Account Funding

To begin investing on BBAE, you’ll need to fund your account. We offer various convenient methods for electronically transferring funds into your BBAE account. This FAQ provides important details on account funding, including the available funding methods, processing times, and any associated fees.

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How do I fund my account via Automated Customer Account Transfer (ACAT)? 

An ACAT allows you to transfer funds or securities from an existing brokerage account to your BBAE account. This enables you to consolidate your investments and have all your assets in one place. You can initiate the transfer through the BBAE App by clicking on Account and then Transfer. From there, you will select your existing broker and fill in your account information. If you do not see your existing broker on the list, please contact our support team at 1-800-950-5266. It is important that you complete the request in its entirety to avoid potential processing delays or a rejection 

For additional information on ACATs, click here

When will my ACH deposit clear?  

Full access to ACH deposited funds occurs after the ACH has cleared, typically five to seven business days after the deposit is received. A few things to note:  

  • BBAE will immediately release a portion of your ACH deposit into your buying power, which can be used to purchase securities with a market capitalization greater than $500 million. However, options trading and purchases in advisory portfolio accounts are limited to fully cleared funds only. Uncleared ACH funds will not be counted toward margin equity or calculated as part of your day trading buying power. 
  • You will receive a notification from us once your ACH deposit has fully cleared. At this point, all funds from the ACH deposit become available for trading and withdrawal with no restrictions. 
  • If this is your first ACH deposit or you have no cash balance in your account prior to the deposit, proceeds from unsettled sell orders cannot be used until the trade settles. 
  • The partial amount released is determined by your total account balance: 
    • If the ACH deposit amount is less than $1,000, you will receive full access to the entire ACH deposit amount immediately. 
    • If the ACH deposit amount is greater than $1,000, the amount released to your buying power will generally be a minimum of $1,000. This amount may increase depending on your account equity prior to the deposit. If you have margin trading privileges, you will receive 2 times the buying power of the released amount (based on a 50% maintenance margin requirement). 

Why was my ACH returned? 

In some cases, ACH deposits into your BBAE account may be returned for various reasons by your bank. Some common reasons for ACH returns include:  

  • Insufficient funds   
  • Incorrect bank account information 
  • Duplicate transactions    
  • Declined or prohibited transfers  

A $30.00 return fee will be applied to your account if an ACH return occurs. Please note that customers are responsible for all charges that result from returned payments and additional trading restrictions may apply. 

To avoid ACH returns, we highly recommend the following: 

  • Ensure you have sufficient funds in your bank account for one to two business days after submitting an ACH transfer request. Note that some banks charge maintenance fees which may impact your daily balance.  
  • Confirm that your bank account supports standard outgoing ACH transfers and that the account information entered when linking the account is accurate. Be careful when making ACH transfers from a savings account because some savings accounts limit the number of monthly transactions, including the micro-deposits used to confirm the account linkage. 

If we receive an ACH return notice from your bank, we will restrict the ACH deposit amount and any reversal fees from your buying power until the funds are transferred back to your bank. 

Please take appropriate precautions when setting up and using ACH transfers to fund your BBAE account. Following these best practices will help minimize the possibility of ACH returns and any resulting account restrictions or fees. 

What is a routing number? 

A routing number, also known as an ABA number or routing transit number, is a unique 9-digit code used to identify your financial institution. It’s assigned to your bank by the American Bankers Association (ABA) to facilitate transactions from your bank account, such as direct deposits, wire transfers, automatic bill payments, and paper checks. Each bank has its own routing number that corresponds to the location where your account was opened. 

How do I find my routing number? 

The easiest way to find your routing number is to check the bottom left corner of your checks. It’s the first set of numbers and is 9 digits long. If you don’t have a paper check, you can find your routing number by logging into your bank’s website or mobile banking app, under settings for your checking account. You can also call your bank’s customer service line to request your routing number. Some banks list the routing number on monthly paper statements or provide it when you open a new checking account. 

It’s important to note that you may have different routing numbers for different transaction types. For example, you’ll use one routing number for wire transfers and direct deposits into your checking account, but a different routing number for ACH payments and transactions from your savings account. Always double check with your bank if you’re not sure which routing number to use for a particular transaction. 

Can I fund my BBAE account using a credit card? 

No, BBAE does not accept credit card payments for account funding. Please click here to view all the ways you can fund your BBAE account.  

What is micro-deposit verification? 

Micro-deposit verification is a method BBAE uses to confirm the ownership of an external bank account. This verification is utilized for ACH payments only and is not required for wire transfers. This verification process ensures that the individual attempting to link to the external bank account is indeed the account owner, thereby enhancing security and preventing unauthorized access. 

Here’s a step-by-step explanation of the micro-deposit verification process: 

  1. Verification Initiated: To begin the process, you provide your external bank account details, including the account number and routing number, within the BBAE Pro app. 
  1. Micro-Deposits Sent: BBAE initiates a process where small amounts of money, referred to as micro-deposits, are sent to the specified external bank account. Please note that it may take 2-3 business days for the micro-deposits to be credited. 
  1. Deposits Confirmed: Once the micro-deposits are made, you will need to review your external bank account and identify the exact amounts of these deposits. The deposits will be displayed as ‘Redbridge Securities’ on your bank statement. 
  1. Bank Account Confirmed: Please enter the micro-deposit amounts into the BBAE app to confirm ownership of your external bank account within 10 business days.  
  1. Verification Completed: The external bank account is successfully verified if the amounts entered match the actual micro-deposits made.  You can then proceed to submit a deposit using the Automated Clearing House (ACH) method.  

Please note that if verification is not completed within 10 business days, new micro-deposits will need to be sent. 

Is there a minimum deposit required to open a BBAE account? 

No, BBAE does not require a minimum deposit to open an account. Whether you have a small amount or a larger sum, you can still open an account and begin investing with BBAE. This flexibility allows you to start investing with the funds that you’re comfortable with, without any mandatory minimum deposit. 

Is my personal and financial information secure when funding my BBAE account? 

Yes, BBAE prioritizes the security of your personal and financial information. Rigorous measures are in place to protect your data from unauthorized access or disclosure. BBAE implements robust encryption, firewalls, and other advanced security protocols to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of your information during the funding process. 

In addition, BBAE’s wholly owned subsidiary, Redbridge Securities LLC, is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). These regulatory bodies enforce stringent standards and requirements for member firms to safeguard customer information. BBAE is fully committed to complying with these regulations and upholding the highest standards of data security to protect your personal and financial details. 

You can rest assured that BBAE prioritizes creating a secure environment for its customers, ensuring the confidentiality and privacy of your information throughout the account funding process. 

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