Where to find your balance depends on which platform you use
Most trading platforms show your account balance in the same place every time you log in — usually a dashboard, account summary, or portfolio page. The exact location and what the number includes (cash, investments, buying power) varies by platform. Some show it when ready; others require you to navigate a menu. Knowing where to look and what each balance figure means prevents you from mistaking settled cash for money you can actually spend.
The balance you see is not always the same as the money available to trade or withdraw. A trading platform typically displays multiple balance figures: total account value (everything you own), cash balance (uninvested money), and buying power (what you can spend right now). These numbers can differ because of unsettled trades, pending deposits, or margin requirements.
Key Takeaways
- Your account balance appears on the dashboard or portfolio page when ready after you log in on most platforms, though the exact location varies.
- Trading platforms show multiple balance figures — total account value, cash balance, and buying power — and they are not the same thing.
- Cash from a stock sale does not become available to withdraw or trade again for one to three business days, depending on the platform's settlement rules.
- Margin accounts show buying power that exceeds your cash balance, because the platform is lending you money to trade with.
- If your balance looks wrong, check for pending deposits, unsettled trades, or open positions that have lost value.
The dashboard or home page shows your balance first
When you log into a trading platform, the first screen usually displays your total account value and available cash in a summary box or header. On Fidelity, this appears at the top of the Accounts page. On Charles Schwab, it is on the Account Summary tab. On Robinhood, the balance is at the top of the home screen. On E*TRADE, it is in the Accounts section.
This summary is designed to be visible without scrolling or clicking further. If you do not see a balance figure on your first screen, look for a tab or menu labeled "Accounts," "Portfolio," "Summary," or "Dashboard." Some platforms require you to select a specific account from a dropdown if you hold multiple accounts with them.
The balance shown on the home page is usually your total account value — the sum of all cash and investments. This is not the same as the money you can withdraw or trade with right now. That figure appears separately, often labeled "Available to Trade," "Buying Power," "Cash Available," or "Settled Cash."
Cash balance and buying power are different numbers
Your cash balance is the uninvested money sitting in your account. Your buying power is the total amount you can spend on trades right now. On a cash account (no margin), these two numbers are the same. On a margin account, buying power is larger because the platform lends you money to trade with.
If you sold a stock yesterday, the cash from that sale does not show up in your available balance when ready. Stock trades settle after one to three business days, depending on the platform and the type of security. Until settlement, the money is in a "pending" or "unsettled" state. Fidelity, Schwab, and most brokers show unsettled cash separately from available cash so you can see what is coming.
Margin accounts display buying power as a multiple of your cash balance. If you have $10,000 in cash and a 2:1 margin ratio, your buying power might be $20,000. The platform is lending you the other $10,000. If your account loses value, your buying power shrinks, and you may receive a margin call requiring you to deposit more cash or sell positions.
How to find your balance on specific platforms
| Platform | Where to Look | What You Will See |
|---|---|---|
| Fidelity | Accounts page (top of screen after login) | Total account value, cash balance, and buying power in separate boxes |
| Charles Schwab | Account Summary tab | Total account value and available cash; click "Account Details" for more |
| E*TRADE | Accounts section (left menu) | Account value and cash balance; hover over balance for details |
| Robinhood | Home screen (top of page) | Total portfolio value and buying power; tap "Account" for cash details |
| TD Ameritrade | Monitor tab, then Accounts | Account value and available funds; select account if you have multiple |
| Interactive Brokers | Account Management, then Summary | Net liquidation value and available funds for trading |
Each platform uses slightly different terminology and layout, but the information is always present within one or two clicks of login. If you cannot find your balance, check the platform's help section or search for "account balance" in the support menu — most platforms have a dedicated article showing where to look.
Why your balance might not match what you expect
If your balance looks wrong, check for unsettled trades first. Any stock or ETF you sold in the last three business days is still settling. The cash from that sale is not yet available. Most platforms show a separate "unsettled cash" or "pending deposits" figure so you can see what is coming.
Pending deposits also affect your balance. If you transferred money from your bank account, it may take one to five business days to arrive, depending on the platform and your bank. During that time, the money is not yet in your trading account. Some platforms show pending deposits separately; others do not.
Open positions that have lost value will reduce your total account balance. If you bought a stock at $100 and it is now worth $80, your account value is lower by $20 per share. This is not a problem unless you are trying to understand why your balance dropped — the loss is real until you sell or the price recovers.
Margin interest and fees also reduce your balance. If you carry a margin balance (borrowed money), the platform charges interest daily. Some platforms deduct this automatically; others show it as a pending charge. Check your account statements to see the exact amount.
How to track balance changes over time
Most trading platforms let you view your balance history through a statements or history section. On Fidelity, this is under "Statements & Documents." On Schwab, it is under "History." On Robinhood, you can view your net worth graph on the home screen. These tools show your account value on specific dates, helping you understand whether changes are from trades, deposits, or market movement.
Some platforms also offer account alerts. You can set a notification to trigger if your balance drops below a certain amount, if a deposit arrives, or if a margin call occurs. This is useful if you want to monitor your account without logging in every day. Check your account settings or preferences to enable alerts.
Your monthly or quarterly statement is the official record of your balance. It shows your account value on the statement date, all transactions during the period, and any fees or interest charged. If you think your balance is wrong, compare it to your statement — the statement is the authoritative source.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my buying power show more money than my cash balance?
You likely have a margin account, which means the platform lends you money to trade with. If you have $5,000 in cash and a 2:1 margin ratio, your buying power is $10,000 because the platform is lending you the other $5,000. The extra buying power disappears if your account loses value or if you close the margin feature.
How long does it take for money from a stock sale to show up as available cash?
Stock trades settle in one to three business days, depending on the platform. Most brokers show the cash as "unsettled" or "pending" during this time. After settlement, it moves to your available cash balance and you can withdraw it or use it to buy other securities. Weekends and holidays do not count as business days.
Can I withdraw my entire account balance?
You can withdraw your cash balance, but not your total account value. If you own stocks or ETFs, you must sell them first to convert them to cash. Once they settle (one to three business days), the cash is available to withdraw. Some platforms charge a fee for withdrawals or require a minimum balance to remain in the account.
What does "available to trade" mean, and is it the same as my cash balance?
Available to trade is the money you can spend on new purchases right now. On a cash account, it is the same as your cash balance. On a margin account, it is your buying power, which includes borrowed money. Unsettled cash from recent sales does not count as available to trade until settlement is complete.
Why does my balance show a negative number?
A negative balance usually means you owe the platform money, typically because you are carrying a margin balance (borrowed funds) or because a deposit failed and you spent the money anyway. Contact your broker when ready to understand the negative balance and arrange payment. Margin accounts charge daily interest on negative balances.