Written by
Carlos Mendez
(MBA, CFA Level II)
Senior Financial Analyst
Published:
Oct 26, 2025
Updated:
Sep 30, 2025
Reviewed by
Editorial Team
Editor
Overall Rating
4.2
out of 5.0
Score Breakdown
Who Is This Broker For?
Best for: US-based beginner investors who want simple, commission-free stock and crypto trading via mobile.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Zero commission on stocks, ETFs, options, and crypto
- No minimum deposit requirement
- Intuitive mobile-first app design
- Fractional shares available
- 24/7 cryptocurrency trading
- IRA accounts with 1% match on contributions
Cons
- Only available in USA
- Limited research and educational resources
- Customer service primarily via email (slow response)
- Payment for order flow model (may affect execution quality)
- Limited asset classes (no forex, futures, bonds)
- Past regulatory issues and outages
Fees & Costs
Spreads
Not applicable (commission-free model)
Commission
$0 on stocks, ETFs, options, crypto
Overnight/Swap
5% APR on margin (Robinhood Gold); no interest on standard accounts
Deposit Fee
$0
Withdrawal Fee
$0
Trading Platforms
Mobile (iOS/Android)
Web
Safety & Regulation
Regulated by:
SEC (USA)
FINRA (USA)
SIPC member
Available in: USA only
Availability
Countries: USA only
Languages: English, Spanish
Payment Methods
-
ACH Bank Transfer
$0 • Instant with Instant Deposits (up to $1,000); otherwise 4-5 business days
-
Wire Transfer
$0 • 1 business day
-
Debit Card
$0 • Instant (up to $1,000)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Robinhood safe?
Yes, Robinhood is regulated by SEC and FINRA. Securities are protected by SIPC up to $500,000. However, they have faced regulatory fines in the past.
How does Robinhood make money if it's commission-free?
Robinhood earns from payment for order flow (selling order data to market makers), Robinhood Gold subscriptions, and interest on uninvested cash.
What is Robinhood Gold?
A $5/month subscription offering professional research from Morningstar, Level II market data, margin investing, and larger instant deposits.
Can I day trade on Robinhood?
Yes, but if you're flagged as a Pattern Day Trader (4+ day trades in 5 business days), you'll need to maintain $25,000 minimum equity.
Can non-US residents use Robinhood?
No, Robinhood is only available to US citizens and residents with a valid Social Security Number and US address.
Sources & References
This analysis is based on verified information from the following official sources:
Last verified: September 30, 2025. All links verified and active at time of publication.