Best Investment Apps for Beginners and Experienced Investors

Many people are interested in investing but hesitate due to a lack of time or expertise. This is where the best apps for investing can make a huge difference. A wide range of investment apps is now available, catering to all levels of investors, from beginners to seasoned stock market pros.

Whether you’re beginning your investment journey or seeking to improve your current stock portfolio, there is a mobile app designed for you. You can choose from apps that turn investing into an enjoyable, game-like experience to those offering AI-driven investment tips. You’re guaranteed to discover the best apps for investing that suit your needs.

If you’re just starting out in the world of investing, take a look at this primer from productivity expert Ali Abdaal, which you can explore after reading:

What are Investing Apps?

Investing apps are innovative software programs designed to streamline the investment process, making it more accessible and efficient for users. These apps encompass a wide range of functionalities that cater to various aspects of investing and financial management. Here’s a breakdown of what investing apps typically offer:

• Trading Stocks and ETFs:
  • Users can buy and sell stocks and ETFs directly from their devices.
  • Real-time market data for informed decision-making.
• Mutual Fund Investments:
  • Simplified process to invest in mutual funds.
  • Diverse fund options to match risk profiles and investment goals.
• Portfolio Management:
  • Tools to track and manage investment portfolios.
  • Features to assess portfolio performance and rebalance as needed.
• Access to Global Markets:
  • Opportunity to invest in international stocks and markets.
  • Exposure to a broader range of investment opportunities.
• Educational Resources:
  • Learning tools and resources for beginners.
  • Market analysis and insights for informed investing.
• User-Friendly Interface:
  • Designed for ease of use, regardless of investment experience.
  • Intuitive navigation and clear, concise information presentation.
• Mobile and Desktop Access:
  • Available on multiple platforms, including smartphones, tablets, and computers.
  • Syncing capabilities across devices for a seamless experience.

Do Investing Apps Really Work?

Investing apps really do help investors of all experience levels better manage their financial fortunes. The best investment apps are simple to use, and they offer financial advice for a fraction of what it costs to consult a professional. Because minimum investments usually are small or nonexistent, an investing mobile app is a great option for beginner investors who are hesitant to start with a large dollar amount.

Why You Should Start Using Investment Apps Today

Whether you want to start investing or you want to improve your investment portfolio for better returns, you can benefit from an investing app. Not only are they simple to use, but the low minimums reduce the risk of trying a new investment strategy.

Not convinced an investment app is right for you? Consider the following benefits of using investment apps:

• Ease of use – Most investing apps are simple for even beginners to use. The easier you can learn to master the investment app of your choice, the quicker you can start building your stock portfolio.
• Automated investing – Most people don’t have time in their busy lives to monitor markets and make frequent adjustments to their portfolios. Many investment apps use artificial intelligence to take action at the best times for automated investing.
• Low financial risk – Because of their low minimum balance requirements, investment apps offer a way for beginner and intermediate investors to try their hands at building a portfolio without starting with a significant financial investment.
• Investment advice – Many beginning and want-to-be investors feel they don’t have the expertise to make sound investment decisions. Most investment apps provide tips, educational resources and even guidance from AI to serve as a virtual financial advisor.
• Fun – Many mobile investing apps incorporate gamification and community features, allowing users to enjoy managing all aspects of their personal finance. This includes handling their brokerage accounts, stock portfolios, ETF trades, as well as their checking and savings accounts.

How We Picked the Best Investing Apps

At Small Business Trends, we understand the importance of choosing the right investment app. To assist our readers in choosing the best investing app that meets their financial goals and level of experience, we use the following criteria, rated on a scale from 1 to 10, where 10 indicates the highest level of importance and 1 the lowest.

1. User Interface and Usability
   • Importance Scale: 9/10
   • Rationale: A user-friendly interface is essential, especially for new investors, to navigate and make informed decisions easily.
2. Range of Investment Options
   • Importance Scale: 8/10
   • Rationale: Apps offering a diverse range of investment options, including stocks, bonds, ETFs, and more, cater to varied investor needs.
3. Fees and Commissions
   • Importance Scale: 9/10
   • Rationale: Opting for lower or no fees and commissions is advantageous because it enables investors to enhance their returns.
4. Educational Resources
   • Importance Scale: 8/10
   • Rationale: Comprehensive educational materials help users, particularly beginners, to understand investing principles and strategies.
5. Security and Privacy Protections
   • Importance Scale: 10/10
   • Rationale: Robust security measures are crucial to protect personal and financial information.
6. Customer Support
   • Importance Scale: 7/10
   • Rationale: Reliable customer support is important for addressing technical issues and investment queries.
7. Account Types and Flexibility
   • Importance Scale: 7/10
   • Rationale: Offering various account types, like IRAs, taxable accounts, and more, provides flexibility to cater to different investment goals.
8. Mobile and Web Accessibility
   • Importance Scale: 7/10
   • Rationale: Apps that are easily accessible both on mobile devices and web browsers offer more convenience.
9. Research Tools and Insights
   • Importance Scale: 8/10
   • Rationale: Having access to high-quality research tools and market insights enables investors to make informed decisions.
10. Reputation and User Reviews
    • Importance Scale: 7/10
    • Rationale: A strong reputation and positive user reviews are indicative of the app’s reliability and effectiveness.

By applying these criteria, we aim to provide a thorough guide for our readers to select an investing app that aligns with their investment style, experience level, and financial objectives.

Best Investment Apps for Small Business Owners

Interested in expanding your investment options but unsure which mobile app is right for you? Check out the following 12 of the best investing apps for investors of all experience levels:

Thinkorswim Mobile App

A popular investment platform, the Thinkorswim mobile app from TD Ameritrade features an elaborate and customizable interface as well as plenty of research and analytics. The app offers mobile, desktop and web-based versions so it truly can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. Users can rely on the app to trade a variety of options including stocks, mutual funds, ETFs, options, futures, bonds, CDs and even forex.

Account Minimum: $0

Fees: $0 commissions on online, U.S. exchange-listed stocks, American and Canadian ETFs and options. Over-the-counter stocks not listed on a U.S. exchange charge a $6.95 commission. Broker-assisted trades cost about $25.

Acorns

Acorns is a great investment app for beginners because it helps those who aren’t active traders to build their financial portfolios with little time or effort. By integrating credit and debit card data, the app automatically adds funds to an investment account, making it incredibly easy to use. Acorns users can invest not only in ETFs but also in a few fractional shares in stocks. It even offers the option to establish a family spending account, and 24-hour customer service is available to help users with questions or issues.

Account Minimum: $0

Fees: $1 or $5 per month, depending on account type

Stash

Are you a novice investor eager to dive into the world of active trading? The Stash mobile app merges educational content with engaging games, making it enjoyable and straightforward to enhance your financial literacy. Users can tailor their financial objectives, and the app offers visual recommendations for creating a more robust portfolio. With Stash, users can invest in both stocks and ETFs, enabling them to build a successful trading profile.

Account Minimum: $5

Fees: Ranging from $1 to $9 each month.

Invstr

Another excellent investment app for beginners, Invstr, includes a well-liked fantasy stock game that allows users to “invest” up to $1 million in virtual cash while they learn about investing and compete for real cash prizes. If you feel confident with your fantasy selections and are prepared to invest, you can purchase both fractional and whole shares without paying any commissions directly through the app. Additionally, Invstr provides commission-free trading for cryptocurrency.

Account Minimum: $0

Fees: Free with a $3.99 premium option

Ally

Beginners interested in stocks and bonds rely on the Ally investing app for the real-time data it provides, allowing them to strategically trade anytime from anywhere. Ally users can build their portfolios with bonds, mutual funds and ETFs, and the app features convenient support via phone, email or chat. Ally is an all-in-one financial solution since the app also integrates data from personal banking portfolios like checking or savings accounts.

Account Minimum: $0

Fees: Free for eligible stock and options trading

Merrill Edge

Merrill Edge appeals to investors looking for mobile apps without trading fees. Owned by Bank of America, the Merrill Edge app offers integrations for the bank’s account holders, allowing them to move funds between platforms with ease. The app offers educational resources, investment guidance, and a customizable dashboard for trading stock and options. Merrill Edge even features a preferred rewards program for eligible investors.

Account Minimum: $0

Fees: No annual fee or inactivity fees

Betterment

The Betterment mobile app helps investors create tax-friendly stock portfolios. The app’s robo-advisor helps users make investment decisions that reduce their losses and tax liability. With Betterment, users can invest in stocks, bonds, ETFs, and even establish a cash management account. A special user survey helps Betterment users create tailored portfolios, and the app provides phone support from certified financial planners.

Account Minimum: $10

Fees: no trading fees, .25% management fee

Charles Schwab

Users enjoy the Charles Schwab investment app because of its large investment selection and lack of transaction fees. The user-friendly mobile app is designed for investors of all experience and skill levels, and it provides educational resources for those just starting their investment portfolios, as well as those who want to strengthen their financial stability. With the Charles Schwab mobile app, users can invest in stocks, bonds, ETFs, futures and options, and fractional shares are also available.

Account Minimum: $0

Fees: No annual or inactivity fees

TD Ameritrade

The TD Ameritrade mobile app provides a user-friendly investing experience. It includes educational resources and detailed information about stocks, companies, and markets, empowering users to make informed investment choices. You don’t need to be an expert investor to benefit from this app, as it features educational videos that clarify complex topics. Users of the TD Ameritrade app can trade across various platforms, and customer support is available for those who require additional assistance.

Account Minimum: $0

Fees: No annual or inactivity fees

Robinhood

An excellent mobile app for beginning and active investors, the Robinhood app allows users to invest in and manage stocks, ETFs, options trading, fractional shares, IPOs and even certain cryptocurrencies. The user-friendly app pioneered the concept of zero-commission stock trading, and it remains popular for its lack of fees. The app’s no-frills approach makes it a great choice for investors looking for a low-cost broker, and certain fractional shares can be purchased for as little as $1.

Account Minimum: $0

Fees: No monthly fee

Wealthfront

Investors looking for a hands-off approach to growing their portfolios can rely on Wealthfront‘s robo-advisors to guide their financial strategy. The app features a questionnaire to help users determine their financial goals and risk tolerance, and it then provides specific investment options based on those results. Wealthfront’s user-friendly investment experience also helps with banking options, and it automates finances by automatically transferring money between all your financial accounts while optimizing the transactions to meet users’ goals.

Account Minimum: $500

Fees: $0 per trade, .25% management fee

M1 Finance

With the M1 Finance mobile app for investment options, users enjoy automated portfolio management while retaining the control of a hands-on experience. The app is a great option for investors looking for a flexible way to build their portfolios while investing in a range of investment options, including both stock and ETFs, but it still provides guidance to help build a better investment strategy. M1 Finance even offers its users access to taxable investment accounts and IRAs. A premium version with additional stock options is also available.

Account Minimum: $100

Fees: $0 commissions and no management fee, .06-.2% expense ratio

This table provides a quick overview of various investment apps, highlighting their suitability for different investor profiles, account minimum requirements, fee structures, and key features.?

Table: Comparison of Top Investment Apps for Small Business Owners

To help you decide on the best app, this table provides a quick overview of various investment apps, highlighting their suitability for different investor profiles, account minimum requirements, fee structures, and key features.?

How to Choose the Best Investment App

With so many mobile apps available to invest in the stock market and build a strong financial portfolio, it can be a challenge to choose the best option. How do you choose the investment app that is right for you? Keep in mind the following considerations when determining the best investment app:

• Minimum balance requirements – What is your risk tolerance? Some investment apps require a minimum initial investment to start using the service, while many have no minimum balance requirements.
• Available investment options – While almost every investment app will allow users to invest in the stock market, they don’t all work on the same exchanges. Some investment apps also let users strengthen their portfolios with ETFs, options and even cryptocurrency, but the options vary.
• Automation – Different investment apps provide varying levels of automation. Some mobile apps let users set their goals and let AI handle the details, while others offer a more involved experience.
• Educational resources – Do you need extra investment tips and educational resources to learn about building your stock portfolio? Different mobile apps feature different types of educational resources, varying from blogs and videos to AI-led tutorials.
• Integration – Some mobile apps for investing will integrate with a user’s bank account and other personal financial accounts, which helps users manage their cash as well as their investment portfolio.
• Cost – Most investment apps cost very little compared to other types of advisory or brokerage services. How much do you want to spend? Consider not only usage fees but also costs like commissions.

Start Your Investment Account Today

Whether you’re looking to invest in the stock market or contemplating getting into real estate, there’s a mobile app tailored to your needs. When selecting a mobile app, it’s essential to take into account factors like your risk tolerance, the costs involved, and the investment options available. If you’re new to investing, there’s no need to worry; many of the best apps for investing offer interactive educational resources, AI-led guidance, and automated investing features.

What is the best investment app in the US?

What investment app is the best fit for you? For U.S.-based investors, the top choice is Betterment. This app features robo-advisors that help even novice investors create a robust financial portfolio. Additionally, Betterment offers professionally-managed portfolios composed of ETFs tailored to each user’s specific risk tolerance. With a minimum account balance of just $10 and no trading fees, users can begin building their portfolios with minimal risk. Furthermore, Betterment promotes socially responsible investing, making it easy for users to invest in companies that align with their values.

Is app investing safe?

When people use an investment app, their money is just as safe as if they invest through a brokerage firm. The funds are protected by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation, which will cover up to $500,000 in investments. At the same time, investment apps can be safer from financial risk for beginning investors as most have either no minimum account balance or a low requirement compared to a professional broker.

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This article, "Best Investment Apps for Beginners and Experienced Investors" was first published on Small Business Trends