Most online stock brokers now offer $0 commissions on online stock and ETF trades, so price alone won’t tell you which broker is the best fit. Beginners also need to compare fractional shares, retirement accounts, investment choices, research tools, customer support, and how easy each platform is to use.
We compared seven online stock brokers based on the features that matter most to new investors. Fees and account features were reviewed in September 2026.
7 Best Online Stock Brokers for Beginners
Each broker below has no minimum balance requirement for its standard self-directed brokerage account and offers $0 online trades for U.S.-listed stocks and ETFs under its standard pricing. The bigger differences come from account types, fractional shares, investment choices, research, education, and support.
1. Fidelity
Fidelity is our top choice for most beginners because it combines low costs, fractional shares, retirement accounts, mutual funds, strong research, and plenty of room to grow.
2. Charles Schwab
Charles Schwab is a strong choice for beginners who value education, research, and customer support.
3. Robinhood
Robinhood remains one of the easiest investing apps for beginners who want a simple mobile experience.
4. Webull
Webull is a better fit for beginners who are interested in active trading tools.
5. Public
Public offers stocks, ETFs, bonds, Treasuries, options, crypto, and other investments through one platform.
6. SoFi Invest
SoFi Invest works well for beginners who want the choice between self-directed investing and an automated portfolio.
7. Merrill Edge
Merrill Edge is a natural fit for Bank of America customers who want their banking and investing accounts closely connected.
How We Chose the Best Online Stock Brokers for Beginners
A beginner-friendly broker should make it easy to open an account, deposit money, choose investments, and place trades without charging unnecessary fees.
We compared the brokers above based on the factors that matter most to new investors.
- Trading costs: We looked at stock and ETF commissions plus other common fees.
- Account minimums: Brokers with no required minimum make it easier to start small.
- Fractional shares: These let beginners invest smaller dollar amounts.
- Account types: We considered taxable brokerage accounts and retirement accounts.
- Investment choices: Stocks and ETFs matter most, but mutual funds, bonds, and other choices can add flexibility.
- Ease of use: A beginner should be able to fund an account and place an order without unnecessary complexity.
- Education and support: Research, educational materials, customer support, and planning tools can help new investors.
Short-term bonuses weren’t a major factor because promotions can change quickly.
How to Choose an Online Stock Broker as a Beginner
Start with what you want the account to do. A long-term retirement investor may care more about IRA options and mutual funds, while someone who wants to trade more actively may care about charts and paper trading.
A few factors can help narrow your choices.
Choose the Right Brokerage Account Type
A taxable brokerage account gives you flexible access to your money, while an IRA is designed for retirement and offers tax benefits.
If retirement is your main goal, check the broker’s traditional and Roth IRA options before you compare secondary features.
Compare Fees Beyond Stock Commissions
Most brokers on this list charge $0 for standard online stock and ETF trades, but other fees still matter.
Check options fees, automated portfolio fees, account transfer charges, subscriptions, and other costs that apply to the features you expect to use.
Decide Whether Fractional Shares Matter
Fractional shares let you invest a dollar amount instead of buying a full share.
If a stock costs $500 and you only want to invest $50, a broker with fractional shares may let you invest that $50 right away.
Check the Investments You Plan to Buy
Stocks and ETFs are enough for many beginners, but you may eventually want mutual funds, bonds, Treasury securities, or other investments.
Having several investment types can also make it easier to diversify your portfolio.
Look at Education, Research, and Support
Some beginners want a simple app. Others want research tools, educational material, phone support, or access to a financial planner.
If you want professional help with broader financial decisions, read our guide on how to choose a financial advisor.
What to Do After You Open an Online Brokerage Account
Once your account is open, the next step is to fund it and decide how you want to invest.
A simple approach can help you get started.
- Fund your account: Link a bank account and transfer an amount that fits your budget.
- Choose your investments: Decide whether stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, or another option fits your plan.
- Set a schedule: Regular contributions can make investing more consistent.
- Spread your risk: Avoid putting too much money into one company or sector.
- Check your fees: Review account statements and brokerage charges periodically.
- Avoid unnecessary trades: Easy access to a trading app doesn’t mean you need to buy and sell frequently.
You don’t need thousands of dollars to begin. Several brokers on this list support fractional shares and have no standard account minimum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have brokerage accounts with more than one broker?
Yes. You can keep accounts with multiple brokerage firms.
You might use one broker for an IRA and another for a taxable brokerage account. The downside is that you’ll have more statements, tax forms, and accounts to track.
Should a beginner open an IRA or a taxable brokerage account?
It depends on what the money is for.
An IRA can offer tax benefits for retirement savings. A taxable brokerage account gives you more flexibility because it doesn’t have the same retirement contribution and withdrawal rules.
Can I transfer my investments to another broker later?
Yes. Many brokerage accounts can be transferred to another firm without selling every investment first.
Some assets may not transfer, and the old broker may charge a transfer fee.
What happens to fractional shares if I change brokers?
Fractional shares often can’t transfer directly.
The original broker may sell the fractional portion and transfer the cash instead. Policies differ between firms.
How much money do I need to start investing?
You can start with very little at brokers that have no account minimum and offer fractional shares.
Some brokers on this list allow eligible fractional stock or ETF purchases to start at $1.
Is my money safe with an online stock broker?
Reputable online brokers generally use account security measures and are subject to securities regulations.
Securities Investor Protection Corporation protection may cover qualifying cash and securities if a member brokerage fails, but it doesn’t protect you from normal investment losses.
