How to Short a Stock on Every Major Platform
Robinhood, Webull, Fidelity, E*TRADE, and Thinkorswim — here's how to short on each one
Quick Tip
Every platform listed below supports buying inverse ETFs — the simplest way to get short exposure. No margin account needed. Just search the ticker and buy shares like any stock.
How to Short a Stock on Robinhood
Robinhood does not support traditional short selling. You cannot borrow and sell shares short on Robinhood. However, you can get short exposure two ways:
- Inverse ETFs: Search for tickers like SQQQ, SPXU, or TSLS and buy shares normally
- Put options: If you have options approval, buy puts on stocks you're bearish on
To buy an inverse ETF on Robinhood: Open the app → Search the ticker (e.g., "SQQQ") → Tap "Buy" → Enter your amount → Confirm.
How to Short a Stock on Webull
Webull supports both traditional short selling and inverse ETFs:
- Traditional short selling: Requires a margin account ($2,000 minimum). Go to the stock page → Select "Sell" → Choose "Short Sell"
- Inverse ETFs: Search any inverse ETF ticker and buy shares in a cash or margin account
For beginners, inverse ETFs are the safer choice — your maximum loss is limited to what you invest.
How to Short a Stock on Fidelity
Fidelity supports traditional short selling with margin approval:
- Requirements: Margin account, $2,000+ equity, margin agreement signed
- How to: Log in → Trade → Enter ticker → Select "Sell Short" as action → Enter shares → Submit
- Easier option: Buy inverse ETFs in any Fidelity account (including IRAs)
How to Short a Stock on E*TRADE
E*TRADE (now part of Morgan Stanley) supports short selling:
How to Short a Stock on Thinkorswim
Thinkorswim (by Charles Schwab, formerly TD Ameritrade) is popular with active traders:
- Requirements: Margin account with short selling permissions
- How to: Open the platform → Enter ticker in the trade tab → Select "Sell Short" → Set quantity and order type → Confirm
- Easier option: Buy inverse ETFs directly — no special permissions needed
Platform Comparison
| Platform | Traditional Short | Inverse ETFs | Put Options | Min. Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robinhood | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | $0 |
| Webull | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | $2,000 |
| Fidelity | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | $2,000 |
| E*TRADE | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | $2,000 |
| Thinkorswim | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | $2,000 |
Find the Right Inverse ETF for Your Platform
All inverse ETFs on ShortAssets are available on every major brokerage. Browse by category or use our AI search.
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