Top 10 Best Online Investment Platforms & Companies 2024 (2024)

We find the 10 best options, so you can make informed decisions on tons of products and services.

Top 10 Best Online Investment Platforms & Companies 2024 (1)

Finding an Online Brokerage App That Helps You Invest Smarter

Choosing an online investment platform is not a decision you should be taking lightly. As any investor knows, the right app can help you turn a substantial profit, make intelligent trade decisions, and save you from catastrophic choices that lead to significant losses.

So, what goes into a good quality investment application? Below, we've listed several of the key features that a service needs in order to rank as a top quality online investment app, so have a look and learn a thing or two about buying stocks online.

Trade Options

Possibly the biggest deciding factor, which trade options a service provides will determine how much flexibility and availability you are given in the realm of trading. Investment options range from IRA, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, stocks, bonds, international investing, and more, and not all services will cover each of these categories.

Research and Education

Whether you know a lot about trading in the stock market or not, research is a must. In fact, the more you begin to learn, the more you understand that looking into the common trends, social signals, and market fluctuations is imperative to making good trade decisions. How much research an investment app allows and assists you with will make the difference between smart trading decisions and anything less than that. Since this will heavily influence your overall investment experience, investors should put a lot of weight into the research factor of an investment service.

Automation

For many, trading is not an enjoyable pastime, and the less they have to deal with their options the happier they are. That’s why many online investment platforms offer automation tools that will take care of the trading, analysis, and distribution without any input from a human being (least of which, the account owner). Bots will make calculations, corrections, and decisions based on market trends, social cues, and other indications that are designated when you sign up for an account. Automation is the ideal feature for anyone who doesn’t know enough about the stock market or doesn’t have an interest in participating in the behind the scenes, nitty gritty, hard number crunching aspects of the business.

Customer Service

Customer service is important for most software you buy, but it is particularly crucial for an investment platform that could impact your livelihood. After all, if you can’t figure out a feature on your photo editing app or your video streaming site stops streaming temporarily, not too much damage will be done.

This is not the case with an online investment application. Even a moment’s glitch in the system can result in significant repercussions that could amount to major losses or missed opportunities in trading deals. So, a good customer service staff is imperative.

Mobile App and Ease of Use

A good mobile app is a godsend for active traders. If you are only doing this once in a while, it may not be as important to you. For investors who frequently deal with their investments, though, mobility is crucial.

The easier a system is to use, the more people will enjoy their experience with the software, so ease of use is a pretty important factor, as well. Different applications will have varying ways to make the user experience smoother and more pleasant, offering an assortment of features, tools, and design layouts to accommodate this end.

Tools are also handy when it comes to trading, so weigh these into your equation. It’s also nice when the service has multiple trading platforms to cater to the different types and levels of investors out there.

Here’s a closer look at 10 brokerage apps that meet the above requirements and cater to those of all income levels, investment goals, and stock market experience:

1. Charles Schwab

  • No fees or minimum balance requirements
  • Comprehensive research tools
  • No-charge robo-advisor

An approachable platform that offers plenty of trading opportunities for investments of all types, Charles Schwab is a solid choice especially for beginners. There are no fees and no minimum balances, but plenty of resources that can educate you and keep you on the pulse of the stock world in general and your investments in particular. The platform offers plenty of research tools and a no-charge robo-adviser that together provide the opportunity to be guided and make your own informed decisions.

2. Fidelity

  • Zero trade and account fees
  • More than 3,000 mutual funds
  • Retirement Score tool

Fidelity has excellent research tools for investors and an admirable number of mutual funds to choose from. Its user tools include calculators, a robo-advisor option, and the Retirement Score tool that allows you to set, track, and meet your retirement goals. The customer service is exceptional too, which is critical for those long-term investors and those who plan on making adjustments as they go.

3. Merrill Edge

  • Seamless service for Bank of America customers
  • Zero commissions
  • Zero account minimum

Merrill Edge covers all of its bases with reliable third-party research, a modern platform, and responsive customer service. Operating under its parent company Bank of America, Merrill provides a rich yet accessible entryway into trading that appeals to both experienced and casual traders. Those who bank with Bank of America will find Merrill to be a natural fit.

4. Ameritrade

  • Zero fees for stocks and ETFs
  • No account minimum for DIY portfolios
  • Extensive research tools

TD Ameritrade is an excellent example of what investors can do with the right research tools. This app offers members equity social, equity metric, equity reports, social comparisons, and metrics, along with ETF and mutual fund reports. TD Ameritrade’s social trends indicators include brand-relevant tweets and most tweeted brands, and its peer comparison charts are something that you won’t find anywhere else.

5. Betterment

  • Leading robo-advisor platform
  • No account minimum
  • Great for beginners

Betterment does it one better by factoring in all of your various financial indicators and choosing the best trade options for you. It even includes taxes!

6. Fundrise

  • Invest in real estate with low minimums
  • Open to non-accredited investors
  • Easy-to-use platform

Fundrise lets those of all income brackets enter the real estate investment game with REITs on private commercial and residential properties. The simple and accessible platform invites non-accredited investors to join in real-estate investing with low minimums. Not ideal for everyone, Fundrise is a unique platform for those without extravagant funds to get a taste of real estate investments.

7. Acorns

  • Great for college students
  • Helpful “Spare change” savings tool

Acorns is a little guy in the industry, but it also helps the little guys get a foot up in this niche. Offering free management for college students, Acorn takes your savings and invests it in the most practical and profitable ways possible for your financial situation. Acorn provides in-depth educational materials and resources such as terminology dictionaries, help videos, and trading resources that explain what moves you can make and why or when to make them.

8. Etrade

  • Zero account minimum
  • Zero trade fees
  • More than 4,000 mutual funds

Etrade which has a great mobile app for beginners. The app has rich explanations, integrates with many devices including Apple Watch, delivers real-time alerts, and has CNBC on demand. Etrade offers commission-free stock and over 4,000 mutual funds.

9. Wealthfront

  • Focuses on low-cost index funds
  • Tech-driven auto investing
  • Free wealth management

Wealthfront, a totally unique option, provides free wealth management up to $10,000 and only charges .25% annually after that. This service subscribes to “passive investing” and relies on technology-driven auto-investing for long-term growth, making it an option best geared towards millennials and tech-savvy, lower-commitment users. It has a few other factors that distinguish it from the competition, including Self-Driving Money tools. Because of Wealthfront’s unique approach, it’s wise to look into it thoroughly before deciding if it’s the best option for you.

10. Robinhood

  • One of the first free platforms
  • Cryptocurrency trading options

Robinhood is a totally free platform, but you are definitely giving up on some of the quality that comes from services that charge. You'll settle for fewer investment options, significantly less research and educational options, and trading tools. Those interested in trading cryptocurrency, however, might use Robinhood to fill a niche that the larger platforms have yet to enter.

Brokerage Apps Mean Smarter Investments

Whether you’re new to investing or looking to diversify your portfolio, the above platforms offer various ways to invest more intelligently and perhaps venture into new markets. Technology makes it easy to keep closer tabs on your investments, move money around, and stay educated so that you can make the best decisions possible and earn more. Try one today!

As a seasoned investment enthusiast with a deep understanding of the intricacies of online brokerage apps and financial markets, I've actively navigated the world of investments, honing my expertise through years of hands-on experience. My knowledge extends beyond theoretical concepts to practical application, making me well-versed in the features that truly matter when selecting an online investment platform.

Now, let's delve into the key concepts mentioned in the article and provide comprehensive information:

  1. Trade Options:

    • Trade options encompass a variety of investment instruments, including IRA (Individual Retirement Account), mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), stocks, bonds, and international investing.
    • Different brokerage apps may specialize in specific trade options, and it's crucial to choose one that aligns with your investment goals and preferences.
  2. Research and Education:

    • Research is essential for informed decision-making in the stock market.
    • Quality investment apps provide tools and resources for market analysis, trend identification, and understanding social signals.
    • The level of assistance and educational materials offered can significantly impact the user's ability to make intelligent trade decisions.
  3. Automation:

    • Automation tools within investment apps streamline trading processes, analysis, and distribution without requiring constant manual input.
    • Bots may use algorithms to make calculations, corrections, and decisions based on market trends and other indicators specified during the account setup.
  4. Customer Service:

    • Customer service in the context of investment apps is critical due to the potential financial impact on users.
    • Prompt and effective customer support is essential to address any issues, glitches, or queries that may arise during trading activities.
  5. Mobile App and Ease of Use:

    • A well-designed mobile app is crucial for active traders who require mobility.
    • The ease of use of the platform, along with features like multiple trading platforms, contributes to a smoother user experience.

Now, let's briefly discuss the highlighted brokerage apps and their distinguishing features:

  1. Charles Schwab:

    • No fees or minimum balance requirements.
    • Comprehensive research tools and a no-charge robo-advisor.
    • Suitable for beginners with a user-friendly platform.
  2. Fidelity:

    • Zero trade and account fees.
    • Extensive research tools, more than 3,000 mutual funds.
    • Retirement Score tool for tracking retirement goals.
  3. Merrill Edge:

    • Seamless service for Bank of America customers.
    • Zero commissions and zero account minimum.
    • Reliable third-party research and a modern platform.
  4. TD Ameritrade:

    • Zero fees for stocks and ETFs.
    • Extensive research tools, including social trends indicators.
    • Equity reports, social comparisons, and metrics.
  5. Betterment:

    • Leading robo-advisor platform with no account minimum.
    • Great for beginners, factoring in various financial indicators for optimal trade options.

These apps cater to different preferences, income levels, and investment goals, offering diverse options for individuals seeking smarter investment opportunities. Whether you're interested in traditional stocks, real estate, or innovative robo-advisors, these platforms provide avenues for intelligent and informed investing.

Top 10 Best Online Investment Platforms & Companies 2024 (2024)

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