Best Investment Apps for Beginners in USA (2025 Guide)
Want to start investing but don’t know where to begin? You’re not alone. The good news? You don’t need to be a Wall Street expert or have thousands of dollars to start investing anymore. All you need is a smartphone, a few bucks, and the right app.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best investment apps for beginners in USA, focusing on ease of use, low fees, education tools, and features perfect for people who are just getting started.
Why Use an Investment App?
Investment apps have revolutionised the way people build wealth. Here’s why they’re perfect for beginners:
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✅ Low or no minimum deposits
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✅ Fractional shares to invest small amounts
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✅ Automated portfolios (no stock-picking stress)
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✅ Educational resources built-in
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✅ User-friendly interfaces
Whether you want to buy stocks, invest in ETFs, or grow your savings automatically, there’s an app built just for you.
Top 8 Best Investment Apps for Beginners in USA
Let’s dive into the best of the bunch, each offering something unique for first-time investors.
1. Acorns – Best for Automatic Investing
Perfect for: Set-it-and-forget-it investors
How it works: Acorns rounds up your purchases to the nearest dollar and invests the change. Spend $2.50 on coffee? It’ll round it to $3 and invest 50 cents.
Features:
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Automated micro-investing
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Pre-built, diversified portfolios
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Option to invest in retirement and kids’ accounts
Cost: Plans start at $3/month
Why beginners love it: You’re investing without even thinking about it. Ideal for people who want to start small.
2. Robinhood – Best for Commission-Free Stock Trading
Perfect for: DIY investors and stock market newbies
How it works: Robinhood lets you buy and sell stocks, ETFs, and even crypto—without paying commissions.
Features:
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Fractional shares available
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No account minimum
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Intuitive app with real-time market data
Cost: Free (Optional Robinhood Gold at $5/month for advanced tools)
Why beginners love it: Easy to navigate, with no hidden fees. Great for learning how the stock market works.
3. Stash – Best for Beginners Who Want to Learn
Perfect for: New investors who want guidance
How it works: Stash allows you to invest in themed portfolios or specific stocks. It also helps you understand investing basics through built-in educational content.
Features:
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Fractional shares starting at $0.01
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Banking and budgeting tools included
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Auto-Stash recurring investments
Cost: Starts at $3/month
Why beginners love it: Stash blends investing with education—perfect for people who want to learn as they go.
4. Fidelity – Best for Zero Fees and Long-Term Investing
Perfect for: Beginners looking to grow long-term wealth
How it works: Fidelity offers commission-free stock and ETF trading, plus access to mutual funds and retirement accounts.
Features:
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$0 account minimum
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Robust research tools
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Fidelity ZERO index funds with no expense ratio
Cost: Free to open; no trading commissions
Why beginners love it: Trusted platform with excellent customer support and a long-standing reputation.
5. SoFi Invest – Best for Diversified Financial Tools
Perfect for: Beginners who want everything in one app
How it works: SoFi Invest offers automated investing, active trading, and access to crypto, all in one place.
Features:
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Commission-free trading
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Automated investing portfolios
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Educational webinars and career tools
Cost: Free
Why beginners love it: It’s not just an investment app—it’s a personal finance toolbox.
6. Charles Schwab – Best for Building a Serious Portfolio
Perfect for: Beginners ready to step up their investing game
How it works: Schwab is a full-service brokerage that’s beginner-friendly and offers a wide range of investment options.
Features:
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Fractional shares via Schwab Stock Slices
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$0 account minimum
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Access to IRAs and 401(k) rollovers
Cost: Free trading on stocks and ETFs
Why beginners love it: You get the best of both worlds—professional-grade tools with beginner-level accessibility.
7. Webull – Best for Tech-Savvy Beginners
Perfect for: Beginners who want charts, data, and a slick user experience
How it works: Webull is a free trading platform offering stocks, ETFs, options, and crypto.
Features:
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Advanced charting tools
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Paper trading (practice with fake money)
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Extended trading hours
Cost: Free
Why beginners love it: Offers a ton of information and tools—great for learning more technical aspects of investing.
8. Betterment – Best for Hands-Off Investing
Perfect for: Beginners who want everything automated
How it works: Betterment is a robo-advisor that creates and manages a diversified portfolio for you.
Features:
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Personalized portfolios based on your goals
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Tax-efficient investing
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Access to human advisors (on premium plan)
Cost: 0.25% annual fee (Basic plan)
Why beginners love it: It’s fully hands-off—you answer a few questions, and Betterment does the rest.
How to Choose the Right Investment App for You
Not sure which one fits you best? Ask yourself:
| Question | Best App |
|---|---|
| Want to start with spare change? | Acorns |
| Prefer to pick your own stocks? | Robinhood or Webull |
| Want education and hand-holding? | Stash or SoFi |
| Looking for retirement savings? | Fidelity or Charles Schwab |
| Want it completely automated? | Betterment |
Think about your goals and comfort level. You can even try more than one!
What to Look for in Beginner-Friendly Investment Apps
When choosing the best investment app for beginners in USA, keep an eye out for:
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Low or zero fees
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Fractional shares
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Simple user interface
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Educational content
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Customer support
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Account types (taxable, IRA, Roth IRA, etc.)
Avoid apps that are too complex or charge high monthly fees for basic features.
Tips for First-Time Investors Using These Apps
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Start small: Even $5 or $10 is enough to get started.
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Be consistent: Automate weekly or monthly deposits.
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Diversify: Don’t put all your money in one stock or crypto coin.
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Think long-term: Don’t panic during market dips.
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Keep learning: Read, watch videos, and understand what you’re investing in.
Conclusion: Your First Investment Starts Today
You no longer need to be rich or a financial expert to invest. With the best investment apps for beginners in USA, you can start building wealth from your phone in just a few taps.
Whether you’re saving for retirement, a house, or just want your money to grow while you sleep, there’s an app out there designed just for you.
So, don’t wait for the “perfect time.” Start now. Your future self will thank you.
FAQs
1. What is the easiest investment app for beginners in USA?
Acorns is often considered the easiest due to its automated round-up investing feature.
2. Are investment apps safe?
Yes, most are regulated by FINRA and SIPC-insured, which protects your investments up to $500,000.
3. Can I lose money using these apps?
Yes, all investments carry risk. However, apps like Betterment and Acorns reduce risk by offering diversified portfolios.
4. Do I need a bank account to use an investment app?
Yes, you’ll need a linked bank account to deposit and withdraw funds.
5. Can I invest if I’m under 18?
Most platforms require you to be 18. However, custodial accounts can be opened by a parent or guardian on your behalf.