On NYC, NASDAQ and Amex it's instant. With the OTC and pinks u have to place a limit order so if u bid high enough it can be instant. If your trying to buy on the bid you just have to wait for them to accept it if they do that is. Like right now I checked and the bid is at .005 and the ask is at .0059 so if this was Tuesday I'd just put an order in at .0065 and I should get it instantly at .0059. Highest bidder gets the shares the fastest! Same goes with the selling!