This is not investment advice. The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any financial product.
Moving money in and out of your brokerage account should be fast, free, and easy. This guide compares the funding methods offered by major brokers.
Funding methods comparison
| Method | Speed | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACH transfer | 1-3 days | Free | Regular deposits, bill pay |
| Wire transfer | Same day | $0-$30 incoming | Large amounts, urgent |
| Mobile cheque deposit | 2-5 days | Free | Paper cheques |
| ACAT transfer | 5-10 days | $0-$100 out | Switching brokers |
| Direct deposit | 1-2 days | Free | Payroll to brokerage |
| Debit card | Instant | Varies | Small instant deposits |
| Crypto deposit | Varies | Network fee | Crypto to crypto broker |
ACH transfer — standard method
ACH (Automated Clearing House) is the standard way to move money between your bank and your brokerage. It is free at every major broker. The first transfer after linking a new bank may take 2-3 days. Subsequent transfers typically settle in 1 business day.
Most brokers credit your account with instant buying power for the first $1,000 of an ACH deposit (Robinhood Gold increases this limit). You can trade immediately, but you cannot withdraw the funds until the transfer settles.
Wire transfer — fastest for large amounts
Wire transfers are processed the same business day if submitted before the cutoff time (usually 2-4 PM ET). They are best for large deposits ($10,000+) or when speed matters.
Incoming wire fees: Most brokers do not charge for receiving a wire. Fidelity, Schwab, Vanguard, and IBKR are all free for incoming wires. Some banks charge for sending wires ($15-$30).
Outgoing wire fees: Withdrawing via wire typically costs $15-$30 at most brokers. Fidelity and Vanguard are exceptions — they offer free wire transfers.
Direct deposit — automate your investing
Many brokers offer direct deposit for paychecks. You can split your paycheck between your bank account and your brokerage account, automatically investing a percentage of every payday. This is the easiest way to build a consistent investing habit without thinking about it.
Mobile cheque deposit
Take a photo of a paper cheque in the broker's app. The deposit is processed like a bank mobile deposit. Hold times are 2-5 business days before the funds are available to withdraw, though you can typically trade with the first $1,000-$5,000 immediately.
Withdrawal methods
| Method | Speed | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| ACH to bank | 1-3 days | Free |
| Wire to bank | Same day | $0-$30 |
| Cheque by mail | 5-10 days | Free |
| Debit card (if offered) | Instant | Varies |
Withdrawing via ACH is free at every major broker. Wire withdrawals may cost $15-$30.
Funding by broker
| Broker | ACH In/Out | Wire In | Wire Out | Cheque | Crypto |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fidelity | Free / Free | Free | Free | Yes | No |
| Schwab | Free / Free | Free | $15 | Yes | No |
| Interactive Brokers | Free / Free | Free | Free (1/mo) | No | No |
| Vanguard | Free / Free | Free | Free | No | No |
| Robinhood | Free / Free | N/A | N/A | No | Yes |
| Webull | Free / Free | Free | $25 | No | Yes |
Common questions
How long until I can withdraw after depositing? ACH deposits typically have a 4-6 business day hold before funds can be withdrawn. You can trade with the first $1,000-$5,000 immediately.
Can I fund my brokerage account with a credit card? Generally no. Most brokers do not accept credit card funding. Robinhood allows debit card funding with limits.
Is there a limit on how much I can deposit? No standard ACH limit, though your bank may have daily transfer limits ($10,000-$50,000 is common). Wires have no practical limit.
Can I use a non-US bank account? Yes, at Interactive Brokers and Schwab International. You will likely use a wire transfer (SEPA in Europe, SWIFT internationally). Currency conversion may apply.
Where to start
Link your bank account via ACH transfer — it is free at every major broker. Set up a recurring monthly deposit to automate your investing. See the how to open a brokerage account guide for the full setup process.