could involve a larger reconciliation and residual sweep step.
Consequences to consider:
- If you need the old account to remain open, avoid a full transfer.
- Confirm fee reimbursement policies before initiating a full ACAT if you seek to have outgoing fees covered.
What happens during the transfer (timing and account restrictions)
Typical timeline:
- Most ACAT transfers complete in about 1–2 weeks from initiation. Simple transfers of DTC‑eligible, settled securities often complete on the faster side.
- Transfers with complex or non‑DTC assets, mutual funds requiring transfer agent processing, or accounts with unresolved issues can take longer.
Account restrictions during transfer:
- The sending account may be restricted for the assets involved during processing: you may not be able to trade, withdraw, or deposit money for the positions under transfer.
- Deposits into the sending account after the transfer start may not be included and may remain at the original broker.
Residual sweeps and settlement items:
- Items that cannot move in the original ACAT (fractional shares, unsettled trade proceeds, crypto) may be handled as residuals. Robinhood commonly liquidates fractional shares and includes the cash in a residual transfer.
- Residual cash or items may be transferred later in a separate sweep or returned to you as a check in some cases. Monitor communications from both brokers to understand how residuals are processed.
Fees, reimbursements and cost considerations
Common fees:
- Robinhood outgoing ACAT fee: Robinhood has a commonly quoted outgoing ACAT fee of $100 for transfers out. Verify the current fee in Robinhood’s help documentation before initiating an ACAT.
- SoFi incoming ACAT fee: SoFi normally does not charge to receive an incoming ACAT. However, promotional reimbursement policies may exist.
Reimbursements and promotions:
- SoFi has historically offered to reimburse a portion of an outgoing ACAT fee if the incoming ACAT meets certain minimums (for example, reimburse up to $75 for transfers above $5,000). Terms and thresholds change; confirm current details before transferring.
- Receiving‑broker reimbursement is a promotion, not guaranteed. Always confirm eligibility, required steps, and documentation needed to claim reimbursement.
Other cost considerations:
- Liquidation of non‑transferable holdings (fractions, crypto, options) may create realized gains or losses and tax events.
- If you sell positions to transfer cash instead of transferring in‑kind, you may realize taxable events and potentially lose certain tax lot assignments.
Common restrictions and reasons a transfer may be rejected or delayed
Typical causes of rejection or delay:
- Account type mismatch: IRA vs individual accounts cannot be ACATed across types.
- Unsettled trades: Pending settlements or unsettled funds block transfer of those affected shares until settlement completes.
- Negative balance or margin deficits: Borrowings or margin shortfalls must be resolved before transfer.
- Open options positions: Many receiving brokers do not accept open option positions; they must be closed or exercised first.
- Unsupported securities: The receiving broker may not support certain OTC, pink‑sheet, or special securities, causing rejection.
- Transfer agent or DTC non‑eligibility: Some securities are not DTC‑eligible and require special transfer agent processes.
- Incorrect account information: Wrong account number, wrong registered name, or incomplete paperwork leads to delays.
If your transfer is delayed or rejected, follow the receiving broker’s troubleshooting steps, and be prepared to supply additional documents or to close problem positions.
Fractional shares and crypto — what to expect
Fractional shares:
- Fractional shares are commonly not transferable in‑kind between brokerages. If you hold fractional shares at Robinhood and try to move them via ACAT, Robinhood will often liquidate the fractional portion and include the cash proceeds in a residual cash transfer.
- If you are attempting to transfer positions with partial share amounts, specify whole shares in a partial ACAT or accept that fractions will be converted to cash.
Crypto:
- Cryptocurrency held on Robinhood Crypto is custodial and generally cannot be transferred to a traditional brokerage account using ACAT.
- If you wish to move crypto off a broker platform, you often must use the exchange’s crypto withdrawal procedures (if supported) or sell crypto for cash and transfer the cash via an ACAT or ACH.
- For Web3 wallet or exchange recommendations, consider using Bitget Wallet for non‑custodial crypto custody needs. Note: this article focuses strictly on ACAT for brokerage securities and does not cover tokenized transfers or blockchain wallet operations.
Cost basis and tax paperwork considerations
Cost basis preservation:
- In‑kind ACAT transfers typically preserve cost basis and lot history because brokers exchange lot and cost basis information as part of the ACAT messaging.
- After the transfer, verify cost basis and lot assignments in your SoFi account. In some cases, adjustments or manual corrections are needed; keep records from both brokers.
Tax forms and realized gains:
- If any holdings are sold as part of a transfer (fractions, unsupported securities, or crypto), those sales may trigger taxable events reported on 1099 forms.
- Maintain documentation of transfer dates, sale proceeds for any liquidated items, and original purchase records to reconcile tax reporting.
Alternatives if an in‑kind ACAT is not possible
If you cannot transfer positions in‑kind from Robinhood to SoFi, consider these options:
- Sell the positions at Robinhood and transfer the cash via ACAT or ACH to SoFi. Be mindful of taxes on realized gains.
- Use transfer agent processes for direct‑issued shares if a company issues stock certificates or maintains records that allow transfer outside DTC. This route is uncommon and requires coordination with the issuer’s transfer agent.
- Contact broker customer support for a manual, non‑ACAT transfer approach; some complex transfers are handled case‑by‑case.
Each alternative has trade‑offs in taxes, timing, and possible fees. Choose the path that fits your tax planning and investing timeline.
Troubleshooting and how to check transfer status
Practical troubleshooting steps:
- Confirm the ACAT request was submitted by SoFi and retain any confirmation or reference numbers.
- Double‑check the sending account number and the receiving account number for accuracy.
- Verify Robinhood’s DTC (6769) if requested by the receiving broker.
- Resolve unsettled trades, margin deficits, or open options that block completion.
- Contact SoFi Invest support to request the ACAT transaction status and any required next steps.
- Contact Robinhood support if you receive a rejection reason that requires action on the sending side.
Typical status updates to expect:
- ACAT initiated: the receiving broker submitted the transfer request.
- ACAT pending: the sending broker is processing or requesting clarifications.
- ACAT executed/complete: assets moved and appear in the receiving account.
- Residuals processing: cash from liquidated fractions or unsettled proceeds being swept.
A patient, methodical approach with clear documentation and prompt resolution of any flagged items reduces delays.
Frequently Asked Questions (short Q&A)
Q: Will I lose my cost basis when I move positions?
A: In‑kind ACAT transfers generally preserve cost basis and tax lot data. Verify the information in SoFi after the transfer.
Q: Can I transfer options from Robinhood to SoFi?
A: Most brokers, including SoFi, usually do not accept open options positions via ACAT. Options typically must be closed before transferring.
Q: How long does a transfer take?
A: Expect about 1–2 weeks for standard ACAT transfers. Complex cases can take longer.
Q: Will my Robinhood account be closed on a full transfer?
A: Yes — a full ACAT typically closes the sending account after transferable assets are moved and residuals are handled.
Q: Will SoFi reimburse Robinhood’s outgoing fee?
A: SoFi has offered reimbursements in past promotions (for example, up to $75 for eligible transfers over a specified amount). Promotions vary — confirm current SoFi reimbursement terms before initiating an ACAT.
Q: What is Robinhood’s DTC number?
A: Robinhood’s DTC number, if requested, is 6769.
Q: Can I move fractional shares to SoFi?
A: Fractional shares are often liquidated by the sending broker and transferred as cash. Acceptance of fractions varies and is less commonly supported by ACAT.
Q: Can I transfer Robinhood Crypto to SoFi?
A: Crypto on Robinhood is not transferable via ACAT to a brokerage. You may need to sell crypto or use the crypto platform’s withdrawal procedures if available.
Practical checklist before you start
- Confirm account types match (individual → individual, IRA → IRA).
- Settle any unsettled trades or funds at Robinhood.
- Resolve negative balances or margin deficits.
- Decide between partial or full transfer and list exact tickers and whole share counts for partials.
- Note Robinhood account number and SoFi account number; have Robinhood’s DTC (6769) handy if requested.
- Check current fees and SoFi’s reimbursement policy; retain receipts or statements if you intend to claim reimbursement.
- Back up cost basis and tax lot records from Robinhood for your files.
- Be prepared to contact SoFi Invest support and Robinhood support if issues arise.
References and official resources
For the latest, authoritative guidance consult the brokers’ official help resources and support pages:
- SoFi Invest — Transfer assets / ACAT support articles (check SoFi Invest support pages for step‑by‑step forms and current reimbursement promotions).
- Robinhood — Transfer your assets out / ACAT help page (verify outgoing ACAT fee and fractional share handling).
- Depository Trust Company (DTC) and ACAT industry documentation for background on DTC participant numbers and transfer mechanics.
As of 2026-01-21, according to Robinhood and SoFi support documentation, ACAT remains the standard method for moving brokerage securities between firms. Always verify current policies on each broker’s help pages before initiating a transfer.
Further practical guidance: if you want a platform that supports both brokerage services and robust crypto features, explore Bitget’s integrated offerings and Bitget Wallet for non‑custodial crypto needs. For brokerage transfers between U.S. brokers, follow the ACAT checklist above and confirm fee reimbursement terms before you transfer.
For personalized assistance, submit your ACAT request through SoFi’s transfer flow and contact both brokers’ support teams if you encounter rejections or delays. Preparing documentation and resolving account issues in advance is the fastest path to a smooth transfer.
Explore more articles and tools to manage transfers and tax records, or contact support through your broker’s secure channels to begin.
