For its user-friendly interface, no-fee commission trading, advisory services and IRA match.

SoFi Invest offers no-fee commission trading for stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and options, with no options contract fees, making it a cost-effective choice for beginners.

Its platform is designed to be intuitive and easy to navigate, making it accessible for those new to investing. It also features an extensive collection of educational content to help novice investors learn investing basics.

• Why we like it

  For its user-friendly interface, no-fee commission trading, advisory services and IRA match.

  SoFi Invest offers no-fee commission trading for stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and options, with no options contract fees, making it a cost-effective choice for beginners.

  Its platform is designed to be intuitive and easy to navigate, making it accessible for those new to investing. It also features an extensive collection of educational content to help novice investors learn investing basics.

• Pros and cons

  Pros

  • Beginner-friendly trading platform
  • $0 commission stock, option and ETF trades, with no options contract fees
  • Access to SoFi's credentialed financial planners
  • 1% IRA contribution match

  Cons

  • Limited investment options, with no crypto
  • Limited research tools
  • $25 inactivity fee

• More details

  Available asset types	Stocks, Options, Mutual funds, ETFs, Alternatives
  Account types	Brokerage
  Annual fee	$0 per month
  Minimum deposit	$0
  Signup bonus	Get up to $1,000 in stock
  Cash sweep APY	0.01%

• Partner terms and conditions

  INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE
  
  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 FINRAwww.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
  
  Advisory services are offered by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser.
  
  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
  
  Up to $1,000 in stock. Customer must fund their Active Invest account with at least $50 within 30 days of opening the account. Probability of customer receiving $1,000 is 0.028%. See full terms and conditions.
  
  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.
  
  Robo Advisor:
  Automated investing is offered through SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser.
  0.25% fee is based on your account value. The wrap program fee may cost more or less than purchasing brokerage, custodial, and record keeping services separately.

For paying $0.06–$0.18 per options contract traded.

Public provides a user-friendly trading platform with commission-free stock, ETF and options trading, and no per-contract fees. However, what sets Public apart is its option trading rebate program, where you can earn $0.06 to $0.18 per contract traded. This means that even after mandatory regulatory fees, you can potentially earn money on each contract.

The platform also includes an options strategy builder, allowing you to trade long calls, long puts, covered calls and cash-secured puts while visualizing your potential profit and loss outcomes.

• Why we like it

  For paying $0.06–$0.18 per options contract traded.

  Public provides a user-friendly trading platform with commission-free stock, ETF and options trading, and no per-contract fees. However, what sets Public apart is its option trading rebate program, where you can earn $0.06 to $0.18 per contract traded. This means that even after mandatory regulatory fees, you can potentially earn money on each contract.

  The platform also includes an options strategy builder, allowing you to trade long calls, long puts, covered calls and cash-secured puts while visualizing your potential profit and loss outcomes.

• Pros and cons

  Pros

  • Earn rebates on options contracts
  • $0 options commissions and per-contract fees
  • Invest in traditional and alternative assets
  • High-yield cash account pays 4.1% APY as of September 2024

  Cons

  • Best tools and features are reserved for Public Premium members for $8 a month
  • No robo-advisor

• More details

  Available asset types	Stocks, Bonds, Options, ETFs, Cryptocurrency, Investments, Retirement, Treasury Bills, High-yield cash account
  Account types	Brokerage
  Annual fee	$0 per month
  Minimum deposit	$0
  Signup bonus	Get up to $10,000 and transfer fees covered
  Cash sweep APY	4.1%

For its unmatched mobile user interface.

Robinhood offers an exceptionally user-friendly and intuitive interface that's easy to navigate, which makes it easy to trade. Its streamlined design focuses on simplicity and ease of use, allowing users to get up and running quickly to buy and sell stocks, ETFs and options with minimal friction.

Additionally, Robinhood provides seamless integration with its crypto offerings, cash management features IRAs. It offers a clean, straightforward mobile experience that appeals to investors looking for a hassle-free trading platform on the go.

It's a uniquely engaging mobile platform for trading without commission, with fractional share trading and 24/7 live customer support. As the pioneer of mobile-first trading and investing, Robinhood offers an unmatched mobile experience for effortless investing.

• Why we like it

  For its unmatched mobile user interface.

  Robinhood offers an exceptionally user-friendly and intuitive interface that's easy to navigate, which makes it easy to trade. Its streamlined design focuses on simplicity and ease of use, allowing users to get up and running quickly to buy and sell stocks, ETFs and options with minimal friction.

  Additionally, Robinhood provides seamless integration with its crypto offerings, cash management features IRAs. It offers a clean, straightforward mobile experience that appeals to investors looking for a hassle-free trading platform on the go.

  It's a uniquely engaging mobile platform for trading without commission, with fractional share trading and 24/7 live customer support. As the pioneer of mobile-first trading and investing, Robinhood offers an unmatched mobile experience for effortless investing.

• Pros and cons

  Pros

  • Commission-free stocks, ETFs, options and crypto
  • No options per-contract fees
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Intuitive mobile app and web trading platforms
  • IRA matching contributions

  Cons

  • Limited advanced tools unless you upgrade to Robinhood Gold
  • No robo-advisor

• More details

  Available asset types	Stocks, Options, ETFs, Cryptocurrency, Futures, Event contracts, High-yield cash account
  Account types	Brokerage
  Annual fee	$0 per year
  Minimum deposit	$0
  Signup bonus	Get a free stock
  Cash sweep APY	4%

For its social community and CopyTrader program.

eToro's app doesn't skimp on features, offering TipRanks-powered analyst ratings and price targets, hedge fund activity, insider transactions and advanced charts — all within an easy-to-use interface. Stocks and ETFs trade commission-free and options are free of both commissions and per-contract fees.

What truly sets eToro apart is its unique blend of cutting-edge technology and social networking, which has popularized social investing and fostered a dynamic community of traders and investors. A standout feature is CopyTrader, which lets you leverage the expertise of other eToro users by automatically tracking and replicating their crypto trades in your portfolio and even earn money when others copy you.

While CopyTrader is currently only available for crypto, it remains a defining feature that distinguishes eToro in the market.

• Why we like it

  For its social community and CopyTrader program.

  eToro's app doesn't skimp on features, offering TipRanks-powered analyst ratings and price targets, hedge fund activity, insider transactions and advanced charts — all within an easy-to-use interface. Stocks and ETFs trade commission-free and options are free of both commissions and per-contract fees.

  What truly sets eToro apart is its unique blend of cutting-edge technology and social networking, which has popularized social investing and fostered a dynamic community of traders and investors. A standout feature is CopyTrader, which lets you leverage the expertise of other eToro users by automatically tracking and replicating their crypto trades in your portfolio and even earn money when others copy you.

  While CopyTrader is currently only available for crypto, it remains a defining feature that distinguishes eToro in the market.

• Pros and cons

  Pros

  • $0 commission stock, ETF and options trades, with no per-contract fees
  • Interact with over 35 million social traders
  • CopyTrader feature

  Cons

• More details

  Available asset types	Stocks, Options, ETFs, Cryptocurrency, Futures, Investments
  Account types	Brokerage
  Annual fee	$0 per month
  Minimum deposit	$0
  Signup bonus	N/A
  Cash sweep APY	3.9%

For its micro-investing feature.

Acorns's Round-Ups is worth considering for an automated version of spare-change investing. By linking all your credit or debit cards, Acorns will set aside your spare change from every purchase and invest it once your balance reaches at least $5.

Additionally, as a robo-advisor, Acorns provides automatic recurring investments, portfolio rebalancing and dividend reinvesting, ensuring a hands-off, streamlined investing experience.

• Why we like it

  For its micro-investing feature.

  Acorns's Round-Ups is worth considering for an automated version of spare-change investing. By linking all your credit or debit cards, Acorns will set aside your spare change from every purchase and invest it once your balance reaches at least $5.

  Additionally, as a robo-advisor, Acorns provides automatic recurring investments, portfolio rebalancing and dividend reinvesting, ensuring a hands-off, streamlined investing experience.

• Pros and cons

  Pros

  • Invest your spare change automatically
  • Automated stock and ETF investing
  • Multiple investment account options
  • Beginner-friendly app with educational resources
  • Customize your portfolio with individual stocks with Acorns Gold

  Cons

  • No tax-loss harvesting
  • Limited investment options

• More details

  Available asset types	Stocks, ETFs
  Account types	Brokerage
  Annual fee	$3 per month
  Minimum deposit	$0
  Signup bonus	Get a $20 bonus
  Cash sweep APY	N/A

For its extensive lineup of tradable assets.

Interactive Brokers offers an extensive selection of assets. Trade stock, options, ETFs, crypto, futures, forex, bonds, mutual funds, certificates of deposit (CDs) and precious metals. Additionally, Interactive Brokers offers unmatched global access and international investment options.

This broad array of investment choices enables investors to diversify their portfolios more effectively and access global markets with ease.

Moreover, Interactive Brokers offers advanced trading tools and a highly customizable platform that caters to both novice and professional traders. Its competitive pricing structure and tiered commission model further enhance its appeal, making it a versatile and comprehensive platform for those seeking a wide variety of investment opportunities.

• Why we like it

  For its extensive lineup of tradable assets.

  Interactive Brokers offers an extensive selection of assets. Trade stock, options, ETFs, crypto, futures, forex, bonds, mutual funds, certificates of deposit (CDs) and precious metals. Additionally, Interactive Brokers offers unmatched global access and international investment options.

  This broad array of investment choices enables investors to diversify their portfolios more effectively and access global markets with ease.

  Moreover, Interactive Brokers offers advanced trading tools and a highly customizable platform that caters to both novice and professional traders. Its competitive pricing structure and tiered commission model further enhance its appeal, making it a versatile and comprehensive platform for those seeking a wide variety of investment opportunities.

• Pros and cons

  Pros

  • Wide range of investment options
  • Global market access
  • Numerous trading platforms
  • $0 commission stocks and ETFs

  Cons

  • Cash sweep only available to Pro accounts
  • Live chat rarely works
  • Need a $10,000 balance to earn interest on your cash

• More details

  Available asset types	Stocks, Bonds, Options, Mutual funds, ETFs, Cryptocurrency, Futures, Forex, Treasury Bills, Precious metals
  Account types	Brokerage
  Annual fee	$0 per year
  Minimum deposit	$0
  Signup bonus	N/A
  Cash sweep APY	3.83% Lite 4.83% Pro

For its low fees, powerful tools and insightful data.

Moomoo is one of the most capable trading apps on the market, offering advanced, customizable charting and free access to professional-grade tools such as analyst ratings, real-time Level 2 market data and short sale analysis. Choose from over 63 indicators and 38 drawing tools or customize technical indicators with over 190 pre-set functions.

The app also supports 13 options strategies and lets you customize options chains — all this on Moomoo's user-friendly mobile app. Additionally, Moomoo provides a dedicated desktop trading platform and paper trading feature, letting you practice and test your strategies before going live.

Moomoo offers commission-free trading for stocks, ETFs and options, with no equity options contract fees, making it an attractive choice for cost-conscious traders.

• Why we like it

  For its low fees, powerful tools and insightful data.

  Moomoo is one of the most capable trading apps on the market, offering advanced, customizable charting and free access to professional-grade tools such as analyst ratings, real-time Level 2 market data and short sale analysis. Choose from over 63 indicators and 38 drawing tools or customize technical indicators with over 190 pre-set functions.

  The app also supports 13 options strategies and lets you customize options chains — all this on Moomoo's user-friendly mobile app. Additionally, Moomoo provides a dedicated desktop trading platform and paper trading feature, letting you practice and test your strategies before going live.

  Moomoo offers commission-free trading for stocks, ETFs and options, with no equity options contract fees, making it an attractive choice for cost-conscious traders.

• Pros and cons

  Pros

  • Commission-free stock, ETF and options trades, with no equity options contract fees
  • Paper trading with $1 million in virtual currency
  • Advanced trading tools and features on an intuitive trading platform
  • New, qualified customers can earn up to 8.1% APY for three months
  • Low margin rates

  Cons

  • Limited tradable assets
  • No robo-advisor
  • Limited account types, with no IRAs

• More details

  Available asset types	Stocks, Options, ETFs
  Account types	Brokerage
  Minimum deposit	$0
  Signup bonus	Get up to 60 free stocks
  Cash sweep APY	Up to 8.1%

For its advanced options trading tools and access to and competitive trading fees on options, futures, options on futures, options on micro futures and smalls futures options.

Tastytrade is a strong alternative to E*TRADE for options trading, offering comprehensive and sophisticated trading tools tailored specifically for derivative traders. The platform features advanced analytics, customizable charting and extensive educational resources to help users grasp options trading strategies and market dynamics.

Primarily designed for derivatives trading, Tastytrade provides an impressive array of trading products and some of the industry's best pricing on options and futures contracts. Additionally, stocks and ETFs are commission-free, and options have no closing commissions.

• Why we like it

  For its advanced options trading tools and access to and competitive trading fees on options, futures, options on futures, options on micro futures and smalls futures options.

  Tastytrade is a strong alternative to E*TRADE for options trading, offering comprehensive and sophisticated trading tools tailored specifically for derivative traders. The platform features advanced analytics, customizable charting and extensive educational resources to help users grasp options trading strategies and market dynamics.

  Primarily designed for derivatives trading, Tastytrade provides an impressive array of trading products and some of the industry's best pricing on options and futures contracts. Additionally, stocks and ETFs are commission-free, and options have no closing commissions.

• Pros and cons

  Pros

  • Highly customizable trading platform
  • Extensive lineup of tradable derivative assets
  • Competitive options fee structure
  • Helpful educational resources and live programming

  Cons

  • Complex trading platform
  • No robo-advisor
  • No cash sweep program

• More details

  Available asset types	Stocks, Options, ETFs, Cryptocurrency, Futures, Treasury Bills
  Account types	Brokerage
  Annual fee	$0 per year
  Minimum deposit	$0
  Signup bonus	N/A
  Cash sweep APY	N/A

For its click-to-invest approach to investing.

Block's Cash App is exceptionally beginner-friendly. The app is designed for swift financial transactions, letting you buy and sell stocks and ETFs for as little as $1, gift stocks to family and friends and even explore cryptocurrency with bitcoin.

Simple charts, company news, key statistics, financials, earnings reports and analyst opinions help you make informed investment decisions quickly and effortlessly.

• Why we like it

  For its click-to-invest approach to investing.

  Block's Cash App is exceptionally beginner-friendly. The app is designed for swift financial transactions, letting you buy and sell stocks and ETFs for as little as $1, gift stocks to family and friends and even explore cryptocurrency with bitcoin.

  Simple charts, company news, key statistics, financials, earnings reports and analyst opinions help you make informed investment decisions quickly and effortlessly.

• Pros and cons

  Pros

  • Commission-free stocks and ETFs
  • Send stocks to others like cash
  • Trade bitcoin

  Cons

  • No options trading
  • Limited investment options
  • No retirement accounts

• More details

  Available asset types	Stocks, ETFs, Cryptocurrency
  Account types	Brokerage, Custodial
  Annual fee	$0 per month
  Minimum deposit	$0
  Signup bonus	N/A
  Cash sweep APY	4%

For its popular thinkorswim platform and top-tier research and analysis tools.

With its acquisition of TD Ameritrade, Schwab now offers one of the most popular professional-grade trading platforms: thinkorswim.

This fully customizable platform includes elite trading tools such as advanced charts with over 400 technical studies, backtesting strategies, free Level 2 quotes, scanners and alerts. If you're seeking a comprehensive trading platform, Schwab's a clear choice.

Additionally, Schwab provides a range of investment options, including stocks, options, futures, mutual funds and ETFs, supporting diversified and complex trading strategies. Combined with competitive pricing, low fees and reliable customer service, Schwab stands out as an attractive option for advanced traders seeking a professional and feature-rich trading environment.

• Why we like it

  For its popular thinkorswim platform and top-tier research and analysis tools.

  With its acquisition of TD Ameritrade, Schwab now offers one of the most popular professional-grade trading platforms: thinkorswim.

  This fully customizable platform includes elite trading tools such as advanced charts with over 400 technical studies, backtesting strategies, free Level 2 quotes, scanners and alerts. If you're seeking a comprehensive trading platform, Schwab's a clear choice.

  Additionally, Schwab provides a range of investment options, including stocks, options, futures, mutual funds and ETFs, supporting diversified and complex trading strategies. Combined with competitive pricing, low fees and reliable customer service, Schwab stands out as an attractive option for advanced traders seeking a professional and feature-rich trading environment.

• Pros and cons

  Pros

  • Popular thinkorswim trading platform
  • Access to top-tier research reports
  • Commission-free stock, ETF and options trades

  Cons

  • No crypto trading
  • High margin rates
  • Low interest on uninvested cash

• More details

  Available asset types	Stocks, Bonds, Options, Mutual funds, ETFs, Futures, Treasury Bills
  Account types	Brokerage, Education (529), Custodial, Joint brokerage, Trust
  Annual fee	$0 per month
  Minimum deposit	$0
  Signup bonus	Get a $101 bonus
  Cash sweep APY	0.45%