Overview
Commission-free trading is the big site of Robinhood founded in 2013 by its base in Menlo Park, California. Such a convenient and adorable mobile app accessible to both new and seasoned traders was developed with total focus on simplicity for stocks, exchange-traded funds, options, and cryptocurrencies and aims to democratize finance, backing up its traditional business regular brokerage fees.
- Founded
- 2013
Strengths and watchouts
- Free stock, option, ETF, and cryptocurrency trades; 0.01% APY on uninvested cash for non-Gold users and 5.00% for Gold members
- IPO investing available
- Cash management accounts available
- Website is easy to navigate; advanced charts for all users
- Lack of investing research and trading tools; can only take advantage of professional research if you're a Robinhood Gold member
- No joint accounts, education savings accounts, or mutual funds
Safety and regulation
The securities exchange industry's watchman, the U.S. SEC, monitors Robinhood as a broker-dealer, and the regulatory organization FINRA authorizes it. Funds of customers are up to an amount of $500,000 payable through Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), with $250,000 allocated to cash claims. In addition, Robinhood uses encryption and two-factor authentication (2FA) for the highest level of confidentiality.
- FINRA
- SEC
- SIPC
Between 70% and 85% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with most regulated providers — the exact figure for any specific broker is published on that broker's own website. Consider whether you understand how these instruments work and whether you can afford the high risk of losing your money.
Markets available
- Stocks
- ETFs
- Options
- Cryptocurrencies
- Fractional Shares
Account types
| Account | Min deposit | Commission | Leverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash | Not verified | — | — |
| Margin | Not verified | — | 1:1 to 1:4 |
Fees and costs
Robinhood stands excellent with regard to transparent cost structures:
Trading platforms
- Mobile Application
Best-suited trader-friendly mobile platform with its tools ready for on-the-go trading by all.
desktopmobile - Web Platform
Basic analytics and clear-cut features via an interface.
desktopweb - Robinhood Gold Features
Advanced information services, Level II market data, and margin trading platforms are included.
web
Deposits and withdrawals
How we reviewed this broker
Each broker review documents the broker's claimed regulators, cross-references them against the public registers (FCA, CySEC, ASIC, FSCA, BCC and others), and notes any divergence. Where a regulator has issued a public advisory, the URL is cited inline so a reader can verify it directly. Tradable instruments, account types, and fees are sourced from the broker's published disclosures or documented as unavailable. The full scoring methodology is public.
Read the full methodology →Focused research pages
- RegulationRobinhood regulation and safety checks
- Company backgroundRobinhood company background and entity checks
- RatingRobinhood rating context and methodology checks
- SafetyRobinhood safety, funds protection and entity checks
- Pros and consRobinhood pros, cons and trade-off checks
- FeesRobinhood fees, minimum deposit and cost checks
- MarketsRobinhood markets and product availability checks
- Public reputationRobinhood public reviews and reputation checks
- FundingRobinhood deposits, withdrawals and funding checks
Frequently asked questions
Is Robinhood a regulated broker?
Yes, Robinhood is regulated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and is a member of FINRA, providing compliance with financial regulations.
Which trading platforms are available?
Robinhood offers a mobile app and a web-based platform, both designed with simplicity and ease of use in mind.
What is the minimum deposit to open an account?
There is no minimum deposit requirement to open an account on Robinhood.
What is the highest leverage available?
Robinhood Gold offers margin trading, allowing eligible users to access additional leverage by using their account as collateral.
Are there any fees for deposits and withdrawals?
Deposits via ACH are free, while wire withdrawals incur a $25 fee. ACH withdrawals are processed without additional charges.
What instruments can be traded on Robinhood?
Robinhood provides commission-free trading of stocks, ETFs, options, and cryptocurrencies. Fractional shares are also available for as little as $1.
Does Robinhood offer customer support?
Yes, Robinhood provides customer support via in-app messaging, email, and an extensive Help Center for FAQs and guides.
Where this broker is ranked
- Platform · ranked #1Best Mobile Trading Apps and Forex Trading AppsBest Mobile-First Investing App for US Users
- Beginner-friendly · ranked #4Best Brokers for BeginnersBest for US Beginner Investors
- Asset class · ranked #4Best Stock BrokersBest for US Mobile Investors
- Platform · ranked #6Best Trading PlatformsBest Mobile-First Trading Platform for US Users
Related comparisons
- Compare with eToroeToro vs RobinhoodeToro and Robinhood are frequently compared by retail investors because both are associated with simple onboarding and app-led investing. This comparison separates what InvestorTrip's broker database can verify from what must be checked directly with each broker for your country and account type.
- Compare with Interactive BrokersInteractive Brokers vs RobinhoodInteractive Brokers and Robinhood are both researched by self-directed investors, but they serve different comparison questions. This page contrasts the current InvestorTrip rows without making country-specific tax, account-wrapper or availability claims.
Reader reviews
Robin
Feb 9, 2025
I wish I could give a lower rating. Avoid using ROBINHOOD at all costs. Their customer service is non-existent; you’ll only interact with a virtual assistant and won't have access to a direct phone line or personal email for any real human contact. The only option available is their generic help email, which mirrors the virtual chat experience. I strongly advise against entrusting your investments with them. Consider this a warning.
terry
Feb 9, 2025
Avoid this broker at all costs. I experienced a security breach and was unable to access my account. Despite providing them with my phone details and other information, they simply shut down my account without offering any help or support. In my opinion, a class action lawsuit should be considered against this company. It's truly a disappointing and poorly managed operation.
T E
Feb 8, 2025
Terrible experience. Whenever I attempt to withdraw funds, particularly on Fridays, I find myself having to take random selfies. It seems like these issues arise just when my bank balance is running low. This is by far the most frustrating investment firm I've ever encountered.
Showing 1–3 of 10 reviews