Best Brokerage Accounts for Beginners
By: Conor Keenan | Last updated: May 17, 2026
Conor Keenan, AWMA®, is the Co-Founder of CompareAccounts. An Accredited Wealth Management Advisor® professional with over a decade of experience covering consumer banking and investing trends, his work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Reuters, Yahoo Finance, and more.
Editorial Independence: Our opinions, reviews, and recommendations are our own. Partner commissions keep our site free, but our content remains independent.
For beginners, don’t worry about picking “the perfect” brokerage. Start with a platform that makes investing approachable, then grow into more advanced tools as your confidence builds.
- Trade Stocks, ETFs, & More with Ease through SoFi Securities.
- $0 Commission on Stocks & ETFs1.
- Buy Fractional Shares with as little as $5. Restrictions Apply3.
- Access Alternative Investments like Commodities, Private Credit, Pre-IPO Offerings, Real Estate & More2.
- Customized Portfolio Built for Your Goals with Automated Investing from SoFi Wealth.
- Access to Personalized Advice from a Credentialed Financial Planner with SoFi Wealth6.
- Bonus offer: Get up to $1,000 in stock when you open & fund a new Active Invest account.7
- SoFi Plus members earn an unlimited 1% match on recurring deposits to a SoFi InvestⓇ account, paid in rewards points9.
- See Site for Details
On SoFi® Invest's Secure Site
- Trade stocks, ETFs, and options with $0 commissions; other fees may apply.1
- Start with $1 using fractional shares.
- Access extended-hours trading, including 24/5 trading on select stocks and ETFs.2
- Eligible customers may earn a free stock when they open and fund an account.5
- Open a Traditional or Roth IRA.
- Get a 1% IRA match, or 3% with Robinhood Gold, subject to eligibility and terms.3
- Robinhood Gold: access premium features, research, advanced tools, and a competitive APY on uninvested cash for $5/month. Rates are subject to change.4
- Advanced charting with Robinhood Legend for active traders.
- Crypto trading available through Robinhood Crypto.6
- Terms & Conditions Applyⓘ
- See Site for Details
- $0 commission trading: $0 commissions apply to stocks, ETFs, and options. Other fees may apply. Learn more.
- 24/5 and extended-hours trading: Extended-hours trading, including 24/5 trading, involves unique risks such as greater volatility, lower liquidity, and wider spreads. Additional risks apply.
- IRA match: The 3% IRA match requires a Robinhood Gold subscription of $5/month. Customers must stay subscribed to Gold for 1 year from the date of the first eligible deposit to keep the full Gold match. Funds that earned the match must be kept in the account for at least 5 years to avoid a potential Early IRA Match Removal Fee. Non-Gold customers receive a 1% match. Match rate is subject to change. Offer only applies to self-directed IRAs.
- Robinhood Gold: Robinhood Gold is a subscription-based membership program offered through Robinhood Gold, LLC. Fees and terms apply. APY on uninvested cash is subject to change.
- Free stock offer: Free stock offer is subject to eligibility, terms, and conditions. Terms apply.
- Investment, options, crypto, and brokerage risk: Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Options involve risk and are not suitable for all investors. Cryptocurrency trading is offered through Robinhood Crypto, LLC. Trading and holding digital assets involves significant risk, including the risk of substantial loss. Cryptocurrency held through Robinhood Crypto is not FDIC insured or SIPC protected. Brokerage services are offered through Robinhood Financial LLC, a registered broker-dealer, member SIPC, with clearing services through Robinhood Securities, LLC, a registered broker-dealer, member SIPC. Robinhood Financial LLC and Robinhood Securities, LLC are not banks. Securities offered through Robinhood Financial LLC are not FDIC insured and involve risk, including possible loss of principal.
- Margin risk: Margin trading involves risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Borrowing on margin increases your level of market risk and can amplify both gains and losses. Robinhood Financial may change maintenance margin requirements at any time without prior notice. If the equity in your account falls below minimum maintenance requirements, you may need to deposit additional cash or collateral. If those requirements are not met, Robinhood Financial may sell securities in your account without prior approval.
On Robinhood's Secure Site
- Get a cash bonus up to $1,000 when you open and fund a J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing account.
- Get the best of banking and investing on the Chase Mobile® app or Chase.com.
- Choose from stocks, ETFs (from index funds to cryptocurrency), options, mutual funds, money market funds, treasuries and more.
- Get unlimited commission-free online trades.
- Choose an account that's right for you: General Investing, Traditional IRA or Roth IRA.
- Access a secure, easy-to-use trading experience online or through the Chase Mobile® app.
- Powerful tools and resources are built to help you take control of your investments.
- See Site for Details
On J.P. Morgan's Secure Site
More Information on the Brokerage Accounts We Recommend
Best For: All-In-One Investing
SoFi Invest $0 account minimum1 is great for new investors and the 1% IRA Match8 makes it a good choice for more experienced investors.
Bonus offer: Get up to $1,000 in stock when you open & fund a new Active Invest account.7
In addition to the bonus, you'll enjoy $0 commission on stocks & ETFs1, while being able to access alternative investments usually reserved for the top 1% of investors like commodities, private credit, pre-IPO unicorns, real estate & more2.
Are you a beginner and not sure where to start? With Automated Investing, get a customized portfolio built for your goals and receive access to personalized advice from a credentialed financial planner6.
SoFi Plus members earn an unlimited 1% match on recurring deposits to a SoFi Invest® account, paid in rewards points9.
Join a community of likeminded investors and connect with other SoFi members at exclusive events & experiences.
With all these benefits, it's no wonder why so many people are choosing to invest with SoFi.
See SoFi's Secure Site For More Details.
On Robinhood's Secure Site
Best For: Investment Matching with Robinhood Gold
Robinhood gives investors access to a modern brokerage platform with intuitive tools, low costs, and a mobile-first experience designed for clarity and control. Investors can trade stocks, ETFs, and options with $0 commissions, although other fees may apply.1
Robinhood also offers access to fractional shares, crypto trading, real-time price alerts, advanced charting, and extended-hours trading. Robinhood supports 24/5 trading on select stocks and ETFs.2
For retirement investors, Robinhood offers Traditional and Roth IRAs with no account minimums and a 1% match on eligible contributions. Robinhood Gold members can receive a 3% IRA match with a Robinhood Gold subscription of $5/month, subject to eligibility, terms, and conditions.3
Robinhood Gold also unlocks premium features such as research, market data, advanced tools, and a competitive APY on uninvested cash. Rates are subject to change and fees and terms apply.4
Eligible customers may also be able to earn a free stock when they open and fund a Robinhood account.5>
If you're looking for a streamlined investing platform with access to stocks, ETFs, options, crypto, retirement accounts, and advanced trading tools, Robinhood may be a strong fit.6 Terms and Conditions Applyⓘ.
- $0 commission trading: $0 commissions apply to stocks, ETFs, and options. Other fees may apply. Learn more.
- 24/5 and extended-hours trading: Extended-hours trading, including 24/5 trading, involves unique risks such as greater volatility, lower liquidity, and wider spreads. Additional risks apply.
- IRA match: The 3% IRA match requires a Robinhood Gold subscription of $5/month. Customers must stay subscribed to Gold for 1 year from the date of the first eligible deposit to keep the full Gold match. Funds that earned the match must be kept in the account for at least 5 years to avoid a potential Early IRA Match Removal Fee. Non-Gold customers receive a 1% match. Match rate is subject to change. Offer only applies to self-directed IRAs.
- Robinhood Gold: Robinhood Gold is a subscription-based membership program offered through Robinhood Gold, LLC. Fees and terms apply. APY on uninvested cash is subject to change.
- Free stock offer: Free stock offer is subject to eligibility, terms, and conditions. Terms apply.
- Investment, options, crypto, and brokerage risk: Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Options involve risk and are not suitable for all investors. Cryptocurrency trading is offered through Robinhood Crypto, LLC. Trading and holding digital assets involves significant risk, including the risk of substantial loss. Cryptocurrency held through Robinhood Crypto is not FDIC insured or SIPC protected. Brokerage services are offered through Robinhood Financial LLC, a registered broker-dealer, member SIPC, with clearing services through Robinhood Securities, LLC, a registered broker-dealer, member SIPC. Robinhood Financial LLC and Robinhood Securities, LLC are not banks. Securities offered through Robinhood Financial LLC are not FDIC insured and involve risk, including possible loss of principal.
- Margin risk: Margin trading involves risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Borrowing on margin increases your level of market risk and can amplify both gains and losses. Robinhood Financial may change maintenance margin requirements at any time without prior notice. If the equity in your account falls below minimum maintenance requirements, you may need to deposit additional cash or collateral. If those requirements are not met, Robinhood Financial may sell securities in your account without prior approval.
Best For: Security & Resources of a Top-Tier Bank
Take control of your investments with J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing. Get a cash bonus up to $1,000 when you open and fund a J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing account.
Bank with Chase. Invest with J.P. Morgan. Get the best of both worlds on the Chase Mobile® app or chase.com. Choose from a variety of account types that are right for you: General Investing, Traditional IRA, or Roth IRA.
You will have access to a secure, easy-to-use trading experience with powerful tools and resources built to help you take control of your investments.
- Get unlimited commission-free online trades.
- Choose from stocks, ETFs (from index funds to cryptocurrency), options, mutual funds, money market funds, treasuries, and more.
- Option to rollover your retirement accounts and keep track of your investments in one place.
Offer eligibility and restrictions: Cash promotion is limited to one per customer and can only be applied to one new J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing account (General Investment, Traditional IRA, or Roth IRA). To enroll in the up to $1,000 offer, you must open an account through this page.
To recap our recommendations.
Best Brokerage Accounts According To CompareAccounts™
SoFi® Invest Details: Best For: All-In-One Investing
Robinhood Brokerage Account Details: Best For: Investment Matching with Robinhood Gold
J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing: Best For: Security & Resources of a Top-Tier Bank
Customers Also Viewed These Checking Accounts:
Up to $400 Bonus
- Checking & Savings Account
- No Monthly Fees
- No Overdraft Fees
- Fee-Free Overdraft Coverage Available
- Bonus: up to $400 with Direct Depositⓘ
- Set Up Direct Deposit & Access Funds up to 2 Days Sooner with Early Pay
- Access 55,000+ Fee-Free ATMs within the Allpoint® Network
- Send Money with SoFi's Peer-to-Peer Payment System
- Earn 0.50% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on Checking Balances
- Earn $50 or $400 with direct deposit, terms apply.
- Limited Time Offer: New account holders earn +0.70% boost to 4.00% on their Savings APY for up to 6 months with eligible direct deposit. Terms applyⓘ
- See Site for Details
1. Up to $400 Bonus Tiered Disclosure
New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct
Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more) OR $400 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible
Direct Deposit of $1 or more). Cash bonus amount will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more. If you have
satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct
Deposit Promotion begins on 5/15/2026 and will be available through 12/31/26. See full bonus and annual percentage yield (APY) terms at sofi.com/banking/checking-offer/
2. APY disclosures
Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet
3. Fee Policy
We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Bank Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.
4. Additional FDIC Insurance
SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms. See list of participating banks at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks.
5. ATM Access
We’ve partnered with Allpoint to provide you with ATM access at any of the 55,000+ ATMs within the Allpoint network. You will not be charged a fee when using an in-network ATM, however, third-party fees
may be incurred when using out-of-network ATMs. SoFi’s ATM policies are subject to change at our discretion at any time.
6. Early Access to Direct Deposit Funds
Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.
7. Overdraft Coverage
Overdraft Coverage is a feature automatically offered to SoFi Checking and Savings account holders who receive at least $1,000 or more in Eligible Direct Deposits within a rolling 31 calendar day period on a recurring basis. Eligible Direct Deposit is defined on the SoFi Bank Rate Sheet, available at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet. Members enrolled in Overdraft Coverage may be covered for up to $50 in negative balances on SoFi Bank debit card purchases only. Overdraft Coverage does not apply to P2P transfers, bill payments, checks, or other non-debit card transactions. Members with a prior history of unpaid negative balances are not eligible for Overdraft Coverage. Eligibility for Overdraft Coverage is determined by SoFi Bank in its sole discretion. Members can check their enrollment status, if eligible, at any time by logging into their account through the SoFi app or on the SoFi website.
8. 0.70% Savings APY Boost
Earn up to 4.00% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on one SoFi Savings account with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 3/31/26) for up to 6 months. Open your first SoFi Checking and Savings
account and receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 12/31/26. Rates are variable, subject to change. Terms apply at sofi.com/banking#2. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member
FDIC.
On SoFi's Secure Site,
Member FDIC
What to Look for in a Brokerage Account for Beginners
Choosing your first brokerage account can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re investing $100 or $10,000, the right platform can make all the difference in how confident and successful you feel as an investor. Here are the key features beginners should prioritize:
1. Low (or No) Fees
Start with a brokerage that charges $0 commissions on stock and ETF trades. This helps you keep more of your money working for you — not lost to fees.
2. Fractional Shares
Platforms that offer fractional investing let you buy a piece of a stock with just a few dollars. This is ideal if you’re starting small or want to diversify without needing thousands up front.
3. User-Friendly Interface
Look for a mobile app or desktop platform that’s easy to navigate, with simple tools to help you research, track, and manage your investments without feeling overwhelmed.
4. Educational Resources
Beginners benefit most from brokerages that include built-in tutorials, market explainers, and bite-sized content to help you learn as you go.
5. No Account Minimums
You shouldn’t need a large deposit to get started. Choose a platform with no account minimums so you can begin investing on your own terms.
6. Retirement Account Options
Even if you’re starting with a general brokerage account, it’s helpful to choose a platform that also supports Traditional IRAs or Roth IRAs, so you can grow with it as your financial goals evolve.
7. Strong Customer Support
Make sure you’ll have help when you need it. Look for U.S.-based, FINRA-licensed reps, or at least responsive support via live chat or email.
8. Trusted Reputation & Security
Your brokerage should be SIPC-insured and regulated, with a strong reputation for safety, privacy, and customer satisfaction.
SoFi Invest Disclosures:
SoFi Active Invest — Disclosures
INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE
- Brokerage and Active investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, member FINRA (www.finra.org) / SIPC (www.sipc.org).
- Other fees, such as exchange fees, may apply. Please view our fee disclosure to view a full listing of fees.
- Investing in alternative investments and/or strategies may not be suitable for all investors and involves unique risks, including the risk of loss. An investor should consider their individual circumstances and any investment information, such as a prospectus, prior to investing. Interval Funds are illiquid instruments, the ability to trade on your timeline may be restricted. Brokerage and Active investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA (www.finra.org) / SIPC (www.sipc.org).
- There are limitations with fractional shares to consider before investing. During market hours fractional share orders are transmitted immediately in the order received. There may be system delays from receipt of your order until execution and market conditions may adversely impact execution prices. Outside of market hours orders are received on a not held basis and will be aggregated for each security then executed in the morning trade window of the next business day at market open. Share will be delivered at an average price received for executing the securities through a single batched order. Fractional shares may not be transferred to another firm. Fractional shares will be sold when a transfer or closure request is initiated. Please consider that selling securities is a taxable event.
- Options involve risks, including substantial risk of loss and the possibility an investor may lose the entire investment. Before trading options please review the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options:
https://www.theocc.com/getmedia/a151a9ae-d784-4a15-bdeb-23a029f50b70/riskstoc.pdf - Utilizing a margin loan is generally considered more appropriate for experienced investors as there are additional costs and risks associated. It is possible to lose more than your initial investment when using margin. Please see
https://www.sofi.com/wealth/assets/documents/brokerage-margin-disclosure-statement.pdf
for detailed disclosure information. - SoFi Plus members can schedule an unlimited number of appointments with a financial planner during periods in which the SoFi Plus member meets the eligibility criteria set forth in section 10(a) of the SoFi Plus Terms and Conditions. SoFi members who are not members of SoFi Plus can schedule one (1) appointment with a financial planner. The ability to schedule appointments is subject to financial planner availability. SoFi reserves the right to change or terminate this benefit at any time with or without notice. Advisory services are offered by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Information about SoFi Wealth’s advisory operations, services, and fees is set forth in SoFi Wealth’s current Form ADV Part 2 (Brochure), a copy of which is available upon request and at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
- Probability of Member receiving $1,000 is a probability of 0.026%; If you don’t make a selection in 45 days, you’ll no longer qualify for the promo. Customer must fund their account with a minimum of $50.00 to qualify. Probability percentage is subject to decrease.
- Terms and conditions apply*. For 401k rollovers, existing SoFi IRA members must complete 401k rollovers via this link. For SoFi members without a SoFi IRA, a SoFi IRA must first be opened, and 401k rollover must be completed utilizing Capitalize via this link. SoFi and Capitalize will charge no additional fees to process a 401(k) rollover to a SoFi IRA. SoFi is not liable for any costs incurred from the existing 401k provider for rollover. Please check with your 401k provider for any fees or costs associated with the rollover. For IRA contributions, only deposits made via ACH and cash transfer from SoFi Bank accounts are eligible for the match. Click here for the 1% Match terms and conditions.
- Must be a SoFi Plus member at the time a recurring deposit is received into your SoFi Active or Automated investing account to qualify. Bonus calculated on net monthly recurring deposits made via ACH and paid out as Rewards Points. See Rewards Terms of Service. SoFi reserves the right to change or terminate this promotion at any time without notice. See terms and limitations:
https://www.sofi.com/sofiplus/invest/#disclaimers
SoFi Robo Invest — Disclosures
INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE
- Automated investing is offered through SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser.
Value Prop Disclosures
- Advisory services are offered by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Information about SoFi Wealth’s advisory operations, services, and fees is set forth in SoFi Wealth’s current Form ADV Part 2 (Brochure), a copy of which is available upon request and at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
- Alternative investments, including funds that invest in alternative investments, are risky and may not be suitable for all investors. Alternative investments often employ leveraging and other speculative practices that increase an investor's risk of loss to include complete loss of investment, often charge high fees, and can be highly illiquid and volatile. Alternative investments may lack diversification, involve complex tax structures and have delays in reporting important tax information. Registered and unregistered alternative investments are not subject to the same regulatory requirements as mutual funds.
- 0.25% fee is based on your account value. The wrap program fee may cost more or less than purchasing brokerage, custodial, and recordkeeping services separately.
INVESTMENT AND INSURANCE PRODUCTS ARE: NOT A DEPOSIT • NOT FDIC INSURED • NO BANK GUARANTEE • MAY LOSE VALUE
*National Savings Rate Average as published by FDIC