Trader TrainerChoose a Brokerage
Open an account with a beginner-friendly platform and start with a small investment.
When you're ready to start investing, choosing the right brokerage can make all the difference. A brokerage is your gateway to the financial markets — it's where you'll buy and sell stocks, ETFs, and other investments. But with so many options out there, how do you know which one is right for you?
What to Look for in a Beginner-Friendly Brokerage
1. Low or No Commission Fees
Most major platforms today offer zero commission on U.S. stock and ETF trades. But watch out for:
- Options contract fees (e.g., $0.65 per contract)
- Mutual fund transaction fees
- Inactivity or account maintenance fees
2. Easy-to-Use Interface
Look for apps and websites that are intuitive and beginner-friendly.
3. Educational Tools and Support
Good brokerages offer tutorials, market research, and sometimes paper trading so you can practice before investing real money.
4. Low Minimums
Some brokerages allow you to start with just $1, and support fractional shares so you can invest in big-name stocks with small amounts.
Popular Brokerages for Beginners
Robinhood
- Pros: $0 commission, sleek mobile app, fractional shares, crypto trading
- Cons: Limited tools, no mutual funds or retirement accounts, history of outages
Fidelity Investments
- Pros: Great education tools, full range of investments, $0 commissions
- Cons: Slightly complex for total beginners, app design not the most modern
Charles Schwab
- Pros: Commission-free trades, fractional shares, strong retirement options
- Cons: Less mobile-focused, interface can feel outdated
Webull
- Pros: $0 commissions, advanced charts, crypto available
- Cons: No mutual funds, limited fractional shares, steeper learning curve
SoFi Invest
- Pros: Clean interface, financial advice included, fractional shares
- Cons: Fewer investments, limited advanced tools
Final Tip: Start Small and Stay Curious
Once you choose your brokerage, start with a small amount — even $20 or $50 — just to get a feel for how the platform works. Learn how to place trades, read basic stock info, and grow your confidence.
Choosing a brokerage is important, but remember: your mindset, consistency, and willingness to learn are even more critical to long-term investing success.