How to Open a Robinhood Account: Step by Step

Opening a Robinhood account takes about 10 minutes on your phone. There's no minimum deposit, and you can start investing with as little as $1.

Checked 25 September 2026.

What you need

• To be 18 or older and live in the US
• A Social Security number
• A US address (not a PO box)
• A bank account to transfer money from
• A photo ID, in case Robinhood asks to verify you

Step 1: Download the app and create a login

Get Robinhood from the App Store or Google Play, or sign up on robinhood.com. Enter your email and create a strong password.

Step 2: Enter your personal details

Robinhood asks for your legal name, date of birth, address, SSN, employment status and a rough idea of your income and investing experience. This is required by law for every US broker, not something Robinhood made up.

Step 3: Choose your account type

• Individual investing account: the standard taxable account. Start here if you're not sure.
• Roth or Traditional IRA: for retirement savings, with Robinhood's contribution match. See the Robinhood IRA match.

You can add an IRA later without opening a new login.

Step 4: Turn on two-factor authentication

Before anything else, go to Account → Security and turn on two-factor authentication with an authenticator app. It's the single best protection for any investing account.

Step 5: Link your bank and deposit

Link your bank through the app (most banks connect in seconds by logging in), then choose an amount. Bank transfers usually take a few business days to fully clear, but instant deposits can let you invest part of it straight away. See how instant deposits work.

Step 6: Make your first investment

Search for a stock or ETF, tap Trade, then Buy. Choose Dollars to buy a fractional amount, like $25. For a first investment, a broad index ETF is a sensible start.

Use a limit order on anything that moves a lot, so you don't pay more than you meant to.

Settings to check before trading

• Options and margin: leave both off until you understand them. See margin explained.
• Recurring investments: set a weekly or monthly auto-buy to invest consistently.
• Cash sweep: turn it on so uninvested cash earns interest.

FAQ

How long does Robinhood take to approve an account?

Often within minutes. Some applications need extra ID checks, which can take a few business days.

Is there a minimum to open a Robinhood account?

No. You can open the account with $0 and start investing from $1.

Can I open a Robinhood account for my child?

Yes. Robinhood now offers custodial accounts, which you manage until your child reaches adulthood.

More on Robinhood: our full Robinhood review, Is Robinhood Safe? How Your Money Is Protected, The Robinhood IRA Match, Explained, Robinhood Legend Review: Is It Good Enough for Active Traders?, or the Robinhood guide.