Putting money into investments may seem like a big step, especially if you are new to the world of money. This guide will talk about the ten best investment apps that are made to make things very easy for people who are new to investing. The point of these apps is to help you start making money without making you feel lost. There is something for everyone, whether you just want to trade stocks or want to use automatic portfolios or even trade cryptocurrencies a little. For a low price, they offer styles that are easy to use, and a wide range of learning tools that will help you understand ideas like fractional shares or diversification, even if you don’t know much about finance.
Each program on this list was chosen because it is low-cost, easy for beginners to use, and full of features that will help you make smart choices. No matter if you want to learn as you go or put some money down at the start, these tools will help you. Since mobile trading is becoming more popular, now is the best time to look into options that will help you reach your goals. Find the best investment apps for beginners on this list. They will help you get started on the path to wealth with simple, safe, and smart solutions that make the process of growing your money seem within your reach.
The Top Ten Investment Apps For Beginners
10. M1 Finance
M1 Finance is a solid pick for beginners who want a mix of automation and control. With a $100 minimum balance and a $3 monthly fee, it offers commission-free trades and fractional shares, letting you invest in pricey stocks with small amounts. Its “set it and forget it” approach includes automatic rebalancing, making portfolio management a breeze. The app’s sleek design simplifies investing, but trading is limited to two daily windows, which might frustrate active traders. Educational content is basic, so it’s best for those who prefer hands-off investing over deep research. Users praise its automation but note customer service can be slow. For beginners seeking a low-effort way to build wealth, M1 Finance is a great start, especially for those focused on long-term growth and diversification.
9. Merrill Edge
Merrill Edge shines for beginners who crave learning. Its robust educational resources—think articles, videos, and webinars—make complex topics like stock trading and diversification easy to grasp. Integrated with Bank of America, it lets you manage banking and investing in one place, streamlining your financial life. The app offers stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and bonds, with tools like the Idea Builder for socially responsible investing. There’s no account minimum or trading fees, which keeps costs low. However, it’s not built for high-frequency trading, and some features require a Bank of America account for full access. In-person support at branches is a big plus for new investors needing guidance. Merrill Edge is ideal for those who want a full-service platform with strong educational support to kickstart their investment journey.
8. E*TRADE
ETRADE is a powerhouse for beginners who want flexibility. With $0 commissions on stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and options, it’s budget-friendly. The app’s two mobile platforms are packed with research tools, real-time quotes, and educational content to demystify investing. You can trade bonds and mutual funds, which adds variety, and fractional shares make high-value stocks accessible. However, its advanced tools, like customizable charts, might overwhelm absolute beginners. ETRADE’s reputation for reliability and professional-grade research makes it a go-to for those eager to learn while trading. While it doesn’t offer direct cryptocurrency trading, rumors suggest it might soon. For beginners who want a robust platform to grow into, E*TRADE balances simplicity and depth, perfect for building wealth with confidence.
7. Vanguard
Vanguard is a favorite for cost-conscious beginners eyeing long-term growth. Known for low-cost index funds and ETFs, it has no account minimum for some funds, making it easy to start. The mobile app lets you trade, track performance, and compare expense ratios, with a robo-advisor option for hands-off investing. Educational resources cover retirement planning and financial literacy, helping new investors understand the basics. Some funds require $1,000-$3,000 minimums, which could be a hurdle, and the app feels slightly dated compared to competitors. Still, its focus on low fees and diversified funds makes it a top choice for building wealth steadily. Vanguard suits beginners who prioritize affordability and want a trusted platform for retirement or passive investing.
6. Acorns
Acorns makes investing fun and automatic, perfect for beginners with small budgets. For a $3 monthly fee and a $5 minimum balance, it rounds up your purchases and invests the spare change into diversified ETF portfolios tailored to your risk tolerance. The app’s clean interface and robust educational content make learning a breeze, covering topics like diversification and financial goals. While fees can add up for tiny portfolios, and there’s no active trading, its hands-off approach is ideal for those starting with pocket change. Users love the simplicity but sometimes gripe about slow customer support. Acorns is a great pick for beginners who want to ease into investing without thinking too much, building wealth one small step at a time.
5. SoFi Invest
SoFi Invest is a one-stop shop for beginners who want versatility. With a $5 minimum balance and no trading fees, it offers commission-free stocks, ETFs, and fractional shares. The app’s user-friendly design includes access to certified financial planners, a rare perk for new investors. Its ecosystem integrates banking and lending, making it easy to manage all your finances. However, investment options are limited, and there’s no tax-loss harvesting, which might disappoint advanced users. SoFi’s educational tools and community insights help demystify stock trading and cryptocurrency. It’s perfect for beginners who want personalized advice and a platform that grows with their financial needs, all while keeping costs low.
4. Betterment
Betterment is a robo-advisor dream for beginners who prefer automation. Starting with a $5 minimum and a $4 monthly fee, it builds diversified ETF portfolios based on your risk tolerance, with features like automatic rebalancing and tax-efficient strategies. The app offers socially responsible investing options and access to financial advisors, making it great for hands-off wealth building. Active traders might find it limiting since individual stock trading isn’t available, and premium plans get pricey. Its “Financial Health Score” tool provides personalized tips beyond investing, boosting financial literacy. Betterment’s intuitive design and automation make it a top choice for beginners who want a stress-free way to grow their money with professional-grade strategies.
3. Charles Schwab
Charles Schwab is a heavyweight for beginners seeking variety and support. With $0 commissions and no account minimum, it offers stocks, ETFs, options, and bonds across five trading platforms. The app’s extensive research tools and educational content, like webinars and articles, break down complex topics like portfolio diversification. Its top-notch customer service is a standout, though the app’s interest rate on uninvested cash is low. Some users note minor glitches from recent platform updates, but its depth of resources makes it forgiving for newbies. Charles Schwab is ideal for beginners who want a comprehensive platform with robust tools to learn and invest in stocks, ETFs, or retirement accounts.
2. Fidelity
Fidelity is a stellar choice for beginners focused on long-term investing, especially retirement. With $0 commissions and no account minimum, it offers commission-free stocks, ETFs, and expense-ratio-free index funds. The mobile app is packed with real-time quotes, educational videos, and articles to boost financial literacy. Its strong customer service and biometric security add peace of mind, though broker-assisted trades carry high fees. Some users find the interface cluttered, but its depth ensures you won’t outgrow it. Fidelity’s focus on retirement tools and low-cost funds makes it perfect for beginners who want a reliable, full-service platform to build wealth over time.
1. Robinhood
Robinhood tops the list for its simplicity and accessibility. With $0 commissions, no account minimum, and a free stock for new users (worth $5-$200), it’s a beginner’s dream. The app supports commission-free stocks, ETFs, options, and cryptocurrency, with fractional shares making big-name stocks affordable. Its clean, distraction-free design and educational tools simplify stock trading and financial concepts. A 1% or 3% IRA match (for Gold members) sweetens the deal for retirement savers. However, it lacks mutual funds and third-party research, and some users report occasional app freezes. Robinhood is the go-to for beginners who want a straightforward, cost-free way to dive into investing and build wealth fast.
