Webull is a brokerage platform where you can buy and sell stocks, options, cryptocurrencies, and other securities

Webull is an online brokerage — a company that holds accounts and executes trades on your behalf. You open an account, deposit money, and then use Webull's app or website to place orders to buy or sell investments. Webull makes money through payment for order flow (selling information about your trades to market makers) and premium subscription tiers, not through commissions on individual trades.

The platform is owned by Webull Financial LLC, a U.S. subsidiary of Webull Global Limited, a Chinese company. Webull is regulated by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the same bodies that oversee traditional brokerages. Your cash and securities are protected under the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), which covers up to $500,000 per account if Webull fails.

Webull operates 24/5 — it closes on weekends but opens before the regular stock market opens on weekdays and stays open after it closes. This extended trading window lets you place orders during pre-market and after-hours sessions, when stock prices can move differently than during regular hours.

Key Takeaways

  • Webull charges no commission on stock, options, or cryptocurrency trades, but makes money through payment for order flow and optional paid subscription features.
  • Your account is protected by SIPC insurance up to $500,000 if Webull becomes insolvent, the same protection that covers accounts at other brokerages.
  • Webull offers pre-market and after-hours trading, letting you place orders outside the standard 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern stock market hours.
  • The platform holds your cash and securities in a custodial account; you own the investments, but Webull stores them and executes your trades.

What you can trade on Webull

Webull lets you trade U.S. stocks, options (calls and puts), exchange-traded funds (ETFs), American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), and cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin and Ethereum. You cannot trade mutual funds, bonds, or forex (foreign currency) directly on Webull, though some of these assets are available through other brokerages.

Options trading requires you to request options approval through your account settings. Webull will ask about your investment experience and financial situation, then assign you an approval level (usually Level 1, 2, or 3) that determines which types of options strategies you can use. Level 1 typically allows covered calls and protective puts; higher levels unlock spreads and other complex strategies.

Cryptocurrency trading on Webull is available to U.S. residents in most states, though some states restrict it. You trade crypto directly from your Webull account without needing a separate crypto exchange. Webull holds the cryptocurrency in your account, not in a separate wallet you control.

How Webull makes money and what it costs you

Webull charges zero commission on stock and options trades. Instead, it uses payment for order flow — it sells information about your trades to market makers and other firms that execute orders. This means Webull profits when you trade, even though you pay nothing upfront. The trade-off is that your order may be executed at a slightly worse price than it would be at a brokerage that doesn't use this model.

Webull also offers paid subscription tiers: Webull Plus ($9.99 per month) and Webull Pro ($19.99 per month). These unlock features like advanced charting tools, stock screening, and research reports. The free tier includes basic charting and market data, so a subscription is optional.

Webull does charge fees for certain actions: wire transfers out of your account ($10 for domestic wires), account transfers to another brokerage (typically $75 to $100), and margin interest if you borrow money to buy stocks. Cryptocurrency trades may also carry small spreads (the difference between buy and sell prices), though Webull does not charge a separate fee.

Account types available on Webull

Webull offers several account structures. A cash account holds only money you deposit; you cannot borrow to buy stocks. A margin account lets you borrow up to 50% of your account value to purchase securities, but you pay interest on the borrowed amount and must maintain a minimum balance (usually $2,000). Webull also offers Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) — both Traditional and Roth — which have tax advantages for retirement savings but restrict when you can withdraw money without penalty.

If you are under 18, you can open a custodial account with a parent or guardian as the account owner. The minor can trade, but the adult controls the account and is responsible for taxes and compliance.

Webull does not offer joint accounts, trust accounts, or business accounts. If you need one of these structures, you would need to use a different brokerage.

How Webull's extended trading hours work

Regular stock market hours run from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. Webull opens for pre-market trading at 4 a.m. Eastern and stays open for after-hours trading until 8 p.m. Eastern. This means you can place orders before the market officially opens and after it closes.

Extended-hours trading carries real differences from regular trading. Spreads (the gap between bid and ask prices) are often wider, meaning you may pay more to buy or receive less when you sell. Volume is lower, so large orders may move prices more dramatically. Some stocks trade very little or not at all during extended hours, making it hard to execute your order at a reasonable price.

Not all stocks are available for pre-market and after-hours trading on Webull. Penny stocks and very small companies often are not. Webull's app shows you which stocks are available for extended-hours trading before you place an order.

Security and account protection on Webull

Webull uses encryption to protect your login information and account data. You can enable two-factor authentication (2FA) through the app, which requires a second verification step (usually a code sent to your phone) when you log in from a new device.

Your cash and securities are protected by SIPC insurance up to $500,000 per account. This covers you if Webull becomes insolvent and cannot return your money or securities. SIPC does not cover losses from bad trades or market declines — only losses from the brokerage's failure. If you have more than $500,000 in your account, the amount above that limit is not covered by SIPC.

Webull also carries additional insurance through Lloyd's of London for certain scenarios, though the details and limits vary. You can review Webull's full insurance coverage on its website.

Webull's research tools and educational resources

Webull includes basic charting tools, stock screeners, and market news in its free tier. The paid Webull Plus and Pro subscriptions add advanced charting, technical analysis tools, and third-party research reports. You can also access earnings calendars, economic calendars, and stock ratings from within the app.

Webull offers educational content through its Learning Center, including articles and video tutorials on topics like how to read a stock chart, how options work, and how to use the platform's tools. This content is free and does not require a subscription.

The platform does not offer one-on-one financial information or personalized investment recommendations. If you need guidance on what to buy or how to build a portfolio, you would need to consult a financial advisor outside of Webull.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Webull safe to use?

Webull is regulated by FINRA and the SEC, and your account is protected by SIPC insurance up to $500,000. The platform uses encryption and two-factor authentication to find your login. However, no brokerage is risk-free — your investments can lose value, and if you use margin (borrowed money), losses can exceed your deposit.

Can I transfer stocks from another brokerage to Webull?

Yes. You can request an Automated Customer Account Transfer Service (ACAT) transfer, which moves your holdings from another brokerage to Webull. The process usually takes 5 to 10 business days. Webull charges a fee (typically $75 to $100) for incoming transfers, though some brokerages will reimburse this fee if you ask.

What happens if I want to close my Webull account?

You can request to close your account through the app or website. If you have open positions (stocks or options you own), you must sell them first or request that Webull liquidate them. Once your account is empty, Webull will close it and return any remaining cash to you via your linked bank account.

Does Webull offer retirement accounts?

Yes. Webull offers Traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs with the same contribution limits and tax rules as IRAs at other brokerages. You can trade stocks, options, and ETFs within an IRA on Webull. Withdrawals before age 59½ typically trigger a 10% penalty plus income tax, with some exceptions.

Can I use Webull if I live outside the United States?

Webull is primarily designed for U.S. residents. Non-U.S. citizens may be able to open an account if they have a U.S. address and a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), but restrictions vary by country. Contact Webull directly to confirm whether you can open an account from your location.