Best Websites For Investing: Where To Start?

There are countless investment websites to choose from, and it can be challenging for beginners to know where to start. Some popular options include Fidelity Investments, Charles Schwab, TD Ameritrade, Vanguard, and Robinhood. These websites offer a range of features, such as educational resources, low fees, and intuitive platforms, to help new investors make informed decisions. While each website has its own strengths and weaknesses, they all provide valuable tools and information to help users navigate the complex world of investing.

Best website for beginner crypto investors

When it comes to investing in cryptocurrencies, there are a plethora of options available. However, for beginners, it is important to choose a platform that is user-friendly, secure, and provides educational resources to help you get started. Here are some of the best websites and platforms for beginner crypto investors:

Coinbase

Coinbase is a popular cryptocurrency exchange that is often recommended for beginners. It offers an easy-to-use platform with a large number of supported cryptocurrencies, strong security measures, and advanced trading options. Coinbase also provides a default custodial wallet for new investors, as well as a non-custodial wallet option for more experienced users. The fees on Coinbase can be relatively high, ranging from 0% to 0.60%, but it is still a good choice for those who value ease of use.

Crypto.com

Crypto.com is known for its user-friendly mobile app, which offers a wide range of features and products. It supports over 350 cryptocurrencies and provides a vast digital asset ecosystem, including its own blockchain and a native token. Crypto.com is a good choice for beginners who want to access a variety of tools and products on the go. However, customer support can be lacking, and trading fees can be high for lower-volume traders.

Gemini

Gemini is a cryptocurrency exchange that stands out for its strong security protocols. It offers insurance for user funds and is SOC 2-certified, ensuring the safety of your assets. Gemini also provides a sleek and easy-to-use platform, making it a good choice for beginners. However, the fees on Gemini can be high, with a 1.49% fee for most transactions on the regular platform.

Kraken

Kraken is a well-established and reputable cryptocurrency exchange. It offers a large number of supported cryptocurrencies and advanced trading features. Kraken provides two platforms: its main trading platform and Kraken Pro, a professional platform with customisable chart analysis tools and advanced order types. Kraken is a good choice for beginners who want access to a wide range of cryptocurrencies and robust security measures.

Robinhood Crypto

Robinhood Crypto is a good option for beginners who are also interested in traditional stock trading. The platform offers an easy-to-use interface and the ability to buy and sell crypto with USD. However, it has some limitations, such as the inability to trade crypto-to-crypto directly. Robinhood has improved its crypto offering over time and continues to be a solid choice for those looking for a simple and intuitive platform.

Other Mentions

Other honourable mentions include Cash App, a mobile banking app that allows users to seamlessly buy, sell, and store Bitcoin, and Bisq, a decentralised exchange that offers a high degree of privacy and supports a range of payment methods. Additionally, platforms like eToro, Binance, and Fidelity also offer crypto investing options and are worth considering.

Best mobile investing app for beginners

Investing can be tricky for beginners, but there are plenty of resources online to help you get started. Here are some of the best mobile investing apps for beginners:

SoFi Active Invest

SoFi Active Invest is a top investment app for beginners thanks to its easy-to-use interface and low pricing. You can get started with as little as $1, and there are no commissions for trades or recurring account fees. SoFi also offers complimentary financial planning with certified financial planners to help you reach your goals.

Vanguard

Vanguard is a leader in low-cost investing and is ideal for beginners interested in long-term investing. The app offers a holistic approach to retirement planning, considering your entire financial situation when mapping out a long-term plan for growing your wealth. Vanguard provides access to various retirement accounts, ETFs, and exclusive financial planning resources.

Ally Invest

Ally Invest is a straightforward investment app that is perfect for beginners. It offers expert-built stock and bond ETFs, with a focus on tax-optimized investment opportunities. Ally Invest also provides robo-advisor services, creating personalized portfolios of ETFs for you. The app is easy to navigate and includes accessible investment features like market screeners, performance charts, and stock analytics.

Betterment

Betterment is a robo-advisor app that is great for beginners looking for low-cost trading, account flexibility, and goal-based investing. The app offers a diversified portfolio of stock and bond ETFs based on your goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. Betterment also provides cryptocurrency portfolios, socially responsible portfolios, and personalized retirement plans.

Acorns Invest

Acorns Invest is ideal for beginners who want to invest but don't have the time or knowledge to manage their portfolio. For a low monthly fee, Acorns will take care of everything, including automatic spare change investing, retirement account savings, and a fully automated investment plan. The app offers a diversified portfolio of low-cost ETFs based on your risk tolerance and goals.

Public Investing

Public Investing combines features from social media platforms with traditional brokerage services, making it a great app for beginners to learn about the stock market. You can follow the portfolios of experts, create group chats with other users, and participate in live investing events. Public also offers fractional shares, cryptocurrency trading, and alternative assets like art, NFTs, and collectibles.

Fidelity

Fidelity is a well-known investment app that is great for beginners and advanced traders. It offers real-time quotes, multi-leg options trading, extensive research offerings, and a consolidated research notebook. Fidelity also provides retirement planning tools and the ability to trade cryptocurrencies through a separate Fidelity Crypto account.

Stash

Stash is unique in that it supports both automated investing and DIY investing on the same platform. It offers a Diversification Score tool, thematic ETFs, fractional shares, and values-based investment options. Stash is a great stepping stone for beginners, but advanced investors may find the lack of tools and research limiting.

Best trading platform for beginners

Investing can be tricky for beginners, with countless websites, firms, and investments to choose from. When choosing a trading platform, it's important to consider your options from various angles. Commissions, account minimums, and educational materials are just a few things to keep in mind when searching for an online brokerage that fits your financial goals. Here are some of the best trading platforms for beginners:

Fidelity Investments

Fidelity Investments offers a solid educational platform, but its research offering is where it truly shines. Its suite of industry-leading research and free tools and calculators make it easy for beginners to find the best investing strategy and investments for them. Fidelity also has over 200 U.S. investor centres for in-person help. Fidelity ranks among the lowest-cost brokers with no account minimums and $0 commissions on U.S. stock, ETF, and options trades. The broker has even done away with expense ratios on some mutual funds. Fidelity's robo-advisor fees are waived if your balance is less than $25,000, after which fees are 0.35% per year, but you get unlimited one-on-one coaching calls.

Charles Schwab

Charles Schwab is known for retirement investing but is also great for beginners of all ages and goals. Schwab offers some of the most affordable robo-advisor platforms among major brokers. Its digital investing platforms come in two options: Schwab Intelligent Portfolios, which have no advisory fee and a $5,000 minimum; or the premium version with a $25,000 account minimum, one-on-one guidance, and more tools for a $300 one-time planning fee and $30 per month advisory fee. Outside of robo-advice, Schwab offers $0 online commissions on over 3,000 U.S. exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and thousands of no-transaction-fee mutual funds. There is no minimum required to open an account. Since acquiring TD Ameritrade, Schwab investors now have access to TD Ameritrade's webinars, videos, trade strategy testing, and immersive courses on various financial topics with Schwab Coaching.

J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing

If you already bank with Chase, J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing is a great option. The platform offers $0 commissions on U.S.-listed stocks, ETFs, and options. You may not need support from a live advisor thanks to the firm's free digital money coach, the J.P. Morgan Wealth Plan, which helps you track your progress toward your goals and provides personalized guidance. If you do want more guidance, personal advisors are available, but you'll need $25,000 to get started. You'll also find a library of online tools, guides, and investing insights on the firm's website.

E*TRADE

E*TRADE stood out to our testers for its large library of educational content, including a knowledge centre full of videos and articles to help beginner investors level up. E*TRADE also offers regular market-focused webcasts and webinars with guidance for everyone from novice investors to advanced traders. E*TRADE has $0 commissions and strong trading platforms that appeal to active traders, while intermediate investors benefit from its educational resources. However, the website can be difficult to navigate, and there are no fractional shares.

Webull

Webull stands out for its sleek, intuitive platform, and its mobile app store scores reflect that. It's a good choice for beginner investors who prefer accessing their accounts and trading on their phones. Webull offers commission-free stock, options, and ETF trades, a high interest rate on uninvested cash, and high order execution quality. However, it lacks access to mutual funds and requires a separate app for crypto trading.

Best in-person customer support

When it comes to investing, in-person customer support can be a valuable resource for beginners and experienced investors alike. Here are some platforms that offer the best in-person customer support:

J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing

J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing is a great choice for investors seeking in-person assistance. With a large network of physical locations, investors can conveniently access in-person support at their local Chase branches. This makes it an ideal option for those who prefer face-to-face interactions when seeking guidance or resolving issues. The platform offers a user-friendly interface, making it a good starting point for beginners to learn the ropes of investing. While it may not offer the most advanced tools and features, it provides a clear path for those new to investing.

Fidelity Investments

Fidelity Investments is another platform that excels in providing in-person customer support. They have over 190 investor centres across the United States, ensuring that their customers can easily access in-person assistance. Their phone support is also commendable, with representatives answering queries promptly and efficiently. Additionally, their commitment to fraud prevention is evident through the use of voice ID in phone inquiries. Fidelity's platform is user-friendly and offers a range of educational resources, making it a well-rounded choice for investors seeking a combination of in-person and digital support.

Charles Schwab

Charles Schwab, known for its robust investment platform, also offers impressive in-person customer support. They have an extensive branch network across the United States, allowing clients to schedule one-on-one sessions with financial professionals. This personalised approach can be beneficial for those who want tailored advice and guidance. Additionally, their client portal is easy to navigate, and customer support options are prominently displayed on every page, making it convenient for users to access the help they need.

TD Ameritrade

While TD Ameritrade has been incorporated into Charles Schwab, it is worth mentioning for its exceptional in-person educational resources. They offer a wide range of educational content, including in-person workshops, immersive curriculums, articles, videos, and webcasts. Their TD Ameritrade Network is an online channel that streams financial news and educational content tailored to both beginner and advanced traders. The webcasts cover various topics, such as active trading, portfolio management, and platform demos, ensuring that investors can make informed decisions.

Best educational content

When it comes to investing, education is key. Here are some of the best websites that offer educational content to help you make informed investment decisions:

• TD Ameritrade: Now part of Charles Schwab, TD Ameritrade offers an extensive range of educational resources, including in-person workshops, immersive curriculums, articles, videos, webcasts, and more. Their TD Ameritrade Network is a standout feature, providing financial news and educational content for both beginner and advanced traders.
• Fidelity: Fidelity provides a solid educational platform, offering industry-leading research and free tools and calculators to help beginning investors find the best investing strategies. They also offer in-person help at their investor centres across the US.
• Charles Schwab: With the acquisition of TD Ameritrade, Schwab investors now have access to even more educational content. This includes webinars, videos, trade strategy testing, and immersive courses on various financial topics.
• E-Trade: E-Trade offers a large library of educational content, including a knowledge centre with videos and articles to help beginner investors. They also provide regular market-focused webcasts and webinars with guidance for investors of all levels.
• Robinhood: While known for its user-friendly interface and crypto offering, Robinhood also provides educational content through its daily newsletter and podcast, Robinhood Snacks.
• Investopedia: Widely regarded as the Wikipedia of financial knowledge, Investopedia offers an extensive list of resources and articles on different aspects of finance, from basic concepts to advanced topics. The website is completely free, supported by ads and referrals.

Frequently asked questions