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The Best Places to Start Investing in Stocks, REITs, Bonds, ETFs, Crypto & More
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items Getting started with investing can feel overwhelming — stocks, ETFs, bonds, crypto, real estate… where do you even begin? I built this list of the best platforms and brokerages to help anyone, from total beginners to seasoned investors, feel confiden...
Webull – A great brokerage app with great research tools and charts. Offers commission-free trading for stocks, ETFs, options, and crypto. Webull is perfect for beginners who want a little more control and data without paying for it.
Webull
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Beyond crypto trading, Coinbase also supports crypto ETFs and custody solutions, making it a bridge between traditional investing and digital assets.
Coinbase
Fundrise – One of the best ways for beginners to invest in real estate without owning property yourself. You can start with just $10 and own shares in commercial and residential projects across the U.S.
Fundrise
Acorns – Famous for round-ups. Every time you make a purchase, it rounds up your spare change and automatically invests it in a diversified portfolio. Great for absolute beginners.
Acorns
Masterworks – Allows you to buy fractional shares in blue-chip art. Normally only billionaires could invest in fine art, but Masterworks opens it up to regular investors.
Masterworks
American Hartford Gold – A precious metals dealer that makes it easy to buy and hold gold and silver as part of your portfolio.
American Hartford Gold
Charles Schwab – One of the largest and most trusted investment companies in the U.S. Schwab lets you trade stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and bonds with no commissions. Their platform is beginner-friendly, offers 24/7 customer support, and has great ed...
Charles Schwab
Fidelity Investments – Consistently ranked the #1 broker overall, Fidelity gives you $0 trades on stocks and ETFs, and offers fractional shares (so you can invest with as little as $1). Their research library is massive, making it easier for beginner...
Fidelity Investments
Robinhood – Famous for making investing super simple on mobile. No fees for trades, no account minimums, and you can buy stocks, ETFs, options, and even crypto. Great for absolute beginners who want to start small and learn as they go.
Robinhood
Public.com – This platform makes investing social. You can follow other investors, see their moves, and learn in real time. They also give you access to stocks, ETFs, crypto, bonds, and even alternative assets like collectibles.
Stocks, Bonds, Crypto, & Options Investing App - Public.com
Interactive Brokers (IBKR Lite) – Known for professional-level tools, but they also offer a Lite version that’s free and easy for beginners. You can trade U.S. stocks and ETFs commission-free, but also access international markets if you want to expa...
Interactive Brokers
E*TRADE (by Morgan Stanley) – One of the oldest online brokerages. They offer tons of educational content and an easy-to-use app for beginners. You can trade stocks, ETFs, options, and mutual funds with $0 commissions.
E-Trade
SoFi Invest – Built for first-time investors, SoFi has no fees, no commissions, and no account minimums. You can invest in stocks, ETFs, crypto, or even set up automated investing. Plus, they offer free financial planning with a human advisor.
Online Investing, Stock Trading, IRA Accounts
Merrill Edge (Bank of America) – If you already use Bank of America, Merrill is integrated directly into your account. It’s great for beginners because it gives you professional research tools with the convenience of your normal banking.
Merrill Edge
M1 Finance – Combines robo-advising with DIY investing. You can build “pies” (custom portfolios), and the system automatically rebalances for you. Perfect if you want hands-off investing with control over what you own.
M1 Finance
Yieldstreet – A platform for investing in alternative assets like real estate, art, and private credit—things regular investors usually don’t have access to. They break down complex assets into simple, easy-to-understand investments.
Yieldstreet
Betterment – Another top robo-advisor, but with a stronger focus on goals (retirement, emergency funds, college savings). Great for hands-off investors who want long-term growth with low fees.
Betterment
Wealthfront – A top robo-advisor that builds a customized portfolio automatically. They use algorithms and proven strategies to help your money grow. Great for beginners who don’t want to pick individual stocks.
Wealthfront
J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing – Backed by Chase, this platform allows you to invest commission-free in stocks, ETFs, and options. Perfect for beginners who want to keep things simple and tied to a major bank.
Commission-free online trading with J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing
Vinovest – Lets you invest in fine wine as an asset. You don’t have to store or manage it—Vinovest does everything and you profit from appreciation.
Vinovest
Stash – Beginner-focused platform that lets you start investing with just $5. It also teaches you investing basics step-by-step as you use the app.
Stash
Ally Invest – Commission-free broker with a clean, simple platform that ties into Ally Bank. Great if you want banking and investing in one place.
Ally Invest®: Investing Services, Online Trading - Invest With Us
TD Ameritrade (Charles Schwab) – Though now merging with Schwab, TD Ameritrade is still known for Thinkorswim, one of the most powerful trading platforms available. Beginners can learn here and grow into pros.
TD Ameritrade, Inc. is now at Schwab
Groundfloor – Real estate crowdfunding platform focused on short-term property loans (6–12 months). Great for investors wanting quicker returns.
Groundfloor
LendingClub – Originally peer-to-peer lending, now a digital bank where you can invest in consumer credit.
Lending Club
Rally – Fractional ownership of collectibles like rare sneakers, cars, watches, sports memorabilia, and Pokémon cards.
Rally | Alternative Asset Investment
AcreTrader – Invest in U.S. farmland, one of the most stable real assets with strong long-term returns.
AcreTrader
StartEngine – Popular equity crowdfunding platform where you can invest in early-stage startups and even pre-IPOs.
StartEngine
Alto IRA – Lets you invest your retirement account into alternatives like crypto, startups, and real estate.
Alto IRA
FarmTogether – Similar to AcreTrader, but allows smaller investments into farmland and agricultural projects.
FarmTogether
MyRacehorse – Own fractional shares of real racehorses and share in prize winnings.
MyRacehorse
Prosper – Peer-to-peer lending marketplace where you can invest in personal loans and earn interest.
Prosper
DiversyFund – Gives everyday investors access to multi-family real estate projects, with no management fees.
DiversyFund
Legion M – A fan-owned entertainment company where investors fund movies, TV, and live events.
Legion M
Royalty Exchange – Buy and sell music royalties (earn income every time a song is streamed or licensed).
Royalty Exchange
EquityZen – Lets you invest in pre-IPO companies like SpaceX, Stripe, etc. before they go public.
EquityZen
WhiskeyVest / CaskX – Invest in rare whiskey barrels and casks that appreciate over time.
Investing in Whiskey - What to Know