The stock market can seem intimidating when you first start investing. It’s important to remember that even experienced investors have had to learn the ropes, so don’t be afraid to take the plunge and start investing today! It is hard to find the best online stock broker for beginners. Taking the time to compare different online stock brokers can help you make an informed decision.
What is the safest way to invest? It’s important to understand the risks associated with any investment before making a decision. There are a lot of platforms that you can use to get into the game. Many of the platforms provide training to help you understand the basics of investing.
With a focus on low fees, ease of use, and educational resources, I have compiled a list of the best online stock brokers available for beginners.
12 Best Online Stock Brokers for Beginners
To get started on your journey to financial freedom, here are the best online stock brokers for beginners to check out today:
- Fidelity Investments
- TD Ameritrade
- E*TRADE
- InteractiveBrokers
- Webull
- Charles Schwab
- Merrill Edge
- Vanguard
- SoFi Invest
- Robinhood
- Ally Invest
- Acorns
1. Fidelity Investments
- Fees Per Stock/ETF Trade: $0
- Account Minimum: $0
Fidelity offers a full-featured, no-fee brokerage account that comes with commission-free stock, exchange-traded fund (ETF), and options trading. They have mutual funds, bonds, and even precious metals. By investing in a variety of assets, you are better able to manage risk and potentially increase returns over the long run.
More than twenty independent providers give new investors access to detailed research, along with educational materials. Individualized advice can be given to investors.
You can invest in stocks or exchange traded funds for as little as $1, no matter the share price.
Fidelity has a website and a mobile app that are both highly rated. The app has helpful features, such as security alert and account notifications, to keep you informed about your finances. You can get help in person at one of Fidelity’s more than 200 brick-and-mortar locations.
2. TD Ameritrade
- Fees Per Stock/ETF Trade: $0
- Account Minimum: $0
TD Ameritrade is one of the largest online brokerage firms and puts an emphasis on creating smarter investors.
It’s a great entry point for new traders because everything starts with education. When you open a new trading account, you will have access to market trends, as well as a practice trading floor called paperMoney that is built based on historical trends. PaperMoney® can be used to gain experience in trading without putting real money at risk.
You can make informed decisions with data and insights from third-party researchers when you start making real trades. You can be confident that your investments will be backed by reliable data if you do this.
If you understand the lay of the land, you can upgrade to the professional-level Thinkorswim platform, which comes with enhanced tools for experienced traders. The Thinkorswim platform is designed for active traders who are looking for an edge in the markets.
3. E*Trade Financial
- Fees Per Stock/ETF Trade: $0
- Account Minimum: $0
With commission-free trading and a user-friendly platform, E*TRADE has been one of the most popular online brokers for a long time.
You can access your account from either the website or the mobile app, where you can make trades, access funds, and set goals with intuitive investing tools. You will have the same secure access to your account no matter which platform you use.
E*TRADE has a lot of educational materials for beginners. You can use the videos, articles, and classes on the platform to get up to speed. The platform has experienced traders who can help guide you through your trading journey.
You will get real-time updates and commentary on the market when you join. You will be able to make informed decisions with this information. E*TRADE has access to free independent market research and stock screeners that will help you narrow down your investment options. E*TRADE has a library of educational resources to help you become a more knowledgeable investor.
4. InteractiveBrokers
- Fees per trade are $0 for the lite plan. The lite plan is a great way to invest in low-cost stocks. or $0.0005 to $0.0035 for Pro Plan
- Account Minimum: $0
InteractiveBrokers (IBKR) is a low-cost, international trading platform. You will have global access to stocks, options, futures, and more from a single account with InteractiveBrokers.
IBKR Campus is a massive financial learning platform that can help hone your trading skills. IBKR Campus offers a wide range of courses designed to help you become a more savvy trader.
IB Smart Routing system can help improve your returns if you move up to IBKR Pro. It gives traders access to a wide range of markets and products, along with advanced features.
IBKR’s mobile app has a rating of just 3.0 stars out of 5 in the App Store. Many users are concerned about the subpar rating of the mobile app. Someone who likes to trade on the go may be better off looking for a different solution. A good solution for traders who prefer to stay in one place is to use a desktop trading platform.
5. Webull
- Fees Per Stock/ETF Trade: $0
- Account Minimum: $0
Webull is an online trading platform that gives investors 2 free fractional shares just for opening an account and making a deposit of any amount
The app is owned by Fumi Technology and has been around for a while. It has gained popularity among traders due to its user-friendly interface and advanced trading features. Webull is easy to use and has online tools to help you along the way.
You can purchase fractional shares for as little as $5, and you can invest in over 44 of the most popular cryptocurrencies. It has never been easier to invest in fractional shares. Webull has market data, charts, and indicators to help you spot important trends. Webull allows you to access the market quickly, giving you the edge you need to make informed decisions in a volatile market.
You can execute trades between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m. with Webull’s extended hours trading. Webull gives traders the chance to take advantage of market movements that occur outside of traditional trading hours. and 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.
6. Charles Schwab
- Fees Per Stock/ETF Trade: $0
- Account Minimum: $0
Charles Schwab, commonly called Schwab, offers everything from investment services to retirement accounts and bank accounts.
Low-cost trading on a user-friendly platform is available for beginning investors. The account gives access to research, analysis, and real-time streaming quotes. You can manage your account balance from the website or mobile app and use intuitive trading tools to evaluate investments and come up with a plan. You can make your investments work for you with the right strategy.
The accounts come with free access to the online platform that is loaded with trading education and specialist insights.
One of the best online stock brokers is also one of the best in-person investment centers. You can access licensed professionals through live chat or over the phone when you need a hand with your account. Regardless of the time of day, our customer service team is available to answer any questions you may have.
7. Merrill Edge
- Fees Per Stock/ETF Trade: $0
- Account Minimum: $0
Merrill Edge is the online investment wing of the New York-based financial giant Merrill, which is now owned by Bank of America (BoA). This is significant because, along with its online trading features, a BoA has a nationwide network of in-person financial advisors.
Guided Investing, Merrill’s advisory program, can be used to trade stocks on your own. Guided Investing can help you make informed decisions about your investments.
Your BoA checking and savings accounts can be accessed through the Merrill app. Money can be moved quickly when you need it. You don’t have to worry about carrying large amounts of cash with you. You can check out expert analysis and review any open orders.
8. Vanguard
- Fees Per Stock/ETF Trade: $0
- Account Minimum: $0
Though it’s probably best known for retirement accounts and mutual funds, Vanguard is a great starting point for a comprehensive investment experience.
You can either self-direct your account with outside trades or invest in in-house mutual funds with the platform. There are a wide range of options for investors to choose from.
Instead of focusing on quick wins, the entire online model is based on long-term investment strategies to promote overall financial well-being.
Before you start trading, you can get help with goals, strategies, and diversify your assets. They have online tools and educational resources that can help you become a successful investor.
Traditional IRAs, SEPs, and 401(k)s are offered by Vanguard. You can find a variety of investments within each account type, so you can find something that suits your goals.
9. SoFi Invest
- Fees Per Stock/ETF Trade: $0
- Account Minimum: $0
Social Finance, Inc, knownas SoFi, is an online personal finance company that offers several account types, including loans, deposit accounts, and of course, online brokerage accounts.
There are two main ways to manage your account at SoFi. SoFi will help you reach your financial goals no matter what option you choose.
Active traders manage their own accounts with zero-commission stock trading and investment advice from the investor community. Active traders can take control of their finances with SoFi. You can put your portfolio on autopilot with the help of automated investing. It’s easy to keep your portfolio in line with your goals without having to do any of the heavy lifting.
One of the newer features is the ability to invest in IPOs. It is easy to access IPOs that were previously out of reach for individual investors. There is no minimum balance required to get in at the ground floor of a newly public company if you have an active account. You may be able to benefit from the high returns of an IPO without taking on additional risk.
10. Robinhood
- Fees Per Stock/ETF Trade: $0
- Account Minimum: $0
Founded in 2015, Robinhood is a relative newcomer on this list but has quickly turned into one of the best trading platforms in the United States. The broker has no trading commission, the option to purchase fractional shares, and IPO access. Users can track their investments with real-time updates.
The idea of making investing accessible to anyone is what makes Robinhood a great option for beginners. It has a user-friendly interface and features such as commission-free trading, making it an attractive platform for investors of all levels. The app is sleek and user-friendly and serves as a welcoming entry point to the world of investing with expert analysis and educational resources at the ready. The app makes investing easier, faster, and more enjoyable for all levels of expertise.
If you don’t have a lot of cash to seed your account, Robinhood is a great option since you can build a portfolio with as little as $1 to start. Commission-free trading is an even more attractive option for those looking to invest on a budget. Robinhood offers a free stock sign-up bonus to get you started. You can check out the different types of stocks and learn how to invest with their easy-to-use platform.
11. Ally Invest
- Fees Per Stock/ETF Trade: $0
- Account Minimum: $0 for self-directed accounts, $100 for managed portfolios
Ally is arguably the best-known online-only bank, but it also operates as a full-service broker through Ally Invest.
Ally’s seamless performance across all of your devices is one of the main benefits, like any digital financial product worth its weight. The Ally app makes it easy for the user to manage their finances from any device. You can execute trades on your phone or computer. You can take control of your investments no matter where you are, because you can stay up-to-date on the latest market movements.
You have two options when you sign up for Ally Invest. The first is to open a brokerage account, and the second is to open an IRA. Self-Directed Trading comes with a lot of research tools for do-it-yourself investors. With self-directed investing, you have the freedom to make your own decisions and take control of your investments. The other option is to open a Your investment goals will be put in the hands of a robo-advisor with the Managed Portfolio. A robo-advisor is a great way to make sure that your investment portfolio is well managed and diversified.
You will need a minimum of $100 to get started with Managed Portfolios. The benefits of using a Managed Portfolio make it an attractive option for those wanting to invest with a smaller budget. Investments that align with your values can be tailored to your account. It could mean investing in companies that support diverse and inclusive communities, as well as those that offer products and services that you believe in. If you want to focus on social responsibility, you can set your portfolio to match what you are all about. Your investments can be tailored to help you reach your goals.
12. Acorns
- Account Fees: $3 – $5 per month
- Account Minimum: $0
Of all the best brokers for beginners I’ve covered here, Acorns is the most hands-off. It is a robo-advisor that takes your spare change and invests it for you. You can set your own goals and track your progress towards them.
All of your credit and debit cards will be linked to yourAcorns account when you sign up. You can also set up recurring investments or make one-time investments at any time. Once that is done, Acorns will round each transaction you make up to the nearest dollar and drop the rest in your investment account. Portfolios tailored to your individual risk tolerance and goals will be invested with this money.
You don’t have to make a deposit to start, but you do have to pay a monthly fee. If you want to take advantage of all the features that Acorns has to offer, it’s worth investing a little bit into your account each month. The pricing is reasonable. The product is of high quality and should serve its purpose well. The account tiers are Personal and Family. Up to five family members can be connected to your account.
The Personal Plan costs $3 per month.
You can open accounts for your kids with the Acorns Family plan. You can easily keep an eye on your children’s investments with Acorns Family.
How to Choose the Best Online Stock Broker for Beginners
Just getting started? There are a few things you can do to find the right online stock broker. You should research each broker to make sure they offer the services and features you need.
1. Know Your Goals
Map out your investment goals and risk tolerance, then decide what type of account you want to open and consider how you would like to invest. Spreading your investments among different asset classes is important to maintaining a diversified approach to investing. Do you like active trading, a hands-off experience, or something in between?
Not every broker has what you are looking for. Before choosing a broker, you should do your research to make sure they have the products and services you need. You should look at the types of funds and account options that the broker offers. It’s a good idea to read reviews from other customers who have used the broker you’re considering.
2. Research Fees and Account Minimums
Look at a broker’s cost structure. The costs associated with a broker can have an impact on your overall trading goals. Commissions and transaction fees are not charged by most of the best stock brokers for beginners. Most don’t charge account fees. Free financial tools can help you manage your money.
Minimums can be steep with some brokerages. It is important to consider all of the factors when choosing a broker, so be sure to read the fine print. If you are a beginner investor, you have access to several great brokerage services that don’t have balance requirements. It’s important to compare the different brokerages to find the one that’s right for you.
3. Consider Features
There is more to a good online broker than low fees and investing options. If you want to make informed decisions about your investments, you should look for a broker that has customer service and educational resources. You should look at the educational resources and investing tools that each platform has to offer. If you compare the pros and cons of each platform, you can find the right one for you.
To learn the ropes and invest confidently, look for a broker with educational materials, data, and trading tools. Ask friends for feedback on the broker you are considering and read reviews to make sure they are a good fit for you. Adding a community element to investing is what some stock trading apps offer. New and experienced traders can use these resources to make more informed decisions.
4. Look at User Experience
Whether you are at home on a desktop or on the go trading from your phone, you should choose a platform that makes investing easy. It’s important to choose a reliable platform that gives the necessary tools and resources to make informed decisions. Take a look at the broker’s website, read customer reviews, and see how high its app is rated in the app stores.
Take a look at the availability of customer service. If you have a question or concern, choose a broker that has access to a living breathing representative. You can be sure that your needs are being taken care of quickly and efficiently.
What Is an Online Stockbroker?
You would hire a broker to make market trades for you. Technology has made it possible to buy stocks without a broker. This practice cost a lot and gave you little control over your portfolio. Alternative investments were attractive to many investors due to their cost-effectiveness.
There are a lot of other options at your disposal in the digital age. These options can be used to create a successful online presence.
There are still individual stockbrokers out there. The individual broker is a classic figure in the investment world and they provide valuable services to their clients. You can make online trades through digital firms, apps, and even fully automated platforms. You can take advantage of financial opportunities quickly and easily with this convenience.
With so many options, it’s easier than ever to start investing. It is possible to get started with a foundation of investment knowledge without breaking the bank. The better equipped you are to make smart decisions, the more you learn about investing.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are a lot of questions about the best brokers.
Which online stock broker for beginners is easiest to use?
The easiest online brokers for beginners to use are Robinhood and Webull. The apps were designed to make trading accessible with any level of knowledge. They offer a wide range of features and tools to help beginners and seasoned veterans.
It depends on what you need from a broker. For some, a full-service broker may be the best option, as they provide a wide range of services that can help you make the most of your investments. Bigger firms often come with a wider network of advisers, in-person help, and educational resources. Bigger firms may have access to advanced tools and technology that can help you make smarter investment decisions.
What are the best online stock brokers for beginners to trade forex?
If you want to invest in foreign markets, you should look for a broker that offers access but also specializes in investments outside the U.S. A broker with low fees and commissions can help you get the most out of your investments. International trading is allowed by most of the bigger firms. The costs of shipping and storing goods internationally are more expensive than the fees charged for this option. InteractiveBrokers has geared their platform toward a global trading experience. InteractiveBrokers has access to over 135 markets in 33 countries and over 45 currencies.
Look into international trading fees for any broker that you are considering if you are interested in foreign exchange trading. Before choosing a broker, it is important to consider the cost of international trading fees against the benefits of foreign exchange trading.
What are the best online stock brokers for beginners to trade ETFs?
Exchange-traded funds are collections of stocks that are bought and sold in a single unit. Diversification and a low-cost way to gain access to a variety of markets are offered by exchange traded funds. Most of the brokers that I covered here come without a commission.
The popularity of exchange traded funds has skyrocketed in recent years, which means that most investment platforms have a good handle on them. It’s easy for new investors to get started with ETFs because of their low costs and diverse portfolios. You should be in good hands with any of the brokers that are covered here. Before committing to a broker, make sure to double-check their fees, account requirements, and trading platform features to make sure they meet your expectations.
How do I buy stocks online for the first time?
Here are the steps you can take to buy stocks online:
- Find a brokerage and open an account
- Fund your investment account
- Research and pick which stocks to invest in
- Decide on a dollar amount or number of shares
- Choose between a market, limit, or stop order
- Place your order
Can I buy stocks without a broker?
A living breathing financial advisor can invest in stocks. Today is a good day to start investing in the stock market. You need an online broker to buy and sell stocks. It’s important to research and choose an online broker that’s right for you. Commissions and account fees are usually not charged by online stock brokers. Educational resources are provided by some online stock brokers.
How do you start stock investing with $100?
If you have $100 to invest, you can start out with a micro-investing app like Acorns you round up purchases or buy fractional shares of stocks with Robinhood.
Which is The Best Online Stock Broker for You?
No matter who you are or what your background is, you can and should get started investing in the stock market right now. You don’t need a complex market strategy, you just need a phone, cash, and a willingness to learn. You can make a mark in online trading with these three things.
Don’t worry, if you feel like you’re falling behind in your investment knowledge, don’t worry. There are lots of resources available to help you get started, so take the time to learn more. There is no better time to learn about investing than right now. Financial decisions can be made with the right information and tools. If you take the time to find the best online stock brokers for beginners, you will be well on your way to making a splash in the markets. You could become a serious player in the stock market before you know it if you do it right.
I have full confidence that you won’t feel like a beginner for long if you keep a learner’s mindset and your eyes on the prize.
Who knows? It is only a matter of time before you make a life-changing investment. It could be the best decision you ever make, so don’t hesitate to take the plunge when the opportunity arises. I am rooting for you every step of the way. I know you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
