Whether you're buying whole or fractional shares, accessing exclusive assets, or taking advantage of generous sign-up bonuses, these user-friendly platforms from our partners make investing easier and more rewarding than ever.
Frequently Asked Questions
When choosing an investing app, there are several important factors to keep in mind, like the types of assets you can trade (stocks, ETFs, bonds, etc.), the fees they charge for transactions, and whether they offer educational tools or robo-advisors. It's also worth considering how easy the app is to use, especially if you're new to investing. And remember, you don’t have to commit to just one app — diversifying across platforms can help you access different features and investment opportunities.
As you consider your options, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Your investment budget: First, it’s important to understand your investment budget. Your budget should consider how much it will cost to invest as well as required account minimums. Realize, too, that passive investing is a long-term financial commitment. Avoid investing any amount of money that you think you’ll need in the near future.
- Available asset classes: Next, when evaluating the best investment apps, consider what types of assets you want to invest in. Different apps offer different investment options. For example, some make it easy to build a portfolio out of stocks, ETFs, and bonds. Others may offer options trading and cryptocurrencies.
- Account types: Figure out what types of accounts you want access to. For example, some investment platforms offer a wide variety of accounts, including individual retirement accounts (IRAs) and trust accounts, in addition to personal taxable investment accounts.
- Investment management fees and pricing: Many investment platforms charge fees, so it’s important to be aware of this when you’re deciding where to invest. Some platforms charge a monthly account fee based on the features you want to access. Others charge an annual fee based on the assets in the account.
- Security features: Don’t forget to look into security. You want to make sure your transactions are encrypted. Check to see whether the platform is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and see what clearinghouse it uses. For example, some platforms use Apex Clearing for their transactions, which means they have Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) insurance and are a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).
Many investment apps allow you to open an account with no minimum and begin investing with as little as $1. Some apps, though, have higher minimums and might require $5 or more to begin investing.
The assets you trade on investing apps depend on what’s offered by each app. Most investment apps offer stocks and ETFs, while others offer crypto, bonds, mutual funds, options, forex, and more. Ensure the app you choose allows you to trade the assets you’re most interested in for the most benefit.
Asset classes are types of investments. They share similar characteristics to each other and broadly move similarly in response to various economic and market factors. Some common asset classes include:
- Stocks
- Bonds
- Cash
- Real estate
- Commodities
- Currencies
Any investment comes with the risk of loss. Cash is generally considered one of the safest investments, but even with that, you have the chance of losing value through inflation. Bonds, especially U.S. Treasuries, are also considered among the safer investments because you’re supposed to get your principal at the end of the term, though there’s a chance of default.
The safest investments don’t generally offer the highest returns, though. In most cases, the lower the risk of loss, the lower your potential return. The right options for you will depend on your risk tolerance and personal finance preferences, as well as other factors.
All-in-one investing platform with no fees, maximums, or subscriptions.9
Commission-free trading with no account minimums or maintenace fees. Sign up to get one free share of stock.
Beginner-friendly app to invest in fractional shares and more. Bonus $20 to get started.
Join moomoo and receive rewards with qualifying deposits. Low fees, robust investing education, and access to pre- and post-market trading.
How we chose these products
FinanceBuzz evaluated a selection of investment products offered by our partners, looking at various criteria including product features, fees, and more. We did not review all products in the category and compensation was considered when evaluating and ordering the products.