Stash Invest Account: Funding Your Future In A Few Steps

Stash is an investment app that combines the features of a brokerage account and a robo-advisor with an online banking account. It is a convenient and easy-to-use platform that could be a good choice for people who want to learn about investing. The app offers two pricing tiers: Stash Growth for $3 a month and Stash+ for $9 a month. Both options provide access to financial counselling services, a brokerage account, a Roth or traditional IRA, a Smart Portfolio, life insurance coverage, and a bank account with the associated Stock-Back® Card. However, Stash's convenience comes at a cost, with flat-fee structures that can be expensive compared to alternatives, especially for smaller portfolios.

Using the Stash app

Stash is an investment app that combines the features of a brokerage account and a robo-advisor with an online banking account. It is a convenient and easy-to-use platform that could be a great choice for people who want to learn about investing.

The Stash app provides a managed portfolio tailored to your risk tolerance and goals, where the platform selects investment assets and manages them for you. The app also allows more hands-on investors to design their own investment portfolios.

Here's how to use the Stash app:

• Download the app: The Stash app is available for download on iOS and Android devices.
• Sign up and create an account: Complete the registration process and create your Stash account.
• Choose your investment preferences: Stash will ask you a series of questions to gauge your risk tolerance, financial goals, and investment preferences. Based on this information, the app will provide personalized recommendations and create a diversified portfolio for you.
• Fund your account: You can choose to fund your Stash account by linking a bank account, setting up direct deposits, or transferring funds from an external brokerage account.
• Start investing: Once your account is funded, you can start investing in stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), or other investment options recommended by the app.
• Set up automatic investments: Stash offers a feature called "Recurring Investments." You can set up automatic investments by specifying how much and how often you want to invest, and the app will take care of the rest.
• Take advantage of additional features: The Stash app also offers features such as dividend reinvestment, stock-back rewards, and access to educational resources and market insights.

It's important to note that while Stash offers a convenient and beginner-friendly platform, it charges a flat monthly subscription fee, which can be relatively expensive compared to other investment options, especially for smaller portfolios.

Direct deposit from your employer

Funding your Stash account with direct deposits from your employer is a straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Open the Stash mobile app and tap on the debit account tile on the home screen. This is where you'll manage your Stash debit account.
• Tap the gear icon in the app. This will allow you to access the settings and options for your debit account.
• Use the provided account information to fill out a direct deposit form. The app will provide you with the necessary details, such as the account number and routing number.
• Submit the completed direct deposit form to your employer. Provide this information to your company's payroll or human resources department. They will set up the direct deposit for you.
• Enjoy faster access to your pay. With direct deposit, you can receive your pay up to two days before payday and your government benefits up to four days early!

By setting up direct deposit from your employer, you can automate your savings and investing process. Each pay period, a portion of your paycheck can be directly deposited into your Stash account, making it easier to build your investment portfolio and work towards your financial goals. Remember to consider the fees associated with your Stash account and choose a pricing tier that suits your needs.

Transfer from a Stash personal investment account

To transfer from a Stash personal investment account, you can use either the app or the website.

Transferring via the Stash app:

• Log in to the Stash app.
• Tap "Transfer" at the bottom of the screen.
• Select the accounts you want to transfer money from and to.
• Enter the amount you want to transfer and tap "Continue".
• Review the transfer details and tap "Transfer" to complete the transfer.

Transferring via the Stash website:

• Log in to the Stash website.
• Click on the accounts you want to transfer money from and to.
• Enter the amount you want to transfer and click "Confirm".
• Click "Make Transfer" to complete the transfer.

It's important to note that you cannot transfer money between your Personal Portfolio and Smart Portfolio. Additionally, there are certain restrictions on Retirement and Custodial accounts, so you may need to contact Stash's customer service team for assistance with these types of transfers.

Transfer from an external linked bank account

To transfer money from an external linked bank account to your Stash debit account, follow these steps:

• Tap the debit account tile on your app's home screen.
• Tap the gear icon.
• Tap "Transfer money from" and select your external linked bank account.
• Tap "Transfer to" and select your Stash Banking account.
• Tap "Amount" and enter the amount you'd like to transfer.

Your Stash app home screen should have a debit account tile. Once you've located it, tap the tile, and then tap the gear icon. This will allow you to access the transfer feature.

Next, tap "Transfer money from" and select the external bank account you want to transfer funds from. Then, specify the amount you wish to transfer by tapping "Amount" and entering the desired sum. Finally, finalise the transfer by tapping "Transfer to" and selecting your Stash Banking account as the destination.

The Stash app makes it simple and convenient to transfer funds from external linked bank accounts to your Stash debit account. By following these steps, you can easily manage your finances and move money between accounts as needed.

Deposit cash at participating retailers

Stash offers its users the option to deposit cash at participating retailers across the United States. These include CVS Pharmacy®, Walgreens, Rite Aid, and Walmart. The process is simple:

• Visit any of the participating retail locations near you.
• Generate a unique barcode for the retailer on the Stash app.
• Show the barcode to the cashier and hand them the cash you want to deposit.
• The retailer may charge a fee of up to $4.95 for this service.

Please note that cash deposits must be between $20 and $999, and it can take up to 30 minutes for the deposited cash to be available in your Stash banking account. If there are any issues with your deposit, you can contact Stash customer support for assistance.

Frequently asked questions