Beginner-friendly trading platforms are intuitive and easy to use, with low overall costs and plentiful resources to help you learn and grow as an investor.
At the most basic level, beginner-friendly brokers offer a straightforward way to invest.
We analyzed 18 brokers with a methodology focused on trading costs, user-friendliness and customer support availability and responsiveness, among other factors, and put together a list of the best trading platforms for beginners.
With that, it’s time to reveal our picks.
Our top picks for trading platforms
Our pick for transfer bonus
Go to site
Get up to $10,000 cash
- Trade stocks, options, ETFs, mutual funds, alternative asset funds
- $0 commission on stocks, ETFs and options, with no options contract fees
- Complimentary access to a financial planner and automated investing
Top pick for beginners
Go to site
Get $10 when you sign up and deposit $5
- Goal-based robo-advisor
- Individual stock and ETF investing with guidance
- Invest for your kids with a custodial brokerage account or IRA
Our pick for investing by theme
Go to site
Earn up to $300 on new deposits
- Trade $0 commission stocks & ETFs with as little as $1
- Theme and ETF screener
- Discover new opportunities with Opto's AI-driven classification system
11 best trading platforms for beginners
- Best overall: SoFi Invest
- Robinhood
- Public
- Stash
- Opto
- Interactive Brokers
- M1 Finance
- Webull
- Moomoo
- Cash App
- Fidelity Investments
SoFi Invest®
4.2
★★★★★
Finder score
For full promotion terms please visit: https://www.sofi.com/acatoffer. SoFi does not accept cryptocurrencies and has limitations on some mutual funds and OTC stocks. Brokerage and Active Investing Products offered by SoFi Securities, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.
SoFi Invest offers a user-friendly trading experience with low-cost, straightforward market access. It's one of the few brokers in the industry that offers unlimited, complimentary access to financial planners, a no-advisory-fee robo-advisor for automated investing and matching IRA contributions.
Alongside commission-free trading of stocks, options, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds and alternative asset interval funds on a beginner-friendly interface, SoFi® members benefit from a suite of financial services, allowing them to invest, bank and borrow all within a single, integrated platform. This combination of features makes SoFi an attractive option for those seeking simplicity and comprehensive financial management.
Best for: Commission-free trading; IRA match; user experience; beginning investors; all-in-one financial services; automated investing.
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Signup bonus | Get up to $10,000 cash |
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SoFi Invest offers a user-friendly trading experience with low-cost, straightforward market access. It's one of the few brokers in the industry that offers unlimited, complimentary access to financial planners, a no-advisory-fee robo-advisor for automated investing and matching IRA contributions.
Alongside commission-free trading of stocks, options, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds and alternative asset interval funds on a beginner-friendly interface, SoFi® members benefit from a suite of financial services, allowing them to invest, bank and borrow all within a single, integrated platform. This combination of features makes SoFi an attractive option for those seeking simplicity and comprehensive financial management.
Best for: Commission-free trading; IRA match; user experience; beginning investors; all-in-one financial services; automated investing.
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Pros
- $0 commission investing
- 1% IRA contribution match
- Access banking, lending, investing and other financial products from one platform
- No-advisory-fee robo-advisor
- Complimentary access to financial planners
- Educational content
Cons
- No cryptocurrency
- Limited research tools
- $25 inactivity fee
-
Available asset types Stocks, Options, Mutual funds, ETFs, Alternatives Account types Brokerage, IRA Annual fee $0 per month Minimum deposit $0 Signup bonus Get up to $10,000 cash Cash sweep APY 0.02%
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Signup bonus | Get up to $10,000 cash |
Robinhood
4.4
★★★★★
Finder score
Robinhood offers a uniquely engaging platform for commission-free trading of stocks, ETFs, options and crypto, with no per-contract fees for options. Its IRAs provide up to 3% matching contributions for Robinhood Gold subscribers, or 1% without Gold. All customers, regardless of account level, get a 1% match on IRA transfers and 401(k) rollovers. Additionally, Gold members can earn up to 5% APY on uninvested cash.
Beyond these benefits, Robinhood offers fractional shares, 24/7 customer support and 24/5 market access on an incredibly user-friendly platform.
Best for: Commission-free trading; user experience; mobile trading; cryptocurrency investing; IRA match; high interest rates on uninvested cash; 24/5 market access.
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Signup bonus | Get a free stock |
-
Robinhood offers a uniquely engaging platform for commission-free trading of stocks, ETFs, options and crypto, with no per-contract fees for options. Its IRAs provide up to 3% matching contributions for Robinhood Gold subscribers, or 1% without Gold. All customers, regardless of account level, get a 1% match on IRA transfers and 401(k) rollovers. Additionally, Gold members can earn up to 5% APY on uninvested cash.
Beyond these benefits, Robinhood offers fractional shares, 24/7 customer support and 24/5 market access on an incredibly user-friendly platform.
Best for: Commission-free trading; user experience; mobile trading; cryptocurrency investing; IRA match; high interest rates on uninvested cash; 24/5 market access.
-
Pros
- Commission-free stock, options, ETF and crypto trading
- Earn up to a 3% IRA match with Robinhood Gold
- Fractional shares
- 24/7 customer support
- 24/5 market access
- High interest on uninvested cash
Cons
- No robo-advisor
- Limited tradable assets
-
Available asset types Stocks, Options, ETFs, Cryptocurrency Account types Brokerage, IRA, Margin Annual fee $0 per year Minimum deposit $0 Signup bonus Get a free stock Cash sweep APY 5%
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Signup bonus | Get a free stock |
Public.com
4.2
★★★★★
Finder score
Get up to $10,000 and transfer fees covered when you move your portfolio to Public
Public's expanding list of tradable assets allows investors to build diversified portfolios from a single, user-friendly platform. Beyond traditional assets like stocks, options, ETFs, bonds and treasuries, Public also offers access to crypto, music royalties and a high-yield cash account, providing a unique and comprehensive investment experience.
Public prioritizes transparency and investor value by providing commission-free trading for stocks and ETFs without relying on payment for order flow, ensuring optimal order execution. Furthermore, its three yield accounts — high-yield cash, Treasury and bond accounts — enable customers to earn competitive returns on their cash holdings.
Best for: Traditional and alternative assets; user experience; commission-free trading; no payment for order flow; high interest rates on uninvested cash.
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Signup bonus | Get up to $10,000 and transfer fees covered |
-
Public's expanding list of tradable assets allows investors to build diversified portfolios from a single, user-friendly platform. Beyond traditional assets like stocks, options, ETFs, bonds and treasuries, Public also offers access to crypto, music royalties and a high-yield cash account, providing a unique and comprehensive investment experience.
Public prioritizes transparency and investor value by providing commission-free trading for stocks and ETFs without relying on payment for order flow, ensuring optimal order execution. Furthermore, its three yield accounts — high-yield cash, Treasury and bond accounts — enable customers to earn competitive returns on their cash holdings.
Best for: Traditional and alternative assets; user experience; commission-free trading; no payment for order flow; high interest rates on uninvested cash.
-
Pros
- Commission-free stocks, options and ETFs
- Access to alternative assets
- High-yield cash, Treasury and bond accounts
- No payment for order flow
Cons
- Best tools and features are reserved for Public Premium members for $8 a month
- No robo-advisor
-
Available asset types Stocks, Bonds, Options, ETFs, Cryptocurrency, Alternatives, Treasury Bills, High-yield cash account Account types Brokerage Annual fee $0 per month Minimum deposit $0 Signup bonus Get up to $10,000 and transfer fees covered Cash sweep APY 4.9%
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Signup bonus | Get up to $10,000 and transfer fees covered |
Stash
3.7
★★★★★
Finder score
Stash stands out due to its low-cost entry, educational resources and easy-to-use platform. With the ability to start investing for yourself and your children with just $5, Stash makes the market accessible to beginners.
Invest in commission-free stocks and ETFs, with fractional shares, curated investment options, automated investing and individual stock trading. Additionally, Stash offers access to banking products and a debit card that lets you earn stock with each purchase.
Best for: Beginning investors; minor investing; commission-free stocks and ETFs; automated investing.
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Signup bonus | Get $10 when you sign up and deposit $5 |
-
Stash stands out due to its low-cost entry, educational resources and easy-to-use platform. With the ability to start investing for yourself and your children with just $5, Stash makes the market accessible to beginners.
Invest in commission-free stocks and ETFs, with fractional shares, curated investment options, automated investing and individual stock trading. Additionally, Stash offers access to banking products and a debit card that lets you earn stock with each purchase.
Best for: Beginning investors; minor investing; commission-free stocks and ETFs; automated investing.
-
Pros
- Individual and custodial accounts
- $0 commission stocks and ETFs
- Robo-advisor
- Access to banking products
Cons
- No tax-loss harvesting
- No high-yield cash account
- No human advisor access
-
Available asset types Stocks, ETFs Account types Brokerage Annual fee $3 per month Minimum deposit $0 Signup bonus Get $10 when you sign up and deposit $5 Cash sweep APY 0.1%
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Signup bonus | Get $10 when you sign up and deposit $5 |
OPTO
3.1
★★★★★
Finder score
Earn up to $300 when you deposit between $500–$3,000
Opto's user-friendly mobile app, commission-free stock and ETF trading, minimal account fees and thematic investing options make it an excellent choice for beginners seeking a low-cost platform to start investing.
For those interested in cutting-edge technologies and trends, Opto's thematic investing approach offers a unique opportunity to tap into innovations driving future economic growth. With over 50 themes to choose from, including Robotics, AI, Blockchain, Pet Care and Clean Energy, investors can easily identify and capitalize on emerging trends.
Best for: Beginning investors; themed investing; commission-free trading; user experience.
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Signup bonus | Earn up to $300 |
-
Opto's user-friendly mobile app, commission-free stock and ETF trading, minimal account fees and thematic investing options make it an excellent choice for beginners seeking a low-cost platform to start investing.
For those interested in cutting-edge technologies and trends, Opto's thematic investing approach offers a unique opportunity to tap into innovations driving future economic growth. With over 50 themes to choose from, including Robotics, AI, Blockchain, Pet Care and Clean Energy, investors can easily identify and capitalize on emerging trends.
Best for: Beginning investors; themed investing; commission-free trading; user experience.
-
Pros
- Commission-free stocks and ETFs
- Themed investing focus
- Few account fees
Cons
- Limited investment options
- Only available via mobile app
- Limited account types, with no IRAs
-
Available asset types Stocks, ETFs Account types Brokerage Annual fee $0 per month Minimum deposit $0 Signup bonus Earn up to $300 Cash sweep APY N/A
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Signup bonus | Earn up to $300 |
Interactive Brokers
4.6
★★★★★
Finder score
Interactive Brokers offers a comprehensive investing experience, catering to beginners with user-friendly mobile platforms like IBKR GlobalTrader and IMPACT. These platforms simplify the investment process, making it easy for new investors to navigate the market.
Beginners can trade commission-free stocks, options and ETFs while also exploring a range of other assets, such as precious metals, mutual funds and cryptocurrencies. For those seeking a hands-off approach, Interactive Brokers provides a robo-advisor with professionally managed portfolios, ensuring that even novice investors have access to expert guidance and a well-rounded investment strategy.
Best for: Wide range of investment options; commission-free stocks and ETFs; automated investing; robust trading platforms; alternative investments.
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Signup bonus | N/A |
-
Interactive Brokers offers a comprehensive investing experience, catering to beginners with user-friendly mobile platforms like IBKR GlobalTrader and IMPACT. These platforms simplify the investment process, making it easy for new investors to navigate the market.
Beginners can trade commission-free stocks, options and ETFs while also exploring a range of other assets, such as precious metals, mutual funds and cryptocurrencies. For those seeking a hands-off approach, Interactive Brokers provides a robo-advisor with professionally managed portfolios, ensuring that even novice investors have access to expert guidance and a well-rounded investment strategy.
Best for: Wide range of investment options; commission-free stocks and ETFs; automated investing; robust trading platforms; alternative investments.
-
Pros
- Multiple beginner-friendly trading platforms
- Wide range of tradable assets
- $0 commission stocks and ETFs
- Robo-advisor
Cons
- Cash sweep only available to Pro accounts
- Live chat rarely works
- No instant buying power
-
Available asset types Stocks, Bonds, Options, Mutual funds, ETFs, Cryptocurrency, Futures, Forex, Treasury Bills Account types Brokerage, IRA, Custodial, Joint brokerage, Trust Annual fee $0 per year Minimum deposit $0 Signup bonus N/A Cash sweep APY 3.83% Lite
4.83% Pro
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Signup bonus | N/A |
M1 Finance
4.1
★★★★★
Finder score
M1 Finance's intuitive platform, no trading fees and automated investing features make it an excellent option for beginners. Build customized portfolios with fractional shares, using M1's 'pie' investing to allocate funds across different assets according to your goals.
M1 Finance's combination of automated investing services and flexibility in investment choices and account types provides a perfect balance of automation and control, making it a great choice for those new to investing.
Best for: Commission-free trading; beginning investors; automated investing.
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $100 |
| Signup bonus | N/A |
-
M1 Finance's intuitive platform, no trading fees and automated investing features make it an excellent option for beginners. Build customized portfolios with fractional shares, using M1's 'pie' investing to allocate funds across different assets according to your goals.
M1 Finance's combination of automated investing services and flexibility in investment choices and account types provides a perfect balance of automation and control, making it a great choice for those new to investing.
Best for: Commission-free trading; beginning investors; automated investing.
-
Pros
- Commission-free stocks and ETFs
- High-yield cash account
- Wide range of account types
- Automated investing
Cons
- $3 monthly platform fee if assets are under $10,000
- $50 inactivity fee
-
Available asset types Stocks, ETFs, Cryptocurrency Account types Brokerage, IRA Annual fee $0 per month Minimum deposit $100 Signup bonus N/A
M1 Finance, LLC does not charge commission, trading, or management fees for self-directed brokerage accounts. You may still be charged other fees such as M1’s platform fee, regulatory fees, account closure fees, or ADR fees. For a complete list of fees M1 may charge visit M1 Fee Schedule.
M1 is not a bank. M1 Spend is a wholly-owned operating subsidiary of M1 Holdings Inc.. M1 High –Yield Savings Accounts are furnished by B2 Bank, NA, Member FDIC.
Obtaining stated APY (annual percentage yield) with the M1 High-Yield Savings Account does not require a minimum account balance. Stated APY is accrued on account balance. APY is solely determined by M1 Spend LLC and its partner banks, and will include account fees that will reduce earnings. Rates are subject to change without notice. M1 High-Yield Savings Account is a separate offering from, and not linked to, the M1 High-Yield Cash Account offered by M1 Finance, LLC. M1 is not a bank.
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $100 |
| Signup bonus | N/A |
Webull
4.6
★★★★★
Finder score
Earn up to 75 fractional shares and an extra 2% APY for 30 days when you open an account and make an initial deposit of the qualified amount. T&C apply.
Webull stands out as a beginner-friendly trading platform with commission-free access to stocks, ETFs and options, alongside robust educational resources. Its features include a paper trading account for practice with virtual money, an in-app social community for learning from other investors and over 500 courses in its learning center.
For those preferring automated management, the Webull Smart Advisor offers a robo-advisor option. Additionally, Webull Pay, a dedicated app, provides a seamless way to buy and trade popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, making Webull a well-rounded platform for new investors.
Best for: Commission-free trading; mobile trading; research and analysis; high interest on uninvested cash; automated investing.
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Signup bonus | Earn up to 75 fractional shares and an extra 2% APY for 30 days |
-
Webull stands out as a beginner-friendly trading platform with commission-free access to stocks, ETFs and options, alongside robust educational resources. Its features include a paper trading account for practice with virtual money, an in-app social community for learning from other investors and over 500 courses in its learning center.
For those preferring automated management, the Webull Smart Advisor offers a robo-advisor option. Additionally, Webull Pay, a dedicated app, provides a seamless way to buy and trade popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, making Webull a well-rounded platform for new investors.
Best for: Commission-free trading; mobile trading; research and analysis; high interest on uninvested cash; automated investing.
-
Pros
- Commission-free stock, options and ETF trades
- Comprehensive educational content
- Cryptocurrency available on Webull Pay
Cons
- 0.20% annual advisory fee for its robo-advisor
-
Available asset types Stocks, Options, ETFs, Cryptocurrency Account types Brokerage, IRA Annual fee $0 per month Minimum deposit $0 Signup bonus Earn up to 75 fractional shares and an extra 2% APY for 30 days Cash sweep APY 5%
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Signup bonus | Earn up to 75 fractional shares and an extra 2% APY for 30 days |
Moomoo
4.2
★★★★★
Finder score
Get 8.1% APY for 3 months on idle cash and up to 15 free stocks with qualified deposits. T&Cs apply.
Moomoo's capable trading app offers advanced, customizable charting and free access to pro-grade tools such as analyst ratings, real-time Level 2 market data and short sale analysis. Track market capital flow to help time transactions, view position cost distribution and other technical indicators and use Moomoo's Indicator Sentiment for a quick view of the overall status of all technical indicators.
Trade commission-free stocks, options and ETFs, with no per-contract fees for options. You'll also find a dedicated desktop trading platform, a high-yield cash sweep program and paper trading so you can practice and test your strategies before going live.
Best for: Active trading; commission-free trading; paper trading; research and analysis; high interest on uninvested cash.
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Signup bonus | Get up to 15 free stocks |
-
Moomoo's capable trading app offers advanced, customizable charting and free access to pro-grade tools such as analyst ratings, real-time Level 2 market data and short sale analysis. Track market capital flow to help time transactions, view position cost distribution and other technical indicators and use Moomoo's Indicator Sentiment for a quick view of the overall status of all technical indicators.
Trade commission-free stocks, options and ETFs, with no per-contract fees for options. You'll also find a dedicated desktop trading platform, a high-yield cash sweep program and paper trading so you can practice and test your strategies before going live.
Best for: Active trading; commission-free trading; paper trading; research and analysis; high interest on uninvested cash.
-
Pros
- Commission-free stock, ETF and options trades
- No per-contract fees on options
- Paper trading with $1 million in virtual currency
- High-yield cash account
Cons
- Limited tradable assets
- No robo-advisor
- Limited account types, with no IRAs
-
Available asset types Stocks, Options, ETFs Account types Brokerage Minimum deposit $0 Signup bonus Get up to 15 free stocks Cash sweep APY Up to 8.10%
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Signup bonus | Get up to 15 free stocks |
Cash App
Cash App
3
★★★★★
Finder score
Block's Cash App is as beginner-friendly as it gets. Through an app designed to offer swift financial transactions, buy and sell stocks and ETFs for as little as $1, gift stocks to family and friends or dip your toes into cryptocurrency with Bitcoin.
Simple charts, company news, key statistics and financials, earnings and analyst opinions all help you make informed investment decisions quickly and without fuss.
Best for: Beginning investors; minor investing; commission-free stocks and ETFs.
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Signup bonus | N/A |
-
Block's Cash App is as beginner-friendly as it gets. Through an app designed to offer swift financial transactions, buy and sell stocks and ETFs for as little as $1, gift stocks to family and friends or dip your toes into cryptocurrency with Bitcoin.
Simple charts, company news, key statistics and financials, earnings and analyst opinions all help you make informed investment decisions quickly and without fuss.
Best for: Beginning investors; minor investing; commission-free stocks and ETFs.
-
Pros
- Commission-free stocks and ETFs
- Fractional shares
- Send stocks to others like cash
- Trade Bitcoin
Cons
- High crypto trading fees
- Limited investment options
- No retirement accounts
-
Available asset types Stocks, ETFs, Cryptocurrency Account types Brokerage, Custodial Annual fee $0 per month Minimum deposit $0 Signup bonus N/A Cash sweep APY 4.5%
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Signup bonus | N/A |
Fidelity Investments
4.6
★★★★★
Finder score
Fidelity offers some of the lowest fees in the industry, featuring commission-free trading on stocks, ETFs, options and Fidelity mutual funds. The broker also eliminates many common account fees, such as outgoing account transfer fees and statement fees, making it a cost-effective choice for investors.
Fidelity excels in financial planning and advisory services, providing both human and robo-advisor portfolio management, free financial plans and investing accounts for minors. Additionally, it offers a wide range of investment options, top-tier research and trading tools and beginner-friendly resources, including educational content and 24/7 customer support.
Best for: Range of investment options and account types; low costs; research and planning tools; crypto access; automated investing.
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Signup bonus | N/A |
-
Fidelity offers some of the lowest fees in the industry, featuring commission-free trading on stocks, ETFs, options and Fidelity mutual funds. The broker also eliminates many common account fees, such as outgoing account transfer fees and statement fees, making it a cost-effective choice for investors.
Fidelity excels in financial planning and advisory services, providing both human and robo-advisor portfolio management, free financial plans and investing accounts for minors. Additionally, it offers a wide range of investment options, top-tier research and trading tools and beginner-friendly resources, including educational content and 24/7 customer support.
Best for: Range of investment options and account types; low costs; research and planning tools; crypto access; automated investing.
-
Pros
- Commission-free stocks, options, ETFs and Fidelity funds
- Mobile, web-based and desktop trading platforms
- Trade bitcoin and ether
- Robo-advisor with no advisory fees under $25,000
- 24/7 customer support
- Investing accounts for kids
- Competitive rates on uninvested cash
Cons
- $25,000 minimum to access a Fidelity financial advisor
-
Available asset types Stocks, Bonds, Options, Mutual funds, ETFs, Cryptocurrency, Gold/Commodities, CDs, Treasury Bills Account types Brokerage, IRA, Custodial, Joint brokerage, Trust Annual fee $0 per year Minimum deposit $0 Signup bonus N/A Cash sweep APY 4.95%
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Signup bonus | N/A |
Paid non-client promotion. Finder does not invest money with providers on this page. If a brand is a referral partner, we're paid when you click or tap through to, open an account with or provide your contact information to the provider. Partnerships are not a recommendation for you to invest with any one company. Learn more about how we make money.
Finder is not an advisor or brokerage service. Information on this page is for educational purposes only and not a recommendation to invest with any one company, trade specific stocks or fund specific investments. All editorial opinions are our own.
Methodology: How we choose the best trading platforms for beginners
Finder’s investments experts reviewed 18 brokers available on the market to narrow down the best trading apps for beginners.
We analyzed each platform based on 147 key metrics we collected directly from brokers and assessed each provider’s performance based on eight different categories, weighing each metric based on the expertise and insights of Finder’s investment experts. We then scored and ranked each provider to determine the best brokerage accounts for beginners.
We update our best picks as products change, disappear or emerge in the market. We also regularly review and revise our selections to ensure our best provider lists reflect the most competitive available.
How we weigh the overall rating
| Category | Weighting |
|---|---|
| Investment options | 10% |
| Trading platforms and technology | 15% |
| Trading costs | 20% |
| Account fees | 10% |
| Account types and minimums | 5% |
| Customer support | 10% |
| Mobile app ratings and security | 5% |
| Features and amenities | 25% |
What we assess in each category
- Investment options. This category evaluates the total number of available investment options and the breadth and diversity of available assets.
- Trading platforms and technology. This category examines the user experience and various research and analysis tools across a platform’s browser-based, mobile and desktop trading platforms. It assesses the quantity and quality of things like research tools, charts and technical analysis features.
- Trading costs. This category evaluates the broker’s trading fee structure, including commissions, options contract fees and any additional charges to buy or sell securities.
- Account fees. This category assesses minimum deposits, annual fees, wire transfer fees and outgoing, full account transfer fees. We also evaluate inactivity fees, IRA closing fees, margin base rates and monthly subscription fees to get access to the brokers’s top features.
- Account types. This category examines available account types and includes everything from individual brokerage accounts to 529 plans to IRAs for individuals and businesses.
- Customer support. This category rates the broker’s customer support accessibility and evaluates available support channels, such as live chat, phone and email. We also consider the level of transparency for finding important information on the platform’s website.
- Mobile app ratings and security. This category analyzes a mobile app’s user reviews and ratings across the major app stores. We also consider the brokers’s security measures, like whether it offers two-factor authentication and biometrics capabilities.
- Features and amenities. This category evaluates the availability of instant buying power, virtual money for practicing trading, cash sweep rates for uninvested cash, fractional share trading and educational resources. We also consider access to a robo-advisor and human advisor and assign an editor’s opinion on whether the platform is generally good for beginners.
What makes a trading platform good for beginners?
In the world of investing, choosing the right trading platform is crucial, especially for those just starting out. But not all trading platforms are best for beginners.
A good trading platform for beginners prioritizes simplicity and user-friendliness, offering intuitive navigation, educational resources and quality, responsive customer support. It provides educational materials, maybe even demo accounts and easy-to-understand charts and features to help beginners learn the basics of trading without feeling overwhelmed.
Additionally, it should offer low fees and a variety of investment options.
Trading for beginners: How to get started
Now that you’ve found the right trading app for your goals, it’s time to put it to work. Open the app, sign up for an account and get comfortable with its features. You’ll need to deposit money to your new trading account via bank transfer to start investing, unless you choose to transfer assets from another broker.
Having accounts with multiple stock apps is an option if you aren’t completely satisfied with a single platform. Maybe it offers the tools and resources you need to research stocks but not the assets you want to build out your portfolio.
Define your investment goals, develop a strategy that suits your style and stay informed about market trends. Use any educational resources the app offers to learn how to invest and sharpen your skills. Regularly review your portfolio and adjust your strategy as needed.
The right trading app makes investing easier. But you also need a solid plan and the discipline to invest regularly and consistently to give you the best chance at building your wealth.
Compare and find the broker that's right for you
Match your experience level with your trading and investing goals to find the right broker for you.
| If you're a | And want to | Consider this |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner investor | Do most or all of your trading on your mobile device | Best stock trading apps |
| Beginner investor | Trade and invest with as few fees as possible | Best discount stock brokers |
| Beginner investor | Outsource portfolio management automatically and at a low cost | Best robo-advisors |
| Beginner investor | Gain exposure to multiple assets like stocks, bonds or gold through a single fund | Best ETF brokers |
| Experienced investor | Get an overall idea of providers on the market and what they're best for | Best brokerage accounts |
| Experienced investor | Invest internationally in stocks, ETFs and other assets | Best international stock brokers |
| Retirement saver of any experience level | Save for retirement with upfront tax benefits | Best (traditional) IRA |
| Retirement saver of any experience level | Save for retirement and enjoy tax-free withdrawals | Best Roth IRA |
| Investor of any experience level | Diversify with low-cost index funds | Best brokerage accounts for index funds 2024 |
Frequently asked questions
Which trading platform is best for beginners?
The best trading platform for beginners is SoFi Invest, according to Finder’s analysis. In addition to commission-free stock, ETF and options trades, SoFi offers a no-cost robo-advisor with complimentary access to SoFi’s team of certified financial planners.
Which is the simplest trading platform?
SoFi Invest is among the simplest trading platforms. SoFi Invest doesn’t overwhelm in terms of research and analytical tools but instead offers a straightforward way to invest.
Is Robinhood good for beginners?
Robinhood is great for beginners. With its beginner-friendly trading platforms, uncomplicated trading experience and commission-free trades, Robinhood is among the best brokers for those just getting started in investing.
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To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Holly Jennings as part of our fact-checking process.
Matt Miczulski is an investments editor at Finder. With over 450 bylines, Matt dissects and reviews brokers and investing platforms to expose perks and pain points, explores investment products and concepts and covers market news, making investing more accessible and helping readers to make informed financial decisions. Before joining Finder in 2021, Matt covered everything from finance news and banking to debt and travel for FinanceBuzz. His expertise and analysis on investing and other financial topics has been featured on CBS, MSN, Best Company and Consolidated Credit, among others. Matt holds a BA in history from William Paterson University. See full bio
Matt's expertise
Matt has written 205 Finder guides across topics including:
- Trading and investing
- Broker and trading platform reviews
- Money management
