Jul 08, 2021 Best Stock Trading Apps. Few stock trading apps can offer all the possible perks of mobile investing in one but these innovative options offer a robust mobile trading platform. Each comes with its. Robinhood – Best Free Stock Trading App Robinhood’s platform provides free stock trading and access to cryptocurrencies. Robinhood launched in 2013, as a true pioneer of commission-free trading. That’s right — you can trade stocks on Robinhood without paying any fees at all. TradeStation is another impressive app for active and experienced stock traders, providing all the tools you need to trade from your phone. Even though the TradeStation app can serve more complex traders, it’s laid out in a way that new traders can easily navigate and use to learn the basics.
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Whether you’re a novice looking for a simple app or a hands-on investment pro looking for more specialized trading options, there’s an app out there for you.
Which app is best for you depends on its trading options, but also its mobile features and fees.
With so many options out there, it can be tough to pick the best app. The apps below are my top picks overall, and each one brings something different to the table.
Best Stock Trading Apps of 2021
Here are the 12 best stock trading apps you can use today:
Webull
Webull is a brokerage for stocks, ETFs, options, and ADRs. With this app, it’s all about the features.
This platform might not have as much educational content as some of its competitors, but it’s chock full of the advanced tools active traders need.
While other stock trading apps offer these types of analytical features, they usually come at a high cost.
Some miscellaneous fees might pop up, but the tech-savvy platform and its features are free, with an optional subscription for extra advanced features.
Features:
- App: Webull: Stocks, Options, and ETFs
- Minimum deposit: $0
- Commissions: $0 for online stocks, ETFs, and options
- Additional fees: Miscellaneous fees may apply
- Continue Reading:Webull Review
SoFi Invest
While it might be best known for its student loans, SoFi Invest should be on your shortlist of investment apps if you’re a new investor looking for basic trading tools and great user experience.
Social Finance, aka SoFi, packs full financial services into its app, allowing users to bank, borrow, and invest in the app.
New investors can access lots of educational resources and a navigable catalog of the stocks available to invest in.
You can also invest in Stock Bits, which are fractional shares of popular companies, starting as low as $1, which is a great way to start investing with little money to spare!
SoFi has commission-free trades an no account minimum, making it even more accessible to new investors.
Features:
- App: SoFi Investment and Trading App
- Minimum deposit: $0
- Commissions: $0 for online stocks and ETFs; up to 1.25% for crypto trades
- Additional fees: No subscription fees
- Continue Reading:SoFi Review
Acorns
A great option for novice investors who want to be less hands-on is Acorns, the mobile-friendly investment app that works by rounding up your purchases.
With its robo advisor functionality and round-up strategy, Acorns can help you reach your saving and investing goals with little experience or effort on your part.
You also get educational content, a debit card, and bonus investments for shopping with hundreds of popular brands.
Like Stash, Acorns offers three tiers of service, with a low monthly subscription fee.
Features:
- App: Acorns
- Minimum deposit: $0
- Commissions: $0
- Fees: $1/month; $3/month; $5/month subscriptions
- Continue Reading:Acorns Review
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers is the perfect fit for active traders. The Interactive Brokers app includes almost all of the features of the brokerage’s online platform, giving traders full functionality on the go.
You get access to streaming data, charts, and a lot of market research on the app, but also the ability to initiate new trades in the app..
Interactive Brokers is competitively priced, too, with $0 commissions on stocks, ETFs, and a selection of over 4200 mutual funds.
Features:
- App: IBKR Mobile
- Minimum deposit: $0
- Commissions: $0 for stocks, ETFs, and options; $.65 per options contract
- Additional fees: $0 online; $30 broker-assisted
- Continue Reading:Interactive Brokers Review
Stash
Stash is another great option if you’re new to investing and looking for an app to help you learn the ropes.
The app combines banking and investing, giving new investors the resources they need to start saving and growing, at a low monthly rate.
The seamless app provides tools to assist you in setting and reaching financial goals, which includes investing in a range of stocks and ETFs with fractional shares.
Outside of the app, you get a Stock-Back® card that rewards you with stocks at the stores where you shop.
Features:
- App: Stash
- Minimum deposit: $0
- Commissions: $0 for stocks and ETFs
- Fees: $1/month; $3/month; $9/month subscriptions
- Continue Reading:Stash Review
Ally Invest
If you’re looking for an all-in-one banking and investing app, Ally does it best.
You can manage your checking and savings accounts, which are some of the most rewarding ones out there, and invest within the Ally app.
While the Ally app doesn’t have as many complex tools for advanced traders as some of its competitors do, it has everything you need to make trades and track your investments.
Ally’s app is simple to navigate and performs all the services basic investors need, at prices that are hard to beat.
Features:
- App: Ally Mobile
- Minimum deposit: $0
- Commissions: $0 for stocks, ETFs, and options; $.50 per options contract
- Additional fees: $0 online; $20 broker-assisted
- Continue Reading:Ally Invest Review
TD Ameritrade
TD Ameritrade caters to casual traders and professionals alike. With the basic app, you can easily manage your investments, get price updates, and find research tools.
Experienced investors can download the more advanced thinkorswim app, which integrates all the features of TD Ameritrade’s website and allows for more complex trading in the app.
TD Ameritrade doesn’t have an account minimum. They were also the first stockbroker to completely eliminate commission fees on stocks, options, and ETFs, forcing most of their competitors to do the same.
Features:
- App: TD Ameritrade Mobile, thinkorswim
- Minimum deposit: $0
- Commissions: $0 for stocks, ETFs, and options; $.65 per options contract
- Additional fees: $0 online; $5 interactive phone call; $25 broker-assisted
- Continue Reading:TD Ameritrade Review
Fidelity
Fidelity is perfect if you’re new to the investment world and looking for a clean, easy-to-use platform.
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Though it doesn’t have all of the advanced features of an app like thinkorswim, it has everything a basic investor needs, beating out the competition in terms of user experience.
You can start trading in the app, manage your account, and easily track investments. Like TD Ameritrade, Fidelity is a fee-free broker with no account minimums.
The app also lets you manage workplace investments, deposit checks, pay bills, and more.
Features:
- App: Fidelity Investments
- Minimum deposit: $0
- Commissions: $0 for stocks, ETFs, and options; $.65 per options contract
- Additional fees: $0 online; $32.95 broker-assisted
- Continue Reading:Fidelity Review
E*TRADE
E*TRADE, the original online investing platform, is another digital brokerage that offers impressive stock trading apps.
Similar to TD Ameritrade, E*TRADE has a basic mobile app and the more advanced Power E*TRADE app.
Both apps are loaded with features, allowing you to trade stocks, options, futures, and ETFs on the go. You also get live market updates, interactive charts, and access to Bloomberg TV.
Just keep in mind that some types of trades come with higher fees, such as commissions when you don’t meet a certain amount of trades per quarter.
Features:
- App: E*TRADE Mobile app; Power E*TRADE app
- Minimum deposit: $0
- Commissions: $0 for stocks, ETFs, and options; $.65 per options contract (1-29); $.50 per options contract (30+ per quarter)
- Additional fees: $0 online; $25 broker-assisted
- Continue Reading:E*Trade Review
tastyworks
If options are a big part of your trading strategy, tastyworks may be the best choice for you.
While tastyworks’ main focus is options trading, you can also trade stocks and ETFs in the app with no trading fees. You won’t have to pay extra for broker-assisted fees, either.
If you know your way around trading, the tastyworks app should be easy to use, with loads of features optimized for options traders.
However, if you’re newer to trading altogether or options don’t play a major role in your investing strategy, you might want to look for an app more tailored to your needs.
Features:
- App: tastyworks
- Minimum deposit: $0
- Commissions: $0 for stocks, and ETF; $1 per option on stocks/ETFs; $2.50 per option on futures
- Additional fees: Miscellaneous fees apply
TradeStation
TradeStation is another impressive app for active and experienced stock traders, providing all the tools you need to trade from your phone.
Even though the TradeStation app can serve more complex traders, it’s laid out in a way that new traders can easily navigate and use to learn the basics.
The app has lightning-fast execution and its advanced trading features are hard to match. You get real-time data, trading strategies, notifications of price changes, and more.
TradeStation offers two levels of service, TS Select and TS Go, which come with different fees and funding requirements.
Features:
- App: TradeStation Mobile
- Minimum deposit: $0 for TS Go; $2,000 for TS Select
- Commissions: $0 on stocks, ETFs, and options; $.60 per options contract (TS Select); $.50 per options contract (TS Go)
- Additional fees: No subscription; transaction fees may apply
- Continue Reading:TradeStation Review
Robinhood
If you’re looking for a similar experience to the ones offered by Acorns and Stash without paying a subscription fee, Robinhood could be worth your while.
Robinhood doesn’t come with subscription or commission fees, making it one of a few truly free stock apps.
The app provides market research, easy real-time trade updates, and customization.
While there are no bonds or mutual funds, you can invest in stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrency. You can also invest in fractional shares of stocks with only $1.
Features:
- App: Robinhood
- Minimum deposit: $0
- Commissions: $0 on stocks, ETFs, and options
- Additional fees: No subscription; transaction fees may apply
- Continue Reading:Robinhood Review
Stock Trading Apps FAQs
How Do You Use a Stock Trading App?
The best stock market apps allow you to trade stocks and other products from your phone.
These apps can also give you access to education resources, stock market data, and analytical tools to help you map out investment strategies and track your investments.
Since you don’t have to worry about a minimum deposit with the apps above and most don’t have any subscription fees, getting started can be as easy as downloading the app and signing up for an account online or on the mobile platform.
From there, you just need to follow the steps, enter your information, and start trading.
The best stock trading apps make getting started and navigating their platforms easy.
How Much Money Do You Need to Start Trading?
Again, you don’t have to deposit any particular amount of money to get started with the basic versions of the stock trading apps above.
But that doesn’t mean you won’t need to make a deposit to actually start trading. Some stocks are cheap, at a few bucks, while others can cost thousands of dollars to invest in a share.
If you want to get your feet wet but don’t have the money to buy full shares, you could always opt for one of the stock apps that let you invest in fractional shares, like:
- SoFi
- Stash
- Robinhood
How Are Trading Fees So Low?
The best stock market apps don’t charge commissions, and their other fees are minimal, but that wasn’t always the case.
Technology has transformed stock trading, eliminating the need for a broker to make every trade happen.
Apps like Robinhood have led the industry in robo-advising, taking the need for human assistance on basic trading tasks out of the equation.
Today, just about all of the major online brokers offer commission-free trades, which is good news for you.
In addition to profiting more, you don’t have to worry about comparing fees when you shop for the right investment app.
How Do You Choose the Best Stock Trading App?
So how do you pick from the lineup of the best stock apps? It really boils down to what you’re looking to get out of the app.
If you’re searching for an advanced app that puts all the advanced features of a brokerage in the palm of your hand, an app like thinkorswim or TradeStation is a good call.
But if you’re new to the game, the best app for your neighbor who’s been trading for decades probably won’t be the right fit for you.
In that case, you have plenty of options that are a little easier to navigate and learn from, like Fidelity or Ally.
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And if you’re looking for an app that lets you invest on a budget, you might opt for Acorns or SoFi.
Bottom line: You do you. Take a look at the list above and see what stock market app fits your individual needs the best.
Key Takeaways
Time constraints are one of the biggest obstacles for aspiring investors — and even experienced investors trying to grow their portfolios. A packed schedule gets in the way of the research and management required to grow a successful financial portfolio. Today’s best investment apps for beginners and everyday investors aim to solve that problem by making your finances accessible straight from your smartphone.
There are apps dedicated to almost every investment strategy, and at every skill level. From beginners ready to make their first investment to advanced entrepreneurs looking to trade stocks on the go, the right app can make many financial actions more accessible. Keep reading to find the best investing apps and start building your portfolio straight from your phone.
What Are The Best Investment Apps For Beginners?
The best investment apps for beginners focus on a few main features: user experience, risk management, and available information. Beginners should find apps that show them the ropes while making investments that fit their personal financial goals. Based on this, here are some of the best investment apps for beginners:
Acorns
Stash
Ally
Invstr
Robinhood
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1. Acorns
Acorns is a great investment app for beginners. This app is especially useful if you want to bolster your savings and invest without even thinking about it. The app integrates with your credit or debit card and rounds up purchases to automatically add funds to an investment account. Acorns allows you to invest in EFTs and a few fractional shares in stocks. There are three tiers (lite, personal, and family) allowing users to add additional accounts for a premium rate. Other key features of the app include:
No investment minimums
Five portfolio types
Automatic rebalancing
Option for family spending account
24 hour customer support by phone or live chat
Costs $1 to $5 a month depending on account type
2. Stash
Stash is one of the best apps for beginners hoping to learn the ropes of investing fast. The app mixes educational content and games to make financial topics easier to learn. Users can customize goals based on what they want to focus on, and can actively track their progress. Stash lets you work with value-based investment offerings and provides suggestions for building your portfolio. Stash is also known for:
$5 Investment minimum
Fees ranging from $1 to $9 a month
Educational support
Option to invest in stocks and EFTs
No inactivity fees
Visualization tools for investment decisions
3. Ally
Ally invest is a great option for beginners interested in stocks and bonds. This app integrates real time data to allow users to trade anytime, anywhere. Ally invest also gives users access to bonds, mutual funds, and EFTs. There is no minimum investment, and the app doesn’t require additional downloads to access the trading platform (making it very user friendly). Additional features include:
Nonexistent fees on eligible stock and options trades
Options pricing calculator
Some transaction fees depending on investment type
Chat, email, and phone support
Additional web browser based access
4. Invstr
Invstr is one of the best investment apps for beginners. This investing app is best known for its fantasy game-play that allows users to play with $1 million in fake cash to learn more about stocks. Invstr is a great option for anyone who wants experience managing a portfolio, before actually getting started. The app has an active community of investors and an updated news feed to help users learn more about managing a portfolio. Invstr also offers:
Real cash prizes for successful game play
Fractional shares in stocks
Portfolio management simulation
Access to specialized education material
Interactive game play
5. Robinhood
Robinhood gained popularity as one of the first apps to offer stock trading without fees or commissions, which made starting a stock portfolio a lot more attractive for first-time investors. Today, there are several apps with this same offering, but Robinhood still stands out for a few reasons. First, the app allows users to trade cryptocurrency without fees. Robinhood also has no minimum account balance and no inactivity fees. Its user-friendly interface also makes it stand out among other web-based trading platforms. There are a few drawbacks to keep in mind, for example, Robinhood doesn’t sync with retirement accounts and has limited customer support. But given its user-friendly interface and nonexistent fee structure, Robinhood remains one of the best stock market apps.
Investing App Tips For Beginner Investors
The best investment apps aim to make investing more accessible for anyone, especially beginners. If you are curious about investing for the first time, apps with low minimums and affordable fee structures can be a great way to get started. For example, through Acorns and Ally, you can start investing your extra money straight from your smartphone. Other beginner apps, like Invstr, allow you to learn about investments before you get started with your own funds. The features offered by beginner-friendly apps can enable you to learn how to invest without going through a financial advisor, risking your savings, or even spending significant time researching ahead of time. The key is to find an app that is compatible with your learning style and go from there.
10 Best Investment Apps For Beginners & Everyday Investors
While there are a number of beginner-friendly options, apps have a lot to offer investors of all skill levels and portfolio types. Whether you are interested in stock trading or overall portfolio management, there is probably an app for that. The following are some of the best investing apps available:
Merrill Edge
Wealthfront
Betterment
M1 Finance
E-Trade
TD Ameritrade
Wealthbase
Stockpile
Fidelity
Charles Schwab
1. Merrill Edge
Investors looking for other apps without trading fees will find Merrill Edge to be a great option. This app allows users to trade stocks and options without hidden fees. Merrill Edge is owned by Bank of America, and offers integrations for account holders. This feature allows users to utilize the same online login across both platforms and transfer funds instantly. A few other features of Merrill Edge include:
Preferred rewards program for eligible users
Educational resources including courses, webinars and articles
Customizable dashboard for trading
No annual or inactivity fees
Tradable stocks, bonds, mutual funds, options, and EFTS
2. Wealthfront
Wealthfront is a hands-off investing app that allows you to grow your funds with the help of a robo-advisor. The app starts with a questionnaire about your financial goals and risk tolerance, before guiding you towards specific investment options. The app will then balance your portfolio as needed, charging a .25 percent account management fee. The minimum investment is $500, which can be steep compared to other apps on this list. However, this minimum is relatively low when compared to investment opportunities outside of the app store.
3. Betterment
Investors looking for an app to help create a tax-friendly portfolio will enjoy learning more about Betterment. It’s known for being the first app to offer a robo-advisor, though this feature has since expanded to other apps. Betterment stands out by managing user accounts with taxes in mind, so that it can minimize losses. A few other features that make Betterment stand out today are:
Taxable and retirement account management
No minimum investment required
Phone support from certified financial planners
User survey to create tailored portfolios
A .25 percent management fee
4. M1 Finance
M1 Finance strikes a balance between hands-on investing and automated portfolio management. The app allows users to build a portfolio of stocks and EFTs. M1 Finance works best for investors who want the flexibility to build their own portfolios, with a little guidance along the way. It offers a taxable investment account and IRA for users. M1 Finance also includes:
Hybrid investment setup with stocks and EFTs
Taxable account minimum at $100
Retirement account minimums at $500
No fees after account minimum is met
Premium version with more stock options
5. E-Trade
Another one of the best stock investment apps is E-Trade. This app is known for the number of options it provides users. With thousands of stocks, options, mutual funds, and EFTs investors get the freedom they want to choose how their portfolio is set up. This is a great fit for investors who already have a little knowledge on the stock market and where they want to invest. Other features to keep in mind are as follows:
No commission for trading stocks
Live news and market analysis
Personalized notifications on stocks
Robo-advisor offerings available
Minimum balance of $300
6. TD Ameritrade
If you like diving into all the details of a subject before getting started, TD Ameritrade is about to become your best friend. This app allows users to access information on stocks, companies, and markets to make informed decisions when investing. There are even educational videos available to break down more complex topics. TD Ameritrade also offers users:
Multiple trading platforms
No investment minimums
Wide variety of investments
Customer support and advice
Free educational resources
7. Wealthbase
Wealthbase is another simulation-based app for those who want to gain a little experience before investing their funds. The app connects to your social media accounts to show you updates of friends who play as well. This provides users the opportunity to discuss potential investments with friends who are interested in stocks as well. Wealthbase is primarily known for its in-app game, but can also be accessed from the web as well. This social-oriented investment app can be a great entry into the world of investing, especially if you want to learn from those around you.
8. Stockpile
The aptly named Stockpile app allows users to purchase fractional shares of stocks to grow their financial portfolios. This app is commonly known for its gifting feature, that allows users to send gift cards for stock to friends and family. This can be a great way to ease someone new into investing. Other popular features of the app include:
No monthly fees
Gifting feature makes it easier for younger investors to get started
Charges only .99 cents for a trade
You don’t need an account on the app to send a gift
9. Fidelity
Fidelity hosts over 3,500 mutual funds for investors to choose from and trade, commission free. The trading platform also offers a number of educational resources for users to learn more about their investment choices. The educational content makes this app stand out for beginners, while the numerous options make the app attractive to more advanced investors. Fidelity also offers user:
No fees or commissions on trading
No account minimum
Comprehensive customer service
A variety of research tools for users
10. Charles Schwab
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Charles Schwab is another well-known investment app for users of all experience levels. This app allows users to choose from a large investment selection, without worrying about transaction fees. Charles Scwab is popular among investors for its user-friendly mobile app and education resources. Other features of the app include:
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Low to no account minimums
Stocks, bonds, EFTs, Futures, and Options available
No annual or inactivity fees
Two mobile apps and a desktop version to choose from
Fractional shares available
Summary
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The best investment apps for beginners and everyday investors will be able to meet you exactly where you are, and help grow your skills and finances along the way. Whether you are looking to start saving for retirement, trading stocks, or supplementing your income, the right investment app should be able to help. If you are a beginner, start with an app that offers educational resources and assistance from a financial advisor. If you already have some investment experience, find an app that will help you diversify your assets. The various investment apps available can assist you in reaching your financial goals, no matter what your starting point is.
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