The best brokers for beginners combine low fees, comprehensive educational resources, and a wide range of investment options. Our evaluation focuses on trading platforms that are not only easy to use but also adapt as you develop your skills. For novice investors, the ideal broker goes beyond just facilitating trades; it should support your learning journey and growth.
Whether you’re interested in exploring stock trading or investing in long-term investment options like mutual funds, the brokers featured in this article offer a variety of solutions tailored to help you start and progress in your investment journey.
1. SoFi Active Investing: Best for Advisor Access
Fees: $0 per trade
Account Minimum: $0
Bonus: 1% bonus when you transfer your portfolio to SoFi Active Invest
Why Invest in SoFi Active Investing? SoFi Active Investing is perfect for beginners looking for comprehensive support. You can enjoy free stock, options, and ETF trades with a $0 minimum deposit. A standout feature of SoFi is its access to a financial advisor, which is rare among other platforms. This is especially valuable for new investors who may want expert guidance as they begin their investment journey.
Bonus & Promotion:
SoFi promotions offers a 1% bonus when you transfer your existing portfolio to their platform, providing an incentive to get started with the Best Brokers for Beginners.
Risks:
SoFi’s uninvested cash earns a low interest rate, which could affect your funds if left idle. Also, the platform may not offer as many advanced investment tools as others, so it may be limiting once you gain more experience.
Best For:
Beginners who want advisor access to guide them through the process with the Best Brokers for Beginners.
SoFi is offering an exciting $300 SoFi Checking Account Bonus in 2025, making it easier than ever to earn rewards while managing your finances.
2. Charles Schwab: Best for Paper Trading
Fees: $0 per online equity trade
Account Minimum: $0
Bonus: None
Why Invest in Charles Schwab? Charles Schwab’s paper trading platform is an incredible resource for beginners. It allows you to practice your trading skills without using real money. This is a fantastic feature for those who want to learn how trading works before committing to real investments. Charles Schwab also provides no-commission trades for stocks, ETFs, and options, with five different platforms to choose from.
Bonus & Promotion:
There are no current Charles Schwab promotions, but the features offered more than make up for this, especially the educational resources at this Best Brokers for Beginners.
Risks:
Like most brokers, Schwab offers low interest rates on uninvested cash, and its trading platform is better suited for more advanced traders once you gain experience.
Best For:
Those who want to practice trading with paper trading before using real money through the Best Brokers for Beginners.
Additionally, you will earn up to a $1,000 Charles Schwab referral bonus when you invite your friends to Join Charles Schwab 2025 using your unique referral code/link.
3. J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing: Best for In-Person Customer Support
Fees: $0 per trade
Account Minimum: $0
Bonus: Up to $700 when you open and fund a J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing account with qualifying new money.
Why Invest in J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing? J.P. Morgan provides outstanding customer service, including in-person support at Chase branches. This is a huge benefit for beginners who want face-to-face interaction for investment advice. The platform also has a User-friendly interface and offers commission-free trades for stocks, options, and ETFs.
Bonus & Promotion:
New investors can receive up to $700 when they open and fund a J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing account with qualifying new money, making it an attractive option for newcomers looking for the Best Brokers for Beginners.
Risks:
The platform is somewhat basic for more experienced traders and lacks advanced tools or a large variety of investment products.
Best For:
Those who prefer in-person customer support and a straightforward investing experience with the Best Brokers for Beginners.
4. Vanguard: Best for Index Funds and ETFs
Fees: $0 per trade
Account Minimum: $0
Bonus: None
Why Invest in Vanguard? Vanguard is the go-to broker for low-cost index funds and ETFs, making it ideal for long-term, hands-off investors. Vanguard’s funds are well-established, cost-effective, and often receive high ratings from third-party analysts. If you are looking to invest for retirement or passive growth, Vanguard is an excellent choice for beginners seeking the Best Brokers for Beginners.
Bonus & Promotion:
Vanguard does not offer a current promotion, but its low-cost mutual funds and ETFs provide substantial long-term value, especially for the Best Brokers for Beginners.
Risks:
The platform is relatively basic for beginners, with limited educational resources compared to other brokers.
Best For:
Investors interested in index funds and ETFs for long-term, low-cost investing with the Best Brokers for Beginners.
5. Robinhood: Best for a Seamless Platform
Fees: $0 per trade
Account Minimum: $0
Bonus: 1 Free Stock after linking your bank account (stock value range $5.00-$200)
Why Invest in Robinhood? Robinhood offers a seamless, easy-to-use platform for beginners who want to dive into stock trading. With commission-free trades for stocks, options, ETFs, and even cryptocurrencies, Robinhood makes it incredibly easy to get started without worrying about fees. Plus, the 1 free stock promotion is a nice perk for new users.
Bonus & Promotion:
Robinhood promotions offers a free stock (valued between $5-$200) when you link your bank account, giving beginners an immediate incentive to start trading with the Best Brokers for Beginners.
Risks:
While Robinhood offers great accessibility, it has limited educational resources, and advanced investors might find the platform too simplistic for their needs.
Best For:
Those who want a seamless, user-friendly platform to start trading immediately with the Best Brokers for Beginners.
6. Fidelity: Best for Beginners Overall
Fees: $0 per trade for online U.S. stocks and ETFs
Account Minimum: $0
Bonus: None
Why Invest in Fidelity? Fidelity stands out as the best for beginners overall, offering commission-free trades and an intuitive platform. The broker excels in educational content, helping new investors learn as they go. Fidelity also provides a wide variety of investment options, from stocks and ETFs to retirement accounts, making it perfect for anyone looking to build a diversified portfolio with the Best Brokers for Beginners.
Bonus & Promotion:
Currently there are no Fidelity promotions, but the robust tools and educational resources more than make up for this, making it the Best Brokers for Beginners.
Risks:
Fidelity’s platform can be overwhelming for true beginners, but it’s an excellent choice once you gain confidence in your investing skills.
Best For:
Beginners who sign up using the Fidelity promo code will receive a generous sign-up bonus. Additionally, if you’re looking for a comprehensive platform with educational tools and low fees, consider the best brokers for beginners.
7. M1 Finance: Best for Easy Allocation
Fees: $0
Account Minimum: $100
Bonus: Up to $500 when you make a deposit
Why Invest in M1 Finance? M1 Finance simplifies investing by allowing you to visualize your portfolio as a pie chart made up of different investment “slices.” This approach is perfect for beginners who want an easy-to-manage portfolio without dealing with complex trading strategies. M1’s dynamic rebalancing feature helps you maintain the right balance as your investments grow.
Bonus & Promotion:
M1 promotions offers up to $500 when you sign up and make a deposit, giving you a solid start in your investment journey with the Best Brokers for Beginners.
Risks:
The platform has limited educational content and no options trading, which could be a barrier for those who want to dive into more complex investing down the line.
Best For:
Those who want a visual, easy allocation approach to investing with the Best Brokers for Beginners.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced investor, the right investment app can help you manage your portfolio with low fees, educational resources, and ease of access.
Conclusion
The 7 Best Brokers for Beginners in 2025 each bring something unique to the table, whether it’s advisor access, paper trading, or an easy-to-use platform. As a beginner investor, it’s important to select a broker that suits your needs and learning style. While all of these options have low fees and provide excellent resources, make sure to consider their bonuses, investment types, and risks before making a decision.
Whether you choose SoFi Active Investing, Charles Schwab, or any of the other top picks, you’ll have the opportunity to build your investment skills with safe, free investment choices. Start your investment journey today and let these Best Brokers for Beginners help you grow your wealth over time.