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Best Online Stock Brokers & Investing Apps
Compare popular brokers on commissions, account minimums, fractional shares and who each one suits best. Most offer $0 commissions on US stock and ETF trades.
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1
Fidelity Investments
Long-term investors and retirement accounts
Stock commissions
$0 online US stock & ETF trades
Account minimum
$0
Fractional shares
Yes
Broad account types (IRA, 401k rollovers, HSA); strong research; zero-expense-ratio index funds
Website and app can feel dense for brand-new investors
2
Charles Schwab
All-around investing and active traders (thinkorswim)
Stock commissions
$0 online US stock & ETF trades
Account minimum
$0
Fractional shares
Yes (S&P 500 stocks via Stock Slices)
thinkorswim platform; banking integration; large branch network
Fractional shares limited to S&P 500 companies
3
Robinhood
Mobile-first beginners
Stock commissions
$0 stock & ETF trades
Account minimum
$0
Fractional shares
Yes
Very simple app; fractional shares; IRA accounts available
Fewer research tools than full-service brokers
4
Webull
Active traders who want advanced charts
Stock commissions
$0 stock & ETF trades
Account minimum
$0
Fractional shares
Yes
Advanced charting and technical indicators; extended-hours trading
Interface can overwhelm new investors
5
Public
Building a diversified portfolio with other asset types
Stock commissions
$0 stock & ETF trades
Account minimum
$0
Fractional shares
Yes
Stocks, ETFs, bonds and Treasuries in one app; clean design
Fewer account types than the largest brokers
6
Interactive Brokers
Advanced and international investors
Stock commissions
$0 with IBKR Lite; low per-share pricing with IBKR Pro
Account minimum
$0
Fractional shares
Yes
Access to global markets; low margin rates; professional tools
Steeper learning curve
How to choose a stock broker
Start with the account types you need: a regular taxable brokerage account, a Roth or traditional IRA, or a custodial account for a child. Next, compare costs beyond commissions, such as fees for transfers, options contracts, margin rates and mutual funds. If you're starting with a small amount, fractional shares let you buy a slice of expensive stocks. Finally, consider the experience: some apps are built for simplicity, while others offer advanced charts and research.
In the US, check that the broker is a member of SIPC, which protects customer securities up to set limits if a member firm fails. SIPC does not protect against investment losses.