What You Need to Start a Robinhood Savings Account
Robinhood offers a savings account through a partnership with banks like Sutton Bank and Coastal Community Bank. To open one, you need to be at least 18 years old, have a valid Social Security number, and provide a government-issued ID. You'll also need a phone number and email address that you can access during the setup process.
The account opens entirely through the Robinhood app or website — there's no branch visit or paper forms. You can fund it immediately after opening using a linked bank account, debit card, or wire transfer. Robinhood does not charge monthly fees for the savings account itself.
Key Takeaways
- You open a Robinhood savings account through the app or website in about 10 minutes, and you need your Social Security number and a government ID.
- The account is held at a partner bank, not Robinhood itself, which means your deposits are covered by FDIC insurance up to $250,000.
- You can transfer money between your Robinhood brokerage account and savings account instantly, with no transfer fees.
- The interest rate on Robinhood savings accounts changes with market conditions and is not may provide to stay the same.
Step-by-Step Account Opening Process
Start by opening the Robinhood app or going to robinhood.com. If you already have a Robinhood brokerage account, tap or click on your account menu and look for "Cash Management" or "Savings." If you're new to Robinhood, you'll create your account first, then add the savings account as a feature.
When you reach the savings account section, Robinhood will ask you to verify your identity. You'll provide your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address. Have your government-issued ID ready — a driver's license, passport, or state ID works. Robinhood uses this information to confirm your identity with third-party verification services.
After identity verification, you'll review the account terms and agree to them. Robinhood will show you the current interest rate, though this rate is not locked in and can change. Once you confirm, your savings account opens immediately. You can then link a bank account or add funds using a debit card.
Funding Your Account and Moving Money
After your account opens, you can deposit money in several ways. The most common method is linking an external bank account and transferring funds — this usually takes one to three business days. You can also add money instantly using a debit card, though Robinhood may charge a small fee for this method depending on your card issuer.
If you already have a Robinhood brokerage account with cash in it, you can move money between your brokerage account and savings account instantly at no cost. This is one of the main reasons people use Robinhood's savings account — the ability to move cash quickly without waiting for bank transfers.
Robinhood does not set a minimum balance to open or maintain the account, so you can start with any amount. There are no monthly fees, no overdraft fees, and no fees for transfers between your Robinhood accounts.
Interest Rates and How They Work
Robinhood's savings account earns interest on your balance. The rate changes based on what the Federal Reserve does with interest rates — when the Fed raises rates, Robinhood typically raises its rate, and vice versa. Robinhood advertises its current rate on the app and website, but this rate is not may provide and can change at any time.
Interest is calculated daily on your full balance and deposited into your account monthly. You don't have to do anything to earn it — it happens automatically. The interest you earn is taxable income, and Robinhood will send you a 1099-INT form at the end of the year if you earned $10 or more in interest.
Because Robinhood's rate changes frequently, it's worth checking the current rate before you open the account. Compare it to rates at other banks if you're deciding where to put your money. Some traditional banks and online banks offer different rates, and the difference can add up over time if you have a large balance.
FDIC Insurance and Account Safety
Your Robinhood savings account is held at a partner bank — currently Sutton Bank or Coastal Community Bank — not at Robinhood itself. This matters because it means your deposits are covered by FDIC insurance up to $250,000. If the bank fails, the FDIC protects your money.
The $250,000 limit applies per depositor, per bank, per account type. If you have $250,000 in a Robinhood savings account and $250,000 in a Robinhood checking account (if Robinhood offers one), both are covered separately because they're different account types. However, if you have multiple savings accounts at the same bank under your name, they count toward the same $250,000 limit combined.
Robinhood itself is not a bank — it's a brokerage firm. Your savings account is separate from any brokerage investments you hold. This separation protects your savings even if something happens to Robinhood's brokerage business.
Linking and Unlinking Bank Accounts
To link an external bank account for transfers, go to your account settings in the Robinhood app and select "Linked Accounts" or "Bank Accounts." Enter your bank's routing number and your account number, or use your online banking login to connect directly. Robinhood will verify the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into your bank account within one to two business days.
Once verified, you can transfer money from that bank account into your Robinhood savings account. Transfers typically take one to three business days. You can also transfer money out of your Robinhood savings account back to your linked bank account using the same process.
If you want to remove a linked bank account, go to your account settings and select the account you want to unlink. Robinhood will stop allowing transfers to and from that account immediately. Any transfers already in progress will complete normally.
What Happens If You Close Your Account
If you decide to close your Robinhood savings account, you can do so through the app or website. Robinhood will ask you to withdraw any remaining balance first — you can transfer it back to a linked bank account or to your Robinhood brokerage account if you have one. Once your balance is zero, you can close the account.
Closing the account does not affect your Robinhood brokerage account if you have one. They operate separately, so you can close savings without touching your investments. There's no penalty or fee for closing the account.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to open a Robinhood savings account?
The account typically opens within 10 to 15 minutes if your identity verification goes through immediately. In some cases, Robinhood may need additional information and the process could take a few hours or up to one business day. You can start using the account as soon as it opens.
Can I have multiple Robinhood savings accounts?
No, Robinhood currently allows only one savings account per person. If you need multiple savings accounts, you would need to open them at different banks. However, you can have a Robinhood savings account and a Robinhood checking account (if available) at the same time.
What if my identity verification is denied?
If Robinhood cannot verify your identity automatically, it will ask you to submit additional documents or information. This might include a clearer photo of your ID, proof of address, or other verification. Contact Robinhood support through the app to find out what's needed and how to submit it.
Can I transfer money from my Robinhood brokerage account to savings instantly?
Yes, transfers between your Robinhood brokerage account and savings account are instant and free. This is one of the main features of using Robinhood's savings account — you can move cash quickly without waiting for bank transfers.
Is the interest rate may provide?
No, Robinhood's interest rate is not may provide and can change at any time. The rate typically moves when the Federal Reserve changes interest rates, but Robinhood sets its own rate and can adjust it independently. Check the current rate in the app before opening the account.