Robinhood introduced commission-free stock trading in 2013 and quickly changed how many people invest.
While the standard Robinhood membership is free, the optional Robinhood Gold plan adds advanced research tools, extended trading hours, and margin trading. But is Robinhood Gold worth it for you?
This guide breaks down the key features, costs, and benefits so you can make an informed decision.
What Is Robinhood Gold?
Robinhood Gold is a premium subscription service that provides advanced market data, professional research, margin trading capabilities and larger instant deposits. It’s tailored to more active investors seeking extra insight and flexibility.
Robinhood Gold vs. Free Robinhood Account
| Feature | Robinhood Free Plan | Robinhood Gold ($5/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Commission-Free Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Extended Trading Hours | No | Yes |
| Level 2 Market Data | No | Yes (via Nasdaq TotalView) |
| Margin Trading | No | Yes (rates start at 5.75%)* |
| Professional Research Reports | No | Yes (Morningstar) |
| Larger Instant Deposits | Yes (limited) | Yes (higher limits) |
*Robinhood currently advertises margin interest rates starting at 5.75% for balances up to $50,000. The first $1,000 is interest-free for Gold subscribers.
Who Should Consider Gold
- Investors who trade actively or need margin.
- Traders who want extended hours.
- Anyone who values upgraded data and research.
Who Might Skip Gold
- Long-term buy-and-hold investors who rarely trade.
- Anyone not interested in margin borrowing or advanced tools.
Key Features of Robinhood Gold
Here’s a breakdown of the top features you get with Robinhood Gold:
1. Margin Trading at Lower Rates
With Robinhood Gold, you can borrow against your portfolio to increase your buying power.
- Interest Rates: Rates start at 5.75% for balances up to $50,000 and decrease for higher balances.
- First $1,000 Interest-Free: Gold subscribers don’t pay interest on the first $1,000 of margin used.
- No Credit Check: Margin approval depends on your account status and eligibility, not your credit score.
Margin trading can amplify gains and losses. Make sure you understand the risks before you borrow.
2. Level 2 Market Data
Robinhood partners with Nasdaq to give Gold members access to Level II market data, which shows multiple bid and ask prices.
- Better Insights: See how much stock is available at various price points.
- Nasdaq-Focused: Keep in mind that this data covers stocks trading on Nasdaq.
3. Morningstar Market Research and Reports
Subscribers get unlimited access to Morningstar Equity Research reports, updated daily.
- In-Depth Analysis: Evaluate a stock’s fundamentals, industry position, and valuation.
- Broad Coverage: Reports are available for hundreds of stocks, providing a professional perspective.
4. Larger Instant Deposits
Robinhood Gold lets you start investing with more capital the moment you initiate a deposit.
- Higher Limits: Up to $5,000 instantly for portfolios under $2,000. For bigger portfolios, your limit can be three times your portfolio value, rounded to the nearest $1,000.
- Faster Trades: Capitalize on timely market opportunities without waiting days for bank transfers to clear.
Robinhood Gold Pricing
Monthly Fee: $5 per month ($60 per year).
Margin Borrowing:
- Interest starts at 5.75% for amounts up to $50,000.
- The first $1,000 of margin is interest-free.
Options Fees:
- Index options cost 35 cents per contract for Gold members (vs. 50 cents for standard).
- Withdrawals: Up to 1.75% for both standard and Gold accounts.
- Free Trial: New subscribers get a 30-day free trial to test Robinhood Gold.
Pros and Cons of Robinhood Gold
Like with most everything when it comes to investing, there are some pros and cons to consider. Here’s a breakdown of each:
Pros
Robinhood Gold’s benefits could enhance your trading experience.
- Low Monthly Cost: Only $5 per month for advanced tools.
- Extended Trading Hours: Trade before and after normal market sessions.
- Professional Research: Gain insights from Morningstar.
- Larger Instant Deposits: Deploy funds quickly for opportunistic trades.
- Cheaper Margin Borrowing: 5.75% is competitive, and the first $1,000 is free.
Cons
The features and tools that come with a Robinhood Gold membership can increase your purchasing power — but that power can be a double-edged sword.
- Margin Trading Risks: Borrowing can magnify losses.
- Limited Research Tools: Other brokers may offer more comprehensive platforms.
- Not Ideal for Long-Term Investors: If you rarely trade, the extra features might go unused.
Comparing Robinhood Gold to Other Brokers
Robinhood competes with full-service brokers like Charles Schwab and E*TRADE. Here’s a snapshot:
| Broker | Fees | Research | Investments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robinhood Gold | – $5/month – Margin rates start at 5.75% for up to $50k – Options: $0.35 per contract |
– Nasdaq Level II data (select stocks) – Morningstar reports |
– U.S. stocks, ETFs – Options – ADRs |
| E*TRADE | – No monthly fee – Margin rates ~12.70%-13.20% for under $50k – Options: $0.65 per contract |
– Morgan Stanley equity research – Multiple stock/ETF screeners |
– U.S. stocks, ETFs – Futures – Mutual funds, bonds, CDs |
| Charles Schwab | – No monthly fee – Margin rates ~12.08%-12.58% for under $50k – Options: $0.65 per contract |
– Morningstar, Argus reports – In-house commentary/analysis |
– U.S. stocks, ETFs – Foreign stocks – Mutual funds, bonds, forex |
Key Takeaways
- Fees: Robinhood’s $5 monthly subscription can be offset by lower margin interest rates and cheaper options contracts.
- Research: While Gold provides Level II data (Nasdaq) and Morningstar reports, full-service brokers might offer more robust analysis across a wider range of markets.
- Investment Options: E*TRADE and Schwab offer futures, bonds, mutual funds, and more, while Robinhood focuses primarily on U.S. equities and options.
Is Robinhood Gold Worth It for Active Traders?
Active traders who rely on margin, make frequent trades, or value advanced data stand to benefit the most. The extended hours and premium research could also help short-term investors spot market opportunities.
Best For
- Day or swing traders needing immediate data.
- Investors comfortable using margin.
- Those who appreciate professional research insights.
Not Ideal For
- Traders wanting a wide variety of assets (futures, bonds, mutual funds).
- Investors needing more extensive research tools beyond Morningstar reports.
Is Robinhood Gold Worth It for Long-Term Investors?
Long-term, buy-and-hold investors may find limited use for the margin and extended-hours features.
Possible Benefits
- Morningstar research could help with stock selection.
Why It May Not Be Necessary
- Extended trading hours and margin aren’t typically beneficial for a passive investment strategy.
- Competing brokers offer strong long-term investment tools without monthly fees.
How to Sign Up for Robinhood Gold
Signing up for Robinhood Gold is simple:
- Create a Robinhood Account: Download the Robinhood app or visit the desktop site.
- Go to Settings: Click or tap “Robinhood Gold.”
- Start Your Free Trial: Enjoy 30 days free before the $5 monthly fee begins.
- Enable Margin (If Desired): In Settings > “Investing,” toggle on margin trading (assuming eligibility).
Tip: Cancel before the trial ends if you decide the service isn’t for you.
How To Get Started With Robinhood Gold
- Open Your Account: Sign up on the Robinhood homepage by following the prompts to enter personal information.
- Add Gold: Choose “Robinhood Gold” during sign-up or upgrade later in your account settings.
- Await Approval: Most applicants hear back in a few days.
- Apply for Margin: Once approved, go to “Account” > “Investing” > “Margin investing” to submit your request.
Final Take to GO: Is Robinhood Gold Worth It for You?
Whether Robinhood Gold is worth the monthly fee depends on your investment style. If you frequently trade, rely on margin, or want in-depth market data, it could provide significant advantages. Meanwhile, long-term or casual investors might find the free plan sufficient. Consider your goals, risk tolerance, and how often you trade before deciding to upgrade.
Ready to give it a try? Sign up for Robinhood Gold, take advantage of the 30-day free trial, and see if the benefits align with your investing strategy.
FAQs About Robinhood Gold
Learn more about Robinhood Gold with these frequently asked questions:- What does Robinhood Gold cost?
- Robinhood Gold is $5 per month.
- How do margin accounts work with Robinhood Gold?
- A margin account lets you borrow funds from Robinhood to make trades. Your account holdings serve as collateral for the loan. Margin trading lets you buy investments without waiting for funds to hit your account, but losses can be swift and substantial -- you can lose far more than you borrowed.
- Can I get Robinhood Gold’s features with a free account?
- No. You'll have to upgrade to Gold to get Gold features.
- How does Robinhood Gold compare to other brokers?
- Robinhood's fees are highly competitive, but you'll be limited to a few types of investments and will have fewer educational resources available compared to other brokers. It's a good choice for day traders and options traders, but not the best choice for anyone who holds their investments long-term.
The information is accurate as of April 2, 2025.
Editorial Note: This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.