How to set up a Webull account and place your first trade
Webull is a brokerage platform where you can buy and sell stocks, options, and other securities. To start, you read the Webull app or visit webull.com, create an account with your email and password, and complete identity verification by providing your Social Security number and address. Once your account is approved — usually within a few minutes to a few hours — you can link a bank account and deposit money to begin trading.
The platform is designed for self-directed investors, meaning you make all trading decisions yourself. Webull does not offer financial information or recommendations about which securities to buy. You control when you trade, what you trade, and how much you risk.
Key Takeaways
- Account creation requires your email, a password, and identity verification through your Social Security number and address.
- You must link a bank account and deposit funds before you can place any trades.
- Webull offers extended trading hours — 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time — beyond the standard market hours of 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- The platform charges no commission on stock trades, but options trades and certain other transactions may have fees.
- All trades settle according to standard market rules, typically two business days after you place the order.
Downloading the app and creating your login
Webull offers both a mobile app and a web platform. The mobile app is available on iOS through the Apple App Store and on Android through the Google Play Store. The web version works in any browser at webull.com. Both versions let you trade, but some tools and charts may appear differently depending on which you use.
To create an account, tap or click "Sign Up" and enter your email address and a password you choose. Webull will send a verification code to your email — check your inbox and spam folder, then enter the code to confirm. You will then be asked for your first and last name, date of birth, and phone number. Save these details exactly as they appear on your government ID, because they must match during the identity verification step.
Completing identity verification and account approval
After you enter your personal information, Webull requires you to verify your identity using your Social Security number and current address. You will be asked to confirm that you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and that you are at least 18 years old. Webull uses this information to comply with federal regulations and to prevent fraud.
The verification process is automated and usually completes within minutes. In some cases, Webull may ask you to upload a photo of your ID or provide additional documentation. If your account is not approved when ready, Webull will send you an email explaining what information is needed. Once approved, you can proceed to link your bank account.
Linking your bank account and depositing money
To trade on Webull, you must deposit money into your account. In the app or on the web, navigate to the "Account" or "Wallet" section and select "Deposit." Webull will ask you to link a bank account by entering your routing number and account number, or by connecting through your bank's website using your online banking login.
After your bank account is linked, you can transfer money to Webull. Most transfers take one to three business days to appear in your account. Some banks process transfers faster than others. Once the money arrives, it is available to trade when ready — you do not have to wait for the funds to "settle."
Placing your first stock trade
To buy a stock, search for the ticker symbol (for example, AAPL for Apple) in the search bar at the top of the app or website. The stock's detail page will open, showing the current price, chart, and news. Tap or click the "Trade" button, then select "Buy." You will see a form asking how many shares you want to purchase.
Enter the number of shares and choose your order type. A market order buys at the current market price when ready. A limit order lets you set a maximum price you are willing to pay — the order will only fill if the stock drops to that price or lower. You can also set the time frame: "Day" means the order expires at the end of the trading day, and "GTC" (Good-Till-Canceled) means it stays active until you cancel it or it fills.
Review the total cost, including any applicable fees, then tap or click "Submit Order." Once submitted, your order goes to the market. If you placed a market order, it typically fills within seconds. If you placed a limit order, it waits until the price reaches your target. You can see all your open and filled orders in the "Orders" section of your account.
Understanding Webull's trading hours and extended hours
The regular stock market opens at 9:30 a.m. Eastern time and closes at 4 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday. Webull also offers extended hours trading from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time, which lets you trade before and after the regular market closes. Extended hours trading is useful if you want to react to news that breaks outside regular hours, but prices can be less stable and spreads (the difference between buy and sell prices) can be wider.
To trade during extended hours, open your order form and look for the time setting. Select "Pre-Market" for trades between 4 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., or "After-Hours" for trades between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Not all stocks can be traded during extended hours — Webull will show you whether extended hours trading is available for the stock you are looking at.
Viewing your positions, balance, and transaction history
Your account dashboard shows your current balance, buying power (the amount you can spend on new trades), and a list of all stocks you currently own. Each position shows the number of shares, the price you paid, the current price, and your gain or loss in dollars and percentage. This information updates throughout the trading day.
To see a record of every trade you have made, go to the "Orders" or "History" section. You can filter by date range or order status (filled, canceled, pending). Webull also provides a "Statements" section where you can read monthly account statements and tax documents at the end of the year. These documents are useful for filing your taxes if you have made trades during the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a minimum amount of money to open a Webull account?
Webull does not require a minimum deposit to create an account. However, you must deposit at least enough money to cover the cost of your first trade. Some stocks cost only a few dollars per share, so you can start with a small deposit if you choose.
What happens if I do not have enough money in my account to buy a stock?
If your account balance is lower than the cost of the trade you are trying to place, Webull will reject the order and show an error message. You will need to deposit more money or choose a lower-priced stock or fewer shares.
Can I cancel an order after I place it?
Yes, you can cancel any order that has not yet filled. Go to the "Orders" section, find the order you want to cancel, and tap or click the cancel button. If the order has already filled (meaning the trade has completed), you cannot cancel it, but you can sell the shares you bought.
How long does it take to withdraw money from Webull?
Withdrawals typically take one to three business days to reach your bank account, depending on your bank's processing speed. You can only withdraw money that is not currently invested in stocks. If you want to withdraw funds, you may need to sell your positions first.
Does Webull charge fees for stock trades?
Webull charges no commission on stock trades. However, some transactions such as options trades, wire transfers, or certain international trades may have fees. Check Webull's fee schedule on the website for a complete list of what may cost money.