How to take stocks out of Cash App

This guide explains how to take stocks out of Cash App by either selling shares to convert them into Cash App balance (then cashing out to a bank) or by transferring whole shares to another broker ...

2025-08-22 09:37:00

By ChainLuminary Veritas

Article rating

4.3

102 ratings

Bitget offers a variety of ways to buy or sell popular cryptocurrencies. Buy now!

A welcome pack worth 6200 USDT for new users! Sign up now!

How to take stocks out of Cash App

Selling or moving positions from a Cash App Investing account raises two common questions: how long funds take to settle, and whether you can move shares directly to another broker. This article answers the core question: how to take stocks out of Cash App — covering both selling-for-cash and broker-to-broker transfers, the step-by-step in-app actions, fees and restrictions, custody and tax considerations, special cases like fractional shares, and practical troubleshooting tips for common problems.

As you read, you'll learn the exact in-app steps to sell and to transfer, the timeframes to expect, and the documentation or account details you may need. The goal is clear, practical guidance for beginners and a checklist to take action safely.

Overview of Cash App Investing and account structure

Cash App Investing is an investing feature inside the Cash App mobile platform. It is not a standalone bank account. The investing function is a brokerage service carried and cleared by a registered broker-dealer (DriveWealth). That means your securities are held in a brokerage custody arrangement while your Cash App balance is a separate cash ledger inside the app.

Key points to understand:

Your Cash App Investing account holds securities (stocks and ETFs) custody-managed by the carrying broker. These are brokerage assets, not bank deposits.
Your Cash App balance is a separate free credit balance within the app used for sending, receiving, buying or withdrawing cash. When you sell securities, the sales proceeds flow into that Cash App balance once the trade is processed and settled.
The brokerage (DriveWealth) executes and clears trades, while Cash App provides the app interface and customer account access. This separation affects transfers, settlement timing and protections.

Understanding this split — securities in a brokerage custody and cash in your Cash App free credit balance — is central when you consider how to take stocks out of Cash App either as cash or as transferred shares.

Two primary ways to “take stocks out”

There are two main methods to move value or positions out of Cash App Investing:

Sell shares and move proceeds to your Cash App balance, then Cash Out to a linked bank.
Transfer eligible whole shares to another broker via the Automated Customer Account Transfer Service (ACATS).

Both methods answer “how to take stocks out of Cash App,” but they differ in what you end up with (cash vs. shares at a new broker), timing, and eligibility rules.

Sell shares and move proceeds to your Cash App balance (then Cash Out)

Selling shares inside the Cash App converts those securities into sale proceeds. When you place a sell order, the trade is routed through the carrying broker and, once executed, the cash proceeds are reflected in your Cash App Investing activity. Cash App typically moves the proceeds into your Cash App balance (the app’s free credit balance) so you can reuse the funds.

Important details:

After execution, trades must settle before the cash is fully available for withdrawal. Settlement timing follows market rules and the broker’s processes.
Once sale proceeds appear in your Cash App balance and settlement has occurred, you can use that cash to buy other securities in the app, spend with linked features, or Cash Out to a linked bank account.
Cash Out options include standard bank transfer (usually free, slower) or instant transfer (faster, may incur a fee). Cash App sets the timing and any instant-transfer fees.

Selling is the simplest and most direct method to take converted cash out of Cash App.

Transfer whole shares to another broker (ACATS)

If you want to move actual shares — not cash — to a different brokerage, use ACATS, the industry-standard automated transfer process. ACATS moves positions from one brokerage account to another without selling.

Key constraints and steps:

Only whole shares are ACATS-eligible. Fractional shares cannot be transferred via ACATS and generally must be sold on the Cash App platform or remain in the Investing account.
To initiate, the receiving broker must submit an ACATS transfer request to Cash App’s carrying broker (DriveWealth) including your account details and the positions to be moved.
Account ownership and identifying information must match exactly between accounts (name, tax ID, account type). Mismatches can cause delays or rejection.
Typical ACATS completion time for outgoing transfers is approximately 3–6 business days, depending on brokers and any review steps.

Transferring shares preserves your holdings and avoids triggering a sale (and thus a taxable event) for the positions that move, except any fractional positions that must be handled separately.

How to sell stocks on Cash App — step-by-step

Below is a clear step-by-step process to sell securities inside the Cash App mobile interface. These instructions assume you have an active Investing account in the app and have completed verification steps required by Cash App.

Open the Cash App on your phone.
Tap the Investing or Stocks tile from the home screen (may be labeled “Stocks” or shown as a stock icon).
Find and select the specific stock or ETF you want to sell.
Tap Sell. You will be prompted to choose either an amount in dollars or a number of shares.
Choose whether to sell a partial amount or whole shares. Note: fractional shares are supported for sale in-app but cannot be transferred out via ACATS.
Review order details, including order type and estimated proceeds.
Confirm the sale using your PIN, Touch ID or Face ID as required by the app.
If you place an order outside of market hours, the order will execute when the market opens; you may see an order-pending status until execution.

Notes about settlement and timing:

Execution happens during market hours; orders placed during extended hours may execute differently depending on the order type.
After execution, the trade goes through the standard settlement process. Proceeds may appear in your Cash App balance soon after execution, but final settled funds for withdrawal can take up to one business day (or per broker rules) depending on when and how the trade settled.

How to withdraw cash after selling (Cash Out to bank)

Once sale proceeds are in your Cash App balance and the trade has settled, you can move funds out of the app to your linked bank account. Here’s how to Cash Out and what to expect:

Steps to Cash Out:

Open Cash App and tap the Banking or Balance tab to see your Cash App balance.
Tap Cash Out.
Enter the amount you want to transfer to your bank.
Choose the transfer speed — standard (usually free, takes 1–3 business days) or instant (faster, may include a fee).
Confirm using your PIN, Touch ID or Face ID.

Timing and fees:

Standard transfers typically take 1–3 business days and are often free.
Instant transfers are usually near-instant but may incur a fee set by Cash App and partially depend on banks’ processing.
If your sale occurred close to market close or on a non-business day, settlement timing can affect when funds are eligible for withdrawal.

Verification and limits:

You must have a linked and verified bank account for withdrawals.
Cash App may apply limits on transfer amounts for new users or accounts with limited verification. Check your app account settings to see limits.

How to transfer stocks out via ACATS — step-by-step

If you prefer to keep your shares and move them to an external brokerage, use ACATS. Below is the general workflow and the specific actions you or the receiving broker must take.

Choose the receiving brokerage where you want your shares moved. (When considering platforms, remember to review custody protections, trading features and fees. For Web3 features and advanced trading, consider platforms such as Bitget and Bitget Wallet.)
Open an account with the receiving brokerage and complete their new-account verification.
Provide the receiving broker with your Cash App Investing account details — typically the full brokerage account number (often a 17-digit account ID) and exact name as registered on Cash App.
Ask the receiving broker to initiate an ACATS transfer on your behalf. They will submit a transfer request to Cash App’s carrying broker (DriveWealth) listing the positions you want moved.
Indicate whether the transfer is a full ACATS (all eligible positions) or partial (selected positions). Remember partial transfers leave remaining positions in your Cash App Investing account.
The receiving broker submits the request and the carrying broker validates the request, checks eligibility and then executes the transfer.
Monitor your receiving broker’s transfer status; ACATS transfers typically complete in 3–6 business days but may take longer if positions require manual review or if there are account mismatches.

Important ACATS conditions:

Only whole shares are transferable. Fractional shares remain in the Cash App account and must be sold or remain in Cash App Investing.
Account name, tax ID and other identifying information must match exactly between accounts. Any discrepancy can slow or reject the transfer.
Positions with restrictions, recent corporate actions, or unsettled trades may be ineligible until restrictions lift or settlement completes.
The receiving broker may charge fees or may debit the standard outbound ACATS fee from the transferred assets; the receiving broker typically handles fee payment arrangements.

Fees, limits and restrictions

When deciding how to take stocks out of Cash App, understand the fees, minimums and other restrictions that may apply.

ACATS outbound fee: Typically a fixed outgoing transfer fee (commonly around $75) applies for broker-to-broker outgoing ACATS transfers; receiving broker policies vary — they often pay this fee or debit it from transferred assets. Verify with the receiving broker who bears the fee.
Cash App selling minimum: The platform supports selling small amounts, with typical minimums at $1 for sell orders, but check app prompts to confirm.
Market hours and order execution: Orders placed outside regular market hours will execute when markets open. This affects price and timing of proceeds.
Fractional-share transfer limitations: Fractional shares cannot be transferred via ACATS and must be sold or retained in Cash App Investing.
Day-trading or pattern day-trader limits: If you engage in frequent intraday trading, margin or account funding rules may trigger pattern day-trader restrictions or other limits; these can limit your ability to buy after selling until certain requirements are met.
Regulatory fees: Cash App may show regulatory fees (for example, SEC or clearing fees) on trade confirmations. These are typically small and pass-through in nature.

Always check your Cash App account disclosures and the receiving broker’s transfer policies for current fees and limits before initiating actions.

Custody, protections and legal considerations

Knowing who holds your assets and what protections apply is important before moving or selling securities.

Custody and protections:

Securities custody: Cash App Investing securities are carried/held by a registered broker-dealer (DriveWealth). This means brokerage custody rules apply.
SIPC protection: Brokerage accounts at member firms are typically covered by SIPC protection for missing securities or cash up to applicable limits, subject to terms. Verify that the carrying broker is a SIPC member.
Cash App balance: The app’s Cash App balance is not SIPC-protected in the same way as brokerage assets. Cash balances may be eligible for FDIC insurance if held at partner banks under specific arrangements. Check Cash App disclosures for details on FDIC pass-through protection and limits.

Tax and reporting:

Selling securities is generally a taxable event. Gains and losses from sales must be reported on tax returns according to applicable tax rules.
Cash App and its carrying broker provide trade confirmations and year-end tax documents (such as Form 1099) to support reporting.
If you transfer shares via ACATS (without selling), you do not trigger a taxable sale for those transferred positions; however, you still must track basis and holding periods for future sales at the receiving broker.

Legal and account match requirements:

Transfers require matching account ownership and identification. Transferring someone else’s assets, moving assets to an account with different ownership, or attempting transfers for accounts with mismatched names or tax IDs will likely be rejected.
Special account types (custodial, trust, minor accounts) may have unique transfer rules or documentation requirements.

This custody and legal context affects how and when you can take stocks out of Cash App and should inform your decision to sell or transfer.

Special cases and considerations

Certain situations require special handling when you want to take stocks out of Cash App.

Fractional shares

Fractional shares are supported for buying and selling inside Cash App but are not ACATS-transferable as whole units to another broker. If you plan to move positions and you have fractional shares, you typically need to either sell those fractions in Cash App or accept that they will remain behind.

Partial vs full ACATS transfers

Full transfer: Moves all eligible positions from your Cash App account to the receiving brokerage. After a full ACATS transfer, your Cash App Investing account may be left empty or closed for transfers depending on the carrying broker’s procedures.
Partial transfer: Moves only selected positions and leaves the rest in Cash App. Partial transfers are useful if you only want to move some holdings while keeping others in the app.

Gifted shares and account ownership mismatches

Gifted shares, shares held for someone else, or positions with restrictions may require additional documentation to transfer.
Brokers will reject ACATS transfers if the receiving and delivering account ownership details do not match. For example, moving shares from an account held in one name to an account in another name will not be accepted without proper legal steps.

Minor accounts and custodial accounts

Custodial accounts for minors follow different rules and may not be transferable in the same way as individual taxable accounts. Check with Cash App and the receiving brokerage for allowed processes and required documents.

Corporate actions and restricted securities

Some securities subject to corporate actions (mergers, buyouts, restricted-share status) may be ineligible for immediate transfer. These conditions can delay ACATS transfers until the broker resolves the event.

Troubleshooting common problems

If you run into issues when selling or transferring, these troubleshooting steps address common causes and solutions.

Common failure causes

Unsettled or open orders: Trying to transfer positions before trades settle can block the ACATS request. Wait until trades fully settle.
Mismatched account details: Name, tax ID or account type mismatches will cause rejection. Verify the receiving broker has identical account details.
Fractional shares present: If you request a full ACATS transfer but your account includes fractional shares, the broker may only transfer whole-share positions and leave fractions behind.
Simultaneous transfers or multiple requests: Multiple ongoing transfer requests can lead to processing conflicts. Complete or cancel prior requests before submitting a new one.
Ineligible securities: Certain securities (private placements, restricted shares, or assets not supported by the receiving broker) can be rejected.

Next steps when trouble occurs

Wait for settlement: Verify trade confirmations and wait for trades to settle before initiating transfers.
Verify account details: Double-check names, account numbers and other identifiers with both brokers.
Contact the receiving broker: The receiving broker initiates ACATS and can often see transfer status; they can also correct minor errors that caused a reject.
Contact Cash App Support: Use in-app support options to ask about rejected or delayed transfers and to verify any required steps on the delivering-broker side.

Frequently asked questions (short Q&A)

Q: How long until sale proceeds are usable?

A: Sale proceeds typically appear in your Cash App balance shortly after execution, but fully settled funds available for bank withdrawal may take up to one business day or more depending on settlement timing and when the trade executed.

Q: Can I move fractional shares to another broker?

A: No. Fractional shares are not ACATS-eligible. To move value off Cash App, you must sell fractional shares and transfer the cash, or retain them in the Cash App Investing account.

Q: How long does an ACATS transfer take?

A: ACATS transfers typically take around 3–6 business days to complete, depending on the delivering and receiving broker processes, any required manual review, and holidays.

Q: Is there a fee to move shares out?

A: Yes. There is commonly an outbound ACATS fee (often around $75) associated with moving shares out via ACATS; receiving brokers often handle this fee. Check with the receiving broker for exact fee policy.

Q: Will transferring shares trigger a taxable event?

A: No. ACATS transfers move the shares without selling them and typically do not trigger a taxable sale. However, selling shares in Cash App to get cash out is a taxable event and must be reported.

References and timeliness

As of 2025-12-30, official Cash App Help documentation (Selling Stock; Understanding Your Cash App Investing Account; Buying Stock; Transferring Stock to Another Broker) provides the platform rules on selling, settlement and ACATS transfers. These resources outline how proceeds move to the Cash App balance and the limitations on transferring fractional shares.
As of 2025-12-30, consumer guides such as general walkthroughs on selling with Cash App offer practical step-by-step support for new users and outline typical timelines and common issues.

All readers should verify the most current policies and any fee changes directly in their Cash App account disclosures and the receiving brokerage’s transfer documentation before acting. Platform fees, transfer costs and processing times can change; consult current account agreements for authoritative details.

Next steps and practical checklist

If you want to take action now, use this checklist:

Decide whether you want cash (sell then Cash Out) or to keep shares (ACATS transfer).
For selling: confirm the stock, choose amount, place sell order and wait for settlement before Cash Out.
For ACATS transfer: open and verify the receiving broker account, provide the full Cash App Investing account details to the receiving broker, instruct them to submit an ACATS request, and monitor transfer status.
If you hold fractional shares you want off the platform, plan to sell them and transfer the cash rather than use ACATS.
Save trade confirmations and account statements for tax and record-keeping purposes.

Want a trading platform with broader custody and Web3 features? Explore Bitget’s account and wallet options for multi-asset support and institutional-grade custody. Check Bitget documentation for how transfers and custody differ from mobile broker-integrated services.

Further help: use Cash App in-app support for account-specific questions and the receiving broker’s transfer desk for ACATS status updates. Keep records of confirmations and correspondence in case review is needed.

Thank you for reading this practical guide on how to take stocks out of Cash App. If you need a step-by-step checklist tailored to your account type or want a sample message to send to a receiving broker to start an ACATS transfer, say the word and I’ll prepare that for you.

The content above has been sourced from the internet and generated using AI. For high-quality content, please visit Bitget Academy.