A Comprehensive Guide to Linking Your Webull Account
Are you ready to take control of your investments with Webull? Linking your accounts is the crucial first step to funding your trading journey. Whether you're adding a bank account for seamless deposits and withdrawals or exploring options to connect other investment platforms, this guide will walk you through every detail. So, let's get started and unlock the full potential of your Webull experience!
Understanding Account Linking on Webull
Before diving into the "how-to," it's important to understand what kind of linking you're looking to achieve. Generally, when people talk about linking Webull accounts, they refer to:
Linking a Bank Account: This is the most common form of linking, enabling you to deposit funds into your Webull brokerage account and withdraw profits back to your bank.
Transferring Stocks/Assets from Another Brokerage: If you have an existing investment portfolio with another brokerage, you can transfer those assets directly to your Webull account.
Integrating with Third-Party Trading Tools: In some cases, you might want to link your Webull account with external platforms like TradingView for advanced charting and analysis.
This guide will primarily focus on linking your bank account, as it's a universal requirement for funding your Webull trading. We'll also briefly touch upon other linking methods.
Step 1: Prepare for a Smooth Linking Process – Are You Ready?
Before you even open the Webull app, a little preparation can save you a lot of hassle. Let's ensure you have everything you need!
1.1 Gather Your Essential Information
Your Webull Login Credentials: Make sure you know your username and password for your Webull account.
Your Bank Account Details:
Bank Name
Account Number
Routing Number (ABA for US banks, BSB for Australian banks, etc.)
Account Type (Checking or Savings)
Identification Documents (Potentially): While not always required for linking, having a copy of your bank statement (showing your full name, account number, bank logo, and dated within the last 6 months) readily available can be helpful, especially if Webull requests further verification. This is particularly important for withdrawals.
1.2 Ensure Account Ownership and Type Compatibility
Matching Names: Webull typically requires that the bank account you link is in your name. For joint Webull accounts, the linked bank account can be in either user's name or a joint account with both names. Third-party, trust, or business accounts are generally not permitted for individual or joint brokerage accounts.
Account Types: Be aware that certain Webull account types (e.g., IRAs, Advisors, Futures accounts) may have restrictions on linking or transferring funds to/from certain external accounts.
Step 2: The Core Process - Linking Your Bank Account via the Webull App
The Webull mobile app is the primary interface for linking your bank account. The steps are generally straightforward and secure.
2.1 Navigate to the Transfers Section
Open the Webull App: Launch the Webull application on your smartphone or tablet.
Tap the Webull Logo: You'll typically find the Webull logo (often a "W" or their full logo) at the bottom center of the screen. Tap on it to access your account menu.
Select 'Transfers': In the account menu, look for and tap on the option labeled "Transfers" or "Deposit/Withdraw." This is your gateway to managing funds.
2.2 Initiating the Bank Account Addition
Choose 'Deposit' or 'Withdraw' (Initial Link): While you're primarily linking for both, the prompt to "Add Bank Account" often appears when you attempt your first deposit or withdrawal. Select either "Deposit" or "Withdraw" to proceed.
Select Your Currency (If Applicable): If Webull operates in multiple currencies in your region, you might be asked to select your preferred withdrawal or deposit currency.
Tap 'Add Bank Account': This is the key action. Tap the button or link that says "Add Bank Account."
2.3 Providing Your Bank Details
Choose Linking Method: Webull often provides two main methods for linking:
Instant Verification (Plaid or similar service): This is the fastest and most recommended method. You'll be prompted to log in to your online banking portal through a secure third-party service (like Plaid). This instantly verifies your account and routing numbers. This method is highly secure and encrypts your credentials.
Manual Verification (Trial Deposits): If instant verification isn't available for your bank or you prefer not to use it, you can opt for manual verification. You'll need to manually enter your bank's routing number and your account number. Webull will then send two small trial deposits (usually a few cents) to your bank account within 1-3 business days. You'll then need to return to the Webull app and verify the exact amounts of these deposits to confirm your account.
Complete the Required Information: Follow the on-screen prompts carefully. This will involve entering your bank name, account number, routing number, and selecting the account type (checking or savings).
Upload Supporting Documents (If Requested): In some cases, especially for withdrawals or if instant verification fails, Webull might ask you to upload a copy of a recent bank statement to verify your ownership and account details. Make sure it clearly shows your name, account number, bank logo, and is dated within the last 6 months.
Step 3: Verification and Confirmation – The Waiting Game (Often Brief!)
Once you've submitted your bank account details, Webull will initiate the verification process.
3.1 Instant Verification
Immediate Confirmation: If you used instant verification, your account should be linked almost immediately. You'll usually receive an in-app notification confirming the successful link.
3.2 Manual Verification (Trial Deposits)
Wait for Trial Deposits: This method requires patience. Webull will send two small deposits to your bank account. This can take 1-3 business days.
Verify Deposits: Once you see the trial deposits in your bank account statement, return to the Webull app:
Go back to the "Transfers" section.
Look for an option to "Verify Trial Deposits" or similar.
Carefully enter the exact amounts of the two small deposits.
Confirmation: Upon successful verification, your bank account will be linked.
3.3 Approval Timeframes
General Approval: Requests to link or change bank accounts typically take up to 24 hours to approve after submission. If you submit over the weekend, it will likely be processed on the following Monday. For manual verification, the process starts after you've entered the trial deposit amounts.
Step 4: Managing Your Linked Accounts
Once your bank account is linked, you can easily manage it within the Webull app.
4.1 Making Deposits
Navigate to 'Deposit': From the "Transfers" section, tap "Deposit."
Select Linked Account: Your newly linked bank account will appear as an option. Select it.
Enter Amount: Input the amount you wish to deposit.
Confirm: Review the details and confirm your deposit. Funds typically take 1-5 business days to settle, depending on the deposit method (ACH transfer being most common).
4.2 Making Withdrawals
Navigate to 'Withdraw': From the "Transfers" section, tap "Withdraw."
Select Linked Account: Choose the bank account you want to withdraw to.
Enter Amount: Enter the amount you wish to withdraw.
Confirm: Review and confirm. Withdrawals can take 3-5 business days to process and arrive in your bank account.
4.3 Changing or Unlinking a Bank Account
Go to 'Withdraw' or 'Transfers' section: Tap the Webull logo, then "Transfers."
Select the Linked Account: Under the withdrawal options, you should see your currently linked bank account. Tap on it.
Look for 'Unlink' or 'Remove': There will typically be an option to "Unlink" or "Remove" the bank account.
Add New Account: After unlinking, you can then proceed to add a new bank account using the steps outlined in Step 2. Note that requests to unlink and link new accounts can also take up to 24 hours for approval.
Beyond Bank Accounts: Other Forms of Linking
While bank accounts are paramount, Webull also offers other ways to connect your financial life.
5.1 Transferring Stocks from Another Brokerage
If you have an existing portfolio with another brokerage, you can initiate a transfer of your stocks and other assets to Webull.
Contact Webull Customer Service: This process often begins by contacting Webull's customer service directly. They can provide you with the necessary "stock transfer form."
Fill Out the Form: You'll need to complete this form with details about your current brokerage account and the assets you wish to transfer.
Submit to Webull: Webull will then assist with the transfer process.
Important Considerations:
It's highly recommended to wait until all your buy and sell transactions are settled (typically T+2) before initiating a transfer.
There may be stock transfer fees imposed by your current brokerage (Webull typically doesn't charge for incoming transfers, but do verify).
5.2 Integrating with TradingView (for Webull UK users)
For Webull UK users, there's a recent integration with TradingView, allowing seamless trading directly from TradingView's charts.
Access TradingView: Log in to your TradingView account.
Connect Broker: Look for the broker panel or integration section within TradingView.
Select Webull UK: Choose Webull UK from the list of supported brokers.
Log In to Webull: You'll be prompted to log in to your Webull UK account to authorize the connection.
Trade Directly: Once linked, you can execute trades directly from TradingView's interface without having to switch between platforms.
Conclusion: Empowering Your Webull Journey
Linking your Webull accounts is a fundamental step towards a streamlined and efficient investing experience. By following these step-by-step instructions, you'll be able to easily fund your account, manage your investments, and take advantage of all that Webull has to offer. Remember to always prioritize security and double-check your details during the linking process. Happy trading!
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to link a bank account for the first time on Webull?
Go to the Webull app, tap the Webull logo, select 'Transfers', then 'Deposit' or 'Withdraw', and choose 'Add Bank Account'. You can then use instant verification or manual trial deposits to link.
How to change the bank account linked to my Webull account?
First, you'll need to unlink your current bank account by going to 'Transfers', 'Withdraw', tapping on your existing bank account, and selecting 'Unlink' or 'Remove'. After it's unlinked, you can add a new bank account following the steps for initial linking.
How to verify my bank account on Webull using trial deposits?
If you chose manual verification, Webull will send two small deposits to your bank account within 1-3 business days. Once received, return to the Webull app, go to 'Transfers', and enter the exact amounts of these deposits to verify your account.
How to speed up the bank account linking process on Webull?
The fastest way to link your bank account on Webull is by using the instant verification method (via Plaid or a similar service) which allows you to securely log in to your online banking.
How to find my bank's routing and account number for Webull linking?
Your routing and account numbers can typically be found on your bank's website or mobile app (in your account details), on a physical check (bottom left for routing, next to it for account), or by contacting your bank directly.
How to transfer stocks from another brokerage to Webull?
To transfer stocks, contact Webull's customer service to obtain a stock transfer form. Fill out the form with your current brokerage details and the assets you wish to transfer, then submit it to Webull for assistance with the transfer process.
How to link a joint bank account to a Webull joint account?
For joint Webull accounts, you can link a bank account that is in either of the joint account holders' names or a joint bank account with both names. The linking process is the same as for individual accounts.
How to resolve issues if Plaid (instant verification) fails on Webull?
If Plaid fails, you can try re-attempting the instant verification, ensuring your login credentials for your bank are correct. If it continues to fail, you will need to switch to the manual verification method using trial deposits.
How to check the status of my bank account linking request on Webull?
Webull typically provides in-app notifications or emails regarding the status of your linking request. You can also check the 'Transfers' section within the app, where the status of pending bank account links is often displayed.
How to unlink a bank account from Webull?
To unlink a bank account, go to the 'Transfers' section in the Webull app, tap 'Withdraw', select the bank account you wish to remove, and look for an option to 'Unlink' or 'Remove' it.
