Last updated: October 9, 2026 · Fact checked ✓
Affiliate disclosure: Financialist.com may earn a commission when you click a link on this page and open an account. This never changes our ratings. Our picks are based on independent research.
You can start investing with $0 at every brokerage below. All offer $0 stock and ETF commissions. The biggest step is opening the account — don't overthink the choice.
1. Robinhood — 4.8/5 ⭐ Financialist pick
Best for: Beginners and mobile-first investors
- Commissions: $0 on stocks, ETFs, and options (no per-contract fee)
- Minimum: $0
- Standout: IRA with 1–3% contribution match; cleanest mobile app in the industry
- Crypto: Yes, commission-free
Pros
- Simplest app to learn on
- IRA match rewards retirement saving
- 24/7 in-app support
- Fractional shares from $1
Cons
- Weaker research and education than Fidelity or Schwab
- Robinhood Gold ($5/month) needed for the best cash APY and research
Open an account with Boris's referral link: Join Robinhood
2. Fidelity Investments — 4.9/5
Best for: Best overall package
- Commissions: $0 on stocks and ETFs; $0.65/options contract
- Minimum: $0
- Standout: Zero-expense-ratio index funds (FZROX, FZILX) — literally 0% annual fees; best research and education in the industry
Pros
- Does everything well — trading, retirement, research, education
- 0% expense ratio funds exist nowhere else
- 24/7 customer service
- Fractional shares from $1
Cons
- App isn't as slick as Robinhood's
- $0.65 per options contract (Robinhood charges $0)
3. Charles Schwab — 4.8/5
Best for: Customer service and active traders
- Commissions: $0 on stocks and ETFs
- Minimum: $0
- Standout: thinkorswim trading platform (best active-trading tools); 24/7 phone support
Pros
- Best trading technology for serious traders
- Human support around the clock
- Schwab Starter Kit gives new investors $101 in stock
Cons
- Platform can overwhelm beginners
- Cash sweep rates are low
4. E*TRADE (Morgan Stanley) — 4.6/5
Best for: Education and research
- Commissions: $0 on stocks and ETFs
- Minimum: $0
- Standout: Daily webcasts, Bloomberg TV access, paper trading
Pros
- Excellent learning resources
- Two platform tiers (beginner and pro)
- Morgan Stanley backing
Cons
- Interface feels dated next to newer apps
- Options contract fees apply
5. SoFi Invest — 4.5/5
Best for: Low-cost all-in-one finance app
- Commissions: $0 on stocks and ETFs
- Minimum: $0 (active); $50 (automated)
- Standout: Banking + investing + loans in one app
Pros
- Great if you already use SoFi banking
- Automated investing option at low cost
- Clean app
Cons
- Research tools are thinner than Fidelity/Schwab
- Fewer account types
6. Vanguard — 4.6/5
Best for: Long-term index investors
- Commissions: $0 on stocks and ETFs
- Minimum: $0 for brokerage; fund minimums vary
- Standout: Lowest-cost index funds on earth; built for buy-and-hold
Pros
- Investor-owned structure keeps costs rock-bottom
- Best target-date retirement funds
- Ideal for hands-off retirement savers
Cons
- App and website lag competitors
- Not built for active trading
Bonus: Prediction markets
Want to trade on real-world events (elections, sports, economics) instead of stocks? Kalshi is the regulated U.S. prediction market — and Boris's referral link gets you in:
Try Kalshi with Boris's link: Try Kalshi
Prediction markets involve risk. Never trade money you can't afford to lose.
How we picked these
We compared commissions, account minimums, research quality, educational content, mobile apps, and retirement account options across 20+ brokerages. All reputable U.S. brokers carry SIPC protection (up to $500,000 if the broker fails). Investing always involves risk — never invest money you need soon.