Do You Have to Be 18 to Use Webull?

Webull is an online brokerage platform for trading financial instruments like stocks, options, and exchange-traded funds. To open an individual investment account on Webull, applicants must be at least 18 years old.

Webull’s Age Requirements

Opening an investment account on Webull requires individuals to be at least 18 years old. This age restriction is standard across most U.S. brokerage firms, primarily due to the legal concept of the age of majority.

Individuals reaching the age of majority (typically 18) are legally recognized as adults. This status grants them the capacity to enter binding contracts, fundamental for brokerage accounts. Since investment accounts involve contractual agreements, brokerages require account holders to have the legal ability to uphold them.

The age limit also relates to financial responsibility and regulatory compliance. Financial institutions must adhere to regulations protecting investors and the financial system, which often require account holders to demonstrate legal and financial maturity.

Investment Options for Minors

While Webull does not offer direct investment accounts for individuals under 18, minors can still participate through alternative avenues provided by other brokerage firms. The most common way is a custodial account, typically established under the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) or the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA).

In an UGMA or UTMA account, the assets held legally belong to the minor, but the custodian has the authority to manage the investments until the minor reaches the age of majority, which varies by state but is commonly 18 or 21. The custodian is responsible for making all investment decisions and executing trades, ensuring that all actions are for the minor’s benefit. For instance, funds can be used for the minor’s education or other support, but cannot be used for the custodian’s personal expenses.

Contributions to UGMA/UTMA accounts have no annual limits, though amounts exceeding the annual federal gift tax exclusion ($19,000 per donor in 2025) may incur gift tax implications for the donor, even if actual tax is rarely paid due to high lifetime exclusions. The earnings within these accounts are generally taxed to the minor, often subject to the “kiddie tax” rules. Under these rules, a certain amount of unearned income (such as interest, dividends, and capital gains) is tax-free, a subsequent portion is taxed at the child’s lower tax rate, and income above specific thresholds may be taxed at the parent’s marginal rate.

Consequences of Age Rule Violations

Attempting to open a Webull account by misrepresenting one’s age can lead to significant repercussions. Brokerage platforms like Webull have terms of service that explicitly state age requirements, and violating these terms can result in immediate account closure. During the account opening process, applicants are typically required to provide identifying information, including their Social Security Number and date of birth, which allows the platform to verify the accuracy of the provided details.

If Webull discovers that an account was opened by an individual who falsely claimed to meet the age requirement, the platform is likely to close the account. This closure can lead to the loss of access to funds or the inability to execute trades. While the process for returning funds may vary, it can be complicated and potentially delayed. Such actions not only violate the platform’s terms but can also carry legal implications, as misrepresenting personal information to a financial institution can be considered fraudulent.