Best Brokerage Accounts for Beginners: Our 7 Top Picks in 2025
Here are our seven picks for the best brokerage accounts for beginners in 2025.
It’s essential to have a good trading account. For starters, the best brokerage accounts offer user-friendly systems, educational tools, no fees, and the option to buy fractional shares, allowing you to start with as little as a few dollars.
7 of the best trading tools for newbies
SoFi — The best all-in-one money app

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SoFi® is well-known for its student loans and banking services. It also has a trading account that you can trust. Having a trading account can make managing your money easier if you already use SoFi® for banking.
However, remember that SoFi is only available online, so its customer service is vital. Although they don’t offer phone support on weekends, they do provide chat support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, which can be very helpful when you need assistance quickly.
Platform
The platform from SoFi® is one of the easiest ones we’ve seen. It doesn’t have as many advanced features as some of its rivals, but its simple layout makes it perfect for people who are just starting and don’t want a lot of extras. If simple stock and ETF trading is what you want to do, SoFi® has everything you need without making things too hard.
Costs
There are no account minimums or annual fees with SoFi®, and no commission fees are charged for stocks or options. This makes it an excellent choice for individuals just starting with investing and who don’t want to worry about commissions.
You should be aware of the fees, though. There is a $25 fee per account for not logging in for 12 months, and a $100 fee applies for full or partial outgoing payments. These fees are much higher than what many of the other brokerages on this list charge, so think about how they might affect your plans.
Choices for investments
SoFi offers a wide range of investment choices. You can either trade on your own or use an automatic service called a “robo-advisor.” SoFi lets you trade stocks and ETFs, but it also allows you to invest in initial public offerings (IPOs) at their IPO prices, a unique feature that sets it apart. You can also trade fractional shares, which is excellent for beginners who want to start small and diversify their portfolio without having to invest a large amount of money upfront (see disclosures).
Resources for learning
The SoFi Learn area is an excellent resource for learning, as it provides comprehensive information on all aspects of personal finance. This guide isn’t just about investing basics; it also includes information on credit cards, insurance, budgeting, buying a house, and other related topics. It does a lot more than just trading, which is why we chose it as the Best All-In-One Financial App.
Access to financial planners is another excellent feature. This is especially helpful for beginners who may need one-on-one help. These planners can help you create a comprehensive financial plan that encompasses more than just buying and considers your overall economic well-being.
Robinhood — The easiest app to use
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Robinhood changed the way people trade by popularising commission-free trading. Its easy-to-use app attracts younger, tech-savvy investors. However, in 2020 and 2021, the platform was criticized for experiencing system failures during periods of market volatility and for halting trades on GameStop during the stock’s well-documented surge.
Robinhood has since attempted to rebuild its reputation by addressing past issues and enhancing its platform. Robinhood remains a popular choice for new buyers seeking an easy way to enter the market despite more than 10 million people using it as their primary brokerage.
Platform
The Robinhood app is famous for being easy for beginners to use and understand. It makes investing and exploring the app very simple. The company released Robinhood Legend in October 2024. It is a desktop tool for experienced traders. This update offers users opportunities for growth by providing access to enhanced charting tools, technical indicators, and other advanced features. For beginners, the app will still be as easy to use as ever.
Costs
Robinhood was one of the first platforms to offer commission-free trading. This makes it an excellent choice for new users who want to start trading without worrying about fees cutting into their profits. It has a reputation for being a cost-effective choice, with no account minimums or annual fees. To transfer money from Robinhood to another exchange, a $100 fee applies.
Choices for investments
Robinhood only lets people invest in stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). One great feature is fractional share buying, which enables people to buy high-value stocks for as little as $1.
But Robinhood doesn’t offer as many investment choices as some of its competitors. The site doesn’t provide a wide range of other investment options or mutual funds. If these are important to your plan, consider other brokers, such as Charles Schwab or Fidelity, which offer a wider range of products.
Resources for learning
Robinhood offers a learning platform called Robinhood Learn, which provides easy-to-find information on the basics of trading. This guide is ideal for individuals just starting and looking to learn the basics.
However, Robinhood’s built-in study tools are basic unless you upgrade to Robinhood Gold, which provides access to more advanced data and research. If you want powerful analytical tools and a wide range of research choices, other platforms are better for you.
E*TRADE, a subsidiary of Morgan Stanley
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E*TRADE, a subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, is a well-known name in the world of investing, and the fact that Morgan Stanley acquired it in 2020 has only added to its trustworthiness. Customers can receive help in person at Morgan Stanley bank branches through this partnership. Online brokerages do not typically offer this level of service.
E*TRADE, a subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, began as a low-cost brokerage but has since expanded its offerings. E*TRADE, offered by Morgan Stanley, provides a variety of account types, including a Roth IRA, a custodial account, and a standard brokerage account. The app also allows you to bank, making it a flexible choice for managing your money in various ways.
Platform
E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley offers two platforms: the basic E*TRADE platform and the more advanced Power E*TRADE platform. These platforms are designed to meet the needs of both new and experienced traders.
- The basic tool, which can be accessed through the web or a mobile app, is simple and easy to use, which makes it an excellent place for new investors to start.
- The Power E*TRADE from the Morgan Stanley platform, on the other hand, has tools for options trading, technical analysis, and other complicated strategies that are made for more experienced traders.
Costs
E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley is one of the best low-fee brokerages because it allows you to trade stocks and ETFs without incurring any fees, and there are no fees for not using the account for an extended period. However, some services, such as options contracts and deals facilitated by a broker, come with associated costs. Additionally, if you wish to transfer your funds to another exchange, a $75 fee applies.
These fees are standard in the business, but you should consider them if you want to engage in more complex trading.
Choices for investments
Because E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley offers a wide range of investment options, it’s a good choice for investors of all skill levels. It allows you to invest in more than 6,000 mutual funds and stocks, as well as various types of accounts, including IRAs, rollovers, and robo-advisory accounts.
One significant issue is that you cannot trade small shares, which can be challenging for newcomers who lack substantial capital. E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley does, however, allow you to reinvest dividends into fractional shares, which can help your stock grow over time.
Resources for learning
The learning materials on E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley are extensive and different. Its online library features a wide range of articles, from basic to advanced investing techniques. E*TRADE, from Morgan Stanley, also hosts regular webinars where users can learn directly from experts about more complex topics, such as futures and options trading.
The Power E*TRADE from the Morgan Stanley platform offers more detailed charting and analysis tools for individuals who want to delve deeper into technical analysis. For beginners, these features may not be immediately helpful, but they’re great to learn about as you become more proficient.
J.P. Morgan Investing
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J.P. People all over the world know Morgan Chase for its credit cards and banking services. People are familiar with the name, and that trust extends to its brokerage services, which stem from the fact that the company manages billions of dollars worth of assets. With numerous branches worldwide and decades of experience in the financial markets, J.P. Morgan is a trusted and reliable choice for buyers.
Whether you’re just starting or seeking a business partner with extensive experience, J.P. Morgan is an excellent choice, as it has a long history of excellence in both banking and investment.
Platform
The J.P. Morgan trading platform is integrated into the Chase mobile app, offering Chase users a unified experience. If you already bank with Chase, it may be easier to keep all of your accounts in one place.
Still, the user interface isn’t as easy to use as that of some competitors, which can be a problem for those just starting or who require more advanced tools. The platform should work well for you if your primary investment strategy is to buy and hold. However, buyers who need more advanced tools or an easier-to-use interface might not find it as applicable.
Costs
For low-cost investors, J.P. Morgan Investing is a good pick. It’s one of the few brokerages that allows you to trade stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds without incurring any fees. Because there are no fees, it’s especially appealing to people who want to keep their investment costs as low as possible.
If you want to send money out of the site in part, there is no fee. Complete transfers cost $75.
Choices for investments
J.P. Morgan offers a diverse selection of standard investment options, including stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds. Some companies offer a wider range of or more specialized investment options. Still, the fact that mutual funds are included without any fees is a significant advantage for individuals who want to diversify their investments without incurring substantial costs.
Besides being an agency, J.P. Morgan Chase offers a range of financial products, including bank accounts, credit cards, and personal loans. With this wide range of services, it’s a one-stop shop for all your banking needs.
Resources for learning
J.P. Morgan clients can access the company’s stock research, which covers more than 1,200 publicly traded companies. Investors seeking to learn more about potential investments may find this level of study beneficial.
Additionally, J.P. Morgan offers its clients access to a library of educational materials designed to help them become more informed investors. These resources are ideal for individuals seeking to learn more about money but may not be as suitable for beginners as some of the other options on this list.
Vanguard Digital Advisor® — The best low-cost index fund manager
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Someone else whose name you may know is Vanguard. Vanguard is known for offering low-cost investment options. Its index funds are especially popular because they are suitable for long-term investors. It has a lot of trust because it focuses on keeping fees low and prioritizing investors’ interests. The trust built in the Vanguard name also helps the Vanguard Digital Advisor® product.
Platform
With its easy-to-use interface, the Vanguard Digital Advisor® tool is made to make goal-based investing easier. It’s easy for users to track their progress, make changes to their financial plans, and receive personalized advice tailored to their needs. Connecting to current Vanguard accounts simplifies the process, making it smooth for both new and experienced investors.
Costs
The fees that Vanguard Digital Advisor® charges are fair and easy to understand. For the first 90 days, there are no advisory fees, allowing new investors to try out the site without any risk. It’s 0.20% per year for a portfolio of index funds or 0.25% for a portfolio that includes both Vanguard ETFs and actively managed mutual funds after that.
This price aligns with Vanguard’s goal of increasing returns while keeping costs low. No extra fees are charged for trades, and the minimum amount to open an account is just $100, making it accessible to most investors.
Choices for investments
Vanguard Digital Advisor provides access to a wide range of investment options, including ETFs, mutual funds, and savings accounts, such as IRAs. Its low-cost index funds, which are great for hands-off, long-term investments, are what make it stand out. The robo-advisor ensures that portfolios are customized to meet each investor’s unique needs. This makes it an excellent choice for investors seeking ease and customization.
Resources for learning
Vanguard offers a wealth of information and research on the economy, retirement planning, market trends, and investment strategies, among other topics. Its experts provide valuable insights into global economies, stock market trends, and asset allocation strategies. This makes it a valuable resource for individuals just starting and looking to learn more over time.
Fidelity — The best app for physical branch sites
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Even for people new to buying, the name Fidelity evokes thoughts of money. It has been around since 1946, offering extensive experience and a solid reputation for reliability. Fidelity also stands out because it has real branches where investors can meet with advisors in person. This is an excellent feature for individuals who prefer in-person assistance.
Fidelity is an excellent choice if you’re seeking a well-established brand with a strong reputation and exceptional customer service.
Platform
Fidelity’s platform is easy to use and provides just the right amount of information to make informed choices without being overwhelming. Although it doesn’t look as sleek and modern as newer platforms like Robinhood, it consistently works well and is reliable.
Fidelity’s online platform is cleaner and easier to use than its closest rival, Charles Schwab. This makes it a better choice for those just starting.
Costs
Fidelity is the best place to put for low costs. It differs from many other brokerages in that it doesn’t charge fees to trade stocks or ETFs, nor does it charge fees to trade mutual funds. Additionally, Fidelity offers the lowest costs for services such as closing an IRA account and transferring an account (both $0).
You should be aware that Fidelity charges $49.95 to cash out non-Fidelity funds with no transaction fee within 60 days of receiving them, so it’s best to keep them.
Choices for investments
Fidelity offers a wide range of investment choices, including stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and specialized accounts such as IRAs and 529 college savings plans. The no-transaction-fee mutual funds are one of its best features. They let you spend with low costs and get a wide range of investments, which is great for building a well-rounded portfolio. Fidelity is an excellent choice for individuals just starting and looking to grow their savings, as it is easy to use and offers numerous options.
Resources for learning
Fidelity offers a range of valuable educational tools, including free in-depth reports from over 20 independent research firms, daily market insights, and StarMine analyst rating analysis. Its powerful screeners for stocks, funds, and ETFs make it simple for buyers to find chances that fit their needs. These benefits are invaluable for both new and experienced investors.
Charles Schwab — The best place to invest for retirement
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As one of the top trading firms in the U.S., Charles Schwab is a name that investors trust alongside Fidelity. Schwab has had a good reputation since 1971 for offering trustworthy and easily accessible financial services. For newcomers, Schwab is the best option because it has been around for a long time and is a reliable choice.
Platform
Schwab’s platform may feel more traditional than newer apps like Robinhood or SoFi, but it remains a good choice for individuals just starting to trade. It’s not flashy, but it has everything you need to handle your investments without being too complicated. This makes it perfect for beginners who prefer straightforward approaches.
Choices for investments
Charles Schwab offers a wide range of investment options, including stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, IRAs, and more. Schwab also works with American Express to provide checking and savings accounts, CDs, loans, and credit cards. This makes it a flexible platform for investors who also want to handle their funds.
Resources for learning
Schwab offers articles, videos, podcasts, and online classes for various training and learning options. You will also be able to view daily market reports and screeners for funds, stocks, and ETFs. Not always more than the other big-name agents on this list, even though there are a lot of them. You can be sure that Schwab has it if you need it.
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