Robinhood is a name that’s made waves in the US investing world, but for UK investors, it raises a different question: can you invest in the company behind the app, rather than use the app itself? While Robinhood Markets Inc isn’t available as a trading platform in the UK, its shares, listed on the NASDAQ under the ticker HOOD, are accessible through several UK brokers.
Buying stock in Robinhood means investing in a business that helped reshape retail trading across the Atlantic. From commission-free investing to its role in high-profile market surges, Robinhood’s rise has been closely watched by markets and regulators alike. For UK beginners curious about international shares, HOOD offers a way to gain exposure to a company at the centre of modern investing trends.
In this guide
How to Buy Robinhood (HOOD) Stock
How to Buy Robinhood Stocks
For UK investors, buying shares in a US company like Robinhood Markets Inc. may seem unfamiliar at first. But with the right broker and a clear step-by-step approach, the process is accessible even for beginners.
Here’s how it works:
Not all platforms provide access to US markets. Look for an FCA-regulated broker that supports trading on the NASDAQ, where Robinhood (ticker: HOOD) is listed.
You’ll need to provide proof of identity and address. Some brokers may also ask a few questions about your investing experience.
HOOD is priced in US dollars. Most brokers automatically convert your pounds, but be sure to check their exchange rate and foreign currency fees. Some offer multicurrency accounts to reduce costs.
Use the platform’s search tool to find the stock by name or ticker.
Choose a market order to buy at the current price or a limit order to set a price you’re comfortable paying. Limit orders can help manage risk during periods of market volatility.
Keep an eye on company updates, earnings reports, and market trends to stay informed. Robinhood’s share price is sensitive to changes in trading activity, regulation, and sentiment around retail investing.
This process is similar to buying shares in any overseas company. The key is choosing a broker that makes it simple to manage currency conversion and offers reliable access to US markets.
Best Brokers to Invest in Robinhood in the UK
Investing in US-listed shares like Robinhood (HOOD) is now easier for UK investors, thanks to several FCA-regulated brokers that provide access to the NASDAQ. However, platforms differ in key areas such as fees, tools, and user experience. Below are three well-established brokers worth considering, especially if you’re new to buying US stocks.
1. eToro
eToro is a popular choice for beginners due to its user-friendly platform and commission-free trading on US stocks, including Robinhood. It also offers fractional share investing, allowing you to buy a portion of a share if the full price feels out of reach.
Disclaimer: eToro is a multi-asset platform which offers both investing in stocks and cryptoassets, as well as trading CFDs.
Please note that CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. {etoroCFDrisk}% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Zero commission means that no broker fee will be charged when opening or closing the position and does not apply to short or leveraged positions. Other fees apply including FX fees on non-USD deposits and withdrawals. Your capital is at risk. For more information, click here.
✔Low minimum to fund an account and begin investing
- No commission on US share trades
- Minimum deposit of £50
- Simple layout, ideal for beginners
- The social trading feature allows you to copy other investors
- Supports fractional investing
- Currency conversion fee of 0.5% when depositing or withdrawing in GBP
- £5 flat withdrawal fee
- No ISA or SIPP accounts
2. Saxo
Saxo is a well-regarded broker offering access to global stock markets, including the NASDAQ. Its platform is more advanced than eToro’s, with in-depth research tools and multiple order types. While Saxo charges a small fee per trade, it remains competitive for those who value quality and control.
✔ Best for experienced traders
- Access to over 30,000 financial instruments, including HOOD
- Professional-grade platform with advanced tools and analysis
- Multi-currency account options
- Strong reputation for reliability and security
- Commission starts from $1.50 per US trade
- £500 minimum deposit for the Classic account
- The platform may feel complex for casual investors
3. CMC Markets
CMC Markets is a UK-based broker with a long-standing reputation. It provides access to US equities through a well-designed platform that suits both new and experienced investors. It also supports comprehensive charting tools and customisable watchlists.
✔ Great selection of assets
- No commission on US share trades for standard accounts
- Well-designed mobile and desktop platforms
- Educational resources available for beginners
- Wide range of other asset classes for portfolio diversification
- FX fees apply when trading US stocks
- No fractional shares
- Inactivity fees may apply after 12 months
When comparing brokers, look beyond headline fees. For a volatile stock like Robinhood, having access to real-time data, limit orders, and multi-currency options can make a meaningful difference. Pay close attention to foreign exchange charges and whether the platform supports features like stop-loss orders or dividend reinvestment, especially if you’re building a broader portfolio.
About Robinhood Markets Inc
Robinhood launched in 2013 with the goal of making investing more accessible. At a time when most brokers charged high fees, it introduced commission-free trading, a simple mobile app, and fractional shares, attracting a new generation of investors.
Based in California, the company grew quickly, particularly during the pandemic-era trading surge. It drew major attention during the 2021 GameStop and AMC rallies, where retail traders took on institutional investors, cementing Robinhood’s role in the retail investing shift.
Its core business includes:
- Trading US stocks and ETFs
- Options trading
- Cryptocurrency (in select US states)
- Interest on uninvested cash
- Robinhood Gold, a paid service offering research tools and margin access
While the app isn’t available in the UK, Robinhood has expressed interest in global expansion. If it succeeds, that could support future growth and strengthen its position as a listed company.
Learn how to buy Tesco shares, AstraZeneca shares or Spotify shares in our other guide!
Robinhood (HOOD) Price Today
Robinhood’s share price has seen wide swings since its 2021 IPO. It opened at $38 and surged to $85 during the meme-stock rally before falling sharply as market conditions shifted and regulatory pressure increased.
As of August 2025, HOOD trades well below its peak. While recent quarters have been more stable, the stock remains sensitive to interest rates, user growth, trading activity, and sentiment around retail investing.
HOOD is listed on the NASDAQ and priced in US dollars. For UK investors, currency fluctuations can affect overall returns.
To view the current price of Robinhood stock, check the live chart below for real-time updates.
Is Robinhood a Good Investment?
Whether Robinhood is a suitable investment depends on your risk tolerance and long-term goals. The company holds a unique position in the market. It is viewed by some as a forward-thinking tech platform, while others perceive it as a business under pressure from regulators and competitors.
Why some investors see potential:
- Robinhood has a large and mostly young customer base in the US
- Its brand remains well-known, especially among retail traders
- Revenue streams go beyond stock trading, including subscriptions, interest income, and cryptocurrency services
- It has stated ambitions for global expansion, which could open up new markets
Why others remain cautious:
- The company faces ongoing regulatory scrutiny, particularly around its options and crypto offerings
- Retail investor activity can be unpredictable, often driven by sentiment rather than fundamentals
- Established brokers and new fintech competitors are targeting the same audience
- Past controversies, including trading restrictions and privacy issues, have damaged trust
Robinhood is not a traditional dividend-paying stock. It fits more into the category of a high-growth, high-risk tech company. Investors interested in HOOD should be comfortable with volatility and understand that the share price may be influenced as much by public sentiment as by earnings results.
FAQs
Most US-listed stocks, including Robinhood, are not eligible for inclusion in a Stocks and Shares ISA. However, some SIPP providers offer access to US markets. If you’re considering holding HOOD in a pension wrapper, speak to your provider to confirm availability and fees.
No. UK brokers that support US shares usually handle the currency conversion for you at the time of the trade. However, they often charge a foreign exchange fee, so it’s worth checking the rate. If you invest frequently in US stocks, a broker with lower FX costs can save you money over time.
Currently, Robinhood does not pay dividends. The company reinvests its profits into product development and business growth. It’s considered a growth stock rather than an income-focused investment.
Investing in a US tech stock like Robinhood involves several risks. These include exposure to currency fluctuations, changing regulations around trading and crypto, and price volatility linked to market sentiment. It’s important to think about how this aligns with your wider investment strategy and risk profile.
Conclusion
Investing in Robinhood from the UK isn’t typical, but it offers direct exposure to one of the most talked-about names in US retail finance. HOOD reflects the rise of app-based trading, shifting investor behaviour, and ongoing debate around access and regulation.
It’s not a defensive pick or a source of steady income. But for those comfortable with risk and interested in high-growth sectors, Robinhood may be worth a closer look.
As always, weigh the risks carefully and ensure it fits your wider investment strategy.
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25,000 hours of testing 60+ brokers. Our recommended broker is Capital.com.
Our recommended broker is Capital.com.
