Security & Stash
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:
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:
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.
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.
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.
Transport Layer Security (TLS)
Our mobile and web applications use the latest Transport Layer Security protocol to protect your information when communicating with Stash.
Biometric recognition
You have the option to use biometric recognition (such as a fingerprint or facial scan) to access your account.
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.
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.
We encourage you to take these additional steps to secure your account.
How to improve your password security:
- 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:
- 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:
- 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:
- 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 [email protected]
or write to us here. We’re available every day, 24/7.
Browse additional resources and frequently asked questions.
View all security FAQsIs it safe to link my bank account to Stash?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
Federal Trade Commission
More information about internet security, identity theft, and scams.
Learn more
