Discover the top brokerage platforms for beginner investors in 2025. Find user-friendly platforms, low fees, and essential tools to kickstart your investing journey.
Trading Strategies
January 14, 2025
Ready to dive into stock and options trading? Discover the best beginner-friendly brokerage platforms of 2025, offering low-cost trades, powerful analytic tools, and educational resources to simplify your journey. Whether you're exploring stocks, ETFs, or options, these platforms make investing easy, efficient, and rewarding.
Best for: Low-Cost Simplicity
TradeUp offers an accessible trading platform ideal for beginners, combining affordability and intuitive features. This commission-free platform supports U.S. stocks, ETFs, and options, catering to investors who prioritize low costs and mobile-friendly tools. Notably, TradeUP offers a demo account, allowing users to practice strategies with live market data before investing real money. Additionally, new users can receive up to five free stocks worth as much as $1,800 through its promotional program.
TradeUP is particularly appealing for medium- to long-term investors who value simplicity, minimal fees, and srong yet easy-to-use trading tools. However, its limited investment offerings and mobile-only focus might deter those seeking broader financial services or advanced charting capabilities.
Account Minimum: None
Fees: $0 commissions; regulatory fees apply
Key Features: Real-time data, paper trading, customizable news feeds, and free stock promotions
Promotion: Win up to five free stocks, each worth up to $1,800
What’s great about it?
What could be better?
TradeUP Product Highlights
Security and Regulation
TradeUP employs powerful encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regulatory compliance with FINRA, SIPC, and the SEC, ensuring a secure trading environment.
For beginners or cost-conscious investors, TradeUP delivers an excellent balance of affordability and functionality. While it may not cater to highly active traders or those seeking extensive diversification, its user-friendly design, competitive promotions, and reliable tools make it a strong contender in the beginner-friendly brokerage space.
Best for: Educational Resources
ETRADE founded in 1982, is one of the most recognizable names in the brokerage industry, offering nearly five million accounts and a margin receivables balance exceeding $9.5 billion. Known for its powerful tools and diverse investment options, ETRADE caters to both beginners and experienced traders with a focus on accessibility, education, and convenience. The platform offers two distinct trading apps—POWER ETRADE and ETRADE Pro—tailored to suit varying levels of experience.
The acquisition by Morgan Stanley in 2020 brought new opportunities for E*TRADE users, with the integration potentially expanding access to premium services and tools.
Account Minimum: None
Fees: $0 for stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds; $0.65 for options contracts
Key Features: POWER E*TRADE and Pro platforms, extensive educational library, diverse investment options
Promotion: Earn up to $1,000 for funding a new account.
What’s great about it?
What could be better?
E*TRADE Product Highlights
Security and Regulation
E*TRADE is regulated by the SEC, SIPC, and FINRA, ensuring a secure trading environment. Accounts are protected up to $500,000 in securities and cash through SIPC insurance.
Fees & Pricing
While E*TRADE offers commission-free trading for most assets, users should be aware of rollover fees ($25–$75) and margin interest rates (5.45–8.95%). Broker-assisted trades come at a higher cost, making the platform more suited for self-directed investors.
Comparison with Competitors
E*TRADE’s dual-platform approach and thematic screeners differentiate it from platforms like Fidelity or Charles Schwab. However, its higher fees for broker-assisted services might be a drawback compared to fee-friendly competitors like Robinhood or Webull.
ETRADE excels in catering to both novice and experienced investors through its diverse offerings, educational tools, and customer-centric approach. While its website may feel overwhelming for new users, the platform’s mobile app and two trading platforms ensure a customizable experience for all. The acquisition by Morgan Stanley adds another layer of potential benefits, making ETRADE a strong choice for those seeking a reputable and feature-rich brokerage platform.
Best for: Social Trading
Public.com is a user-friendly brokerage platform that stands out with its social and educational features, making it ideal for beginner investors. The platform combines commission-free trading with unique offerings such as fractional shares, investment themes, and access to alternative assets like art and music royalties. Public emphasizes community by enabling users to follow other investors, participate in discussions, and even engage directly with company executives through live Q&A sessions.
While Public excels in its accessibility and community-driven approach, its limitations, such as the absence of retirement accounts and mutual funds, might make it less appealing for long-term or advanced investors.
Account Minimum: $0
Fees: $0 commissions; $10/month for Public Premium
Key Features: Fractional shares, investment themes, social trading, alternative assets, and crypto access
Promotion: Transfer your portfolio to Public and earn up to $10,000
What’s great about it?
What could be better?
Security and Regulation
Public is a regulated broker-dealer under FINRA and SIPC, with additional insurance coverage for client assets. Advanced fraud detection and encryption protocols ensure a secure trading environment.
Comparison with Competitors
Public’s unique social features and alternative asset options set it apart from competitors like Robinhood and Webull. However, its lack of retirement accounts and mutual funds might lead users seeking broader offerings to platforms like Fidelity or Charles Schwab.
Public.com is an excellent choice for beginner investors looking for a user-friendly platform with a strong emphasis on community and education. Its innovative offerings, including fractional bond investing and access to alternative assets, make it a versatile option for diverse investment strategies. However, the lack of retirement accounts and mutual funds could be a drawback for users focusing on long-term planning. Overall, Public is a great fit for those seeking a modern, socially engaging brokerage experience.
Best for: Active Beginners
Webull is a trading platform designed for active investors who want access to commission-free trading, advanced charting tools, and extended trading hours. The platform caters to both beginners and intermediate traders, offering features like paper trading for practice and fractional shares for accessibility.
However, its limited educational resources and lack of mutual funds may leave some users seeking external tools or alternative platforms for broader diversification.
What’s great about it?
What could be better?
Webull supports trading in:
A standout feature, Webull’s paper trading mode offers $1 million in virtual funds, making it an excellent tool for learning and testing strategies without financial risk.
The platform includes:
Webull offers competitive margin rates, starting at 8.74% for balances under $25,000 and decreasing for larger balances.
Webull is a member of SIPC, providing up to $500,000 protection for client accounts, including $250,000 for cash. Additional insurance is provided through its clearing firm. The platform employs two-factor authentication and encryption protocols for enhanced security.
Compared to platforms like Robinhood, Webull offers more advanced tools and better charting capabilities. However, unlike Fidelity or Charles Schwab, it lacks access to mutual funds and financial advisors, which may be important for long-term investors.
Webull is an excellent choice for active traders seeking a commission-free platform with advanced tools and features. While its paper trading and fractional shares make it beginner-friendly, the platform’s lack of mutual funds and limited customer support could be drawbacks for some. Overall, Webull is a solid option for those who value low costs and a trading-focused experience.
Best for: Simplicity and Accessibility
Robinhood revolutionized the brokerage industry with commission-free trading, and its platform remains one of the most beginner-friendly options available. It offers stocks, ETFs, options, fractional shares, and cryptocurrencies, making it an attractive choice for traders who prioritize simplicity. Recent upgrades include the launch of the Robinhood Legend, a new web-based platform catering to active traders, and features like 24/5 trading and IRA matching, which expand its appeal to long-term investors.
Despite these advancements, Robinhood still falls short for advanced investors due to its limited asset types, research tools, and order options.
What’s great about it?
What could be better?
Robinhood offers commission-free trading for:
For $6.99/month, Robinhood Gold provides:
Introduced in 2023, Robinhood allows trading for select stocks and ETFs around the clock, five days a week. This feature caters to users who prefer after-hours trading and global market alignment.
Security and Transparency
Robinhood is a member of the SIPC, offering protection up to $500,000 (including $250,000 for cash). The platform employs two-factor authentication and additional security protocols.
Transparency issues have arisen regarding payment for order flow (PFOF) and cryptocurrency markups, which may lead advanced investors to seek alternatives.
Comparison with Competitors
While Robinhood pioneered commission-free trading, platforms like Webull offer similar features with better charting tools, and Fidelity or Schwab excel in research, customer service, and account variety.
Robinhood remains a great option for new and mobile-first investors who value simplicity, low costs, and accessibility. However, those seeking advanced trading tools, powerful research, or a wider array of investment options may find better alternatives.
Best for: Comprehensive Services
Charles Schwab continues to be a leader in the brokerage space, catering to a diverse range of investors with its extensive investment options and platforms.
The integration of TD Ameritrade’s thinkorswim has solidified its appeal to advanced traders, while beginner-friendly features like no account minimums and rich educational resources make it a strong choice for new investors. Schwab’s ability to balance accessibility with advanced tools places it among the top brokerage platforms for 2025.
Account Minimum: $0
Fees: $0 commissions for stocks and ETFs; $0.65 per options contract
Key Features: thinkorswim platform, no-transaction-fee mutual funds, fractional shares through Stock Slices
Promotion: None available at this time.
Charles Schwab delivers a well-rounded offering that caters to all investor types, from beginners to professionals. Its combination of no-commission trading, powerful research tools, and the powerful thinkorswim platform makes it a top choice for 2025. While areas like fractional shares and cash yields could improve, Schwab’s overall value and versatility remain unmatched in the brokerage industry.
Best for: Long-Term Investing
Fidelity stands out as a top-tier brokerage platform with its extensive investment offerings, zero-commission trades, and powerful research tools. It’s suitable for investors across all experience levels, from beginners seeking educational resources to advanced traders leveraging sophisticated platforms like Active Trader Pro.
Fidelity's customer service, range of account types, and unique features like zero-expense-ratio mutual funds cement its place as one of the most well-rounded brokerages.
Account Minimum: $0
Fees: $0 commissions for stocks, ETFs, and options ($0.65 per options contract)
Key Features: Zero-expense-ratio mutual funds, fractional shares, advanced trading tools, and high-yield cash sweep accounts
Promotion: None currently available
Comparison with Competitors
Who Is Fidelity Best For?
Fidelity combines low costs, comprehensive investment options, and high-quality tools to serve a broad range of investors. While its margin rates and limited crypto offerings may deter some, Fidelity's zero-expense-ratio funds, fractional shares, and award-winning customer service make it a standout choice for long-term and active investors alike.
1. What should I look for in a brokerage platform as a beginner?
Beginners should focus on user-friendly platforms with low fees, educational resources, and diverse investment options like stocks and ETFs. Strong customer support is also important for quick assistance.
2. Are there any fees I need to watch out for?
Many platforms offer commission-free trading, but be aware of regulatory fees, margin costs, and account maintenance charges that may apply.
3. Which platform is best for small budgets?
Robinhood and Public.com are great for small budgets, as they have no account minimums and offer fractional shares, allowing you to invest with as little as $5.
4. How can I practice trading without losing money?
Platforms like Webull offer paper trading, allowing beginners to test trading strategies with virtual funds before committing real money.
5. Are these platforms safe to use?
Yes, all platforms listed are regulated and offer secure trading environments. Always enable additional security features like two-factor authentication for added protection.
Choosing the right brokerage platform is the first step in your investing journey. Each platform on this list offers unique features tailored to beginners, from simplified interfaces to educational resources and low-cost trading options. Whether you’re looking to start small or dive into active trading, there’s a platform here to help you build confidence and grow your portfolio. Take your time to explore these options and choose one that aligns with your financial goals and investing style.
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