Mobile computing has opened up a world of options when we’re on the go, including the convenience of buying and selling stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) or doing market research for investing almost anywhere with investment apps.
Below is a list of 11 investment apps you can utilize today for a variety of investing needs:
Related: 6 Personal Finance Apps to Reach Financial Goals
1. Robinhood
Robinhood is an attractive option in that it offers commission-free trading with no minimum balance. It’s a minimalistic approach to mobile investing, which means it doesn’t offer vast research and analysis capabilities. Nonetheless, it offers a barebones option for the beginning or advanced investor.
2. TD Ameritrade
TD Ameritrade offers over 100 commission free trades for certain ETFs from market movers, such as iShares and Vanguard. On top of that, TD Ameritrade does not carry a minimum account balance requirement and no maintenance fee IRAs. In addition, the mobile app also offers extensive research capabilities at your fingertips, including charts and portfolio analysis.
3. Acorns
Acorns is a micro-investing option that allows you to purchase shares incrementally and make recurring investments over time. It is perfect for the beginning investor without access to a large initial capital investment. Acorns charges $1 per month, but is free for college students.
4. Stash
Stash is another micro-investing option for beginners that requires an account minimum of only $5. Stash’s investment philosophy consists of offering hand-picked investments on its platform, which can be tailored based on the investor’s risk profile and objectives.
5. E*TRADE
E*TRADE has been around since 1982 and has been one of the purveyors of online trading since the technology’s early inception. Their mobile investing app is suitable for all types of investors and comes with commission-free ETF trading, but there is a cost–$6.95 commissions on individual stock trades and a $500 account minimum.
6. Personal Capital
Personal Capital a financial tracking tool that can help the user manage their investments, particularly if they need to collate multiple accounts from different firms. There is also a personal budgeting tool that allows users to manage their budget, calculate their net worth and plan for retirement.
7. Learn
Learn is the perfect app for the neophyte investor looking to finally make their capital work for them. It is essentially Investopedia made easy and contains a plethora of text and audio lessons covering the basics of investing.
8. Stockpile
Like similar micro-investing apps, Stockpile gives investors the option to buy fractional stock shares. The research and analysis capabilities of Stockpile are limited and stocks trading under $6 per share are not allowed, which would deter the microcap stock investor. In addition, using Stockpile requires $0.99 per trade and a $5 minimum investment.
9. Vanguard
Vanguard has been a pillar of consistency as the financial company has been around since 1975. Trades are commission-free as long as they involve Vanguard ETFs. There is, however, a minimum investment of $3,000 and trades outside of Vanguard funds will cost $7 for the first 25 trades and $20 thereafter.
10. Fidelity
Fidelity Investments was founded in 1946 and like Vanguard, has a consistent history for its mutual funds. Fidelity investments are ideal for retirement investors and active traders, but trades will come at a cost of $4.95 per trade. However, there is no account minimum and the mobile trading platform is robust, allowing for portfolio monitoring and research.
11. Beanstox
Beanstox is Kevin O’Leary’s app that makes investing easy for all types of people to become investors, and to build their personal financial freedom, including people on Main Street with under $5000 or over $50,000; people who want “choice and control” of their investments; people who want access to over 100 ETFs and 1000 stocks.
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