You don't have to be a “finance bro” to invest your money these days. There are plenty of investment apps out there, designed to make the whole process easy and accessible for everyone. With just a few taps on your screen, you can set up an investment or savings account.
Beginner investors should keep an eye out for investment apps with low fees, a user-friendly interface, and helpful educational guides or strong user support. Security is also important: Opt for platforms that are regulated by government agencies and offer multi-factor authentication.
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If you're feeling unsure about where to begin with investing, we've put together a list with some of the best investment apps for beginners in 2024—and everything you need to know about each one.
What are investment apps?
Investment apps are platforms designed for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets that aim to simplify investing for both experts and beginners. With these apps, you can explore various financial markets, from stocks to cryptocurrencies. They come packed with features like robo-advisors, market analysis, and expert-build portfolios, making investing much more accessible and convenient.
How to choose an investment app for beginners?
If you're just starting to invest, look for an app that's user-friendly. “Consider factors such as ease of use, fees, investment options, customer support, and security features,” says Michael Ashley, a finance and investment expert at Richiest.com.
Investment apps aren't the type of platforms where you can afford to skip reading the terms and conditions or those tiny letters at the end of screen. Take the time to read everything thoroughly and pay close attention to any potential red flags.
“Red flags to look out for are simply the high fees, hidden costs, lack of regulatory oversight, bad customer reviews, and unclear or misleading information about the app's offerings and services,” Ashley says.
7 best investment apps for beginners
Below, you'll find our selection of the best investing apps for beginners. We looked for ones that are easy to navigate, secure, and recommended by financial experts (plus, we made sure they're available for both Android and iOS, so you don't have to switch apps if you ever change your phone or tablet).
1. Robinhood Investing
Robinhood Investing is one of the most highly-rated investment apps out there. It doesn't require a minimum account value, so users can start investing with amounts as low as $1. You can choose from various investment options—including cryptocurrencies, stocks, and ETFs—and enjoy 24/7 support. For $5 a month, you can upgrade to Robinhood Gold, which gives you access to advanced features like advanced market data and larger instant deposits.
“Its intuitive interface makes it easy for new investors to navigate, and commission-free trades are an advantage for beginners who may be wary of high fees eating into their profits,” says Jon Morgan, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Venture Smarter, a business consulting firm specializing in startup and small business growth.
Morgan does point out one caveat: “A drawback is that Robinhood doesn't offer as many educational resources compared to some other platforms.”
2. Acorns
Acorns might be the best investment app for beginners who prefer simplicity or don't have a lot of time to manage their investments. It offers automated investing with low amounts, and if you're saving for the future, you can even set up an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) alongside your investment account.
“What sets Acorns apart is its focus on micro-investing, allowing you to invest spare change from everyday purchases automatically,” Morgan says. “This hands-off approach is perfect for beginners who may not have a lot of capital to invest upfront.”
Other additional perks of the app include expert-built portfolios and educational resources. “It offers educational content and personalized investment recommendations based on your financial goals and risk tolerance,” he says.
“However, the fees can add up, especially for smaller accounts, which may eat into your returns over time,” he adds.
3. Ally Invest
Ally Invest stands out as a beginner-friendly investment app with an intuitive interface and trading experience. Its self-direct trading feature offers commission-free stocks, ETFs, or options, with no minimum account amount required to get started.
Investors can also count on in-depth research, market analysis tools, and informational articles to build knowledge and support their investment strategy. For those with busy schedules, Ally Invest offers a robo-advisor feature that recommends and automatically manages investment portfolios. Just keep in mind, for that you'll need $100 to get started.
4. Public Investing
Imagine an investment app with features similar to Facebook and Twitter. That's Public Investing—an app where you can follow other investors, learn from their experience, and even create group chats to exchange knowledge.
When it comes to investment tools, Public lets you craft a multi-asset portfolio featuring stocks, bonds, options, crypto, ETFs, and more, with no minimum account requirement. Plus, the app offers AI-powered insights to help guide your investment decisions.
Fees range from 0% for stock and crypto transactions to 2.5% per transaction for alternative assets.
5. SoFi Invest
SoFi Invest is a great choice for beginner investors seeking an all-in-one investment platform. With this app, you can trade stocks and ETFs, invest in IPOs at IPO prices, explore options, IRAs, or opt for automated investing. You can also start investing with just $1, with no commission for trades or recurring account fees.
If you need expert advice, SoFi offers financial planners to assist you navigate the investment world. Their guidance is based on your risk tolerance, goals, and the amount you're comfortable or able to invest regularly.
6. Ellevest
Ellevest is an investment app designed specifically for women investors. It takes into account factors like the gender pay gap and women's longer average lifespans to provide personalized investment advice based on your specific goals.
Need more encouragement? Read this next: Why Every Working Woman Should Invest
Ellevest is also one of the few investment platforms providing financial guidance from experts—through 1:1 sessions, workshops, and educational resources. In terms of investment options, the app primarily offers ETFs and mutual funds, so it might not be the best fit for those interested in buying individual stocks.
7. Betterment
Betterment may be the best investing app for beginners who are looking for a platform that suits their needs. It operates as a robo-advisor, automating investments based on your goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon.
The app also provides educational articles, videos, and a help center to guide beginners in taking their first steps on the app. Within its all-in-one, intuitive dashboard, you can track your net worth, monitor your savings progress, and assess your investment performance.
Betterment's only downside is the monthly $4 management fee and the limited control over investment choices, since it's primarily a platform for automated investing. So, if you're the hands-on type, you might want to consider another option.
Are investment apps safe?
Ashley explains that the most reputable investment apps are regulated by government agencies, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). FINRA protects investors in the U.S. by ensuring the broker-dealer industry operates in a fair and honest manner.
However, it's still important to thoroughly research your chosen investment app deeply by reading reviews and seeking recommendations from more experienced investors. “It's always a good idea for investors to conduct their due diligence, choose apps with proper security measures in place, and remain cautious of potential scams or fraudulent activity,” Ashley says.
How should a beginner start investing?
“For those looking to dip their toes into the world of investing without risking their own money, I recommend trying out a stock market simulator like Wall Street Survivor,” Morgan says. This kind of tool gives you a safe space to make mistakes and learn from them, all before investing your real, hard-earned money.
“These apps simulate real-market conditions without any financial risk, making them perfect for beginners to practice trading strategies and learn the ropes before diving into actual investing,” Morgan says. “While they don't offer the same potential for returns as real investments, they provide valuable hands-on experience without any downside.”
Another tip for beginners is to start investing with small amounts of money and choose an investment app that offers educational content or access to support from a financial advisor to guide you through your first steps inside the platform.