What Happens To My Stocks if Robinhood Goes Under or Bankrupt?

Robinhood is a relatively new trading platform, founded in 2013, and it has quickly grown in popularity due to its commission-free trading. However, the company has also faced some criticism, including allegations of poor customer service and insufficient funds to cover customer losses. In fact, in February 2018 the company was forced to take out a $110 million loan just to stay afloat.

It's a question on the minds of many Robinhood users lately: what happens if Robinhood goes bankrupt? This article will explore that question in depth, and also provide some tips on what you can do to protect your investments if robinhood went out of business.

What is Robinhood and how does it work?

robinhood stock trading app

The Robinhood app is a free stock trading app that allows you to buy and sell stocks without paying any fees. It's a great way to get started in the stock market because there are no commissions or fees. Robinhood also offers a variety of features, including a research center, newsfeed, and education center. The app is available for both Android and iOS devices.

What happens if Robinhood goes bankrupt?

a chart trending downwards

In the unlikely event that Robinhood goes under, it could mean big trouble for the average person.

When a company like that goes under, it can sometimes mean that people who invested in it lose their assets during bankruptcy proceedings.

How are my stocks protected?

robinhood being a member of SPIC and FDIC

Robinhood is a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC Insurance), which protects securities customers of its members up to $500,000. This means that if Robinhood were to go under, your assets would be protected up to $500,000. This is a major benefit of using Robinhood, as it gives you peace of mind knowing that your assets are safe, and there are measures to protect investors.

Cash in your Robinhood account is also eligible for FDIC cash insurance up to a total maximum of $250,000.

Crypto assets and crypto trading in Robinhood are not protected by SIPC or FDIC insurance.

How is my user data protected?

Robinhood protects user stocks in case of bankruptcy, and it has also implemented multiple layers of security to safeguard user data.

For example, all Robinhood accounts' user passwords are encrypted, and the company does not store sensitive information like social security numbers or credit card numbers. In addition, Robinhood employs a team of experts who monitor the markets around the clock to ensure that users' money is always safe.

Tips on protecting your investments in case of general bankruptcy

an umbrella protecting investments

If you're using Robinhood to invest in stocks, there are a few things you can do to help protect your assets in case of financial trouble like, for example, if Robinhood goes out of business.

Diversify your portfolio

First, make sure that you diversify your asset portfolio on your Robinhood account. This means investing in a variety of business, industries and cash, so if one company goes bankrupt, you won't lose everything.

Keep an eye on financial health of companies

Second, try to keep an eye on the financial health of the companies you're an investor in. You can do this by reading financial reports and news articles on Robinhood about the company. This will help you avoid investing in companies that are likely to go bankrupt.

Use stockbrokers

Third, use a brokerage account instead of Robinhood. Brokers offer commission-free trading, but they also have more protections in place if the company goes bankrupt. For example, many members of the brokerage industry (like Robinhood) are members of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), which protects customer assets of investors up to $500,000.

Invest in mutual funds

Fourth, consider investing in mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs). These types of brokerage accounts are typically less risky than individual stocks, and they offer more protection for investors if the company goes bankrupt.


Finally, keep in mind that no investment is 100% safe. There is always some risk involved when trading in the stock market. But by following these tips, you can help minimize that risk and safeguard your cash in case Robinhood shuts its doors due to bankruptcy.

Alternatives to Robinhood

robinhood alternatives on iphones

Robinhood is a great broker for beginners, but there are other, more advanced brokers out there that might be a better fit for you, such as TDAmeritrade, TradeKing and Etrade. Here are three alternative brokers to consider that are not robinhood:

TradeKing

TradeKing is a well-known broker with a wide range of features. They offer low commissions and a wide range of investment options for cash accounts.

E*Trade

E*Trade is another popular broker with a wide range of features. They offer low commissions and a variety of investment options.

Merrill Edge

Merrill Edge is a brokerage offered by the bank, Bank of America. They offer low commissions and a variety of investment options.

Final thoughts

Robinhood app in front of a stylised union jack flag

Robinhood is a commission-free stock trading app that has gained popularity in recent years. The platform offers a variety of features, including a research center, newsfeed, and education center. It is available for both Android and iOS devices.

So, what happens if Robinhood goes out of business? It could mean big trouble for the average person. When a company like that goes under, it can sometimes mean that people who invested in it lose everything.

However, Robinhood is a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC Insurance), which protects securities and money of its customers up to $500,000.

This means that if Robinhood were to go under, your cash would be protected up to $500,000.

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