Buying power and funding for event contracts

Event contract buying power works differently from buying power for your brokerage account or crypto account.

How event contract buying power works

Event contract buying power is separate from your brokerage account and crypto account. You can't manually transfer buying power between these accounts, buying power is swept between the accounts automatically.

You can confirm your event contract buying power on the event contract order ticket.

Instant Deposits and ACH funding

Instant Deposits may not be available for event contracts.

Instant Deposits let you use ACH transfer funds before they clear in most contexts, but this feature isn't always available for event contracts. In those instances, only fully settled cash can be used to buy event contracts. If Instant Deposits were available for event contracts in a previous transaction, that doesn't guarantee they'll be available in future transactions.

If Instant Deposits aren’t available, standard bank transfers are generally available within 1 to 5 business days, depending on the transfer. Alternatively, you can deposit funds through debit card funding or by wire transfer.

To avoid issues, use settled cash for event contract trades. Don't rely on pending deposits. If you need buying power for an upcoming event, fund your account at least 1 to 5 business days in advance.

FAQ

Why is my buying power not updating in real-time?

We won’t increase or decrease your buying power based on the gains or losses of the event contract while you hold a position.

We’ll credit your account after you close your position or receive a payout. Note that while the funds will be available to trade additional event contracts, your brokerage buying power may not update until the funds are transferred from your Robinhood Derivatives account to your Robinhood Financial account. This process typically occurs the next business day after the event settles, except when US banks are closed.

Why is my buying power lower than expected?

Several situations can reduce your available event contract buying power:

  • Margin call: If your account has an open margin call, funds may be unavailable to trade. You'll need to resolve the margin call before your buying power is restored.
  • Open order holds: Pending orders reduce your available buying power. If you have open GTD orders, the funds are held until the order fills or expires.
  • Position limit reached: Some events have a maximum position limit (for example, 50,000 contracts per side). If you've reached the limit for an event, additional buying power for that event is reserved and unavailable for new orders.
When will my event contract winnings be available to withdraw?

Event contract proceeds generally settle 1 day after the event ends. After an event ends, winning contract proceeds move automatically to your event contract buying power by the next business day. From there, you can transfer funds to your brokerage account and initiate a withdrawal. Allow additional time for the withdrawal transfer to process.

Keep in mind

If an event began on Thursday, settled on Friday, the next business day is Monday when the funds can be withdrawn.

Why is my buying power different from my cash balance?

Your displayed cash balance and your event contract buying power may differ for several reasons:

  • Unsettled funds from recent deposits or trades aren't included in your event contract buying power
  • Open orders hold a portion of your buying power until they fill or expire
  • A pending margin call may be reducing available funds

Disclosures

Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Futures, options on futures, and cleared swaps trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Carefully consider if it's appropriate for you in light of your personal financial circumstances. Displayed prices are based on real-time market sentiment.

Read the Event Contracts Risk Disclosure for more information about the risks associated with event contracts.

Futures, options on futures and cleared swaps trading is offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC, a registered futures commission merchant with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and Member of National Futures Association (NFA). Event contracts are offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC through either KalshiEX LLC, ForecastEX, LLC or Rothera Exchange and Clearing LLC.

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All investing involves risk.

Brokerage services are offered through Robinhood Financial LLC, (“RHF”) a registered broker dealer (member SIPC), and clearing services through Robinhood Securities, LLC, (“RHS”) a registered broker dealer (member SIPC). While there is no additional cost to use Robinhood Legend, there are other fees associated with your brokerage account. Review the fee schedule for details.

Portfolio Management offered through Robinhood Asset Management, LLC (“Robinhood Strategies” or “RAM”), an SEC-registered investment advisor. For additional information about Robinhood Strategies, including about services, fees, risks, and conflicts of interest, review our firm’s brochure.

Futures and cleared swaps trading is offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC, (“RHD”) a registered futures commission merchant with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and a Member of the National Futures Association (NFA). RHD is not FDIC insured or SIPC protected.

Cryptocurrency services are offered through an account with Robinhood Crypto, LLC (“RHC”) (NMLS ID: 1702840). Robinhood Crypto is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the New York State Department of Financial Services. Review a list of RHC's licenses for more information. Cryptocurrency held through Robinhood Crypto is not FDIC insured or SIPC protected.

The Robinhood spending account is offered through Robinhood Money, LLC (“RHY”) (NMLS ID: 1990968), a licensed money transmitter. Review a list of our licenses for more information.

The Robinhood Cash Card is a prepaid card issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Mastercard® International Incorporated. Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated.

Robinhood Gold Card is subject to credit approval and underwriting. Robinhood Gold Card is offered by Robinhood Credit, Inc., and is issued by Coastal Community Bank, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. Robinhood Credit, Inc. (“RCT”), is a financial technology company, not a bank.

Robinhood Gold is a subscription-based membership program of premium services offered through Robinhood Gold, LLC (“RHG”).

RHF, RHS, RAM, RHD, RHC, RHY, RCT, and RHG are affiliated entities and wholly owned subsidiaries of Robinhood Markets, Inc. RHF, RHS, RAM, RHD, RHC, RHY, RCT, and RHG are not banks. Investing products offered by RHF are not FDIC insured and involve risk, including possible loss of principal.

RHY is not a member of FINRA, and products are not subject to SIPC protection, but funds held in the Robinhood spending account and Robinhood Cash Card account may be eligible for FDIC pass-through insurance (review the Robinhood Cash Card Agreement and the Robinhood Spending Account Agreement).

Funds held in your Robinhood Cash Card account at Sutton Bank are eligible for FDIC insurance up to $250,000 and will not accrue or pay any interest. The availability of FDIC insurance is contingent upon Robinhood maintaining records acceptable to the FDIC, as receiver, if Sutton Bank should fail. FDIC insurance limits apply collectively to all of your deposits held at Sutton Bank.

Options trading entails significant risk and is not appropriate for all customers. Customers must read and understand the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options before engaging in any options trading strategies. Options transactions are often complex and may involve the potential of losing the entire investment in a relatively short period of time. Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk, including the potential for losses that may exceed the original investment amount.

4784959

Robinhood, 85 Willow Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025. © 2026 Robinhood. All rights reserved.