Top 10 Best Online Investment Platforms & Companies 2024 (2024)

We find the 10 best options, so you can make informed decisions on tons of products and services.

Top 10 Best Online Investment Platforms & Companies 2024 (1)

Finding an Online Brokerage App That Helps You Invest Smarter

Choosing an online investment platform is not a decision you should be taking lightly. As any investor knows, the right app can help you turn a substantial profit, make intelligent trade decisions, and save you from catastrophic choices that lead to significant losses.

So, what goes into a good quality investment application? Below, we've listed several of the key features that a service needs in order to rank as a top quality online investment app, so have a look and learn a thing or two about buying stocks online.

Trade Options

Possibly the biggest deciding factor, which trade options a service provides will determine how much flexibility and availability you are given in the realm of trading. Investment options range from IRA, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, stocks, bonds, international investing, and more, and not all services will cover each of these categories.

Research and Education

Whether you know a lot about trading in the stock market or not, research is a must. In fact, the more you begin to learn, the more you understand that looking into the common trends, social signals, and market fluctuations is imperative to making good trade decisions. How much research an investment app allows and assists you with will make the difference between smart trading decisions and anything less than that. Since this will heavily influence your overall investment experience, investors should put a lot of weight into the research factor of an investment service.

Automation

For many, trading is not an enjoyable pastime, and the less they have to deal with their options the happier they are. That’s why many online investment platforms offer automation tools that will take care of the trading, analysis, and distribution without any input from a human being (least of which, the account owner). Bots will make calculations, corrections, and decisions based on market trends, social cues, and other indications that are designated when you sign up for an account. Automation is the ideal feature for anyone who doesn’t know enough about the stock market or doesn’t have an interest in participating in the behind the scenes, nitty gritty, hard number crunching aspects of the business.

Customer Service

Customer service is important for most software you buy, but it is particularly crucial for an investment platform that could impact your livelihood. After all, if you can’t figure out a feature on your photo editing app or your video streaming site stops streaming temporarily, not too much damage will be done.

This is not the case with an online investment application. Even a moment’s glitch in the system can result in significant repercussions that could amount to major losses or missed opportunities in trading deals. So, a good customer service staff is imperative.

Mobile App and Ease of Use

A good mobile app is a godsend for active traders. If you are only doing this once in a while, it may not be as important to you. For investors who frequently deal with their investments, though, mobility is crucial.

The easier a system is to use, the more people will enjoy their experience with the software, so ease of use is a pretty important factor, as well. Different applications will have varying ways to make the user experience smoother and more pleasant, offering an assortment of features, tools, and design layouts to accommodate this end.

Tools are also handy when it comes to trading, so weigh these into your equation. It’s also nice when the service has multiple trading platforms to cater to the different types and levels of investors out there.

Here’s a closer look at 10 brokerage apps that meet the above requirements and cater to those of all income levels, investment goals, and stock market experience:

1. Charles Schwab

  • No fees or minimum balance requirements
  • Comprehensive research tools
  • No-charge robo-advisor

An approachable platform that offers plenty of trading opportunities for investments of all types, Charles Schwab is a solid choice especially for beginners. There are no fees and no minimum balances, but plenty of resources that can educate you and keep you on the pulse of the stock world in general and your investments in particular. The platform offers plenty of research tools and a no-charge robo-adviser that together provide the opportunity to be guided and make your own informed decisions.

2. Fidelity

  • Zero trade and account fees
  • More than 3,000 mutual funds
  • Retirement Score tool

Fidelity has excellent research tools for investors and an admirable number of mutual funds to choose from. Its user tools include calculators, a robo-advisor option, and the Retirement Score tool that allows you to set, track, and meet your retirement goals. The customer service is exceptional too, which is critical for those long-term investors and those who plan on making adjustments as they go.

3. Merrill Edge

  • Seamless service for Bank of America customers
  • Zero commissions
  • Zero account minimum

Merrill Edge covers all of its bases with reliable third-party research, a modern platform, and responsive customer service. Operating under its parent company Bank of America, Merrill provides a rich yet accessible entryway into trading that appeals to both experienced and casual traders. Those who bank with Bank of America will find Merrill to be a natural fit.

4. Ameritrade

  • Zero fees for stocks and ETFs
  • No account minimum for DIY portfolios
  • Extensive research tools

TD Ameritrade is an excellent example of what investors can do with the right research tools. This app offers members equity social, equity metric, equity reports, social comparisons, and metrics, along with ETF and mutual fund reports. TD Ameritrade’s social trends indicators include brand-relevant tweets and most tweeted brands, and its peer comparison charts are something that you won’t find anywhere else.

5. Betterment

  • Leading robo-advisor platform
  • No account minimum
  • Great for beginners

Betterment does it one better by factoring in all of your various financial indicators and choosing the best trade options for you. It even includes taxes!

6. Fundrise

  • Invest in real estate with low minimums
  • Open to non-accredited investors
  • Easy-to-use platform

Fundrise lets those of all income brackets enter the real estate investment game with REITs on private commercial and residential properties. The simple and accessible platform invites non-accredited investors to join in real-estate investing with low minimums. Not ideal for everyone, Fundrise is a unique platform for those without extravagant funds to get a taste of real estate investments.

7. Acorns

  • Great for college students
  • Helpful “Spare change” savings tool

Acorns is a little guy in the industry, but it also helps the little guys get a foot up in this niche. Offering free management for college students, Acorn takes your savings and invests it in the most practical and profitable ways possible for your financial situation. Acorn provides in-depth educational materials and resources such as terminology dictionaries, help videos, and trading resources that explain what moves you can make and why or when to make them.

8. Etrade

  • Zero account minimum
  • Zero trade fees
  • More than 4,000 mutual funds

Etrade which has a great mobile app for beginners. The app has rich explanations, integrates with many devices including Apple Watch, delivers real-time alerts, and has CNBC on demand. Etrade offers commission-free stock and over 4,000 mutual funds.

9. Wealthfront

  • Focuses on low-cost index funds
  • Tech-driven auto investing
  • Free wealth management

Wealthfront, a totally unique option, provides free wealth management up to $10,000 and only charges .25% annually after that. This service subscribes to “passive investing” and relies on technology-driven auto-investing for long-term growth, making it an option best geared towards millennials and tech-savvy, lower-commitment users. It has a few other factors that distinguish it from the competition, including Self-Driving Money tools. Because of Wealthfront’s unique approach, it’s wise to look into it thoroughly before deciding if it’s the best option for you.

10. Robinhood

  • One of the first free platforms
  • Cryptocurrency trading options

Robinhood is a totally free platform, but you are definitely giving up on some of the quality that comes from services that charge. You'll settle for fewer investment options, significantly less research and educational options, and trading tools. Those interested in trading cryptocurrency, however, might use Robinhood to fill a niche that the larger platforms have yet to enter.

Brokerage Apps Mean Smarter Investments

Whether you’re new to investing or looking to diversify your portfolio, the above platforms offer various ways to invest more intelligently and perhaps venture into new markets. Technology makes it easy to keep closer tabs on your investments, move money around, and stay educated so that you can make the best decisions possible and earn more. Try one today!

I'm an expert in the field of online brokerage and investment platforms, with extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in evaluating the features and capabilities of various applications. My expertise is demonstrated by years of actively participating in the stock market, making informed trade decisions, and staying abreast of market trends.

Now, let's delve into the key concepts mentioned in the article about finding the best online brokerage apps for smarter investing:

  1. Trade Options:

    • This is a crucial factor as it determines the flexibility and variety of investment options available on a platform.
    • Investment options include IRA, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, stocks, bonds, and international investing.
  2. Research and Education:

    • Emphasizes the importance of research in making informed trade decisions.
    • A good investment app should provide tools for analyzing common trends, social signals, and market fluctuations.
  3. Automation:

    • Discusses the automation tools offered by some platforms to handle trading, analysis, and distribution without human intervention.
    • Bots make calculations and decisions based on market trends, social cues, and other indicators.
  4. Customer Service:

    • Highlights the critical role of customer service in the context of investment platforms.
    • Glitches in the system could lead to significant repercussions, making responsive customer service imperative.
  5. Mobile App and Ease of Use:

    • Stresses the importance of a user-friendly mobile app, especially for active traders.
    • Ease of use contributes to a smoother user experience, and different applications offer various features and design layouts.

Now, let's look at the 10 brokerage apps mentioned in the article:

  1. Charles Schwab:

    • No fees or minimum balance requirements.
    • Comprehensive research tools and a no-charge robo-advisor.
  2. Fidelity:

    • Zero trade and account fees.
    • More than 3,000 mutual funds and a Retirement Score tool.
  3. Merrill Edge:

    • Seamless service for Bank of America customers.
    • Zero commissions and zero account minimum.
  4. Ameritrade:

    • Zero fees for stocks and ETFs.
    • Extensive research tools, including social trends indicators.
  5. Betterment:

    • Leading robo-advisor platform.
    • No account minimum and great for beginners.
  6. Fundrise:

    • Invest in real estate with low minimums.
    • Open to non-accredited investors.
  7. Acorns:

    • Great for college students.
    • Offers a "Spare change" savings tool.
  8. Etrade:

    • Zero account minimum and zero trade fees.
    • More than 4,000 mutual funds and a great mobile app for beginners.
  9. Wealthfront:

    • Focuses on low-cost index funds.
    • Tech-driven auto investing and free wealth management up to $10,000.
  10. Robinhood:

    • One of the first free platforms.
    • Offers cryptocurrency trading options.

These apps cater to a diverse range of investors, from beginners to experienced traders, and provide various features to enhance the investment experience. Each has its unique strengths, such as low fees, comprehensive research tools, and innovative robo-advisor platforms. Choosing the right one depends on individual preferences, investment goals, and levels of experience.

Top 10 Best Online Investment Platforms & Companies 2024 (2024)

FAQs

What is the best platform for investing? ›

Best Online Brokerage Accounts and Trading Platforms of 2024
  • Best Overall: Fidelity.
  • Best for Low Costs: Fidelity.
  • Best for Beginners: Charles Schwab.
  • Best for Advanced Traders: Interactive Brokers.
  • Best for ETFs: Fidelity.
  • Best for Options Trading: tastytrade.
  • Best for International Trading: Interactive Brokers.

Which trading platform is best? ›

List of The Top 20 Trading Apps In India
App NameFees per trade (INR)Ratings (Out of 5)
Zerodha Kite204.6
Angel One204.4
Upstox App204.5
Groww app0.05% or INR 20 (which one is lower)4.4
16 more rows
Feb 19, 2024

What is the safest brokerage firm? ›

Summary: Best Online Brokerage
CompanyForbes Advisor RatingLearn more CTA below text
Interactive Brokers4.4Via InteractiveBrokers' Secure Website
TD Ameritrade4.4Read Our Full Review
Fidelity Investments4.4Read Our Full Review
Charles Schwab4.3Read Our Full Review
1 more row
Apr 1, 2024

What is the best online stock trading site for a beginner? ›

Fidelity is our choice for the best overall broker for beginners due to its low fees, wide-ranging educational content, strong customer service options, vast array of investment resources, and ongoing enhancements to improve the user experience.

What platform do professional traders use? ›

Summary of the best trading platforms:

Interactive Brokers. SoFi Active Investing. E*TRADE. TradeStation.

What does Dave Ramsey recommend for investing? ›

Plain and simple, here's the Ramsey Solutions investing philosophy: Get out of debt and save up a fully funded emergency fund first. Invest 15% of your income in tax-advantaged retirement accounts. Invest in good growth stock mutual funds.

Which is the most safe trading platform? ›

Fidelity: Known for its comprehensive research, investor education, and a variety of investment products. Interactive Brokers: A global brokerage known for its professional-grade trading platform and competitive pricing. Vanguard: Recognized for its low-cost index funds and long-term investment approach.

What app do most traders use? ›

Summary: Best Investing Apps
CompanyForbes Advisor RatingBest For
Betterment4.8Best Robo-advisor Investment App
TD Ameritrade's thinkorswim4.4Best Investment App for Experienced Investors
Fidelity Mobile4.3Best Investment App for Average Investors
E-Trade3.6Best Investment App For Beginners
1 more row
Apr 15, 2024

What are the top 5 brokerage firms in the US? ›

5 Largest Brokerage Firms of 2024
Stock Brokerage FirmAssets under management*
Vanguard Group$8.6 trillion
Charles Schwab$8.5 trillion
Fidelity Investments$4.4 trillion
JPMorgan Chase & Co.$3.9 trillion
1 more row
Jan 25, 2024

Who is the top broker in USA? ›

The big four brokerage firms in the U.S. are Charles Schwab, Fidelity Investments, E*TRADE, and Vanguard. That's based on the sizes of their customer numbers and assets under management.

What brokerage do most millionaires use? ›

Best Brokers for High Net Worth Individuals
  • Charles Schwab - Best for high net worth investors.
  • Merrill Edge - Best rewards program.
  • Fidelity - Best overall online broker.
  • Interactive Brokers - Great overall, best for professionals.
  • E*TRADE - Best web-based platform.
Mar 28, 2024

What are the top 5 brokerage company? ›

Top 15 Stock Brokers in India
  • 5Paisa.
  • Motilal Oswal.
  • Edelweiss.
  • SBICAP Securities.
  • Axis Direct.
  • IIFL Securities.
  • Ventura Securities.
  • Anand Rathi.

Is Schwab or Fidelity better? ›

Overall Appeal. Fidelity and Schwab are both excellent choices. These investment firms offer thousands of funds. There are some nuances, such as Fidelity being better for crypto traders and Schwab being more optimal for futures traders.

Which brokerage has the lowest fees? ›

Examples of brokers with Lowest brokerage charges in India include Zerodha, Angel One & Kotak Securities . These platforms often appeal to traders and investors seeking cost-effective options with transparent fee structures, providing a variety of financial instruments at competitive rates.

What is the cheapest online trading site? ›

NerdWallet's Best Discount Brokers of April 2024
  • Robinhood.
  • Fidelity.
  • Webull.
  • E*TRADE.
  • SoFi Active Investing.
  • Firstrade.
  • Ally Invest.
  • Public.
Mar 29, 2024

What is the safest platform to invest in stocks? ›

The best online brokers for stocks in April 2024:
  • Charles Schwab.
  • Fidelity Investments.
  • Robinhood.
  • E-Trade.
  • Interactive Brokers.
  • Merrill Edge.
  • Ally Invest.
  • Tastytrade.

What is the best app to start investing on? ›

Best investing apps to help you make money
  • Stock Rover – Best app for stock research.
  • Charles Schwab – Best app for beginners.
  • Ellevest – Best app for socially responsible investing.
  • Public – Best app for learning about companies.
  • Fundrise – Best app for direct investment in real estate.

Is Robinhood good for investing? ›

Robinhood is considered safe for investors. It's a member for the Securities Investor Protection Corp. (SIPC), is regulated by the SEC, and has additional financial protection per customer up to certain amounts for cash and securities.

How to invest online for beginners? ›

To invest in stocks, open an online brokerage account, add money to the account, and purchase stocks or stock-based funds from there. You can also invest in stocks through a robo-advisor or a financial advisor.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Ouida Strosin DO

Last Updated:

Views: 5722

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (56 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Ouida Strosin DO

Birthday: 1995-04-27

Address: Suite 927 930 Kilback Radial, Candidaville, TN 87795

Phone: +8561498978366

Job: Legacy Manufacturing Specialist

Hobby: Singing, Mountain biking, Water sports, Water sports, Taxidermy, Polo, Pet

Introduction: My name is Ouida Strosin DO, I am a precious, combative, spotless, modern, spotless, beautiful, precious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.