How To Transfer From M1 Finance To Robinhood

M1 and Robinhood are two popular commission-free stock trading apps, each offering a distinct investing experience. If you’re considering moving your investments from M1 Finance to Robinhood, you’re not alone—many investors transfer accounts each year to take advantage of new features, access different markets, or streamline their portfolios.

This guide will walk you through how to transfer your assets from M1 Finance to Robinhood step by step. We'll also make sure you're aware of critical details like fees, timeline expectations, supported assets, and common mistakes to avoid, so you can transfer with confidence.

Why Transfer from M1 Finance to Robinhood?
Switching to Robinhood offers benefits such as real-time trading (vs. M1’s periodic trade windows), access to options and cryptocurrency trading, support for futures, unique cash management features, and recently the ability to create and organize up to 10 brokerage accounts under a single login. That said, for those who prefer automated, long-term investing, M1 remains a strong choice.

Watch: How to Transfer Your Brokerage Account

Important: Before You Transfer

• Account Names Must Match: Your M1 and Robinhood accounts must have identical names (including middle names/initials if present) for a successful transfer.
• Choose Compatible Account Types: Robinhood supports transfers into individual, joint, or IRA accounts only. Trust, business, custodial, and Robinhood Strategies managed accounts are not eligible for inbound ACATS transfers.
• Supported Assets Only: Only whole shares of U.S.-listed stocks and ETFs, and certain options contracts, can transfer. See the asset support table below.
• Liquidate Fractional Shares: Fractional shares and stocks not supported on Robinhood will be sold by M1 and the cash will be sent after your transfer (as a “residual sweep”).
• No Crypto Transfers via ACATS: Cryptocurrencies do not transfer through this process. Any crypto must be sold or separately transferred using wallet features if supported.
• Ensure No Account Restrictions: Both your M1 and Robinhood accounts need to be in good standing (no negative balances, holds, or unresolved account issues).
• Options Trading: If moving options, ensure you have options trading enabled and approved on Robinhood, and that contracts are not expiring within 7 business days.

Understanding the ACATS Process

Stock and options transfers between U.S. brokerages are handled using the ACATS (Automated Customer Account Transfer Service), an industry-standard system that enables you to transfer securities “in-kind” (no sale required, so no tax impact!).

Timeline: Most transfers take 5–7 business days for the initial sweep. Afterwards, dividends or unsettled funds held at M1 may continue to arrive in “residual sweeps” for up to 6 months.

Recent Update: In October 2025, ACATS settlement cycles were shortened by one day, helping expedite future transfers.

1. Open A Robinhood Account

The first step is to set up your new brokerage account with Robinhood. If you already have a Robinhood account, proceed to the next section.

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

If you want to organize different investing strategies, note that Robinhood now allows you to open and maintain up to 10 individual brokerage accounts under one login—useful if splitting assets from M1 between strategies or goals.

2. Gather Information From M1 Finance

You'll need your M1 Account Number to begin your transfer. Here’s how to find it in M1’s app:

1. Login to the M1 Finance app.
2. Tap the person icon in the top right corner.
3. Under "Settings", tap on "Accounts".
4. Your account number will display (multiple accounts will show multiple numbers).

3. Review Supported Assets and Limitations

• Stocks & ETFs: Whole shares of most U.S.-listed stocks and ETFs transfer in-kind.
• Fractional Shares: Cannot be transferred. These are liquidated at M1 and the cash is sent to Robinhood as a residual sweep.
• Options: Transferable if they are supported by Robinhood and not expiring within 7 business days. Options trading must be enabled in Robinhood first.
• Crypto: Not transferable via ACATS. If supported, use Robinhood’s crypto wallet for separate transfers.
• Mutual Funds, Bonds, Futures: These cannot transfer via ACATS—M1 will liquidate them and send cash proceeds.

4. Understanding Transfer Fees

M1 Finance Outgoing Transfer Fee: $100 per transfer (full or partial).
Robinhood ACATS Out Fee (when leaving Robinhood): $100.
Transfer Reimbursement: Robinhood frequently offers transfer fee reimbursement (up to $75) for incoming account transfers over $7,500. Check with Robinhood Support or their current promotions for eligibility and details.

Note: Your actual fee may be deducted from residual cash swept into your Robinhood account after transfer completion.

5. Initiate the Transfer in Robinhood App

Once you have your Robinhood account and your M1 account number, you can start the transfer. The transfer must be initiated from within the Robinhood app (as the receiving broker).

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Open the Robinhood app and tap the person icon in the bottom navigation.
2. Tap the three lines menu (☰) at the top left corner.
3. Select "Transfers".
4. Tap "Transfer accounts into Robinhood".
5. Search for and select M1 Finance from the list.
6. Enter your M1 account number and confirm your account name.
7. Indicate if your M1 account includes mutual funds or bonds.
8. Choose full transfer (moves everything and restricts your M1 account) or partial transfer (only select assets; partial restriction may apply on M1).
9. Review the summary, confirm choices and submit your transfer request.

Full vs. Partial Transfer: A full account transfer moves all eligible assets and cash; your M1 account will be restricted from trading or withdrawals during the process. A partial transfer allows you to select specific assets; only those will be restricted, and you can continue to manage the rest in M1.

Tip: Make sure all entered information matches your M1 Finance records exactly, or your transfer will likely be rejected.

6. What to Expect During and After the Transfer

• Day 1: Robinhood submits your transfer via ACATS.
• Days 2–4: M1 receives and verifies your request (may request more details if info does not match exactly).
• Days 5–7: Main assets move into Robinhood and become available for trading.
• Residual Sweeps: Any dividends, late-arriving funds, or proceeds from fractional share liquidation arrive in batches for up to 6 months after the transfer. These will show as cash in your Robinhood account.
• Cost Basis Delay: M1 Finance has up to 15 calendar days to send detailed cost basis (your original purchase data) to Robinhood. Until then, you won’t see your average cost or total return on your transferred positions.

7. Troubleshooting & Common Issues

• Transfer Rejected? Common reasons include account number mismatch, unsupported asset types, or differences in account registration (name or account type discrepancy). Double-check all details.
• No Cost Basis? If your cost basis hasn’t appeared after 2 weeks, contact Robinhood Support. Sometimes it takes the full grace period for M1 to transmit these records.
• Unsettled Cash or Late Dividends? You may continue to receive multiple cash "residual sweeps" to Robinhood for months after the transfer.
• Unsupported Options/Crypto? Some options or crypto positions can’t transfer. Consider closing these at M1 before transfer, or check for special instructions in each platform's help center.
• Need to Cancel? Transfers can only be cancelled if the request is still "pending"; once in progress, you must contact Robinhood Support as soon as possible.

8. Additional Tips & Disclaimers

• ACATS transfers are not taxable events, but consult a tax professional regarding cost basis, loss harvesting, or if you sold any assets as part of the transfer process.
• Robinhood Transfer Bonuses: Robinhood has occasionally offered ACATS transfer bonuses of 1–2% for large incoming balances. Check their latest promotions page or contact support for any current offers.
• Transfer Fees: Plan for the M1 $100 outgoing transfer fee; Robinhood may reimburse up to $75 if your incoming transfer is $7,500+, but eligibility can change.
• Rejection Rate Disclaimer: Account transfer rejections can and do occur; about 30–50% of requests are rejected due to mismatched info. Review every entry carefully!
• Not Available for Robinhood Strategies Managed Accounts: If you have an account managed by Robinhood Strategies, the standard transfer process does not apply—refer to Robinhood’s help resources for more information on transferring those assets.

Summary Table: Supported vs. Unsupported Transfers

Ready to Start? By following the steps above and planning ahead, you can successfully transfer your investments from M1 Finance to Robinhood—taking advantage of features like real-time trading, options, and more. And don’t forget: using the signup button above, you’ll also receive a free stock just for opening your Robinhood account!