What you need to open a Robinhood account

You can open a Robinhood account online in about 10 minutes if you have the required documents ready. Robinhood requires a valid government-issued ID, your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and a bank account to link for deposits and withdrawals. You must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or resident alien.

The process happens entirely through the Robinhood app or website — there are no forms to print or mail. You will move through identity verification, account setup, and linking your bank account in sequence. Each step must be completed before you can move to the next one.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government ID, Social Security number, proof of address, and a linked bank account to open an account.
  • The entire signup process takes place in the Robinhood app or on their website and usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Identity verification happens when ready, but Robinhood may request additional documents if your information does not match their records.
  • You can begin trading stocks and options when ready after your account is approved, though some features may have waiting periods.
  • Robinhood does not charge account opening fees or monthly maintenance fees.

Step 1: read the app or visit the website

Start by downloading the Robinhood app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, or go to robinhood.com in a web browser. Both routes lead to the same account creation process. The app and website are functionally identical for opening an account, so choose whichever you prefer to use.

Once you open the app or website, look for a button labeled "Sign Up" or "Create Account" on the home page. Tap or click it to begin.

Step 2: Enter your email and create a password

Robinhood will ask for your email address and a password. Use an email you check regularly — Robinhood sends account confirmations and security alerts there. Your password must be at least 8 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a special character (like ! or @).

After you enter your email and password, Robinhood sends a confirmation link to that email address. Click the link to verify your email before moving forward.

Step 3: Provide your personal information

Robinhood asks for your full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Enter these exactly as they appear on your government ID — mismatches will cause identity verification to fail and delay your account opening. You will also enter your current address and phone number.

Next, Robinhood asks about your employment status and income. These questions are required by federal law (part of the Know Your Customer rule). Answer honestly — Robinhood does not reject accounts based on income level, but false information can result in account closure later.

Step 4: Complete identity verification

Robinhood uses an automated system to verify your identity against government records. You will be asked to take a photo of your government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and a selfie. Hold your ID up to the camera so all four edges are visible and the text is readable. For the selfie, face the camera directly in good lighting.

The verification process usually completes within seconds. If Robinhood cannot verify your identity automatically, you will receive an email asking for additional documents — typically a utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement to confirm your address. This manual review can take 1 to 3 business days.

Step 5: Link your bank account

Robinhood needs a bank account to move money in and out of your investment account. You will enter your bank's routing number and your account number. You can find both on a check, or log into your bank's website or app to locate them. Robinhood accepts accounts from most U.S. banks and credit unions.

After you enter your bank details, Robinhood may make two small test deposits (usually under $1 each) to your bank account within 1 to 2 business days. You will need to confirm the amounts of these deposits in the Robinhood app to verify that you own the account. This step prevents fraud and ensures Robinhood can reach your bank.

Step 6: Review and submit

Before your account is finalized, Robinhood displays a summary of the information you entered. Review it carefully — any errors here can cause problems later. Check your name, address, Social Security number, and bank account details. If something is wrong, go back and correct it.

Once everything is correct, click or tap the button to submit your process. Robinhood displays a confirmation message and sends a confirmation email to the address you provided. Your account is now open and ready to use.

What happens after your account opens

You can begin trading when ready after your account is approved, even if your bank account verification is still pending. However, you cannot withdraw money until the test deposits have been confirmed and your bank account is fully linked. This usually takes 2 to 3 business days from the time Robinhood makes the test deposits.

Some features, such as options trading and margin accounts, require additional approval steps. Robinhood reviews your experience level and financial situation before granting access to these features. You can request access to options trading through the app settings, and Robinhood typically responds within 1 business day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to open a Robinhood account?

The signup process itself takes 10 to 15 minutes. Identity verification usually completes when ready, but if Robinhood needs additional documents, the process can take 1 to 3 business days. Bank account linking takes 2 to 3 business days for the test deposits to appear.

Can I open an account if I do not have a U.S. address?

No. Robinhood requires a current U.S. address and a U.S. bank account. You must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien to open an account.

What if my identity verification fails?

Robinhood will email you asking for additional documents, usually a utility bill, lease, or bank statement showing your name and current address. Photograph or scan the document and upload it through the link in the email. Manual review typically takes 1 to 3 business days.

Do I need a minimum deposit to open an account?

No. Robinhood does not require a minimum deposit to open an account. You can open an account with zero dollars and deposit money whenever you are ready to trade.

Can I close my Robinhood account after opening it?

Yes. You can close your account anytime through the app settings under Account or Help. Robinhood will liquidate any open positions and return your cash to your linked bank account. The process takes 1 to 5 business days depending on your bank.