Beginner-friendly stock trading

2. Robinhood

Best for simplicity

• Clean, easy-to-navigate mobile interface.

• $0 commissions on eligible stock and ETF trades.

• Fractional shares, with eligible investments starting at $1.

• No minimum deposit to open an account.www.cnbc.com+3

  Potential downside: Its streamlined trading experience may encourage frequent trading; research and support are less comprehensive than Fidelity's.

  Visit Robinhood

3. Charles Schwab

Best for growing your investing knowledge

• $0 online commissions on listed U.S. stocks and ETFs.

• No minimum to open a standard brokerage account.

• Stock Slices let you buy fractional shares of eligible S&P 500 companies starting at $5.

• Extensive research and investment tools.www.cnbc.com+3

  Potential downside: The platform has more features than you may need when first starting out.

  Visit Charles Schwab

Quick comparison

*Fees, eligibility, and product terms vary. Standard stock and ETF commissions are $0 for eligible online U.S. trades; other charges can apply.www.schwab.com+2

My recommendation

I'd choose Fidelity if you're starting from scratch and want to build wealth over time. I'd choose Robinhood if your main priority is an exceptionally simple app for placing trades.

Whichever you choose, consider starting with a diversified, low-cost index ETF rather than trying to guess which individual stock will rise next. Stock prices can fall, and no app can guarantee profits.

Let me narrow it down for you

1. What's your main goal?

Build wealth over years

Buy and sell stocks frequently

Practice without risking real money

Invest for retirement

2. How much would you start with?

Under $100

$100–$1,000

$1,000–$10,000

Over $10,000

3. How much do you know about investing?

I'm completely new

I know the basics

I've invested before

[Find my best app]

My picks

1. Fidelity Investments — my top recommendation

Fidelity charges $0 for online U.S. stock and ETF trades, has no retail brokerage account minimum, and lets you buy fractional shares starting at $1. It also offers substantial educational material, research, recurring investments, and 24/7 support.www.fidelity.com

That's a particularly good combination for a first-time investor because you can start small without outgrowing the platform. StockBrokers.com and NerdWallet also currently rank Fidelity highly for beginners.www.nerdwallet.com+1

Fidelity brokerage account

2. Charles Schwab — excellent alternative

Schwab charges $0 online commissions for listed stocks and ETFs and has $0 account minimums. It also offers extensive research, education, and customer support.www.schwab.com

Charles Schwab pricing

3. Robinhood — easiest to use

Robinhood is particularly attractive if you want a very simple mobile experience. Stock and ETF trades are commission-free, and you can buy fractional shares for as little as $1.robinhood.com

The downside for a brand-new investor is that its streamlined trading experience can make buying and selling feel almost too easy. I'd favor it for someone who specifically values simplicity over extensive educational/research tools.

Robinhood

4. E*TRADE — good if you want to learn more over time

E*TRADE has $0 online commissions for U.S.-listed stocks and ETFs, no account minimums, and beginner-oriented educational material.us.etrade.com

E*TRADE brokerage account

What I'd do in your shoes

If your goal is “I want to start investing and mostly leave my money alone”, I'd choose Fidelity.

You don't need to start by picking individual stocks. A beginner can instead buy a broad, low-cost index ETF, contribute regularly, and let the investment compound over many years. Commission-free trading means you don't pay the broker a commission on those purchases, but ETFs themselves can still have expense ratios.robinhood.com+2

One important distinction: $0 commission does not mean investing is free or risk-free. Brokers can have other fees, and investments can lose value.www.nerdwallet.com+1

If you tell me roughly how much you plan to invest each month (e.g. $50, $200, $500+) and whether this is for retirement or general investing, I can narrow this to the one app I'd choose for you and suggest a very simple beginner portfolio.

To help narrow down which app fits you best, tell me:

• Are you looking to actively trade or buy and hold long-term?
• Do you want access to fractional shares with very small starting amounts?

I can recommend the exact platform that matches your goals.