Top Online Investment Platforms for Beginners

Entering the world of investing can be daunting, but with the right tools and platforms, beginners can start growing their financial portfolios with confidence. Here's a look at some of the best online investment platforms that make it easy to begin your investment journey.

Robinhood

Robinhood has gained popularity for its commission-free trades, making it an excellent choice for newcomers. The platform’s user-friendly interface allows investors to easily buy and sell stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies. Robinhood also offers fractional shares, which means you can invest with as little as a few dollars.

Robinhood has over 22 million users

Offers over 5,000 ETFs and stocks

No account minimums required

E*TRADE

ETRADE is another solid option, particularly for those who want more educational resources as they start investing. With a variety of investment options, from stocks to mutual funds, ETRADE provides a comprehensive platform for learning and growing your portfolio. The platform also offers 24/7 customer service, ensuring you have support when you need it.

E*TRADE has been around since 1982

5,000+ mutual funds available with no transaction fees

24/7 customer support

TD Ameritrade

TD Ameritrade stands out for its powerful trading tools and resources, making it ideal for beginners who want to learn and grow as investors. The platform offers a wide range of educational materials, including webinars, articles, and tutorials, all designed to help you make informed investment decisions.

Over 11 million client accounts

Over 13,000 mutual funds available

Access to over 300 branches nationwide

Fidelity

Fidelity is known for its robust research tools and comprehensive customer service. This platform is perfect for beginners who want to make informed decisions backed by in-depth research. Fidelity offers a variety of account types and investment options, making it easy to find what suits your financial goals.

Fidelity manages $4.3 trillion in assets

Over 32 million individual investors

Research tools backed by years of industry experience

Charles Schwab

Charles Schwab offers a user-friendly platform with a wide range of investment options. The platform is well-known for its extensive educational resources, which include webinars, tutorials, and one-on-one consultations. Schwab’s customer service is also top-notch, providing personalized support when needed.

Manages over $7 trillion in client assets

300+ branches across the U.S.

No minimum account balance required

Betterment

Betterment is a robo-advisor platform that’s ideal for beginners who prefer a hands-off approach to investing. The platform uses algorithms to manage your portfolio, focusing on your financial goals and risk tolerance. Betterment is known for its ease of use and low fees, making it accessible for those just starting out.

Betterment has over 500,000 clients

$21 billion in assets under management

Low fees starting at 0.25% annually

Wealthfront

Wealthfront is another robo-advisor that caters to beginners. The platform offers automated investment management, personalized financial planning, and tax optimization features. Wealthfront is also known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive mobile app, making it easy to manage your investments on the go.

Over 400,000 clients

$25 billion in assets under management

Tax-loss harvesting for all accounts

M1 Finance

M1 Finance combines the flexibility of a traditional brokerage with the automation of a robo-advisor. This platform allows users to create a custom portfolio while automating contributions and rebalancing. M1 Finance is particularly attractive for beginners due to its no-fee structure and easy-to-use interface.

Over $3.5 billion in assets under management

No fees for basic accounts

Fractional shares and automatic rebalancing

Acorns

Acorns makes investing simple by rounding up your everyday purchases to the nearest dollar and investing the spare change. This micro-investing platform is perfect for beginners who want to start small. Acorns also offers educational content to help you understand the basics of investing.

Acorns has over 9 million users

Automatic round-ups from daily purchases

No account minimums required

Ally Invest

Ally Invest offers a solid platform for beginners, with low fees and a wide range of investment options. The platform is integrated with Ally Bank, making it easy to manage both your banking and investing in one place. Ally Invest also provides educational resources, including webinars and articles, to help you make informed decisions.

Manages $4.7 billion in assets

Over 500,000 accounts

Low fees starting at $0 per trade

With these online investment platforms, beginners can find the tools and resources they need to start their investing journey with confidence. Whether you prefer hands-on trading or automated management, there’s a platform out there to suit your style and help you achieve your financial goals.