Robinhood's Current Crypto Offerings
Robinhood lets you buy and sell a limited list of cryptocurrencies directly in the app, alongside stocks and ETFs. The platform does not offer every coin that exists — instead, it maintains a curated selection that changes over time as the company adds new options.
As of now, Robinhood supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, Shiba Inu, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum Classic, Chainlink, Polygon, Solana, Uniswap, Aave, Compound, Curve, and Stellar Lumens. The exact list may shift; Robinhood periodically adds coins based on user demand and regulatory considerations. You can see the full current list by opening the app and tapping the search icon, then selecting the Crypto tab.
Each coin trades 24 hours a day, seven days a week on Robinhood's platform. You can place orders at any time, though the price you receive depends on market conditions at the moment your order executes.
Key Takeaways
- Robinhood offers roughly 15 cryptocurrencies, with Bitcoin and Ethereum as the most established options and newer coins like Polygon and Solana also available.
- The list of supported coins changes periodically as Robinhood adds new options, so check the app to see what is currently tradeable.
- You can buy crypto with cash in your Robinhood account, and you can sell it back to cash at any time the market is open.
- Robinhood does not charge commissions on crypto trades, but the price you see includes a spread — the difference between what buyers and sellers pay.
- You cannot transfer crypto off Robinhood to an external wallet; you can only hold it in your account or sell it back to cash.
How to Find and Buy Crypto on Robinhood
Open the Robinhood app and tap the search icon at the bottom of the screen. Select the Crypto tab, then type the name or ticker of the coin you want — for example, "Bitcoin" or "BTC". The app will show you the current price, a price chart, and a button to buy.
Tap the buy button, enter the dollar amount you want to spend (or the number of coins), and review the order. Robinhood will show you the estimated price you will receive, which includes the spread. Confirm the order, and the transaction executes when ready if the market is open. Your coins appear in your account right away, and you can sell them at any time.
You do not need to own a full coin to trade on Robinhood. You can buy fractional amounts — for example, $50 worth of Bitcoin even if one full Bitcoin costs much more. This makes it possible to start with a small amount of money.
What Happens to Your Crypto When You Hold It
When you buy crypto on Robinhood, the coins sit in your Robinhood account. You own them, but you cannot move them to an external wallet or another exchange. Robinhood holds the crypto on your behalf, similar to how it holds stocks in your brokerage account.
This setup has a trade-off. On one hand, you do not have to manage a separate wallet or worry about losing a private key. On the other hand, you cannot use your coins on other platforms, lend them out, or stake them for rewards. If you want to do any of those things, you would need to move your coins to a different exchange or wallet that supports those features — but Robinhood does not allow transfers out.
Your coins are insured under Robinhood's coverage, which protects against loss if Robinhood itself fails. However, this insurance does not protect you against price drops or your own trading mistakes.
Fees and Spreads on Robinhood Crypto
Robinhood charges no commission on crypto trades — you will not see a separate fee added to your order. However, the price you pay includes a spread, which is the difference between the price Robinhood pays to buy the coin and the price it charges you to buy it. This spread is how Robinhood makes money on crypto trades.
The spread varies depending on market conditions and the coin. Bitcoin and Ethereum, which trade in high volume, typically have tighter spreads. Smaller or less-traded coins may have wider spreads, meaning you pay more above the market price. You can see the estimated spread before you confirm your order.
When you sell crypto on Robinhood, you also pay a spread on the sale side. The price Robinhood pays you for your coins is lower than the market price by roughly the same amount you paid above market when you bought.
Coins Robinhood Has Added and Removed
Robinhood has expanded its crypto offerings several times since it first launched Bitcoin and Ethereum trading. In 2021 and 2022, the platform added coins like Dogecoin, Shiba Inu, Litecoin, and several others in response to user requests and market interest.
Occasionally, Robinhood has removed coins from its platform, though this is rare. When it does, the company gives users advance notice and a window to sell their holdings before trading is halted. If you hold a coin that Robinhood removes, you can still sell it during the notice period, but you cannot buy more.
The company does not publicly announce which coins it is considering adding next. The best way to stay informed is to check the app periodically or follow Robinhood's official announcements on its website or social media.
Comparing Robinhood Crypto to Other Platforms
Robinhood's crypto offering is simpler than dedicated crypto exchanges like Coinbase or Kraken, which support hundreds of coins. If you want access to a wider range of cryptocurrencies, those platforms offer more options — though they also charge higher fees and require more technical knowledge to use.
Robinhood is useful if you want to buy a few major coins without leaving your brokerage account. You can hold stocks, ETFs, and crypto all in one place and see your total portfolio value in one app. However, you cannot transfer coins out, stake them, or use them on other platforms.
If you plan to trade actively, move coins between exchanges, or hold coins that Robinhood does not support, a dedicated crypto exchange may be a better fit. If you want a straightforward way to own Bitcoin or Ethereum alongside your other investments, Robinhood's setup works well.
What to Know Before You Start Trading Crypto
Cryptocurrency prices move quickly and can swing sharply in short periods. Robinhood makes it straightforward to buy and sell, which can tempt you to trade frequently. Each trade costs you the spread, so frequent trading adds up. Many people who trade crypto actively end up worse off than those who buy and hold.
Robinhood crypto trades are subject to the same account rules as stock trades. If you have a cash account, your trades settle when ready and you can trade again right away. If you have a margin account, you can trade on borrowed money, but you will owe interest on the borrowed amount.
Keep in mind that crypto is volatile and speculative. Only invest money you can afford to lose. Do not borrow money to buy crypto, and do not put your emergency savings into it. Crypto prices can fall to zero, and there is no may provide they will recover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer crypto out of Robinhood to another wallet?
No. Robinhood does not support outgoing transfers. Once you buy crypto on Robinhood, you can only hold it in your account or sell it back to cash. If you want to move coins to another exchange or wallet, you would need to sell on Robinhood first, then buy on the other platform.
Does Robinhood charge fees to buy and sell crypto?
Robinhood charges no commission, but the price includes a spread — the difference between what Robinhood pays for the coin and what it charges you. This spread is typically 1 to 2 percent for major coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum, and wider for smaller coins.
What happens if Robinhood removes a coin I own?
Robinhood gives advance notice before removing a coin, usually several weeks. During that time, you can sell your holdings at the current market price. After the important date, you can no longer trade that coin on Robinhood, but you still own it in your account and can contact support about your options.
Can I stake crypto on Robinhood?
No. Robinhood does not offer staking or other ways to earn rewards on crypto holdings. You can only buy, hold, and sell. If you want to stake coins, you would need to move them to a platform that supports staking, which means selling on Robinhood and buying elsewhere.
Is my crypto insured if Robinhood goes out of business?
Robinhood holds crypto in segregated accounts and maintains insurance coverage. However, this insurance protects against loss due to Robinhood's failure, not against price drops or your own trading decisions. Read Robinhood's crypto custody terms for the full details of what is covered.