Acorns is a popular micro-investing app designed to help people grow their wealth without needing deep financial knowledge. It works by rounding up your everyday purchases and investing the spare change into a diversified portfolio of exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Over time, these small, consistent contributions can grow through compounding and market returns.
Eventually, you may want to access some or all of your money—whether for an emergency, a big life event, or just to move your investments elsewhere. If you’re wondering how to cash out your Acorns account, this guide will walk you through everything in plain, easy-to-understand language. It covers the different types of Acorns accounts, how to make a withdrawal, how long it takes, and what you need to know before taking money out.
Types of Acorns Accounts
Acorns offers several account types, and understanding which one you’re using is important because the withdrawal process can vary slightly. Each serves a different purpose.
Acorns Invest
This is the core investment account. It holds your portfolio, built with your spare change and any extra money you’ve contributed. It invests in ETFs based on your selected risk profile.
Acorns Later
This is a retirement account. It’s either a Traditional, Roth, or SEP IRA, depending on your choice. It’s designed for long-term investing and has different tax and withdrawal rules.
Acorns Early
This is a custodial investment account for minors. It’s managed by the adult who opened the account until the child becomes the legal account owner at adulthood.
Acorns Checking
This is a checking account that works alongside your investments. It includes a debit card and lets you spend, withdraw, or transfer money directly.
Understanding your account type is the first step. The way you withdraw money depends on whether it’s invested, saved for retirement, or just sitting in checking.
Withdrawing From an Acorns Investment Account
If your money is in Acorns Invest, Later, or Early, it’s tied up in investments. This means it isn’t available instantly like a regular savings account. To cash out, Acorns has to sell your investments first.
You start by logging into your Acorns account through the mobile app or website. Then, select the account you want to withdraw from. Once inside the account, look for the “Withdraw” option. You’ll be asked how much you want to take out and where you want it sent. If you already have a linked bank account, it will show up as an option. Confirm everything and submit your request.
After you place the withdrawal, Acorns starts the process of selling your investments. This usually happens the same day if you make the request before 11 a.m. Pacific Time on a weekday. If you withdraw later in the day or on a weekend or holiday, your investments will be sold the next business day.
There’s a two-day waiting period after selling investments. This is known as settlement time. It’s required by law, and all investment platforms follow it. Once your investments settle, Acorns transfers the money to your bank. All in all, expect your funds in about three to six business days.
It’s important to know that the value of your investment can change. If the market drops right before you sell, your account may be worth less. Similarly, if the market rises, you might gain a little more. Timing can make a difference.
Withdrawing From Acorns Later (Retirement Account)
Withdrawing from a retirement account like Acorns Later has a few more rules. Because this is an IRA, early withdrawals can trigger penalties and taxes. If you take money out before age 59 and a half, you might owe a 10% penalty on top of your regular income taxes. There are exceptions, like using the money for a first home or certain medical expenses, but you should check with a tax advisor before cashing out.
The withdrawal steps are similar to a regular investment account. You go into the Later section, choose “Withdraw,” and follow the same steps. But be aware that Acorns may ask you to verify your identity again or provide extra information, since IRAs are more tightly regulated.
Think carefully before taking money out of your retirement account. It could affect your long-term savings, and taxes or penalties can eat into your withdrawal.
Withdrawing From Acorns Early (Custodial Account)
Acorns Early is an investment account for a child, managed by an adult. Since it’s meant to benefit the child, you’re limited in how you use the funds. The money technically belongs to the child, and withdrawing it must be for their benefit—such as education, health, or basic needs.
The withdrawal process works much the same. You enter the Early account, choose “Withdraw,” and follow the steps. Acorns won’t stop you from taking the money out, but you are legally responsible for using it in the child’s best interest. When the child reaches adulthood, they gain full control of the account.
Withdrawing From Acorns Checking
Acorns Checking is a bit different because your money isn’t invested. It’s like a regular bank account and comes with a debit card you can use for purchases or ATM withdrawals. If you want to pull money out in cash, you can use any Allpoint ATM with no fee. These ATMs are found in many retail locations like pharmacies, grocery stores, and gas stations.
If you want to move money from Acorns Checking to another bank, open the app, go to your Checking section, and find the transfer option. Enter how much you want to move and where it should go. Transfers generally take one to three business days.
This is the quickest way to get money out of Acorns, since no investments need to be sold and there’s no waiting for settlement.
Things to Know Before Withdrawing
Withdrawing from Acorns is easy, but it helps to keep a few things in mind. Your investments may go up or down in value. If the market is doing poorly, you could lose money if you sell during a downturn. Try not to panic sell during market dips unless it’s absolutely necessary.
If you withdraw from a retirement account, expect tax paperwork at the end of the year. You may receive a 1099-R form, which shows how much you took out and whether it’s taxable.
Timing matters too. Withdrawals made during holidays or weekends won’t start processing until the next business day. And large withdrawals may prompt extra security checks.
Finally, always double-check that your linked bank account is current. If you changed banks or closed an account, update it in the app before requesting your withdrawal.
Closing Your Acorns Account
If you want to stop using Acorns entirely, the first thing you’ll need to do is withdraw all of your funds. Make sure each account balance is at zero. After that, go into your settings and find the subscription management section. From there, you can cancel your plan.
Your account won’t be completely closed until all withdrawals are processed. It may take several days before everything is fully shut down. If anything seems stuck or confusing, Acorns customer support can help.
Conclusion
Cashing out of your Acorns account isn’t complicated, but it does depend on what kind of account you’re using. For investment and retirement accounts, there’s a waiting period while your investments are sold and the money settles. Withdrawals from checking are much faster.
Before you make a withdrawal, take a moment to think about timing, taxes, and your financial goals. Selling during a market dip could lock in losses, and early withdrawals from retirement accounts come with penalties. But when the time is right, Acorns gives you straightforward tools to access your money.
If you’re using Acorns as a long-term investment strategy, try to avoid frequent withdrawals. The power of compounding works best when your money stays invested over time. However, life happens, and when you need your funds, it’s good to know they’re accessible.
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