Are you ready to dive into the exciting world of stock investing right from your smartphone? The Webull mobile app makes it incredibly accessible for both beginners and experienced traders. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of buying stocks on the Webull mobile app, ensuring you feel confident and prepared. Let's get started!
A Comprehensive Guide to Buying Stocks on the Webull Mobile App
Webull has quickly become a popular choice for investors due to its commission-free trading (on US-listed stocks, ETFs, and options), advanced tools, and user-friendly mobile interface. Whether you're looking to buy your first share or expand your existing portfolio, the Webull app offers a seamless experience.
Step 1: Setting Up Your Webull Account and Funding It
Before you can buy any stock, you'll need a fully functional and funded Webull account. Don't worry, the process is straightforward!
1.1 Download the Webull App
First things first, head over to your device's app store (Google Play Store for Android or Apple App Store for iOS) and search for "Webull: Investing & Trading." Download and install the app.
1.2 Sign Up and Open Your Account
Once installed, open the app and tap "Sign Up" or "Open Account."
You'll typically register using your phone number or email. Follow the prompts to enter a One-Time Password (OTP) for verification.
Next, you'll set up your login password. Remember, it needs to be strong: 8 to 20 characters, including uppercase, lowercase, and numbers.
Begin the account opening application. This will involve providing personal information, such as your name, address, Social Security Number (for US residents), employment details, and financial information.
Important: You'll also need to provide identification documents, like a photo of your driver's license or another government-issued ID. For some regions, a taxpayer identification number (NPWP in Indonesia, for example) and bank account details might also be required for regulatory purposes. Ensure all information is accurate to avoid delays.
Account Type Selection: Webull offers various account types, including individual brokerage accounts (cash or margin), and retirement accounts (Traditional, Roth, Rollover IRAs). For beginners, a cash account is generally recommended. A margin account allows you to trade with borrowed funds but requires a minimum balance (typically $2,000 in the US) and carries higher risk.
After submitting your application, Webull will review it. This usually takes 1-2 business days. You'll receive notifications via email and within the app once your account is approved.
1.3 Funding Your Account
Once your account is approved, it's time to deposit funds so you have buying power. Webull generally has no minimum deposit requirement, which is a huge plus!
The most common and often recommended method is an ACH transfer from your linked bank account. This is usually free.
To link your bank account, you'll typically navigate to the "Account" or "Menu" tab, find "Deposit," and follow the instructions to connect your bank. You might need to verify small "micro-deposits" in your bank account for the initial setup.
ACH transfers usually take 3-5 business days for funds to fully settle. However, Webull often provides an instant buying power credit for a portion of your deposit, allowing you to start trading sooner while the full transfer is pending.
Alternative Funding: Wire transfers are also an option but often come with fees from your bank.
Step 2: Navigating the App and Finding Your Stock
With your account set up and funded, you're ready to explore the market!
2.1 Understanding the Webull Interface
The Webull app is packed with features, but don't feel overwhelmed. Here are key tabs you'll encounter:
Markets: This is where you'll find an overview of global markets, top gainers/losers, industry performance, and more.
Watchlist: Create and manage lists of stocks you're interested in tracking.
Trade (Center Icon): This is your direct access to the order entry screen.
Quotes/Details Page: When you tap on a stock, you'll go to its detailed quote page, showing charts, news, financial data, and more.
Account (Webull Icon/Profile): Here, you can manage your account, view positions, order history, statements, and make deposits/withdrawals.
2.2 Searching for a Stock
There are a couple of ways to find the stock you want to buy.
From the "Markets" Tab: You can browse different categories, or use the search bar (magnifying glass icon, usually at the top) to type in the company name or ticker symbol (e.g., "Apple" or "AAPL").
From Your "Watchlist": If you've already added the stock to a watchlist, simply tap on it from there.
Once you find the stock, tap on its name/ticker to go to its dedicated quote page. This page provides crucial information like the current price, charts, news, analyst ratings, and financial metrics. Take your time here to do your research!
Step 3: Placing Your Stock Buy Order
This is the core of buying stock. Pay close attention to the details to ensure your order executes as intended.
3.1 Accessing the Trade Screen
From the stock's quote page, you'll see a prominent "Trade" button, usually at the bottom or top right. Tap this button.
You'll be directed to the order entry screen.
3.2 Selecting "Buy"
On the order entry screen, you'll see "Side." Make sure "Buy" is selected. This indicates you want to purchase the stock.
3.3 Choosing Your Order Type
This is a critical decision that impacts how your order is executed.
Market Order (Simplest, but not price-guaranteed):
A market order tells Webull to buy the stock immediately at the best available price in the market.
Pros: Guaranteed execution. Your order will almost certainly go through.
Cons: No price guarantee. The price might fluctuate slightly between when you tap "Buy" and when the order is filled, especially in volatile markets. You might pay slightly more or less than the price displayed when you initiated the order.
When to use: When you prioritize immediate execution over a specific price, especially for highly liquid stocks.
Limit Order (Price-guaranteed, but not execution-guaranteed):
A limit order allows you to set a maximum price you're willing to pay per share. Your order will only execute if the stock's price falls to or below your specified limit price.
Pros: Guaranteed price. You won't pay more than you intended.
Cons: No execution guarantee. If the stock's price never drops to your limit, your order might not be filled.
When to use: When you have a specific price target in mind or want to buy during a dip. This is often recommended for beginners to avoid unexpected price fluctuations.
How to set: Select "Limit" as the Order Type. A "Limit Price" field will appear. Enter the maximum price you're willing to pay per share.
Other Advanced Order Types (For more experienced traders):
Stop Order (Stop Loss): Triggers a market order once a specified "stop price" is reached. Used to limit potential losses.
Stop Limit Order: Triggers a limit order once a specified "stop price" is reached. Offers more control than a pure stop order.
Trailing Stop Order: A dynamic stop order that adjusts with the stock's price.
OCO (One-Cancels-the-Other) / OTO (One-Triggers-the-Other): Advanced order combinations for more complex strategies.
For your first purchase, stick with Market or Limit orders.
3.4 Quantity vs. Dollar Amount (Fractional Shares)
Webull allows you to buy stocks by quantity (number of shares) or by dollar amount (fractional shares).
Shares: If you want to buy whole shares, simply enter the number of shares you wish to purchase in the "Quantity" field.
Dollars (Fractional Shares): This is a fantastic feature, especially for high-priced stocks. You can invest a specific dollar amount (e.g., $10, $50, $100), and Webull will buy a fraction of a share for you. Look for an option to switch between "Shares" and "Dollars" (often indicated by "Qty" or "USD").
If you're investing a small amount, fractional shares are an excellent way to diversify or get exposure to expensive companies.
3.5 Time-in-Force
This determines how long your order remains active if it's not immediately filled.
Day: The order will only be active during the current trading day's regular market hours. If it's not filled by market close, it will be canceled.
GTC (Good 'Til Cancelled): The order remains active until it's filled or you manually cancel it (typically up to 60 days).
Extended Hours (Incl. Ext): Allows your order to be active during pre-market and after-hours trading sessions. Be cautious with extended hours trading due to lower liquidity and higher volatility. For beginners, sticking to "Day" for regular market hours is often safer.
3.6 Reviewing and Confirming Your Order
Before hitting "Buy," carefully review all the details of your order:
Side: Buy
Ticker Symbol: Is it the correct stock?
Order Type: Market or Limit (with the correct limit price if applicable)
Quantity/Dollar Amount: Is this what you intended?
Estimated Cost: Webull will show you an estimated cost, including any minor regulatory fees. While Webull generally offers commission-free trading for US-listed stocks, small regulatory and exchange fees may still apply.
Time-in-Force: Day or GTC.
Once you're satisfied, tap the "Buy" button (or "Confirm" button) to place your order.
Step 4: Monitoring Your Order and Positions
After placing your order, you'll want to keep an eye on its status.
4.1 Checking Order Status
After placing the order, you'll often see a confirmation message.
To view the status of your order, navigate to the "Account" tab (the Webull icon) and then look for the "Orders" section.
Pending: Your order has been placed but not yet filled.
Filled: Your order has been executed, and you now own the shares.
Partially Filled: Only a portion of your order has been executed.
Canceled: Your order was canceled (either by you or automatically, e.g., if it was a Day order and didn't fill).
4.2 Viewing Your Positions
Once your buy order is "Filled," the stock will appear in your "Positions" section under the "Account" tab.
Here, you can see your average cost, current market value, daily gains/losses, and total gains/losses. This is where you'll monitor your investment's performance.
Step 5: Managing Your Investments and Next Steps
Congratulations, you've successfully bought stock on Webull! But the journey doesn't end there.
5.1 Continue Learning and Researching
Webull offers a wealth of research tools: news feeds, analyst ratings, financial statements, and technical indicators on charts. Utilize these resources to stay informed about your investments.
Consider using Webull's paper trading feature to practice strategies with virtual money before committing real capital. This is an excellent way to learn without risk.
5.2 Diversify Your Portfolio
Don't put all your eggs in one basket. As you gain experience, consider diversifying your portfolio across different companies, industries, and asset classes (like ETFs, which are baskets of stocks).
5.3 Set Alerts
Webull allows you to set price alerts so you get notified when a stock reaches a certain price. This can be helpful for monitoring your investments without constantly checking the app.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some common questions you might have about buying stocks on Webull:
How to check my account balance on Webull?
You can check your account balance by tapping the "Account" tab (the Webull logo icon) at the bottom of the screen. Your total assets, available buying power, and positions will be displayed there.
How to deposit more money into my Webull account?
From the "Account" tab, tap on "Deposit" (usually near your balance) and follow the instructions to initiate an ACH transfer or wire transfer from your linked bank account.
How to sell a stock on Webull mobile app?
Go to your "Account" tab, find the stock in your "Positions," tap on it, and then select the "Sell" button. Choose your order type (Market, Limit, etc.) and quantity, then confirm.
How to use fractional shares on Webull?
When placing a buy order, on the order entry screen, look for an option to switch the input method from "Shares" to "Dollars." Then, you can enter the specific dollar amount you wish to invest, and Webull will buy a corresponding fraction of a share.
How to set a limit order on Webull?
On the order entry screen, under "Order Type," select "Limit." A field for "Limit Price" will appear, where you can input the maximum price you are willing to pay per share.
How to find commission fees on Webull?
Webull offers $0 commission on US-listed stocks, ETFs, and options. However, regulatory and exchange fees may still apply. When placing an order, Webull will show you an "Estimated Cost" which includes these minor fees before you confirm. For more detailed fee information, check Webull's official website or their "Pricing" section within the app/platform.
How to use Webull's paper trading feature?
Go to the "Menu" or "Account" tab, and look for "Paper Trading" or "Simulation Trading." Tap on it to enter the simulated trading environment, where you can practice buying and selling with virtual funds.
How to cancel a pending order on Webull?
Go to your "Account" tab, then "Orders." Find the pending order you wish to cancel and tap on it. There should be an option to "Cancel Order."
How to view my trade history on Webull?
From the "Account" tab, navigate to the "Orders" section. You can usually filter by "Filled" or "History" to see all your past executed trades.
How to contact Webull customer support?
You can typically find customer support options within the "Account" or "Menu" section of the app. Look for "Help Center," "Customer Service," or "Contact Us," which may offer live chat, email, or phone support.