Transfer Vanguard to Robinhood in 2026
Moving Brokerage Accounts Between Robinhood and Vanguard
If you’re at Vanguard but want to switch to Robinhood, or if you’re at Robinhood but want to move to Vanguard, the process is straightforward thanks to the Automated Customer Account Transfer Service (ACATS). Use this guide to make the transition smooth.
Transfer from Vanguard to Robinhood
Both Vanguard and Robinhood use the ACATS network, which makes transferring your account easy. Follow these steps:
Task #1: Open a Robinhood Account
If you don’t already have a securities account at Robinhood, you’ll need to open one. Be sure to open a securities account, not a cryptocurrency account, as crypto accounts cannot receive ACATS transfers.
Make sure the name on your Robinhood account matches the name on your Vanguard account. This is a requirement for the ACATS system, and mismatched names will cause the transfer to be rejected.
If you already have a Robinhood account with the same name, you can use it for the transfer.
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Free stock up to $200 and 3% match when you open an account.
Open Robinhood Account
Task #2: Prepare Your Vanguard Account
Vanguard offers some investment types that Robinhood doesn’t support, such as mutual funds and fixed-income securities. These cannot be transferred to Robinhood.
You have three options for handling these assets:
(1) Sell them and transfer the cash.
(2) Do a partial transfer and leave these assets at Vanguard.
(3) Transfer them to another Vanguard account and then do the external transfer.
Additionally, Robinhood will not accept options contracts that expire within 7 days. You will need to either close them out or use one of the methods mentioned above.
Fractional shares cannot be moved to Robinhood. You can either transfer whole shares or sell fractional shares. Vanguard will convert fractional shares into cash before transferring the positions over.
Ensure all open orders are closed and trades are settled before starting the transfer.
Remember that Robinhood only offers individual accounts and Traditional/ROTH IRA, so only these can be moved. If you don’t have an individual account at Vanguard, consider opening one and moving assets there first.
Task #3: Prepare Your Robinhood Account
Now it’s time to prepare your Robinhood account.
If you want to move options, make sure options trading is enabled on your Robinhood account. If it’s not, you can add it through the settings menu in the mobile app under the Investing sub-menu.
If you’re transferring a margin debit, you need to add margin trading to your Robinhood account.
Task #4: Begin the Transfer
The ACATS transfer must be initiated with Robinhood (the receiving broker).
In the app, click the person icon in the bottom-right, then tap the three horizontal
lines in the top-left portion, and select Transfers. Choose “Transfer accounts in” to access the ACATS form.
On the ACATS form, select Vanguard, enter the requested details, and choose between a full or partial transfer. A full transfer will close your Vanguard account. Submit the form when done.
Robinhood Promotion
Free stock up to $200 and 3% match when you open an account.
Open Robinhood Account
Task #5: Monitor the Transfer
You can track the status of your transfer through the Robinhood mobile app or website. Keep an eye on it until it’s complete.
Transfer from Robinhood to Vanguard
Moving an account from Robinhood to Vanguard is similar, but there are a few differences.
Task #1: Open an Individual Vanguard Account
You’ll need an individual account, just like Robinhood offers. Make sure the name on your Vanguard account matches the name on your Robinhood account. If needed, open a second Vanguard account to meet these requirements.
Vanguard’s application form includes a transfer form, so you can initiate the ACATS transfer during the account opening process. If you choose to do this later, the same transfer form will be used.
Task #2: Prepare Your Robinhood Account
Robinhood will not transfer derivatives that expire in less than 5 days. You should close out these positions, move them to another Robinhood account, or leave them out of the transfer.
Cryptocurrencies can’t be transferred through ACATS. You’ll need to sell them and move cash instead.
Make sure open orders and unsettled trades are closed and settled before a full transfer. For a partial transfer, this isn’t necessary.
Task #3: Prepare Your Vanguard Account
If you’re moving options or a margin debit, add options and margin privileges to your Vanguard account. These features can be added through the Profile & Account Settings section under Trading Services & Agreements.
Task #4: Begin the Transfer
Vanguard’s website isn’t the easiest to navigate, and the mobile app doesn’t support ACATS transfers. If you didn’t submit the transfer during account opening, follow these steps:
Click on the What We Offer tab in the top menu, then select Transfers under Move money. Click on Learn how to transfer, then Start your transfer.
Specify whether you’re transferring into an existing account or opening a new one. Enter your Robinhood account details and choose full or partial transfer. You can either enter your Robinhood login credentials or provide your Robinhood account details manually.
Task #5: Monitor the Transfer
You can monitor your transfer on the Vanguard website under Track Your Transfer on the Account Details page (not available on the mobile app).
Cost and Timing
An ACATS transfer usually takes around a week and a half. Vanguard claims 3 to 5 business days, but delays can happen if forms aren’t filled out correctly or if assets can’t be transferred.
Robinhood charges a $100 fee for outgoing ACATS transfers (full or partial), which Vanguard does not reimburse.
Vanguard does not charge for outgoing transfers in the other direction.
Updated on 12/8/2025.
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