How to Withdraw Money from Robinhood: A Step-by-Step Guide
eta Description Need to cash out from your Robinhood account? Learn how to withdraw money to your bank account quickly and understand the timing and rules involved.

(Image: A simple graphic showing an arrow moving from the Robinhood logo to a bank building icon)
You’ve made some gains on your investments, and now you want to access your cash. Withdrawing money from your Robinhood account to your bank is a straightforward process, but there are a few key rules you need to know to avoid delays.
This guide will walk you through the simple steps and explain what to expect after you hit the withdraw button.
Before You Start: The Settlement Period Rule
This is the most important concept to understand. You can’t withdraw money immediately after selling a stock or ETF.
What is Settlement After you sell a security, the trade takes two business days (T+2) to fully settle. The cash from the sale is considered “unsettled” during this time.
The Rule: You can only withdraw settled cash to your bank. Robinhood will clearly label your available “Withdrawable Cash” balance, which is the amount that has settled and is ready to send.
If you try to withdraw unsettled funds, the transfer will be canceled.
Step-by-Step Withdrawal Instructions
Withdrawing funds is easy from both the Robinhood app and website. Here’s how to do it.
1: Link Your Bank Account (If You Haven’t Already)
Before any withdrawal, you need a verified bank account linked to your Robinhood account.
- Tap the Account (Person) Icon in the bottom right corner of the app.
- Go to Settings > Transfers > Link New Account
- You can securely link your bank by logging in through a partner like Plaid (instant) or by verifying micro-deposits (takes 1-2 days).
2: Initiate the Withdrawal
- From the app’s home screen, tap the Account Icon .
- Select Transfers
- Tap Transfer to Your Bank
- Choose the linked bank account you want to send the money to.
- Enter the amount you wish to withdraw. The app will automatically show your “Withdrawable Cash” balance to prevent errors.
- Review the details and confirm the transfer.
Withdrawal Timelines: How Long Does It Take?
Once you initiate a withdrawal, the money doesn’t arrive instantly. Here’s the typical timeline:
Standard Transfer (Free) This is the most common method. The transfer will be initiated and typically takes 3 to 5 business days to land in your bank account.
Instant Transfer (Fee May Apply): For a faster option, you can use an Instant Transfer to an eligible debit card. This can be much quicker (usually within 30 minutes), but Robinhood may charge a fee for this service. Check the app for the current fee structure.
Pro Tips for a Smooth Withdrawal
Plan Ahead: Remember the T+2 settlement rule. If you know you’ll need cash by a certain date, sell your securities a few days in advance.
Check Your Withdrawable Balance Always check the “Withdrawable Cash” amount before requesting a transfer. This is your guaranteed available amount.
Keep Some Cash for Trading: If you plan to keep investing, don’t withdraw your entire balance. Leave enough settled cash to cover your next trade.
Weekends and Holidays Don’t Count: Settlement and bank transfers only happen on business days (Monday-Friday, excluding market holidays).
Troubleshooting: Why Can’t I Withdraw My Money?
If you’re having trouble, here are the most common reasons:
Unsettled Funds The cash from a recent sale is still settling. Wait two business days.
Pending Deposit: If you recently added money to Robinhood, you may need to wait for that deposit to clear fully before you can withdraw it.
Options or Crypto Activity: Certain activities, like selling options contracts, have their own settlement rules that can affect your cash balance.
Account Restrictions If your account has any trading restrictions, it may also affect withdrawals.
Conclusion
Withdrawing money from Robinhood is a simple process once you understand the settlement period. The key is to ensure you are withdrawing from your “Withdrawable Cash balance, not your total buying power.
By planning your sales a few days before you need the cash and using the standard transfer, you can move your funds to your bank account reliably and for free.
Disclaimer This guide is for educational purposes only. Processing times and fees are subject to change by Robinhood. Always refer to the official Robinhood help center and your account details for the most current information before initiating a transfer.