Safety & Security at Stash | Stash (2024)

Learn more about how Stash keeps you safe, plus additional ways you can keep your Stash account secure.

Your protection is our priority.

From your investments to your cash, you can feel confident in the security of your money on Stash.

How we protect your investments:Safety & Security at Stash | Stash (1)

Your investments are held by our trusted partner and custodian Apex Clearing Corporation, a third-party SEC-registered broker-dealer and member FINRA/SIPC. Apex Clearing is a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC). This means the investments in your account are protected up to $500,000 total (including $250,000 for claims for cash). For details, please visit www.sipc.org.

For uninvested funds, your Stash account is enrolled in the APEX FDIC-insured Sweep Program. Deposits to the Sweep Program are covered by FDIC insurance up to $250,000 limit per customer at each FDIC-insured bank that participates in the Sweep Program. Once your cash is deposited with the participating banks under the Sweep Program, such cash will no longer be covered by SIPC. Learn about the FDIC Sweep Program.

To note, SIPC coverage does not insure against the potential loss of market value. For details, please visit www.sipc.org.

How we protect your bank account:Safety & Security at Stash | Stash (2)

Stash offers FDIC-insured bank accounts through Stride Bank. Your accounts with us are insured to the regulatory limits by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). For further information regarding insurance of accounts, you can telephone the FDIC’s toll-free consumer hotline at 877-275-3342, or find alternate contact information at www.fdic.gov.

We promise to act
in your best interests

Stash is a registered investment advisor with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

While such registration does not imply a certain level of skill, it does require us to follow federal regulations that protect you, the investor. By law, we must provide investment advice that is in the best interest of our clients

Stash works to keep your spending safe and secure.

Your Stash debit card is protected by the following security features and policies.*

Zero liability policy.

If your card is lost or stolen, MasterCard’s Zero Liability Policy protects you from any unauthorized charges—whether made online or in person.

Debit card security.

Your debit card has an EMV chip to keep fraudsters at bay, plus a 3-digit security code to verify your identity for purchases.

Continuous fraud monitoring.

MasterCard monitors activity on your debit card around the clock to help detect suspicious activity.

Lock and unlock.

If misplaced, your debit card can be temporarily locked—and unlocked—with a tap in the Stash app.9

* These features apply to unauthorized transactions. MasterCard must be notified immediately of any unauthorized use. See Deposit Account Agreement for details.

Learn more about our security features.

Safety & Security at Stash | Stash (3)256-bit encryption

We use encryption to protect and secure all of your information, from personal data (like your social security number) to your transaction history.

Safety & Security at Stash | Stash (4)Transport Layer Security (TLS)

Our mobile and web applications use the latest Transport Layer Security protocol to protect your information when communicating with Stash.

Safety & Security at Stash | Stash (5)Biometric recognition

You have the option to use biometric recognition (such as a fingerprint or facial scan) to access your account.

Safety & Security at Stash | Stash (6)Access control

Stash uses session end-timers and log-in thresholds to prevent unauthorized access to your account. Stash also offers two-factor authentication to all active debit account customers for additional security.

Safety & Security at Stash | Stash (7)Cutting-edge technology

We constantly monitor the latest security technologies to make sure that our systems are up to date and comply with industry best practices.

Stash security is PCI DSS compliant.

Stash handles sensitive financial customer data, so we’ve taken steps to secure critical systems and information. Stash has been audited by an external third party to validate compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).

This standard evaluates all technical controls to ensure that card data is protected and secured from malicious attackers.

Safety & Security at Stash | Stash (8)

We encourage you to take these additional steps to secure your account.

How to improve your password security:Safety & Security at Stash | Stash (9)

  • Do not create passwords that can be easily guessed, such as your birthdate.
  • Do not use common names and/or numerical sequences as passwords. Examples include: pets, children, social security number, name, address, phone number, username, social media information, 1234, 1111, etc.
  • Do not share your passwords with anyone.
  • Avoid using the same password for multiple institutions/accounts/sites.
  • Always use strong passwords. The most secure passwords are long (12+ characters) and combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters (!?#@).

How to practice web safety:Safety & Security at Stash | Stash (10)

  • Sign into your Stash account via stash.com or the Stash mobile application.
  • Only download our mobile application from the iOS App Store and Android Play Store
  • Do not click links or open attachments from unknown parties.
  • Be suspicious of emails from people or companies that are unfamiliar.
  • Avoid using public wifi or internet (hotels, cafes, etc.) to access your accounts
  • Look for the ‘https://’ and lock symbol to verify a website is secure, as seen below:
    Safety & Security at Stash | Stash (11)
  • To protect your Stash account, always log out after a session and close your browser.
  • Use two-factor authentication (also known as multi-factor authentication) if they are available to you.

How to protect your equipment:Safety & Security at Stash | Stash (12)

  • Make sure all software and applications are up to date.
  • Install and use anti-virus and firewall software.
  • Never leave your devices unlocked or unattended.
  • Only download files from sources you trust.

We’re here if you
need us.

Please contact Stash if you suspect you are a victim of fraud, identity theft, or with any other questions or concerns. We’re always here to help.

Tel: (800) 205-5164

Monday - Friday | 8:00AM–8:00PM ET

You can also email us at support@stash.com
or write to us here. We’re available every day, 24/7.

Browse additional resources and frequently asked questions.

View all security FAQs

Is it safe to link my bank account to Stash?Safety & Security at Stash | Stash (13)

Stash follows the highest standards for data protection employed by financial firms and the financial services industry worldwide.

That includes using something called 256-bit encryption to secure your information, including personal data and fund purchase history. Stash further secures your account with Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology, which ensures any information sent between the Stash App and its servers is protected.

What about Stash having access to my bank account?

Stash will never withdraw funds from your checking or savings account without your consent. In order to purchase any of the investments offered through Stash, you need to link a bank account to transfer funds and to make your desired fund purchase.

If you have more questions about whether it’s safe to link your bank account to Stash, send us an email. You can also read more about Stash’s security protocols here.

Is my personal information secure?Safety & Security at Stash | Stash (14)

Stash employs 256-bit bank-grade encryption to secure all your information, from personal info to purchase history and more. Stash uses Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) to ensure any information sent between the Stash app and our servers is protected

Is Stash regulated?Safety & Security at Stash | Stash (15)

Yes, Stash is a Registered Investment Adviser. All Registered Investment Advisers (RIAs) are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Is my money safe?Safety & Security at Stash | Stash (16)

When you use Stash, your information is encrypted and stored on secure servers, and your funds and securities are held with your security in mind.

Your current investments are covered up to a maximum of $500,000 total, including $250,000 in cash balances through the Securities Investors Protection Corporation (SIPC). But SIPC coverage does not insure against the potential loss of market value. For uninvested funds, your Stash account is enrolled in something called the Apex FDIC-insured Sweep Program. And here are the details:

Stash accounts are enrolled in an interest-bearing Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insured Sweep Program (“Sweep Program”) offered through our clearing firm, Apex Clearing Corp. Uninvested Cash in your Stash account will automatically be transferred into the Sweep Program and will earn interest based on the amount and duration of deposits and applicable interest rates. Deposits to the Sweep Program are covered by FDIC insurance up to the $250,000 limit per customer at each FDIC-insured bank that participates in the Sweep Program.

Once your cash balances are deposited with the participating banks under the Sweep Program, they will no longer be covered by SIPC.

Please ensure that you read the Terms and Conditions of the Sweep Program carefully. As with all investments, you should consider carefully if the Sweep Program meets your investment objectives.

Why does Stash need my social security number?Safety & Security at Stash | Stash (17)

The Patriot Act requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person opening an account. We also require your Social Security number to issue you a tax reporting form at the end of the year. Your Social Security number is only used to verify your identity. Stash does not perform a credit check.

How does Stash use my personal information?Safety & Security at Stash | Stash (18)

You have the right to control how we use your information. Please read our Privacy Policy to learn how we collect, share, use, and protect information when you visit or use our services. Stash’s Privacy Notice also explains how your information is used by us.

What are some additional resources I can use?

Department of Homeland Security

Additional information and tips on cyber security.

Learn more

Internet Crime Reporting Center:

How to file an internet crime complaint with the FBI.

Learn more

Federal Trade Commission

More information about internet security, identity theft, and scams.

Learn more

FTC (Password Strength)

Additional information on the importance of password strength.

Learn more

FCC (Protecting Mobile Devices)

Learn more about how you can protect your mobile device.

Learn more

Free Credit Report

Go here for a free annual credit report.

Learn more

Safety & Security at Stash | Stash (2024)

FAQs

Is Stash safe and secure? ›

Stash follows the highest standards for data protection employed by financial firms and the financial services industry worldwide. That includes using something called 256-bit encryption to secure your information, including personal data and fund purchase history.

Why is Stash taking money out of my bank account? ›

There are a number of reasons why we may have transferred money from your external bank account to Stash: You initiated a manual transfer (such as a purchase with a transfer), a manual transfer to your Stash banking account1, or a transfer to your Portfolio cash. You have recurring transfers set up.

Is Stash safe to give SSN? ›

Stash takes safeguarding your personal information very seriously—we use it only for identification purposes, and we never perform credit checks. As a financial service institution, we're required by law to obtain, verify, and record identification information.

What are the cons of Stash? ›

No managed IRAs: Stash does not offer automated management for IRAs. No tax-loss harvesting: Smart Portfolios don't offer tax-loss harvesting. No human advice: Stash's offering of personalized advice refers to guides and how-to articles, as well as automated portfolio management available through Smart Portfolios.

Is it hard to cancel Stash? ›

You can cancel your Stash plan at any time in the app or online at Stash.com. Keep reading to learn what to do before you close, and how to cancel your plan in the app or on the web. Kids Portfolio(s): You'll need some help from us.

Does Stash really give you money? ›

Looking to take control of your finances? As a StashWorks customer, you can earn up to $55 by setting up payroll contributions into your Stash account. To get started, set up a direct deposit from the employer who sponsors your StashWorks subscription to your Stash banking account,…

Why is Stash charging me? ›

After you complete your free trial, we will automatically bill you every one-month or one-year anniversary on the day that you signed up for your account. For example, if you sign up for Stash on April 9th, you'll be billed every month on the 9th (monthly billing), or every year on April 9th (yearly).

Is there a penalty for withdrawing from Stash? ›

Prior to age 59½, withdrawals of interest and earnings are subject to income tax and a 10% penalty. All earnings are tax free at age 59½ or older, assuming your first contribution was more than 5 years prior. Income Eligibility applies.

Does Stash report to the IRS? ›

The short answer is yes – your investments are taxed the same way any money you make on any other type of investment. Taxes for Stash are similar to Acorns 1099 for investments.

Should I use Stash or Robinhood? ›

Deciding between Stash vs. Robinhood? Robinhood provides access to a wider variety of different assets to invest in, but Stash offers some unique features including its Stock-Back program, which allows you to earn free stock when you shop with your debit card.

What bank does Stash use? ›

For more information about FDIC insurance, check out the FDIC website Stash Banking services provided by Stride Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. The Stash Stock-Back® Debit Mastercard® is issued by Stride Bank pursuant to license from Mastercard International.…

Why is Stash holding my money? ›

To protect you from fraud, we hold all transfers from an external bank account to your Stash banking account for a period of up to five business days. Once this holding period is over, your money will be available for use.

Is its Stash legit? ›

Is Stash legit? Yes, Stash is legit. For its mobile banking service, the Stock-Back Card, customers have access to FDIC-insured banking accounts, which are powered by Stride Bank.

Which is better Robinhood or Stash? ›

Both Stash's app and Robinhood's app allow you to easily research stocks and purchase investments. Stash also allows you to track your Stock-Back® rewards and manage your banking account, while Robinhood offers more in-depth trading and research tools on its platform than Stash does.

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