How to Open a Webull Account in the US (2026 Step-by-Step Guide)
To open a Webull account you need to be a US resident, 18+, with an SSN, government ID and a bank account. There's no minimum. Pricing: $0 commission on US stocks and ETFs, $0 per contract on equity options, $0.30-$0.50 per contract on index options, and 1% on crypto buys and sells. Webull also offers Traditional and Roth IRAs. Webull Premium ($3.99/month or $40/year) adds a 1% IRA match and other perks. Canadians should use Webull Canada, a separate company with different accounts.
Webull is a US trading app known for detailed charts, extended-hours trading and $0 commissions. It's a strong platform. It's also built for active trading, which is the style that statistically loses most people money. This guide shows how to open an account and set it up for long-term investing.
Canadian? This guide is for the US platform. Webull Canada is a separate company with different accounts. See how to open a Webull Canada account.
Webull pricing (US)
| What | Cost |
|---|---|
| US stocks and ETFs | $0 commission |
| Equity options | $0 per contract |
| Index options | $0.30 - $0.50 per contract |
| Crypto | About 1% per buy or sell |
| Account minimum | $0 |
| Annual / inactivity fees | None |
| Webull Premium | $3.99/month or $40/year: 1% IRA match, advanced data, lower margin rates |
| Regulatory fees | Small SEC/FINRA fees on sales, passed through |
What you need
- Age 18+ and a US resident
- Social Security number
- Government photo ID: driver's licence, state ID or passport
- Employment, income and net worth information
- US bank account for funding
Step 1: Download the app and sign up
Install Webull from the App Store or Google Play, or use the website. Register with your email or phone number and create a strong password.
Step 2: Choose the account type
- Individual cash account: you trade only with money you've deposited. Best for beginners.
- Individual margin account: lets you borrow. Brings margin interest, margin calls and the pattern day trader rule (under $25,000 in equity, max three day trades in five business days).
- Traditional or Roth IRA: tax-advantaged retirement accounts. For most people starting out, a Roth IRA belongs ahead of a taxable account. See how to open a Roth IRA.
You can open more than one. Many people open a Roth IRA for long-term money and a small cash account for anything else.
Step 3: Complete the application
The application asks for:
- Personal details and SSN
- Employment status and employer
- Annual income, net worth, liquid net worth
- Investment experience and objectives
- Regulatory questions (public-company insider, broker-dealer employee)
Answer honestly. These answers set your options and margin eligibility. Overstating experience to unlock more complex trading is a common, expensive beginner mistake.
Step 4: Verify your identity and fund the account
Upload your ID and take a selfie if asked. Approval is often same-day. Link your bank through the app and deposit by ACH (free, a few business days) or wire. To move an existing account, use an ACATS transfer.
Step 5: Change these settings before your first trade
- Turn on two-factor authentication.
- Keep options and margin off unless you understand them. You can apply later.
- Turn off price-movement notifications. Constant alerts lead to impulsive trades.
- Use limit orders, not market orders, especially outside regular hours. See market vs limit orders.
- Set up a recurring investment into a broad ETF if you're investing for the long term.
- Check what your uninvested cash earns and whether you need to opt into a cash-management program.
Who Webull suits
Good fit:
- Investors who want $0 options commissions and strong charts
- Anyone who wants extended-hours trading
- Long-term investors who use recurring buys of index ETFs and ignore the rest of the app
Consider alternatives if:
- You want the widest selection of mutual funds or in-house index funds. Fidelity, Schwab and Vanguard are stronger. See Fidelity vs Schwab vs Vanguard.
- You want the simplest possible app. Compare Robinhood vs Webull.
- You know constant charts and alerts make you trade more than you should.
Bottom line
Webull is a capable, low-cost US broker. Open a cash account or Roth IRA, keep margin and options off at first, and use it for steady investing rather than chasing moves. The tools are free. Overtrading is where the cost comes in.
Frequently asked questions
Is Webull really free?
Webull charges $0 commission on US stocks, ETFs and equity options. Index options carry $0.30 to $0.50 per contract, crypto trades carry about a 1% fee, and regulatory fees pass through on sales. Margin borrowing, premium subscriptions and some transfers cost extra.
What do I need to open a Webull account?
You must be at least 18 and a US resident with a Social Security number, a valid government photo ID and a US bank account. The application also asks about employment, income, net worth and investing experience. Approval is often same-day.
Should I choose a cash or margin account on Webull?
Most beginners should choose a cash account. A margin account lets you borrow, which magnifies losses, and it brings the pattern day trader rule into play: with less than $25,000 in equity, you're limited to three day trades in five business days. Cash accounts avoid margin interest and margin calls.
Does Webull have an IRA match?
According to NerdWallet, Webull Premium members ($3.99 a month or $40 a year) get a 1% match on IRA contributions and transfers. Webull has also run limited-time promotions with higher matches. Check the current terms and holding requirements before counting on it.
Is my money safe at Webull?
Webull Financial is a US broker-dealer registered with the SEC, a FINRA member and a SIPC member. SIPC protects up to $500,000 per customer, including $250,000 for cash, if the broker fails. It doesn't protect against investment losses. You can check any broker on FINRA BrokerCheck.
Primary sources
Data & disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not financial or investment advice. Figures reflect data available as of Sep 18, 2026, and conditions change — always confirm current pricing, rates and rules with the provider before you act. Written by Elizabeta Dimoska. See our editorial standards and disclosure.
Comments