Deleting your Robinhood account means closing it permanently and moving your money out

Robinhood does not use the word "delete," but you can close your account through the app or website. Before you close it, you must withdraw all cash and sell all stocks, options, or crypto you hold. Robinhood will not delete the account itself — it becomes inactive, and Robinhood keeps records for tax and regulatory reasons. The process takes a few minutes to request, but your money may take several business days to reach your bank.

You do not need a reason to close your account. You can reopen it later if you change your mind, though you will start fresh with a new account number.

Key Takeaways

  • You must sell all investments and withdraw all cash before Robinhood will close your account.
  • The closure request happens in the app or website under Account Settings, and takes about five minutes.
  • Money transferred out typically arrives in your bank account within three to five business days.
  • Robinhood keeps your account records for seven years for tax reporting, even after closure.
  • If you have unsettled trades or pending transfers, you cannot close the account until they complete.

Step-by-step: How to close your account through the app

Open the Robinhood app and tap the account icon in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap "Account Settings." Look for "Deactivate Account" or "Close Account" — the exact wording changes with app updates, but it is always in this menu. Tap it.

Robinhood will show you a checklist of what must be done first: zero cash balance, no open positions, no pending transfers. If any of these show a red X, you cannot proceed. Go back and complete each one. Once all items show a green checkmark, the "Deactivate Account" button becomes active. Tap it, confirm your choice, and the request is submitted.

You will receive an email confirming the closure. Your account becomes inactive when ready, though Robinhood may take a few days to process it fully on their end.

Step-by-step: How to close your account on the website

Log into your Robinhood account at robinhood.com. Click your profile icon in the top right, then select "Account Settings." Scroll to "Account Status" or "Deactivate Account" — again, the label varies. Click it.

You will see the same checklist as in the app: zero cash, no positions, no pending transfers. Complete any items that show a red X. Once all are green, click "Deactivate Account," confirm, and submit. You will receive a confirmation email.

Selling your investments before closure

You cannot close your account while you hold stocks, options, crypto, or fractional shares. You must sell everything first. In the app, tap each position, select "Sell," enter the quantity, and confirm. On the website, click each holding, select "Sell," and complete the trade. Market orders sell when ready at the current price. Limit orders may not fill before you close the account, so use market orders if you are in a hurry.

Selling takes seconds, but the trade itself settles — meaning the money enters your account — within one to two business days. You cannot withdraw cash or close the account until the trade settles. If you place a sell order late in the trading day, settlement may not happen until the next day.

Withdrawing your cash balance

Once all trades have settled, you will see your total cash balance in the app or website. Tap or click "Withdraw," select your linked bank account, enter the amount (or select "Withdraw All"), and confirm. Robinhood will send the money to your bank via ACH transfer, which typically takes three to five business days.

If you have not linked a bank account yet, you must do that first. In Account Settings, find "Linked Accounts" or "Bank Accounts," and add your checking or savings account. You will need your routing number and account number, which you can find on a check or in your bank's app. Linking takes a few minutes and must complete before you can withdraw.

What happens to your tax documents after closure

Robinhood keeps your account records for seven years after closure for IRS reporting purposes. If you sold investments at a gain or loss, you will still receive a 1099 form at tax time for the year you closed the account. You do not need to keep your Robinhood account open to file taxes — the 1099 is sent to you by mail and email regardless.

If you closed the account partway through the year, your 1099 will show only the trades you made before closure. Keep your own records of any trades you made, especially if you plan to dispute anything on the 1099 later.

Reopening your account after closure

If you close your account and later want to trade again, you can open a new Robinhood account using the same email address. Your new account will have a different account number. You will go through the same sign-up process as a new user, including identity verification and funding your account.

Your old account records remain in Robinhood's system for the seven-year retention period, but they are separate from your new account. The two accounts do not merge or share data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I have unsettled trades when I try to close my account?

You cannot close your account until all trades settle. Wait one to two business days after your last sale, then try again. If a trade is stuck in pending status, contact Robinhood support through the app or website to ask them to cancel it.

Can I close my account if I have a negative balance or owe Robinhood money?

No. You must bring your balance to zero or positive before closure. If you owe money from margin trading or a failed deposit, you must pay it first. Contact Robinhood support if you are unsure of your balance or how to resolve it.

How long does it take for my money to arrive in my bank after I request a withdrawal?

ACH transfers from Robinhood typically take three to five business days. Weekends and bank holidays do not count as business days. If your bank is slow to process incoming transfers, it may take longer on their end.

Will closing my account hurt my credit score?

No. Robinhood is a brokerage, not a credit card or loan provider. Closing your account does not appear on your credit report and has no effect on your credit score.

What if I forgot my password and cannot log in to close my account?

Use the "Forgot Password" link on the Robinhood login page to reset it. If you no longer have access to the email address on file, contact Robinhood support through the app (if you can still log in) or by visiting their help center online.