In today’s financial landscape, managing buying power on investment platforms has become a fundamental skill for those who trade or invest in stocks. For users who do not know how to transfer buying power to bank Robinhood, it is a crucial process, especially when you’re looking to access your investment gains or cash out to your bank account. This guide walks you through the best way to Robinhood buying power to withdrawable cash, highlighting each step, essential tips, and common questions to ensure you make the most of your funds.

Do you know what is Buying Power?
Buying power represents the amount of money available in your brokerage account to buy stocks, options, or other securities. It includes your cash balance and any margin funds (if applicable). Understanding the difference between buying power and withdrawable cash is essential because not all buying power is immediately accessible for withdrawal.
Difference Between Buying Power and Withdrawable Cash
Buying power is intended for trading purposes and may include unsettled funds or margin money, which aren’t always accessible as withdrawable cash. Withdrawable cash refers to the settled cash in your account that is available for transfer to your bank. Understanding this distinction helps you avoid delays and fees from attempting to withdraw funds that aren’t yet available.
Step-by-Step Guide to Transfer Buying Power to Withdrawable Cash
- Confirm the Settled Cash Balance
To withdraw funds, they must be in the form of settled cash. Stock trades typically take two business days to settle (known as T+2 settlement period), while options trades usually take one business day. Funds from unsettled trades contribute to buying power but aren’t yet withdrawable. Here’s how to check for settled funds:
- Login to Your Brokerage Account: Access the “Cash Management” or “Balance” section.
- View Settled Cash Balance: Look for terms like “Settled Funds” or “Withdrawable Cash.” If you have recent transactions, ensure the funds have settled to avoid issues during withdrawal.
- Sell Holdings (If Needed)
If you’re looking to convert non-cash buying power into withdrawable cash, consider selling some of your investments:
- Select Stocks to Sell: Choose stocks or securities to sell, keeping in mind that the proceeds will contribute to your buying power.
- Complete the Sale: Confirm the trade and note the T+2 settlement period.
- Wait for Settlement: Once sold, funds from the transaction will settle in your account, turning them into withdrawable cash within the next two business days.
- Avoid Instant Buying Power from Margin
Margin accounts may display instant buying power, including borrowed funds. This buying power isn’t entirely yours to withdraw, as it represents money borrowed from the brokerage. Attempting to withdraw it will result in additional fees and potentially impact your account. To avoid confusion, check if your account is on margin and subtract any margin balance from your buying power when calculating withdrawable cash.
- Request a Transfer to Your Bank Account
Once you have confirmed your available settled cash, you can initiate a transfer to your bank account:
- Navigate to Transfers: Find the “Withdraw” or “Transfer” section in your brokerage account.
- Select Withdrawable Cash Amount: Specify the amount you wish to withdraw.
- Choose Your Linked Bank Account: Ensure your bank details are up-to-date and linked to avoid delays.
- Confirm and Submit the Transfer: Follow any verification steps as prompted, and submit the withdrawal request.
Most brokerage platforms transfer funds within 3-5 business days, depending on your bank’s processing times.
Tips for Efficiently Managing Buying Power and Withdrawable Cash
Use Settled Cash for Withdrawals
Always ensure that you are withdrawing settled cash only. Attempting to withdraw unsettled funds may lead to restricted trading or account penalties.
Consider Transfer Timing
Plan your trades around weekends and holidays if you need cash quickly. Settlement times are counted in business days, so initiating trades at the start of the week often allows for quicker fund accessibility by the week’s end.
Avoid Overuse of Margin
If your account is margin-enabled, be cautious with your withdrawals. Withdrawing funds may reduce your account balance below the margin requirements, leading to a margin call. Margin calls require immediate repayment, which could force you to sell stocks at an inopportune time.
Optimize Your Cash Strategy by Scheduling Withdrawals
Strategically schedule your withdrawals if you frequently need cash from your account. By spacing out trades and withdrawals, you can maintain steady cash flow without incurring frequent settlement waits or account restrictions.
Common Questions About Transferring Buying Power to Withdrawable Cash
- Why Can’t I Withdraw My Buying Power on Robinhood?
Buying power often includes unsettled funds, margin amounts, or pending transfers. Only settled cash is withdrawable. Check your account’s “Settled Funds” section to confirm availability.
- What Happens If I Withdraw Unsettled Funds?
Attempting to withdraw unsettled funds could result in a trade restriction or account penalty. Most brokerages will block this withdrawal, but if processed, it may lead to delayed transfers.
- How Long Does It Take to Settle Funds After Selling Stocks?
In most U.S.-based brokerages, stock trades take two business days to settle (T+2), while options take one business day (T+1). Once settled, the funds can be withdrawn as cash.
- Can I Withdraw My Margin Balance?
No, margin funds are not withdrawable cash. They represent borrowed funds from your brokerage. Attempting to withdraw them can lead to fees, penalties, and potentially a margin call if your account balance is affected.
- What Is a Margin Call, and How Does It Affect Withdrawals?
A margin call occurs when your account’s equity falls below the brokerage’s maintenance requirement. If you attempt to withdraw funds and reduce your balance below the required margin, you may need to deposit additional funds or sell securities to restore your balance.
- Are There Any Fees for Withdrawing Buying Power?
Most brokerages do not charge for basic withdrawals to your bank account. However, fees may apply if you’re withdrawing funds involving unsettled transactions or if your account has margin liabilities.
- How Do I Avoid Delays in Withdrawal?
The best way to avoid delays is to ensure that funds are fully settled before initiating a withdrawal. Double-check your “Withdrawable Cash” balance to confirm availability, and avoid initiating withdrawals on Fridays or holidays for faster processing.
- Can I Use Buying Power Immediately After a Deposit?
Some brokerages allow “instant buying power” for newly deposited funds, but these funds will not be withdrawable until fully settled. It’s wise to wait until the deposit clears before planning any withdrawals.
Final Thoughts on Transferring Buying Power to Withdrawable Cash
Understanding the difference between buying power and withdrawable cash is crucial for anyone managing their investments. By ensuring funds are fully settled and understanding the role of margin in your account, you can manage your buying power more effectively and avoid withdrawal delays. This guide offers a roadmap to transferring buying power to withdrawable cash smoothly, empowering you to access your funds with confidence.







