Robinhood does not currently offer a credit card
As of now, Robinhood Financial does not have a credit card product. The company, known for its stock trading and investment app, has not launched a branded credit card and has not announced plans to do so. If you are looking for a credit card and arrived here after seeing Robinhood mentioned elsewhere, you may have encountered outdated information or confusion with another financial product.
Robinhood does offer a cash management account through its app — a place to hold money between trades — but this is not the same as a credit card and does not build credit history the way a card does.
Key Takeaways
- Robinhood has not released a credit card product and has no announced timeline to do so.
- Robinhood's cash management feature lets you hold money in the app, but it does not function as a credit card or build your credit score.
- If you need a credit card, you will need to look at other issuers — either traditional banks or fintech companies that do offer cards.
- Building credit history requires an actual credit card, a secured card, or a credit-builder loan, none of which Robinhood currently provides.
What Robinhood actually offers instead of a credit card
Robinhood's main product is a brokerage account for buying and selling stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), options, and cryptocurrencies. The app also includes a cash management feature where you can park money you are not investing. This cash earns interest at a rate that varies, but it is not a credit product — you are not borrowing money, and the activity does not report to credit bureaus.
Some fintech investment apps have partnered with banks to offer debit cards or cash cards tied to their platforms. Robinhood has not taken this route. If you use Robinhood to invest, you can transfer money in and out of your linked bank account, but you cannot spend directly from Robinhood through a card.
Why you might have heard Robinhood and credit card together
Robinhood has announced various financial products over the years, and rumors or speculation about a credit card have circulated online. Additionally, some people confuse Robinhood's cash management account with a credit card because both involve money you can access. The difference is critical: a cash account holds your own money, while a credit card lets you borrow money from the issuer.
You may also have seen ads or articles from before Robinhood decided against launching a card, or from competitors like SoFi or Square Cash that do offer credit products alongside investment features.
How to build credit if you invest with Robinhood
If you use Robinhood to invest but need to build or rebuild your credit score, you will need a separate credit product. A secured credit card is often the fastest route: you deposit cash as collateral (usually $200 to $2,500), and the card issuer gives you a credit line for that amount. You use the card like a regular card, pay the bill on time each month, and the activity reports to all three credit bureaus. After six to twelve months of on-time payments, many issuers will convert the card to an unsecured card and return your deposit.
Banks like Capital One, Discover, and U.S. Bank offer secured cards. Credit unions sometimes offer them at lower deposit amounts. A credit-builder loan is another option: you borrow a small amount (usually $500 to $1,000), the lender holds the money in a savings account, and you make monthly payments. Once you pay it off, you get the money back and have a payment history on your credit report.
Neither of these products requires you to stop investing with Robinhood — they work alongside your brokerage account.
Other fintech companies that do offer credit cards
If you want a credit card from a company with a modern app and low fees, several fintech issuers have launched cards in recent years. SoFi (Social Finance) offers a credit card with no annual fee and cash back rewards; it also has an investment platform. Square Cash and Cash App offer debit cards tied to their payment apps, though these are not credit cards and do not build credit. Chime offers a debit card through its banking app.
For a traditional credit card with strong rewards or a low introductory rate, major banks like Chase, American Express, and Discover remain the largest issuers. The card you choose depends on your credit score, spending habits, and whether you want rewards or straightforward a tool to build credit history.
What to do if you want both investing and a credit card
You do not have to choose. You can keep your Robinhood account for investing and open a credit card with a different company for everyday spending and credit building. Many people do this: they use one app or platform for investments and another for credit products. Your credit card activity and your investment activity are separate and do not affect each other, except that both can impact your overall financial picture.
If you prefer to keep your financial life in one place, look for a fintech company that offers both — SoFi is one example. But if Robinhood is your preferred investment platform, there is no reason not to use it alongside a credit card from another issuer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Robinhood planning to launch a credit card in the future?
Robinhood has not announced any plans to launch a credit card. The company has focused on its core investment and trading platform. If this changes, it would likely be announced through Robinhood's official channels or major financial news outlets.
Can I use my Robinhood cash management account like a credit card?
No. The cash management account holds your own money and earns interest, but it does not let you borrow or spend on credit. You cannot use it to make purchases the way a credit card works, and it does not build credit history.
Will opening a credit card with another company affect my Robinhood account?
No. Your credit card and your investment account are separate. Opening a credit card will trigger a hard inquiry on your credit report and may temporarily lower your score, but it will not change your Robinhood account or your ability to trade.
What is the fastest way to build credit if I use Robinhood?
A secured credit card is usually the fastest route. You deposit cash as collateral, use the card for small purchases, pay the bill in full each month, and see your credit score rise within three to six months. After about a year, many issuers will convert it to a regular card and return your deposit.
Can I get a credit card if I only have an investment account and no banking history?
Yes, though your options may be limited. A secured card does not require strong credit history — only the ability to deposit collateral. Some credit unions also offer cards to members with no credit history. Once you have six months of on-time payments, you can move to a regular unsecured card.