Introduction
Investing in the stock market has become one of the most popular ways for Americans to build wealth and achieve long-term financial goals. With the rise of mobile trading apps and online brokerages, getting started has never been easier—even if you’re a complete beginner.
But with so many platforms available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Each app has different fees, tools, and features that cater to different investing styles. That’s why we’ve created this guide to the best stock trading app 2025, specifically for beginners in the USA.
Whether you’re looking to invest in individual stocks, ETFs, or start small with fractional shares, this list will help you find the platform that fits your needs.
What Beginners Should Look for in a Stock Trading App
Before we dive into the top platforms, it’s important to understand what makes a stock trading app beginner-friendly.
Key Features for Beginners:
- Low or Zero Fees – Commission-free trades save you money.
- Easy-to-Use Interface – Simple dashboards that are easy to navigate.
- Fractional Shares – Lets you invest with as little as $1.
- Educational Tools – Tutorials, webinars, and guides for new investors.
- Research & Analysis – Built-in market data and insights.
- Account Minimums – Preferably no minimum deposit required.
Best Stock Trading Apps in the USA (2025)
Here’s our list of the top trading platforms for beginners in 2025:
1. Robinhood
- Best For: Absolute beginners
- Why It’s Great: Robinhood was one of the first apps to offer commission-free trading. It’s extremely easy to use and allows fractional share investing, meaning you can buy a piece of Amazon or Tesla stock with just a few dollars.
- Key Features:
- $0 commissions on stocks, ETFs, and crypto
- Fractional shares available
- Simple, user-friendly app
2. Fidelity Investments
- Best For: Long-term investors
- Why It’s Great: Fidelity offers a full-service brokerage experience with zero fees on stocks and ETFs. Its educational resources and research tools make it a strong choice for beginners who want to grow into serious investors.
- Key Features:
- No account minimum
- Fractional shares available
- Excellent customer support
3. Charles Schwab
- Best For: All-around investing
- Why It’s Great: Schwab combines low fees with powerful tools. Beginners can start small, while more advanced investors will appreciate the in-depth research options. Schwab also offers the popular Schwab Stock Slices™, which allows you to buy fractional shares of S&P 500 companies.
- Key Features:
- $0 commissions on trades
- Fractional shares with Stock Slices™
- Highly trusted financial brand
4. SoFi Invest
- Best For: Beginners who want simplicity
- Why It’s Great: SoFi is a modern fintech app designed for young investors. It offers both active investing and automated investing options, making it perfect for students and first-time traders. Plus, SoFi often provides cash bonuses when you open an account.
- Key Features:
- $0 account minimum
- Free educational webinars
- Cash bonuses for sign-up
5. Webull
- Best For: Tech-savvy beginners
- Why It’s Great: Webull provides a balance of commission-free trading and advanced charting tools. Beginners can learn basic trading, and as their knowledge grows, they can explore more technical features.
- Key Features:
- Free stock sign-up bonuses
- No account minimum
- Paper trading option for practice
6. E*TRADE
- Best For: Traditional beginners
- Why It’s Great: Backed by Morgan Stanley, E*TRADE offers a trusted platform with strong educational resources. It’s slightly more complex than Robinhood but provides better long-term investing options.
- Key Features:
- $0 commissions on stocks and ETFs
- Rich research library
- Retirement account options
7. TD Ameritrade
- Best For: Investors who want education
- Why It’s Great: TD Ameritrade is known for its Thinkorswim platform, which is excellent for learning. The brokerage offers extensive educational resources, virtual trading, and no commission fees.
- Key Features:
- Free virtual trading for practice
- In-depth educational library
- Commission-free trades
8. Merrill Edge® Self-Directed
- Best For: Bank of America customers
- Why It’s Great: If you bank with Bank of America, Merrill Edge is a convenient choice. It integrates with your accounts, offers research from Bank of America analysts, and provides rewards for Preferred Rewards members.
- Key Features:
- Integrated with BofA banking
- Research from analysts
- No commissions on stocks and ETFs
9. Acorns
- Best For: Beginners who want automation
- Why It’s Great: Acorns isn’t a traditional trading app. Instead, it’s a micro-investing app that automatically invests your spare change into diversified portfolios. Perfect for students and busy professionals who want to invest without stress.
- Key Features:
- Automated investing
- Round-up feature for spare change
- Low monthly fee starting at $3
10. Vanguard
- Best For: Long-term retirement investors
- Why It’s Great: Vanguard is famous for its low-cost index funds and ETFs. While its app is not as modern as Robinhood or Webull, it’s perfect for those who want to build wealth for retirement with minimal fees.
- Key Features:
- Wide selection of ETFs and index funds
- Trusted investment leader
- Best for long-term wealth building
Comparison Table: Best Stock Trading App 2025 (USA)
| Platform | Commissions | Best Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robinhood | $0 | Fractional shares | New investors |
| Fidelity | $0 | Research + education | Long-term beginners |
| Charles Schwab | $0 | Stock Slices™ | All-around |
| SoFi Invest | $0 | Simplicity + bonuses | Young investors |
| Webull | $0 | Paper trading | Tech-savvy |
| E*TRADE | $0 | Retirement options | Traditional beginners |
| TD Ameritrade | $0 | Thinkorswim platform | Education-focused |
| Merrill Edge | $0 | BofA integration | BofA customers |
| Acorns | $3/month | Automated investing | Passive investors |
| Vanguard | $0 | Low-cost ETFs | Retirement savers |
Pros and Cons of Online Trading Apps for Beginners
✅ Pros:
- Commission-free trades save money.
- Mobile apps make investing accessible anywhere.
- Fractional shares lower the barrier to entry.
- Many apps include educational resources.
❌ Cons:
- Some apps encourage risky day trading.
- Over-simplified platforms may limit advanced features.
- Hidden fees can apply (options trading, margin accounts).
Tips for Beginner Investors in 202
- Start Small: Begin with as little as $50–$100.
- Diversify: Don’t put all money in one stock—try ETFs or index funds.
- Use Fractional Shares: Allows you to invest in expensive stocks like Apple or Tesla without needing thousands of dollars.
- Learn Before You Trade: Take advantage of free resources from platforms like TD Ameritrade and Fidelity.
- Avoid Emotional Trading: Don’t panic when the market dips—focus on long-term growth.
FAQs About Best Stock Trading Apps 2025
1. What’s the easiest stock trading app for beginners?
Robinhood and SoFi are the easiest for beginners, while Fidelity and TD Ameritrade are better if you want education and research.
2. Do I need a lot of money to start investing?
No. Many apps let you start with as little as $1 thanks to fractional shares.
3. Are trading apps safe in the USA?
Yes. Most apps are regulated by the SEC and accounts are insured by SIPC up to $500,000.
4. Should beginners trade stocks daily?
No. Beginners should focus on long-term investing in diversified portfolios rather than risky day trading.
Conclusion
Choosing the best stock trading app 2025 depends on your goals as a beginner investor in the USA.
If you want simplicity, go with Robinhood or SoFi Invest.
If you want education and research, choose Fidelity or TD Ameritrade.
If you’re thinking long-term, Vanguard and Charles Schwab are excellent options.
No matter which platform you choose, the most important step is starting your investment journey today. With low fees, mobile convenience, and beginner-friendly features, there’s never been a better time to invest in your financial future.
