Have you ever been in a situation where you needed to pull some cash from your Robinhood account quickly, only to wonder exactly how long you’ll be waiting to see those funds? I’ve been there too, and lemme tell you – understanding Robinhood’s withdrawal timelines can save you a ton of frustration.
As an active Robinhood user for several years, I’ve made countless withdrawals and learned the ins and outs of their processes. In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know about withdrawal timeframes on Robinhood – from standard bank transfers to instant options.
The Quick Answer: Robinhood Withdrawal Timelines
For those in a hurry, here’s the short version
- Standard bank transfers (ACH): Typically 1-3 business days
- Instant withdrawals to debit card/bank: Usually within 30 minutes (fees apply)
- Withdrawals from Robinhood Strategies accounts: May take extra 2-3 days if assets need to be sold
Understanding Robinhood’s Withdrawal Methods
Before diving into timelines, let’s get familiar with the withdrawal options Robinhood offers:
Standard Bank Transfers (ACH)
This is the most common withdrawal method and comes with no fees. While it’s free, it’s also the slowest option.
Instant Withdrawals
Need your money faster? Robinhood offers instant withdrawals to:
- Your linked debit card
- Your linked bank account (via instant transfer)
The convenience comes with a cost a 1.75% fee (minimum $1, maximum $150 per transaction)
Step-by-Step: How to Withdraw Money from Robinhood
Using the Robinhood App:
- Select the Account icon (person icon)
- Tap the Menu (3 bars)
- Select Transfers → Withdraw
- Enter your desired withdrawal amount
- Choose which Robinhood account to withdraw from
- Select a linked external account for the transfer
- Look for “Instant transfers eligible” indication if available
- Review the withdrawal details and any fees
- Tap “Transfer”
Using Robinhood Web Classic:
- Select Account
- Select Transfer → Transfer money
- Enter your withdrawal amount
- Choose which Robinhood account to withdraw from
- Select a linked external account
- Look for “Instant transfers eligible” under eligible accounts
- Review withdrawal details and fees
- Click “Transfer”
Factors Affecting Withdrawal Timeframes
1. Settlement Periods
One of the biggest factors affecting when you can access your money is the settlement period After selling stocks or options, you must wait for the trade to settle before withdrawing those funds
For equities and options:
- Settlement period is T+1 (trade date plus 1 trading day)
- On the 2nd day, those proceeds become available as withdrawable cash
2. Account Type Considerations
Different Robinhood account types have different withdrawal timelines:
Investing Accounts
- Standard transfers: 1-3 business days
- Instant transfers: Usually within 30 minutes
- Settlement periods apply
Robinhood Strategies Managed Accounts
If your withdrawal request exceeds your available cash balance, Robinhood Strategies will need to sell assets, adding 2-3 extra days to the process.
Retirement Accounts
Subject to standard settlement periods and may have additional restrictions.
Spending Accounts
Withdrawals may be affected by pending debit card transactions or Round-ups.
3. Daily Withdrawal Limits
Your withdrawal speed may be impacted by daily limits:
- Standard bank transfers: Limits reset each business day at 7 PM ET
- Debit card/instant bank withdrawals: Limits reset each calendar day at 12 AM ET
You can view your personal limits in the app under Transfers → transfer limits.
What Can Delay Your Robinhood Withdrawals?
1. Withdrawable Cash Restrictions
Not all the money showing in your account may be immediately available for withdrawal. Here’s what might be held back:
- Settlement periods: As mentioned, sold securities need 1 trading day to settle
- Pending deposits: Funds from recent deposits may be unavailable
- Cash for pending orders: Money allocated to open orders isn’t withdrawable
- Referral stock proceeds: Cash from selling referral stocks has a 30-day holding period
- Margin investing requirements: If using margin, you need $2,000 minimum balance
- Options collateral: Cash held as collateral for options positions
- Round-ups: Small amounts set aside for investing from debit card purchases
2. Account Restrictions
If your Robinhood account has any restrictions, you might be unable to withdraw funds. Look for banner notifications in the app, or contact support for assistance.
3. Transfer Limit Constraints
Robinhood imposes daily withdrawal limits that vary by user. If you’re trying to withdraw more than your limit allows, you’ll face delays.
4. Withdrawing to a Different Bank Account
Here’s a big one many people don’t realize – for 60 days after making a deposit, you may need to provide additional verification if trying to withdraw to a different bank account than the one you deposited from.
If your original bank account is closed, you’ll need to contact Robinhood support and provide:
- Explanation why you can’t withdraw to the original bank
- Photo ID (front and back)
- Bank statements proving you own both accounts
- Withdrawal amount and receiving account details
How to Get Your Money Faster from Robinhood
If waiting 1-3 business days sounds too long, here are your options:
Option 1: Use Instant Withdrawals
For a fee of 1.75% (min $1, max $150), you can get your money within minutes using:
- Debit card transfers
- Instant bank withdrawals
This is ideal for emergencies when you can’t wait for standard processing.
Option 2: Plan Ahead for Settled Funds
Remember the T+1 settlement period? If you know you’ll need cash soon:
- Sell your securities at least 2 trading days before you need the money
- Wait for settlement
- Initiate your withdrawal once funds are fully settled
Option 3: Maintain a Cash Buffer
I’ve found it helpful to keep some uninvested cash in my Robinhood account at all times. This way, I always have some withdrawable cash without waiting for settlements.
Can You Cancel a Robinhood Withdrawal?
Yes, but only within specific timeframes. To cancel a pending withdrawal:
- Go to Account (person icon)
- In the app, select Menu (3 bars)
- Select History
- Find the pending withdrawal under “Pending”
- Select “Cancel transfer”
Important timing note: On trading days, there are 3 potential cutoff times when you can cancel a transfer, depending on when you initiated it. Once these times pass, the withdrawal can’t be cancelled.
Common Robinhood Withdrawal Problems (And Solutions)
Problem: “Insufficient Funds” Error Despite Having Money
Likely cause: Your funds may be tied up in pending orders, settlement periods, or margin requirements.
Solution: Check your “Withdrawable cash” amount (not your total balance) to see what’s actually available.
Problem: Withdrawal Taking Longer Than Expected
Likely causes:
- Bank processing delays (common on weekends/holidays)
- First-time withdrawals (may take longer for verification)
- Account restrictions
Solution: For standard transfers, wait at least 3 full business days before contacting support.
Problem: Unable to Withdraw to a Different Bank
Likely cause: 60-day security period for new withdrawal destinations.
Solution: Either wait until the 60-day period passes or contact Robinhood with the required verification documents.
Final Thoughts: Planning Your Robinhood Withdrawals
After years of using Robinhood, I’ve learned that the key to stress-free withdrawals is planning. If you need money by a certain date, work backward:
- Add 1-3 business days for standard transfer time
- Add 1 day for security settlement (if selling investments)
- Add 2-3 extra days as buffer for any unexpected issues
If you need money urgently and can’t wait, the instant withdrawal feature is a lifesaver, even with the fees.
Understanding these timelines has saved me a ton of headaches, and I hope it helps you manage your Robinhood account more effectively too!
FAQ: Robinhood Withdrawal Timelines
Q: Can I withdraw money from Robinhood on weekends?
A: Yes, you can initiate a withdrawal on weekends, but processing won’t begin until the next business day.
Q: How long does it take for a first-time withdrawal from Robinhood?
A: First-time withdrawals might take slightly longer (3-5 business days) as additional verification may be needed.
Q: Is there a limit to how much I can withdraw from Robinhood?
A: Yes, Robinhood imposes daily withdrawal limits that vary by user and account type. Check your personal limits in the app under Transfers → transfer limits.
Q: Will I be charged fees for withdrawing from Robinhood?
A: Standard ACH transfers are free but take 1-3 business days. Instant withdrawals incur a 1.75% fee (min $1, max $150).
Q: How long after selling stock can I withdraw the money from Robinhood?
A: After selling stock, you must wait for settlement (T+1, or 1 trading day after the sale). The funds become available for withdrawal on the 2nd day.
Remember, patience is key when it comes to Robinhood withdrawals. While instant options exist, they come at a cost. For most situations, a little planning goes a long way!