For beginners seeking an easy, low-fee entry into investing, several top-rated apps offer intuitive interfaces, minimal account minimums, and educational resources that help new users learn as they grow[1][3][4].
SoFi Invest is widely recognized as an excellent choice, featuring no commissions, no account minimums, a free automated investing platform, and access to certified financial planners for all members. New investors can start with as little as $1, making it accessible for nearly anyone. Upgrading to SoFi Plus unlocks enhanced planning perks for a monthly fee[1].
Webull is another strong option, offering a broad range of assets (stocks, ETFs, options, even crypto), zero commissions, and robust analytic tools. Fractional shares and real-time market data provide flexibility, and its active community/forums empower learning through social engagement[2][3].
Betterment and Wealthfront are leading robo-advisors—ideal if you want an automated approach to investing. They offer low-cost ETF portfolios, automatic rebalancing, and goal-based planning. Betterment has no account minimum; Wealthfront requires $500 to start[1][2].
Stash offers a uniquely educational focus, with interactive learning modules, customizable goals, and the ability to start with only $5. It mixes guidance, micro-investing, and a variety of stocks and ETFs[2].
Robinhood stands out for its commission-free trades, user-friendly mobile experience, and instant deposits for trading stocks, ETFs, and crypto. Its streamlined interface makes it particularly popular among first-time investors with small budgets[3][4].
Charles Schwab and Fidelity both provide powerful research resources, strong customer support, $0 trades, and fractional shares—catering equally well to both cautious savers and those ready to explore in more detail[3][4].
For those interested in micro-investing, Acorns allows you to invest spare change automatically, appealing to users who want to build wealth gradually through regular, small investments[1].
Features that set these beginner-focused apps apart include:
- Fractional share buying—investing in top companies with just a few dollars
- Educational content and in-app guidance to break down complex topics
- Low account minimums and often no commissions on trades
- Automated portfolio management (for robo-advisor apps)
- Community features and social learning through discussion boards and influencer tracking
- Gamification and quizzes to encourage ongoing engagement
The ideal app often depends on your investing goals, whether you prefer hands-on trading or automated management, and how much guidance you want along the way[1][2][5].