Robinhood does not issue refunds on trades or investments you buy through the platform

Robinhood is a brokerage — a place to buy and sell stocks, options, crypto, and other securities. When you buy a stock at $50 and it drops to $40, Robinhood does not refund the $10 difference. That loss is yours. Similarly, if you sell an investment at a loss, Robinhood keeps no portion of the sale price to return to you later. The money you receive from a sale goes directly to your account balance, minus any transaction fees Robinhood charges.

The only refunds Robinhood issues are for fees charged in error, duplicate charges, or unauthorized transactions on your account. These are rare and handled case-by-case through customer support. If you believe you were charged incorrectly, you can contact Robinhood's support team to request a review.

Key Takeaways

  • Robinhood does not refund investment losses or price changes — those are your responsibility as the account holder.
  • Refunds from Robinhood are limited to erroneous fees, duplicate charges, or unauthorized account activity.
  • If you want your money back, you can transfer your cash balance or sell your holdings and withdraw the proceeds to your bank account.
  • Robinhood does not charge commissions on stock or ETF trades, so most fee refunds involve margin interest, options fees, or account maintenance charges.

When Robinhood might issue a refund

Robinhood will refund a fee if you were charged by mistake. This can happen with margin interest (interest charged on borrowed money), options assignment fees, or account maintenance fees. If you notice a charge you do not recognize or believe was applied incorrectly, you can dispute it through the app or by contacting support.

Unauthorized transactions — someone else using your account without permission — may also result in a refund. Robinhood's fraud team can investigate and reverse charges if they determine the activity was not yours. This process typically takes several business days to a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the case.

Duplicate charges are another reason for a refund. If Robinhood charged you twice for the same fee or transaction, support can identify the duplicate and reverse one of the charges. These are usually caught quickly if you report them.

How to request a refund from Robinhood

Open the Robinhood app and go to your Account menu. Look for Help or Contact Support. Describe the charge you believe is incorrect, include the date and amount, and explain why you think it should not have been charged. Robinhood's support team will review your account history and respond within a few business days.

If the charge involves fraud or unauthorized access, you can also file a dispute through your bank or credit card company. This creates a separate record and may speed up the investigation. However, Robinhood's internal support process is usually faster for simple fee errors.

Keep screenshots or records of the charge in question. If Robinhood asks for documentation, having this ready will help resolve the issue sooner.

Getting your money out of Robinhood

If you want to close your account or move your money elsewhere, Robinhood lets you withdraw your cash balance to your linked bank account. This is not a refund — it is your own money being returned to you. The transfer typically takes one to three business days, depending on your bank.

If you hold investments, you must sell them first before you can withdraw the proceeds. Robinhood does not refund the value of your holdings; it converts them to cash when you sell. The price you receive depends on the market price at the time of sale, not on what you originally paid.

You can also transfer your entire account to another brokerage without selling. This is called an ACAT (Automated Customer Account Transfer) and moves your holdings as-is to the new firm. Robinhood does not charge for this, though some brokerages may charge a receiving fee.

Robinhood account fees and what they cover

Robinhood does not charge commissions on stock or ETF trades. However, you may see charges for margin interest (if you borrow money to trade), options assignment fees, or account maintenance. These are the fees most likely to be refunded if charged in error.

Margin interest accrues daily on borrowed funds and is calculated based on your margin balance and Robinhood's interest rate. If you believe the rate was applied incorrectly or the balance was calculated wrong, you can dispute it. Options assignment fees occur when an options contract you hold is exercised, and these are usually small but can be refunded if applied twice by mistake.

What happens if Robinhood goes out of business

Robinhood is a registered broker-dealer and member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC). This means your cash and securities held at Robinhood are protected up to $500,000 per account ($250,000 for cash) if the firm fails. This is not a refund — it is insurance that protects your account value.

In the unlikely event Robinhood closes, SIPC would work to return your holdings or cash to you. This process can take weeks or months, but your money would not be lost. You would not receive interest or compensation for the delay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I sold a stock at a loss?

No. Robinhood does not refund investment losses. When you sell, you receive the market price at that moment. If the price is lower than what you paid, that loss is yours. You may be able to use the loss to offset other investment gains for tax purposes, but Robinhood will not return the difference.

What if I was charged a fee I did not authorize?

Contact Robinhood support through the app and describe the charge. Include the date, amount, and reason you believe it was wrong. Support will review your account and refund the fee if they find it was applied in error. This usually takes three to five business days.

Does Robinhood refund money if I change my mind about a trade?

No. Once a trade is executed, it cannot be reversed or refunded. If you bought a stock and want to undo it, you must sell the stock yourself. You will receive whatever the current market price is, which may be higher or lower than what you paid.

Can I get my money back if I close my account?

Yes, but only your cash balance. Withdraw your cash to your linked bank account, which takes one to three business days. If you hold investments, sell them first and then withdraw the proceeds. Robinhood does not refund the value of your holdings — you must sell them at current market prices.

What if someone else used my Robinhood account without permission?

Report it to Robinhood support immediately. They will investigate and may reverse unauthorized trades or charges. You can also file a dispute with your bank or credit card company. The investigation typically takes one to three weeks, and refunds are issued once fraud is confirmed.