Top 10 Stock Trading Apps with Low Fees In today’s fast-paced world, stock trading has become more accessible than ever before. With the rise of mobile apps, investors can trade stocks, ETFs, and other securities with a tap of their finger. One of the primary factors influencing which stock trading app to choose is the cost. Low fees can make a significant difference in the long term, especially for frequent traders or those just starting with small investments. In this blog, we’ll explore the top 10 stock trading apps with low fees that cater to both beginners and seasoned investors.
1. Robinhood
Robinhood is one of the most popular stock trading apps, largely due to its zero-commission trading. It made waves in the financial world by offering commission-free trades for stocks, ETFs, options, and cryptocurrencies. Robinhood’s clean interface is designed to be user-friendly, making it ideal for beginners who want to dip their toes into the stock market without worrying about fees eating into their returns.
Key Features:
- Zero commissions on stocks, ETFs, and options
- Cryptocurrency trading available
- Instant deposit feature for faster access to funds
- Fractional shares for smaller investments
However, while Robinhood’s low-cost structure is appealing, the app has faced some criticisms, including a lack of advanced tools and research options. Still, its simplicity and free trading make it an attractive option for many.
2. Webull
Webull is another commission-free trading app that offers a wide array of tools and features for both beginner and advanced traders. Like Robinhood, Webull offers zero-commission trades for stocks, ETFs, and options. But what sets Webull apart is its extensive charting and technical analysis tools, which are highly regarded by active traders.
Key Features:
- Commission-free stock, ETF, and options trading
- Advanced charting tools and technical indicators
- Paper trading for practice without risking real money
- Access to extended hours trading
- No account minimum or inactivity fees
Webull’s advanced features make it ideal for traders looking for more than just basic trading capabilities. While it may be slightly more complex for newcomers, it offers excellent value for those who want more powerful features without the high fees associated with traditional brokerage firms.
3. Fidelity Investments
Fidelity is a well-established name in the world of finance, and its mobile app brings the same level of trust and reliability. With zero-fee trading on stocks and ETFs, Fidelity is a great option for low-cost investors who want to take advantage of a robust set of features. Its reputation for customer service and resources makes it appealing to those who may need a little extra help or education.
Key Features:
- Zero commissions on stocks, ETFs, and options
- Extensive research and educational resources
- Advanced trading tools for experienced investors
- Fractional shares and retirement account options
- Access to human advisors (for a fee)
Fidelity’s solid reputation and powerful app make it a top contender for anyone looking for an all-in-one trading experience with low fees. Its ability to cater to both new investors and seasoned traders gives it wide appeal.
4. Charles Schwab
Charles Schwab has been a trusted name in investing for decades, and its mobile trading app carries that legacy forward. Like many others, Schwab offers zero commissions on stocks and ETFs. However, Schwab stands out by offering a vast range of tools and resources, especially for those looking to diversify their portfolios with mutual funds, bonds, and more.
Key Features:
- Zero commissions on stocks, ETFs, and options
- Robust research tools, including market analysis and insights
- Access to educational content and webinars
- Low-cost mutual funds and retirement options
- Fractional share purchases available
Charles Schwab’s platform offers more than just basic stock trading. Its educational content and wealth of research tools make it ideal for those looking to build a long-term investment strategy.
5. SoFi Invest
SoFi Invest is an excellent option for beginners who want to trade without dealing with high fees. It offers commission-free trading on stocks and ETFs and gives users access to robo-advisory services for hands-off investing. One unique feature of SoFi Invest is its ability to buy and sell fractional shares, making it easier for new investors with smaller amounts of capital to get started.
Key Features:
- Commission-free trading on stocks and ETFs
- Fractional shares for easy diversification
- Automated investing (robo-advisor) for hands-off management
- No account minimums or maintenance fees
- Access to cryptocurrency trading
SoFi’s sleek interface and all-in-one approach make it an attractive option for beginners. Plus, its additional financial services, such as loans and banking, can create a seamless financial experience for those who want everything under one roof.
6. Merrill Edge
Merrill Edge is Bank of America’s investment platform, offering zero commissions on online stock and ETF trades. Known for its high-quality customer service, Merrill Edge is a great choice for investors who want a more personal touch when navigating the stock market. It also offers excellent research tools and educational resources, making it appealing to novice traders.
Key Features:
- Zero commission on online stock and ETF trades
- Access to high-quality research and educational tools
- Seamless integration with Bank of America accounts
- Personalized guidance through Merrill Edge’s financial consultants
- Retirement and financial planning tools
Merrill Edge is ideal for anyone who wants the ease of online trading along with the benefit of access to in-depth financial planning tools. It’s especially beneficial for Bank of America customers who can benefit from the integration of their accounts.
7. E*TRADE
ETRADE is a well-known name in the investing world and offers a mobile app with no-fee trades on stocks and ETFs. It’s great for both beginners and more experienced traders, with a wide range of tools and features to suit different levels of experience. ETRADE provides an excellent selection of mutual funds, bonds, and options as well.
Key Features:
- Zero commission on stocks, ETFs, and options
- Extensive selection of mutual funds and bonds
- Advanced trading tools and charting features
- Retirement accounts and financial planning tools
- Access to extensive educational resources
E*TRADE’s app is robust, easy to navigate, and offers an excellent variety of trading options. Its user-friendly interface, coupled with advanced features, makes it a good fit for those who want low-cost trading with plenty of resources.
8. TD Ameritrade
TD Ameritrade is a powerhouse in the world of online investing, and its mobile app is no different. With zero commissions on stocks and ETFs, TD Ameritrade offers a comprehensive set of tools, research resources, and education for both new and experienced investors. It’s particularly popular among active traders due to its advanced tools and support for day trading.
Key Features:
- Commission-free trades for stocks, ETFs, and options
- Advanced trading platforms like thinkorswim for experienced traders
- Access to expert market analysis and news
- Retirement accounts, trust, and estate planning services
- Educational content tailored to different experience levels
TD Ameritrade’s rich toolset and resources make it ideal for investors who want more than just basic trading features. Its thinkorswim platform, in particular, is renowned for catering to active traders who require advanced charting and analysis.
9. Acorns
Acorns is unique among trading apps because it focuses on micro-investing. The app rounds up your everyday purchases and invests the spare change into a diversified portfolio of stocks and ETFs. Though not a traditional stock trading app, Acorns offers a low-cost way to invest without needing to manually trade stocks.
Key Features:
- Automatic micro-investing based on purchases
- Commission-free ETFs
- Personalized portfolios tailored to your risk level
- Educational resources for beginners
- Retirement and saving tools
Acorns is ideal for those who are new to investing and want an easy, automated way to start building wealth without worrying about commissions. While it may not be suitable for active traders, it’s a great low-cost option for those focused on long-term growth.
10. Public.com
Public.com offers commission-free trading and provides a unique social aspect to investing. Users can see what others are investing in, share ideas, and learn from a community of traders. This app is aimed at making stock trading more social, transparent, and educational.
Key Features:
- Commission-free trading on stocks and ETFs
- Fractional shares for small investors
- Social investing platform to connect with others
- No account minimums or fees
- Educational resources for beginners
Public.com’s community-driven approach makes it unique among trading apps. It’s a good choice for people who prefer a more social and collaborative trading experience while still keeping costs low.