Overview

Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ: HOOD) is a Menlo Park–based financial services company that popularized commission-free stock trading in the US. It went public in 2021 and today serves millions of funded accounts across brokerage, retirement, crypto, and cash management products.

What Robinhood actually is

Robinhood is a self-directed brokerage that offers commission-free trading of US-listed stocks, ETFs, and options, plus crypto trading through Robinhood Crypto, LLC. It also provides Traditional and Roth IRAs, a high-yield Cash Sweep for Gold subscribers, and a Robinhood-branded credit card.

Who it's built for

Do-it-yourself US investors who want a modern mobile-first trading experience — from casual first-time investors buying fractional shares to active options traders.

Regulation & safety

Brokerage services are offered through Robinhood Financial LLC, a registered broker-dealer with the SEC, a FINRA member, and a SIPC member — customer securities are protected up to $500,000 (including $250,000 for cash claims). Crypto services are offered separately by Robinhood Crypto, LLC.