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 simple and straightforward way to invest.
We analyzed 18 brokers with a methodology focused on trading costs, user-friendliness and customer support availability and responsiveness and put together a list of the best trading platforms for beginners. We highlight the strides each broker takes to give beginner investors a suitable place to buy and sell stocks, ETFs and more.
Our top picks for trading platforms
Best for beginners
Go to site
Commission-free stock trading
- No-cost financial planning and automated investing
- $0 commission on stocks, ETFs and options
- Get up to $1,000 in stock when you fund a new account within 30 days
Best for options trading
Go to site
$200 in US stocks
- Trade options, futures, options on futures, stocks, ETFs
- $0 commission to close options
- Get $100-$5,000 when you open an account with $5,000 to $1,000,000+
Best for alternative investments
Go to site
Easy access to diverse assets
- Trade stocks, bonds, options, ETFs, crypto, Treasurys, collectibles, royalties
- Earn 5.1% APY on your cash
- Earn a $0.18 rebate on options, with no commissions and no per-contract fees
11 best trading platforms for beginners
- Best overall: SoFi Invest®
- Moomoo
- Public
- Interactive Brokers
- Robinhood
- eToro
- Acorns
- Cash App
- Webull
- Fidelity Investments
- Charles Schwab
Best overall – SoFi Invest
SoFi Invest®
4.7
★★★★★
Finder score
In addition to trading stocks, options, ETFs and mutual funds on a beginner-friendly interface, SoFi® members get access to a free robo-advisor, no-cost financial advice and a range of other financial services that let you invest, bank and borrow from a single, integrated platform.
SoFi Invest offers one of the simplest trading experiences among the brokers we review, providing uncomplicated market access with a no-cost robo-advisor available if you want to automate your investing. It's also one of the only brokers in the industry that offers unlimited, complimentary access to certified financial planners, a service that can cost you several hundred dollars a session elsewhere. SoFi members can consult a CFP professional ahead of any of life's important financial decisions, and we think this is a standout feature worth recognizing.
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Pros
- Commission-free stocks, options and ETFs
- Free robo-advisor with no investment minimums
- Complimentary access to SoFi's certified financial planners with no investment minimums
- Access SoFi's other financial products from one platform
- Fractional shares
Cons
- Limited investment options
- $25 inactivity fee
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Retirement account types Roth, Traditional, SEP, Rollover Available asset types Stocks, Options, Mutual funds, ETFs, Alternatives Annual fee 0% Minimum deposit $0 Signup bonus Get up to $1,000 in stock when you fund a new account within 30 days Cash sweep APY 0.01% Cash sweep insured FDIC Cash sweep insurance amount $2.5 million
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Cash sweep APY | 0.01% |
| Signup bonus | Get up to $1,000 in stock when you fund a new account within 30 days |
Moomoo
Moomoo
4.7
★★★★★
Finder score
Get a 1.5% match in cash on transferred assets up to $300 or 7 fractional shares of "Magnificent 7" stocks worth $5 each
Moomoo's one of the most capable trading apps on the market, combining beginner-friendly features like paper trading, commission-free stock, ETF and options trades, educational content and an intuitive trading app with pro-grade tools for investors who want take their trading skills to the next level. Beginner investors will find a variety of helpful research tools, including analyst ratings, valuation metrics, revenue breakdowns, majority shareholder information and more. Plus, Moomoo offers one of the most competitive APYs on uninvested cash, which means you can earn interest on your money as you research and find your next investment opportunity.
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Pros
- Commission-free stock, ETF and options trades
- Paper trading with $1 million in virtual currency
- User-friendly mobile app
- Earn 5.1% APY on your uninvested cash with no balance requirements
Cons
- No crypto
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Available asset types Stocks, Options, ETFs Minimum deposit $0 Signup bonus Choose a 1.5% match or 7 free fractional shares when you when you deposit $100 Cash sweep APY 5.10% Cash sweep insured FDIC Cash sweep insurance amount $500,000
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Cash sweep APY | 5.10% |
| Signup bonus | Choose a 1.5% match or 7 free fractional shares when you when you deposit $100 |
Public
Public.com
4.3
★★★★★
Finder score
Easy access to diverse assets
In addition to its zero-commission stock and ETF trades, Public offers something most brokers we review have yet to include in their lineup of investments: alternative assets. In addition to stocks, ETFs, bonds, options and treasuries, Public lets you invest in crypto, NFTs, fine art, music royalties and collectibles — things like rare comics, game-worn Air Jordans and one of the earliest copies of Super Mario Bros. for Nintendo NES. All this from a single, user-friendly platform that makes investing a breeze.
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Pros
- Commission-free stocks and ETFs
- Fractional share investing
- Access to treasuries and alternative assets
- Social trading features
- Live chat support
Cons
- No robo-advisor
- No retirement accounts
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Available asset types Stocks, ETFs, Cryptocurrency, Art, Treasury Bills, Collectibles Annual fee 0% Minimum deposit $0 Signup bonus N/A Cash sweep APY 5.1% Cash sweep insured FDIC Cash sweep insurance amount $5 million or $250,000 per program bank
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Cash sweep APY | 5.1% |
| Signup bonus | N/A |
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers
4.3
★★★★★
Finder score
The versatile Interactive Brokers has an impressive lineup of trading platforms, two of which are geared toward beginner investors: GlobalTrader, which offers a streamlined solution to trade stocks, ETFs, options and crypto globally, and IMPACT, an environmental, social and corporate governance-focused platform. Whichever you choose, expect commission-free stock and ETF trades, fractional shares starting at $1 and simulated trading to practice investing without committing real money.
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Pros
- Two beginner-focused mobile platforms
- Commission-free stock and ETF trades
- Fractional shares
- Global trading
- Simulated trading feature
Cons
- No robo-advisor
- Unreliable customer support
- Confusing fee structure
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Retirement account types Roth, Traditional, SEP, Rollover Available asset types Stocks, Bonds, Options, Mutual funds, ETFs, Cryptocurrency, Futures, Forex, Treasury Bills Annual fee 0% Minimum deposit $0 Signup bonus N/A Cash sweep APY 3.83% Lite
4.83% ProCash sweep insured FDIC Cash sweep insurance amount $250,000
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Cash sweep APY | 3.83% Lite 4.83% Pro |
| Signup bonus | N/A |
Robinhood
Robinhood
4.2
★★★★★
Finder score
3% IRA match with Robinhood Gold
It wasn't just its offering of commission-free trades that led Robinhood to transform the way people buy and sell stocks over the past decade but also its beginner-friendly mobile app with its intuitive design and agile interface, which simplified investing for the masses. Nothing's changed on that front. Expanded investment options, 24/5 trading and IRAs that pay matching contributions are just some of the upgrades Robinhood's made since first launching. All this is what keeps Robinhood at the top of the pack of beginner-friendly trading platforms.
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Pros
- Commission-free stocks, ETFs, options and crypto
- 24/7 customer support
- Intuitive mobile app and web trading platforms
- IRA matching contributions
- Fractional shares
Cons
- No robo-advisor
- Limited investment options
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Retirement account types Roth, Traditional Available asset types Stocks, Options, ETFs, Cryptocurrency Annual fee 0% Minimum deposit $0 Signup bonus Get a free stock when you successfully sign up and link your bank account. Cash sweep APY 1.5%, or 5.25% with Robinhood Gold
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Cash sweep APY | 1.5%, or 5.25% with Robinhood Gold |
| Signup bonus | Get a free stock when you successfully sign up and link your bank account. |
eToro
eToro
4.2
★★★★★
Finder score
Copy crypto picks from top traders
Anchored by its community-driven trading platform, eToro's got no shortage of beginner-friendly investing features. Zero commission stock, option and ETF trades, with fractional shares starting at $10, crypto and virtual money for practice, all on a modern mobile app. Getting back to its social trading features for a second — eToro's not the first to offer social trading, but it sure did make it mainstream. How does one discuss investment ideas, build confidence and automate their crypto portfolio — hopefully stocks soon, too — by copying the trades of experienced investors? With eToro, of course.
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Pros
- Commission-free stock, option and ETF trades
- Social trading with a crypto copy trading feature
- Fractional shares
- Simulated trading feature
Cons
- No robo-advisor
- Not available in NY, NV, MN and HI
- No retirement accounts
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Available asset types Stocks, Options, ETFs, Cryptocurrency Annual fee 0% Minimum deposit $0 Signup bonus FINDER EXCLUSIVE: Get a guaranteed $15 bonus when you sign up and deposit $100 Cash sweep APY 4.9% Cash sweep insured FDIC Cash sweep insurance amount $5 million
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Cash sweep APY | 4.9% |
| Signup bonus | FINDER EXCLUSIVE: Get a guaranteed $15 bonus when you sign up and deposit $100 |
Acorns
Acorns
3.9
★★★★★
Finder score
Automated portfolio management with a level of customization unlike many other robo-advisors, Acorns has redefined how people save and invest their spare change. With its innovative 'round-up' feature, Acorns automatically invests spare change from your everyday purchases, effortlessly growing your portfolio. Its user-friendly app simplifies investing for beginners, while also offering a degree of freedom to investors who want to retain control over their portfolio. And Acorns' flat-fee subscription structure means the cost for portfolio management never changes, with minimal back-end fees and no account minimums. Whether you're new to investing or simply want to automate portfolio management, Acorns is the go-to platform for turning small change into substantial savings.
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Pros
- Invest your spare change automatically
- Automated stock and ETF investing
- Multiple investment account options
- Beginner-friendly app with educational resources
- Customize your portfolio with individual stocks with Acorns Premium
Cons
- No tax-loss harvesting
- Limited investment options
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Available asset types Stocks, ETFs Annual fee $36 per year Minimum deposit $0 Signup bonus Get a $20 bonus when you set up an account and make your first recurring investment (min. $5)
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Signup bonus | Get a $20 bonus when you set up an account and make your first recurring investment (min. $5) |
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.
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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
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Available asset types Stocks, ETFs, Cryptocurrency Minimum deposit $0 Signup bonus N/A Cash sweep APY 4.5%
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Cash sweep APY | 4.5% |
| Signup bonus | N/A |
Webull
Webull
4.4
★★★★★
Finder score
Webull's commission-free stocks, ETFs and options, coupled with its education hub, paper trading account and in-app social community, make it a respectable trading platform for beginners. Its robo-advisor, Webull Smart Advisor, is also available for those investors who'd rather outsource portfolio management. Meanwhile, Webull Pay, a separate app dedicated to Webull's crypto offerings, is available to buy Bitcoin, Ethereum and several other popular cryptos.
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Pros
- No commissions on stocks, ETFs or options
- Paper trading account available
- In-app trading community
- Access to a robo-advisor
Cons
- Limited tradable assets
- No live chat feature
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Retirement account types Roth, Traditional, Rollover Available asset types Stocks, Options, ETFs, Cryptocurrency Annual fee 0% Minimum deposit $0 Signup bonus Get up to 70 free fractional shares when you open an account and make a deposit. T&Cs apply. Cash sweep APY 5% Cash sweep insurance amount N/A
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Cash sweep APY | 5% |
| Signup bonus | Get up to 70 free fractional shares when you open an account and make a deposit. T&Cs apply. |
Fidelity Investments
Fidelity Investments
4.6
★★★★★
Finder score
Fidelity's combination of industry-low fees, available investments, user-friendly trading platforms, 24/7 phone support and features like fractional shares makes it one of the best trading platform for beginners. It's well-equipped to provide beginners with the resources they need to learn and grow as investors, including zero-commission stock and ETF trades, free portfolio planning tools and extensive educational content. And those seeking the assistance of professional guidance need not turn further than Fidelity's assortment of human and automated portfolio advisory services.
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Pros
- $0 commissions and industry-low fees
- Fractional shares
- 24/7 customer support
- Robo and human advisory services available
Cons
- No analyst reports, company financials or price targets on mobile
- $25,000 minimum to access a Fidelity financial advisor
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Retirement account types Roth, Traditional, SEP, Rollover, Custodial Available asset types Stocks, Bonds, Options, Mutual funds, ETFs, Cryptocurrency, Gold/Commodities, CDs, Treasury Bills Annual fee 0% Minimum deposit $0 Signup bonus Get $100 when you open and fund an account with $50 and use code Fidelity100 Cash sweep APY 2.72% Cash sweep insured FDIC Cash sweep insurance amount $5 million
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Cash sweep APY | 2.72% |
| Signup bonus | Get $100 when you open and fund an account with $50 and use code Fidelity100 |
Charles Schwab
Charles Schwab
4.2
★★★★★
Finder score
Big broker Charles Schwab's got it all: commission-free stock and ETF trades, fractional shares, extensive educational resources, 24/7 live support and user-friendly web and mobile trading platforms with in-depth research tools. It's got account types available for every circ*mstance, a free robo-advisor and a team of certified financial planners standing by for professional advice. Charles Schwab caters to a wide range of investors thanks to its large investment selection, and beginners will find Schwab to be a worthy broker to settle into.
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Pros
- Extensive lineup of investment options and account types
- Top-tier third-party research
- Robo advisor
- Fractional shares
- Global investing
Cons
- No crypto trading
- $5,000 minimum to access Schwab's robo-advisor
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Retirement account types Roth, Traditional, SEP, Rollover, Custodial, SIMPLE Available asset types Stocks, Bonds, Options, Mutual funds, ETFs, Futures, Treasury Bills Annual fee 0% Minimum deposit $0 Signup bonus Get $101 when you open and fund an account with a minimum of $50 Cash sweep APY 0.45% Cash sweep insured FDIC
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Cash sweep APY | 0.45% |
| Signup bonus | Get $101 when you open and fund an account with a minimum of $50 |
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Finder is not an adviser 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 review 18 brokers available on the market to narrow down the best brokers for beginners.
We analyze each platform based on 147 key metrics we collect directly from brokers and assess 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 score and rank each provider depending on its performance in each category.
How we weigh each category
| Investment options | Trading platforms and technology | Trading costs | Account fees | Account types | Customer support | Mobile app ratings and security | Features and amenities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5% | 10% | 10% | 5% | 5% | 15% | 5% | 45% |
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 opinion on whether the platform is generally good 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.
What to look for in a trading platform as a beginner
Choosing the best stock trading platform isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. Along with costs, investment options and reliability, you’ll want to know what a platform looks like and how it performs across your devices. Android and iOS versions of trading apps can have subtle differences. Trading features and research tools may also be different on mobile versions of trading platforms compared to browser and desktop versions.
Factors you should consider when choosing the best trading platform include:
- Costs and fees. Most brokers on the market today are free to sign up, free to use and offer commission-free stock and ETF trading. However, brokers have other costs and fees to be aware of. For example, some brokers charge a fee for periods of account inactivity or a fee to transfer your account to another broker.
- Investment options. A key part of choosing a trading app is determining which investment options you’re interested in adding to your portfolio. While the big brokers like Fidelity Investments, Charles Schwab and Interactive Brokers offer the most traditional investment options, mobile-first trading apps are starting to step up their game when it comes to asset offerings. Most of the big brokers still don’t offer access to crypto. Choose a platform that offers tradable assets that align with your strategy and goals.
- Platform availability. Consider on what device you’ll do your investing. If you’ll only be investing from your phone, a broker’s desktop traindg platform may not matter all that much.
- Reliability, security and customer reviews. Review the app’s security features, regulatory status and history of outages. Consider the number of reviews and how existing and previous users rate the app and platform.
What to do now that you’ve found the right trading app
Now that you’ve found the right trading app for your goals, it’s time to put it to work. Dive into 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 |
Frequently asked questions about the best trading platforms for beginners
Which trading platform is best for beginners?
According to Finder’s analysis, the best trading platform for beginners is SoFi Invest®. 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.
