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Best Investing Apps for Teens (2026)

Compare the best apps teens can use to start investing — with or without a parent.

Matt Miczulski's headshot

By

Matt Miczulski

Edited by

Holly Jennings

Updated

Fact checked

Looking for the best investing apps for teens? The right option depends on your child’s age and how involved you want to be.

Some apps let teens manage their own investments with parental oversight, while others require a parent to open and control the account on their behalf.

In this guide, we break down the best investing apps for teens and how to choose the right one based on your goals.

Not sure which account type is best? See our full guide to investing for kids.

Quick answer: What is the best investing app for teens?

  • Best for teen-owned accounts: Fidelity Youth Account
  • Best for younger teens: Greenlight
  • Best for automated investing: Acorns
  • Best for advanced investing: Interactive Brokers

How teens can start investing

There are two main ways teens can invest:

  • Teen-owned accounts: Teens manage their own investments with parental oversight
  • Custodial accounts: A parent or guardian manages the account until the child reaches adulthood

Learn more about custodial accounts and how they work.

Best investing apps for teens

Here are our top picks for the best investing apps for teens based on features, ease of use and account options.

Finder Score Available asset types Stock trade fee Minimum deposit Cash sweep APY
Robinhood logo
Finder score
9.4 Excellent
Robinhood
Finder score
9.4 Excellent
Stocks, Options, ETFs, Cryptocurrency, Futures, Event contracts, High-yield cash account
$0
$0
3.35%
Get a free stock when you successfully sign up and link your bank account. T&Cs apply.
Go to site View details

Why we like it

Robinhood’s custodial account gives parents a simple way to invest for a child through a UTMA account. You can either pick your own stocks and ETFs or use Robinhood Strategies for a more hands-off approach. The platform also makes gifting easy by letting family and friends send cash, stock or ETF gifts through a secure link, even if they don’t have a Robinhood account. Add in Robinhood’s easy-to-use app and flexible access to funds for child-related expenses, and it stands out as a modern option for parents who want a straightforward investing experience.

Pros

  • UTMA custodial accounts available
  • Self-directed investing or automated portfolios (Robinhood Strategies)
  • Easy gifting from family and friends (cash, stock or ETFs)

Cons

  • No teen-owned account option
  • Limited research and educational tools
  • Fewer account types than full-service brokers
Greenlight Max logo
Finder score
Not scored yet
Greenlight Max
Finder score
Not scored yet
Stocks, ETFs
N/A
$0
Go to site View details

Why we like it

Greenlight's easy-to-use platform simplifies investing for both parents and kids, offering access to the stock market with fractional shares of over 4,000 stocks and ETFs, starting with as little as $1. The platform also includes educational resources like blogs and financial literacy games, all with zero trading fees. Investment accounts are held in the parent's name, allowing kids to research stocks and request buy or sell orders using their Cash to Invest balances, with parents maintaining full control by approving every trade.

Pros

  • Beginner-friendly platform
  • Educational resources
  • No trading fees

Cons

  • Requires a Greenlight Max ($9.98/mo) or Greenlight Infinity ($14.98/mo) plan
  • No custodial UGMA/UTMA accounts
  • No 529 plans
Acorns logo
Finder score
8 Great
Acorns
Finder score
8 Great
Stocks, ETFs
$0
$0
N/A
Get a $20 bonus when you set up an account and make your first recurring investment (min. $5). T&Cs apply.
Go to site View details

Why we like it

Acorns' beginner-friendly, subscription-based robo-advisor stands out for its predictable flat-rate fees and no minimum deposit requirements. Start investing with as little as $5 in a UGMA/UTMA account, with automatic paycheck deposits, automatic recurring investments and kid-focused educational resources. Acorns also offers its Acorns Early debit card as a separate product, providing families with an additional tool for supervised spending and money management education.

Pros

  • Commission-free stocks and ETFs
  • Automated investing
  • Automatically deposit a portion of your paycheck

Cons

  • No custodial IRAs
  • No portfolio customization in UGMA/UTMA accounts
  • Kids investing accounts only available in Acorns Gold
Interactive Brokers logo
Finder score
9.4 Excellent
Interactive Brokers
Finder score
9.4 Excellent
Stocks, Bonds, Options, Mutual funds, ETFs, Cryptocurrency, Futures, Forex, Treasury Bills, Precious metals
$0
$0
2.14%
View details

Why we like it

Interactive Brokers caters to investors of all experience levels with a broad range of investment options and versatile trading platforms for its UGMA/UTMA accounts. For beginners, the IBKR GlobalTrader and IMPACT mobile platforms offer a straightforward investing experience. In contrast, advanced traders benefit from the powerful tools available in IBKR and Trader Workstation, including interactive charts with over 90 indicators, analyst ratings, price targets and detailed company financials. Trade commission-free stocks, options and ETFs, with additional access to precious metals, futures and more.

Pros

  • Beginner and advanced trading platforms; Wide range of tradable assets
  • $0 commission stocks and ETFs
  • Global market access

Cons

  • No custodial IRAs
  • Cash sweep only available to Pro accounts
  • No instant buying power
M1 Finance logo
Finder score
8.2 Great
M1 Finance
Finder score
8.2 Great
Stocks, ETFs, Cryptocurrency
$0
$100
4.00%
Important information
M1 Finance, LLC does not charge commission, trading, or management fees for self-directed brokerage accounts. You may still be charged other fees such as M1’s platform fee, regulatory fees, account closure fees, or ADR fees. For a complete list of fees M1 may charge visit M1 Fee Schedule. M1 is not a bank. M1 Spend is a wholly-owned operating subsidiary of M1 Holdings Inc.. M1 High –Yield Savings Accounts are furnished by B2 Bank, NA, Member FDIC. Obtaining stated APY (annual percentage yield) with the M1 High-Yield Savings Account does not require a minimum account balance. Stated APY is accrued on account balance. APY is solely determined by M1 Spend LLC and its partner banks, and will include account fees that will reduce earnings. Rates are subject to change without notice. M1 High-Yield Savings Account is a separate offering from, and not linked to, the M1 High-Yield Cash Account offered by M1 Finance, LLC. M1 is not a bank.
View details

Why we like it

M1 Finance's intuitive platform, zero trading fees and automated investing features make it an excellent option for beginners looking for a UGMA/UTMA account. Build customized portfolios with fractional shares, using M1's 'pie' investing feature to allocate funds across commission-free stocks and ETFs according to your goals.

Pros

  • Commission-free stocks and ETFs
  • Automated investing

Cons

  • No custodial IRAs
  • $3 monthly platform fee if assets are under $10,000; $50 inactivity fee
Stash Investments LLC logo
Finder score
7.4 Great
Stash
Finder score
7.4 Great
Stocks, ETFs
$0
$0
0.1%
Get $5 when you sign up and deposit $5. T&Cs apply.
Important information
Investment advisory services offered by Stash Investment LLC, a SEC registered investment advisor. Investing involves risk and investments may lose value. Holdings and performance are hypothetical. *Offer is subject to T&Cs
Go to site View details

Why we like it

Stash stands out for its low-cost entry, educational resources and easy-to-use platform. With the ability to start investing for yourself and your children with just $5, Stash makes the market accessible to beginners. Invest in commission-free stocks and ETFs in a Stash UGMA/UTMA account, with fractional shares, curated investment options, automated investing and individual stock trading.

Pros

  • Commission-free stocks and ETFs
  • Robo-advisor
  • Self-directed trading

Cons

  • Custodial accounts available on the $9/month Stash+ plan
  • No custodial IRAs
  • No tax-loss harvesting
  • No human advisor access
Fidelity logo
Finder score
9 Excellent
Fidelity Investments
Finder score
9 Excellent
Stocks, Bonds, Options, Mutual funds, ETFs, Cryptocurrency, Gold/Commodities, CDs, Treasury Bills
$0
$0
4.95%
View details

Why we like it

Fidelity's kid-focused investing accounts include UGMA/UTMA accounts, custodial IRAs, college savings plans and a teen-owned brokerage account. Unlike adult-controlled UGMA/UTMA accounts, the Fidelity Youth Account is owned and managed by teens aged 13 to 17. The account lets teens save and invest in stocks, ETFs and Fidelity mutual funds with as little as $1 and no minimum deposit requirements. Additionally, users get access to top-tier research, trading and planning tools, low fees, educational resources, 24/7 customer support and financial advisors.

Pros

  • Commission-free stocks, options, ETFs and Fidelity funds
  • Range of account types, including a teen-owned brokerage account
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Access to financial advisors

Cons

  • Robo-advisor unavailable with custodial accounts
  • Antiquated desktop trading platform
Charles Schwab logo
Finder score
9.4 Excellent
Charles Schwab
Finder score
9.4 Excellent
Stocks, Bonds, Options, Mutual funds, ETFs, Futures, Treasury Bills
$0
$0
0.45%
View details

Why we like it

Trade commission-free stocks, options, ETFs and Schwab mutual funds while accessing an extensive lineup of investment options and account types, global markets and top-tier research and analysis tools. Schwab offers custodial IRAs, UGMA/UTMA accounts and 529 plans. Beginner investors will find comprehensive educational content, financial planning and advisory resources, including a robo-advisor and 24/7 customer support. Meanwhile, Schwab's renowned thinkorswim platform empowers advanced traders with elite tools and resources for a sophisticated trading experience.

Pros

  • Commission-free stocks, option, ETFs and Schwab mutual funds
  • Top-tier research and analysis tools
  • No-advisory-fee robo-advisor

Cons

  • Low interest on uninvested cash
E*TRADE logo
Finder score
8.6 Great
E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley
Finder score
8.6 Great
Stocks, Bonds, Options, Mutual funds, ETFs, CDs, Futures
$0
$0
0.01% to 0.15%
View details

Why we like it

A pioneer of online trading, E*TRADE offers a wide range of investment options and account types, including UGMA/UTMA accounts, custodial IRAs and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts. Trade commission-free stocks, ETFs, mutual funds and options, along with futures, bonds and CDs. E*TRADE also offers a robo-advisor for a straightforward, automated portfolio option, making it an ideal platform for both novice and experienced investors seeking a diverse range of investing tools and services.

Pros

  • Commission-free stocks, options, ETFs and mutual funds
  • UGMA/UTMA, custodial IRAs and Coverdell ESAs
  • Robo-advisor

Cons

  • No fractional share trading
  • No instant buying power
  • Low cash sweep rates
Vanguard logo
Finder score
8.2 Great
Vanguard Brokerage
Finder score
8.2 Great
Stocks, Options, Mutual funds, ETFs
$0
$50,000
View details

Why we like it

Vanguard offers UGMA/UTMA accounts with no enrollment fees, as well as custodial IRAs and 529 college savings plans. Self-directed investors can access a wide range of investment options, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, CDs and money market accounts. Additionally, Vanguard provides advisory services for professional portfolio management.

Pros

  • Commission-free stocks and ETFs
  • UGMA/UTMA accounts, custodial IRAs and 529 plans
  • Human financial advisors

Cons

  • No live chat
  • Basic trading platform
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Teen investing apps vs account types

Account typeWho controls itBest forExample apps
Teen-owned accountTeen (with parental oversight)Hands-on learningFidelity Youth
Custodial accountParent or guardianLong-term investingSchwab, Fidelity, E*TRADE
Robo-advisorParent (automated)Passive investingAcorns, Stash

Can teens invest in stocks?

In most cases, you need to be at least 18 years old to open a brokerage account. However, teens can still invest through custodial accounts or teen-specific platforms that allow investing with parental supervision.

Some apps, like Fidelity Youth, allow teens ages 13 to 17 to manage their own investments, while others require a parent or guardian to control the account.

What to look for in an investing app for teens

When comparing investing apps for teens, focus on these key factors:

  • Fees. From trading fees to miscellaneous fees, it’s important to understand the cost of trading and investing. Consider which investment products you plan to trade and the fees that apply, but also be mindful of back-end fees, such as inactivity or transfer fees, which can also eat into your profit.
  • Tradable assets. Not every broker offers the same investment options. Stocks, options and ETFs are standard, but some brokers also offer mutual funds, bonds, futures, forex, crypto and more.
  • Account types. Custodial IRAs and Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA)/Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) accounts are common investment accounts for kids. Education savings plans are another option if you want to save for future education expenses.
  • Research and data tools. In-house research and tools simplify investing, as you don’t have to venture elsewhere to make an informed decision about an investment. If you’re a passive index investor, extensive research and analysis tools may be as crucial. Active stock pickers may feel otherwise.
  • Mobile app reviews. Mobile trading is more popular than ever, allowing you to trade and invest from anywhere. Check out what current and former customers say about the platform’s functionality.
  • Signup bonus. While choosing a broker solely for its signup bonus isn’t the best strategy, a new customer incentive such as a free stock could sway your decision if all other factors are equal.

How do I open an investing account for a teen?

Choose a broker or robo-advisor and complete a brief application by providing personal information such as your name, address, date of birth and Social Security number. You will also need the minor’s personal information.

Completed applications are typically approved instantly, although the broker may take a few days to verify your information. Then, connect a bank account to fund your brokerage account.

Bottom line

The best investing app for teens depends on how involved you want your child to be.

If you want them to learn by doing, a teen-owned account may be the best option. If you prefer more control, a custodial account offers flexibility and long-term investing potential.

Still deciding? Compare all your options in our guide to investing for kids.

Frequently asked questions

Holly Jennings's headshot
To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Holly Jennings as part of our fact-checking process.
Matt Miczulski's headshot
Written by

Investments editor and market analyst

Matt Miczulski is an investments editor and market analyst at Finder. With over 450 bylines, Matt dissects and reviews brokers and investing platforms to expose perks and pain points, explores investment products and concepts and covers market news, making investing more accessible and helping readers to make informed financial decisions. Before joining Finder in 2021, Matt covered everything from finance news and banking to debt and travel for FinanceBuzz. His expertise and analysis on investing and other financial topics has been featured on Yahoo Finance, CBS, MSN, Best Company and Consolidated Credit, among others. Matt holds a BA in history from William Paterson University. See full bio

Matt's expertise
Matt has written 227 Finder guides across topics including:
  • Trading and investing
  • Broker and trading platform reviews
  • Money management
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