Category: Essentials

Trading vs Investing

Understand the key differences between trading and investing to choose the right approach.

Explore by topic

Follow us

Resources

Experts

All investing involves risk.

Brokerage services are offered through Robinhood Financial LLC, (“RHF”) a registered broker dealer (member SIPC), and clearing services through Robinhood Securities, LLC, (“RHS”) a registered broker dealer (member SIPC).  While there is no additional cost to use Robinhood Legend, there are other fees associated with your brokerage account. Review the  fee schedule for more information.

Portfolio Management offered through Robinhood Asset Management, LLC (“Robinhood Strategies” or “RAM”), an SEC-registered investment advisor. For additional information about Robinhood Strategies, including about services, fees, risks, and conflicts of interest, please see our firm’s brochure.

Futures and cleared swaps trading is offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC, (“RHD”) a registered futures commission merchant with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and a Member of the National Futures Association (NFA). RHD is not FDIC insured or SIPC protected.
Cryptocurrency services are offered through an account with Robinhood Crypto, LLC (“RHC”) (NMLS ID: 1702840). Robinhood Crypto is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the New York State Department of Financial Services. Review a list of RHC’s licenses for more information. Cryptocurrency held through Robinhood Crypto is not FDIC insured or SIPC protected.

The Robinhood spending account is offered through Robinhood Money, LLC (“RHY”) (NMLS ID: 1990968), a licensed money transmitter. Review a list of our licenses for more information.
The Robinhood Cash Card is a prepaid card issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Mastercard® International Incorporated. Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated.
Robinhood Gold Card is subject to credit approval and underwriting. Robinhood Gold Card is offered by Robinhood Credit, Inc. (“RCT”), and is issued by Coastal Community Bank, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. RCT is a financial technology company, not a bank.
Robinhood Gold is a subscription-based membership program of premium services offered through Robinhood Gold, LLC (“RHG”).
RHF, RHS, RAM, RHD, RHC, RHY, RCT, and RHG are affiliated entities and wholly owned subsidiaries of Robinhood Markets, Inc. RHF, RHS, RAM, RHD, RHC, RHY, RCT, and RHG are not banks. Investing products offered by RHF are not FDIC insured and involve risk, including possible loss of principal.
RHY is not a member of FINRA, and products are not subject to SIPC protection, but funds held in the Robinhood spending account and Robinhood Cash Card account may be eligible for FDIC pass-through insurance (review the Robinhood Cash Card Agreement and the Robinhood Spending Account Agreement).
Funds held in your Robinhood Cash Card account at Sutton Bank are eligible for FDIC insurance up to $250,000 and will not accrue or pay any interest. The availability of FDIC insurance is contingent upon Robinhood maintaining records acceptable to the FDIC, as receiver, if Sutton Bank should fail. FDIC insurance limits apply collectively to all of your deposits held at Sutton Bank.
Options trading entails significant risk and is not appropriate for all customers. Customers must read and understand the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options before engaging in any options trading strategies. Options transactions are often complex and may involve the potential of losing the entire investment in a relatively short period of time. Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk, including the potential for losses that may exceed the original investment amount.
4784959
Robinhood, 85 Willow Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025. © 2026 Robinhood. All rights reserved.

Follow us

© 2026 Robinhood Academy (1587067H).