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With an array of online brokers and robo-advisors that put financial markets in your palm, it’s never been easier to start investing. The Best Investment App for Beginners simplifies the process of choosing stocks and ETFs that will help you build your investment portfolio. They provide a clean user experience of what can be a confusing landscape for beginner investors.
These six investment apps stand out for providing easy trading, portfolio management services and useful educational resources.
The best investment app for beginners starts trading online
Charles Schwab
Charles Schwab is one of the best online brokers and the app has a lot to offer beginners. It offers low-cost trading, access to fractional stock investments (perfect for those with limited budgets to buy stocks) and a deep well of research and educational resources that new investors find useful. Plus, Schwab has the best customer support.
Important features
- Fees-free trading on stocks and ETFs
- Fractional stock
- Includes watchlist access, news and chart features
- Top-class customer service
Robin Hood
Robinhood’s streamlined mobile app, and no fees in trading on stocks, ETFs, options and crypto, have opened up a world of investment in mobile-first crowds. The platform is easy to use and supports fractional stock investments in stocks and ETFs, making it popular with beginners who often start small quantities.
Important features
- No fees for stocks, ETFs, options, and cryptocurrency transactions
- The app interface is easy to navigate
- Trade orders can be easily placed
- Basic Stock Research Pages provide important metrics
webull
Although often mentioned in the same breath as Robinhood, Webull offers a more fully functional mobile app with a comprehensive lineup of features that many investors appreciate. Commission-free trading expands beyond stocks and ETFs to include options. You can also open an account without a minimum deposit. For investors who want to tackle more exotic fare trading, Webull also offers futures and crypto, but you will need to use another app (Webull Pay) to exchange your favorite coins.
Important features
- Fees-free trading on stocks, ETFs and options
- 24/5 trading with over 900 stocks and ETFs
- Competitive interest rates on cash accounts
- Advanced Chartting Tools
A loyal investment
Fidelity Investments has one of the best financial platforms and can handle almost anything that a typical investor is trying to do. You’ll get access to low-cost trading, access to a variety of retirement accounts, thousands of transition-free mutual funds, and access to Fidelity GO, a low-cost, highly-rated robo-advisor. Fidelity is a great choice for investors looking to maintain a large portion of their financial life in one company.
Important features
- No commissions on stocks and ETF trading
- The different types of accounts available
- Research and education on ETFs and mutual funds, as well as various personal finance topics
- Customer support is one of the best in the industry
Improvements
Betterment is one of the best robo-advisors and is suitable for investors who want to automatically manage their investment portfolio. The app builds your portfolio based on your goals and risk tolerance using ETFs. There is a 0.25% management fee per year, but less than what you pay to a traditional financial advisor. Also, if you set up a repeat deposit for less than $20,000 on all accounts, Betterment will waive the fee.
Important features
- Low-cost portfolio management
- Tax LOSS harvest
- High-yield cash management account
- Access to Premium Tier Human Advisors
Wealthfront
WealthFront is another greatest option for anyone looking for a robo-advisor to manage their portfolio, but it is also a place that acts as a command central for other investments and bank needs. The WealthFront portfolio is built using low-cost ETFs and includes features such as tax Loss harvesting and automatic rebalancing with an annual management fee of 0.25%. Beyond automated portfolio management, we also offer committee-free stocks and ETF trading, as well as feature-rich cash management accounts (including checks, bill payments, fee-free ATM access) that has won top positions at the 2025 Bankrate Awards.
Important features
- Low-cost portfolio management
- Tax LOSS harvest
- Robust cash management accounts
- Wide range of investments
How to determine which investment app is right for you
When choosing which investment app is best for you, someone is just starting out and will want to think about your main needs when it comes to investing. Are you trying to trade stocks and ETFs yourself, or do you need to help build a portfolio?
People who are about to trade frequently should pay attention to the costs available on certain apps. If it helps you build a portfolio, you’ll want to find a robo-advisor to work with.
Editorial Disclaimer: All investors are advised to conduct their own independent research into investment strategies before making an investment decision. Furthermore, investors recommend that past investment products performance is not a guarantee of future price increases.
– Dayana Yochim from Bankrate contributed to the update of this article.
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