How To Transfer From E*TRADE To Robinhood

If you're looking to switch brokerage platforms, the ACATS transfer makes things simple. Recent regulatory and industry changes have dramatically improved the transfer process, so now is one of the best times ever to consider moving your portfolio.

In this article, we will discuss how to transfer from E*TRADE to Robinhood, including the latest timeline improvements, requirements, account restrictions, potential fees, and frequently overlooked important steps—including recent changes you should know.

Don't forget to grab your free stock worth up to $200 from Robinhood today!

Check out my video on how to transfer your brokerage account below, let's dive in!

ACATS Transfer Fee and Current Offers

E*TRADE supports account transfers through the ACATS service. This type of transfer is also supported by Robinhood.

For a full account transfer, E*TRADE charges a $75 one-time fee deducted from your brokerage account cash balance.

Robinhood will reimburse this transfer fee up to $75 if your transferred account value is $7,500 or more. You must contact Robinhood support and provide documentation (a statement or screenshot) showing the fee to receive the reimbursement. This applies per account type (e.g., individual taxable account and Roth IRA are eligible for separate reimbursements).

Beware: If you ever decide to transfer OUT of Robinhood, they impose a $100 ACATS out fee for full or partial transfers.

Special offer (subject to change): Robinhood has periodically offered a 2% transfer bonus for Robinhood Gold members transferring $5,000 or more, with a required 5-year hold period. Check the latest details in your app as offers and eligibility periods may change.

Transfer Checklist: What You Need To Know Before Starting

• Account Name Matching: Your account must have an identical legal name at both brokers (including middle names or initials). Mismatches will cause delays or rejections. Update your profiles before beginning if needed.
• Account Type Compatibility: Robinhood only accepts transfers from individual and joint taxable brokerage accounts, as well as Traditional and Roth IRAs. Business, trust, or custodial accounts at E*TRADE cannot transfer into Robinhood.
• Asset Eligibility: You cannot transfer certain asset types. See next section for details.
• Prepare Cost Basis Records: Cost basis data for your transferred holdings may take up to 15 days to appear on Robinhood. Save your last E*TRADE statement in case of discrepancies.
• Avoid Transfer Weekends: E*TRADE is in the process of integrating with Morgan Stanley, which may result in occasional transfer blackout dates. Check your communication from E*TRADE regarding any upcoming transfer weekends that could impact processing.

What Assets CAN and CANNOT Transfer?

• Fractional Shares cannot transfer and will be automatically liquidated by E*TRADE. Proceeds will follow to Robinhood as cash via a residual sweep. Only whole shares of stocks/ETFs are transferable.
• Mutual Funds and Bonds: Robinhood does not support most mutual funds or individual bonds. Positions in these will remain at E*TRADE or be liquidated and transferred as cash if you request a full transfer.
• Options Contracts: Only options contracts with more than 7 business days until expiration are eligible to transfer. Contracts with closer expiration cannot move and will remain or require liquidation.
• Cryptocurrency: Crypto assets cannot transfer between E*TRADE and Robinhood—you must liquidate them and repurchase if desired.
• Other Restricted Assets: Futures, annuities, private placements, or certain foreign securities also may not transfer and require separate handling.
• Residual cash, dividends, or corporate action proceeds: Items settling after the transfer will arrive in subsequent "residual sweep" transfers—this process can take several days or weeks after the main ACATS transfer completes.

Pro tip: If you have non-transferable assets, consider selling them at E*TRADE before starting your transfer for a cleaner, quicker process.

How To Transfer From E*TRADE To Robinhood: Step-By-Step

1. Open A Robinhood Account

The first step you need to take is setting up your new brokerage account with Robinhood.

Use the button above to get a completely free stock when you sign up!

Once you download the app on your phone or begin creating an account on their website, you will be prompted to provide basic information, including your full legal name (matching your E*TRADE account for transfer approval).

2. Gather Information From E*TRADE

In order to transfer your account, you will need your E*TRADE account number. This can be found by logging on to your E*TRADE account. Make sure your name and registration type exactly match your Robinhood account.

Robinhood may also ask you to upload or email a copy of your most recent statement, so it is a good idea to have this on hand.
Note: For E*TRADE, your account number should be 8 numerals only. Double-check before submitting.

3. Initiate The Transfer

Once you have opened a brokerage account with Robinhood, the next step is to initiate the transfer within Robinhood.

Follow the steps below to initiate the transfer:

1. Open the Robinhood app.
2. Tap the person icon along the bottom navigation menu.
3. Tap the three lines icon in the top left.
4. Select "Transfers."
5. Choose "Transfer accounts into Robinhood."
6. Select E*TRADE by typing it in the search bar.
7. Enter your E*TRADE account number
8. Confirm your account name and type (must match exactly with Robinhood to avoid rejection)
9. Answer whether your E*TRADE account holds mutual funds or bonds (these typically will not transfer)
10. Choose full or partial transfer.
    • If partial, note: the portion of each security being transferred is restricted and cannot be sold or adjusted until the transfer completes
11. Review the transfer and submit.

What Happens Next?

Robinhood enables users to track their transfer requests through the app's history section. Typically, your transfer will be completed in 3-4 business days thanks to the recent industry-wide ACATS update.

During the transfer period, you cannot access or trade the securities being transferred. If you're transferring only part of your holdings in a particular security, the entire position may be subject to restriction for the duration of the transfer.

After the transfer is complete:

• Fractional shares, ineligible mutual funds/bonds, and untransferred options are liquidated at E*TRADE and sent as cash.
• Cost basis data (your tax records) will typically populate in Robinhood within 15 calendar days. Until then, performance info may be missing.
• Residual sweeps (cash from dividends/unsettled trades) can arrive days or even weeks after the main transfer. Monitor your Robinhood balance.

ACATS Transfer Rejection: Key Reasons & How to Avoid Them

• Incorrect account number: Use your E*TRADE account number only (usually 8 digits). Double-check before entering.
• Name mismatch: Even small differences in spelling, punctuation, or use of middle names/initials will cause rejection. Names must match exactly, so update both E*TRADE and Robinhood before starting.
• Ineligible asset types: If your E*TRADE account contains ineligible assets (fractional shares, expiring options, mutual funds, crypto, etc.), the transfer will fail or proceed as a partial transfer (excluding unsupported assets). Sell non-transferable assets or request a cash transfer of these.
• Unmet margin or options requirements: If your E*TRADE account has an outstanding margin balance or you lack options approval at Robinhood, transfer may be rejected. Settle any outstanding balances and/or secure necessary approvals before starting.

If your transfer is rejected: Robinhood will notify you in-app or by email. Correct the mismatch/problem and re-initiate the transfer from the beginning.

Regulatory Oversight & Industry Improvement

Recent regulatory action means transfers to Robinhood are now subject to increased scrutiny and faster timelines. Robinhood previously faced disciplinary action from FINRA for rejecting over 116,000 transfers for technical errors, leading to stricter compliance in the ACATS process. Transfers today are much more reliable, but name/account type matching is enforced to the letter to prevent errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Will my cost basis and tax lots transfer automatically?
  Yes—cost basis data is sent electronically from E*TRADE to Robinhood, but may take up to 15 days after assets arrive. Always save your last E*TRADE statement for backup tax records.
• When will I receive proceeds from fractional shares or dividends paid during the transfer?
  These will arrive as "residual sweeps" automatically, usually within 1-3 weeks after your main transfer completes. Check both accounts to ensure all funds transfer.
• Can I transfer business or trust accounts to Robinhood?
  No—Robinhood supports only individual/joint taxable accounts and Traditional or Roth IRAs (no business, trust, or custodial accounts).
• What if my account is being converted to Morgan Stanley as part of the E*TRADE merger?
  You may experience brief transfer restrictions during your "transfer weekend" window. Confirm your schedule with E*TRADE/Morgan Stanley to avoid processing delays.
• Is there any risk in transferring near options expiration?
  Yes—do not initiate transfers if you have options expiring within 7 business days, as these contracts cannot move and may cause complications.

For more detail and help, refer to Robinhood's support documentation or consult with their customer service before beginning your transfer. If in doubt, it’s a good idea to order a recent E*TRADE statement and double-check all account info for a seamless transition.

Ready to make the switch? Robinhood is now faster and more seamless than ever for moving your investments—just be sure to follow all the updated steps above for a smooth transfer in 2025!