can you transfer stocks from robinhood?

A practical, beginner-friendly guide that answers “can you transfer stocks from robinhood” and explains ACATS transfers, what can/can’t move, timing, fees, options and margin rules, checklists, tro...

2025-11-01 16:00:00

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Can you transfer stocks from Robinhood?

can you transfer stocks from robinhood is one of the most common questions investors ask when they’re moving brokerage accounts, consolidating records, or switching platforms. Short answer: yes — you can move eligible stock positions and cash into or out of Robinhood using the industry-standard ACATS system, subject to asset eligibility, account type matching, and a few practical restrictions. This guide explains when and how transfers work, what can’t be moved, timing and fees, special rules for options, short positions and margin, and practical steps to prepare and troubleshoot a transfer.

Overview of transfer types

There are two main transfer methods when you want to move assets between U.S. broker-dealers:

Full account transfer — moves all transferable assets and cash from the sending account to the receiving account. Full transfers typically close or freeze the sending account for trading and are used when a client consolidates or fully migrates their holdings.
Partial account transfer — moves selected positions and/or cash while leaving the remainder in the original account. Investors often use partial transfers to migrate a subset of positions, preserve some features at the sending broker, or move only taxable lots.

Both transfer types usually use the Automated Customer Account Transfer Service (ACATS) when moving equities between U.S.-based broker-dealers. Which method you choose depends on whether you want to keep the sending account open and which specific holdings you need to move.

Transfer systems and timing

The industry-standard for moving equities and cash between U.S. broker-dealers is ACATS (Automated Customer Account Transfer Service). ACATS automates communications and settlement between the sending and receiving broker, which reduces manual paperwork and speeds up processing.

Typical ACATS timing:

Most completed transfers take approximately 5–7 business days from initiation to settlement.
Transfers can be delayed by ineligible assets, unsettled trades, account mismatches, outstanding margin debt, or operational errors.
Unsettled activity (for example, trades that haven’t reached settlement) is often handled via residual sweeps: settled assets transfer first, and cash proceeds from selling unsettled or fractional positions may be transferred once they settle.

Bear in mind that individual brokers may have internal processing windows and cut-off times that affect the start date of the ACATS process. Monitoring status messages from both brokers will give the best indication of timing.

How to transfer stocks into Robinhood

If you want to move positions into Robinhood, the receiving broker (Robinhood) will usually initiate the inbound ACATS transfer once you provide the required information in Robinhood’s transfer-in request form. Steps at a high level:

Open a Robinhood account that matches the sending account type (individual, joint, Roth IRA, traditional IRA, etc.).
In Robinhood’s transfer interface, choose “Transfer in” (or the equivalent option) and select partial or full transfer.
Provide the sending broker’s name and the full account number exactly as it appears at the sending broker.
List the positions you want moved (for partial transfers) or indicate a full account transfer.
Confirm identity and sign any electronic authorizations requested by Robinhood.
Robinhood will coordinate with the sending broker via ACATS and update you on progress.

Eligibility notes for inbound transfers:

Robinhood accepts most individual, joint and eligible individual retirement accounts (traditional and Roth IRAs) via ACATS.
Some account types or managed account structures may not qualify for ACATS into Robinhood without special handling.
Robinhood has, in many cases, offered to reimburse eligible inbound transfer fees charged by the sending broker up to a published limit; verify current reimbursement policies with Robinhood before initiating the transfer.

How to transfer stocks out of Robinhood

To move assets from Robinhood to another broker, the receiving broker generally initiates the ACATS transfer. Steps to transfer out:

Open the receiving broker’s account and ensure the account type matches the Robinhood account (e.g., individual to individual).
At the receiving broker, select the option to transfer an account in (often labeled “transfer in” or “ACATS transfer”).
Provide your Robinhood account number and specify whether you want a full or partial transfer and which positions to transfer.
Resolve any restrictions at Robinhood before initiation: clear negative balances, remove unsettled trades, or satisfy margin requirements.
The receiving broker submits the ACATS request; Robinhood responds and the process proceeds.

On full outbound transfers, Robinhood typically freezes or shuts down the account once the transfer completes, and on partial transfers selected positions are moved while others remain. If you request a full transfer but have ineligible holdings (see next section), those assets may be liquidated or remain in a restricted state — the receiving broker and Robinhood will usually notify you about how ineligible items will be handled.

Transfer eligibility — what can and cannot be moved

Knowing which assets transfer cleanly will prevent surprises. Below is a typical breakdown of transferable and non-transferable items when you ask “can you transfer stocks from robinhood?”

Transferable assets

Whole, settled shares of U.S.-listed stocks — the most straightforward to transfer.
Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) — generally transferable like stocks.
Most options positions (subject to restrictions described later).
Cash balances once settled.
Margin balances and margin-capable positions — these can move if both accounts support margin and the receiving broker accepts the outstanding margin arrangement.

Common non-transferable or specially handled assets

Fractional shares — many brokers, including Robinhood, do not transfer fractional share units via ACATS. In full transfers, fractional shares are typically sold and the cash proceeds transferred; for partial transfers you may be asked to sell fractional holdings before the transfer.
Cryptocurrency held on Robinhood — ACATS does not move crypto. Crypto transfers require platform-specific processes (see the crypto vs. equities section below). If you hold crypto with Robinhood, expect liquidation or a separate crypto withdrawal flow if supported.
Certain mutual funds, bonds, and proprietary instruments — these may not be ACATS-eligible and can require liquidation or manual transfer methods.
Some derivatives, escrowed securities, and positions under broker-specific restrictions.

Because policy details change, always confirm with both Robinhood and the receiving broker which holdings are eligible before initiating a transfer.

Options, short positions, and margin considerations

Options and margin introduce extra constraints:

Options that expire within a short window (commonly 7 days or fewer) are often ineligible for ACATS transfer. Brokers will usually require rolling or closing such near-expiration positions before transfer.
Complex option strategies (multileg spreads, positions requiring assignment risk) may not be supported by the receiving broker and can be rejected or require liquidation.
Short positions are particularly complex. To transfer an open short, the receiving account must be margin-enabled and the broker must be able to accept the short position and locate shares. Often, receiving brokers prefer or require closing short positions before transfer; transferring shorts can lengthen processing or result in rejection.
Margin debt: if you carry an outstanding margin balance, the receiving broker must accept the liability and the account must meet margin requirements. In some cases, an outstanding margin loan must be repaid or refinanced before a transfer will proceed.

Because options, shorts and margin involve credit and operational risk, communicate explicitly with both brokers to understand precise acceptance criteria and any required permissions (e.g., approved options level).

Fees, reimbursements, and costs

Costs associated with moving assets typically include the sending broker’s outbound ACATS fee, potential receiving broker fees, and costs tied to forced liquidations of ineligible positions. Specifics to consider:

Robinhood has historically charged an outbound ACATS fee for some transfers; fees and amounts change over time, so verify current charges directly with Robinhood.
Some brokers charge an incoming ACATS fee or other account set-up charges — check the receiving broker’s fee schedule.
Robinhood and other brokers sometimes offer to reimburse inbound transfer fees up to a published limit for eligible transfers. If you are moving assets into Robinhood, confirm whether Robinhood will reimburse any fees assessed by your current broker and the minimum transfer size requirements to qualify.
Forced liquidation of ineligible assets (including fractional shares or unsupported mutual funds) can trigger transaction fees, taxable events, or bid/ask spread costs. Plan ahead to minimize forced sells.

Always verify current, published fee amounts with brokers — policies and reimbursements change frequently.

Cost basis, tax forms, and record keeping

Transferring accounts preserves ownership, but tax reporting and cost basis history need attention:

Sending brokers typically provide cost basis and lot-level information to the receiving broker via ACATS when available. However, transfers occasionally omit full lot-level history, especially when assets are nonstandard or fractional.
Form 1099 reporting is tied to where transactions occurred during the tax year. Transfers themselves are not taxable events, but forced liquidations are.
Keep local records: download trade confirmations, cost-basis reports and historical 1099s from your sending broker before initiating transfer. These documents help reconstruct history if any lots or basis information is missing after transfer.
If you hold positions acquired across multiple lots, confirm that the receiving broker has imported lot-level cost basis correctly. If not, retain your own records and be prepared to provide them when filing taxes.

Preparing for a transfer — checklist

Before you start a transfer, complete this practical checklist to reduce delays:

Confirm both accounts have matching registration (name spelling, account type — individual, joint, IRA, etc.). Discrepancies are a top reason transfers are rejected.
Verify the receiving account type supports all asset types you plan to transfer (options approval level, margin capability, IRA custodial rules).
Resolve restrictions at the sending broker: pay outstanding fees, close or settle pending trades, cure margin deficits, and remove trading or account holds.
Sell or transfer fractional share holdings if the receiving broker does not accept fractional shares via ACATS.
Gather account numbers, DTC information if requested, and recent statements or cost-basis reports.
Decide between partial and full transfers and prepare a list of specific tickers/lots for a partial transfer request.
Check fee reimbursement limits and eligibility with the receiving broker if you expect to be reimbursed for outgoing transfer fees.

What happens during and after a transfer

Once the receiving broker initiates the ACATS request, you can expect:

Communication emails or messages from both brokers with status updates and any action items.
Positions being marked as pending transfer and often restricted from further trading while in an active transfer process.
Residual processing: some unsettled trades or non-transferable items may remain and either need manual handling or will be liquidated according to the sending broker’s policy.
Upon completion, verify that all expected holdings appear in the receiving account and that cost basis information was transferred. Also verify cash balances and that any promised fee reimbursements are processed.

If assets are missing or misallocated:

Contact the receiving broker first to confirm their records of the completed ACATS transaction.
If the receiving broker indicates an issue, contact the sending broker with the transfer reference number and request investigation.
Keep all confirmations and communication logs — these support escalations and regulatory inquiries if required.

Common problems and troubleshooting

Some frequent transfer rejections or delays include:

Mismatched account details — name spelling differences, different tax IDs, or incompatible account types often cause immediate rejections.
Ineligible asset types — fractional shares, certain mutual funds, crypto, and some structured products.
Unsettled trades or pending corporate actions — transfers will often wait until trades settle or corporate events resolve.
Outstanding margin or debit balances — these must be addressed before transfer.

To resolve:

Double-check account registration and correct any mismatches.
Provide additional documentation if the receiving broker requests proof of ownership or signatures.
Work with both broker support teams and reference the ACATS transfer request number for faster escalation.
If a transfer is partially completed, ask for a detailed asset list and instructions on next steps for non-transferred items.

Transferring crypto vs. equities

ACATS is built for securities and cash — it does not transfer cryptocurrency. That means the answer to “can you transfer stocks from robinhood” is distinct from whether you can move crypto held on Robinhood.

Key points:

Equities, ETFs and many options move via ACATS between supported broker-dealers.
Crypto held on Robinhood must follow Robinhood Crypto’s withdrawal or transfer policy if Robinhood supports external wallet transfers; otherwise, crypto may need to be sold on-platform and the proceeds transferred as cash.
If you plan to consolidate both securities and crypto on a platform that supports multi-asset custody, ensure the destination platform supports the specific coins/tokens and on-chain transfers. For Web3 wallets, consider Bitget Wallet as a recommended option to manage on-chain assets, given its broad wallet features and security controls.

Because crypto and securities have fundamentally different custody and settlement systems, plan and execute those moves separately and with attention to tax implications.

Regulatory and account-type limitations

Not all accounts are eligible for ACATS, and some account structures require extra attention:

Trusts, estate accounts, business entities, custodial accounts and other nonstandard registrations may require additional documentation or may not be eligible for automated transfers. Check with both brokers.
Managed accounts, advisory or strategy-managed products may have custody restrictions or proprietary structures that prevent a simple ACATS movement.
IRAs follow special custodial rules; ensure the receiving account is an IRA of the same type and the custodian accepts inbound IRA transfers.

If you manage a nonstandard account, start the conversation with broker support early and gather any documentation (trust agreements, corporate resolutions, power-of-attorney forms) that may be required.

Step-by-step quick guide (summary)

A concise checklist to execute transfers with minimal friction:

Pick the receiving broker and open an account matching your current account type.
Confirm which holdings are transferable and whether fractionals or crypto need separate handling.
Clear negative balances, settle trades, and confirm options/margin permissions at both brokers.
Initiate the transfer via the receiving broker (they usually submit the ACATS request).
Monitor status messages, respond to any information requests, and follow up with both brokers if delays occur.
Verify holdings and cost basis after completion and collect any promised fee reimbursements.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Can fractional shares transfer?

No — fractional shares are generally not transferable via ACATS. If you ask “can you transfer stocks from robinhood” and you hold fractionals, expect them to be sold with proceeds transferred in a full transfer; for partial transfers, you may need to sell fractionals prior to initiating the request.

Will I be charged to transfer out of Robinhood?

Robinhood has historically applied an outbound ACATS fee in some situations. Fee levels and reimbursement policies change — check Robinhood’s published fee schedule and whether the receiving broker reimburses inbound fees.

How long will it take?

Most ACATS transfers complete in about 5–7 business days, though delays are common when assets are ineligible or accounts require extra verification.

Can I transfer options?

Options can usually be transferred but are subject to restrictions: positions expiring within a short window (commonly 7 days) may be ineligible, and some complex strategies may not transfer cleanly.

Who initiates the transfer?

The receiving broker usually initiates an inbound ACATS transfer. If you want to move assets out of Robinhood, open the destination account and request an inbound transfer from that broker.

Practical tips and next steps

Download and preserve cost-basis and trade history from the sending broker before initiating a transfer.
If you need on-chain crypto custody, consider using Bitget Wallet for secure management and transfers; for multi-asset custody, confirm the destination supports both securities and the specific tokens you hold.
For a smooth move, prepare account numbers, recent statements and any required identification ahead of time.

Want to consolidate holdings or explore multi-asset custody options? Explore Bitget’s platform and Bitget Wallet to see supported account types and wallet features that can streamline moving and managing assets.

Reporting note for editors and readers

Sources used to compile this guide include brokerage support documentation and ACATS program descriptions. Policies and fee schedules change periodically; always confirm details directly with the affected brokers.

Editors: verify the current outbound ACATS fee amount and any inbound transfer reimbursement thresholds with Robinhood’s published fee schedule and ensure statements about crypto withdrawal policies match the platform’s current features.

Sources and notes

Broker support documentation and public help center material about ACATS transfers and eligibility (verify current pages for the most recent policy).
Clearing system program rules for the Automated Customer Account Transfer Service (ACATS).

截至 2026-01-14，据 Robinhood Support 报道，ACATS 是在美国券商之间转移股票和现金的主要电子系统，并且大多数简单转移的完成时间约为 5–7 个工作日。

Note: This article is informational. It does not provide investment, tax, or legal advice. Always consult qualified professionals regarding your personal situation and confirm current broker policies and fees directly with the platforms involved.

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