Getting started with investing can feel confusing, especially when you’re unsure where to begin. You might have heard that some platforms charge fees every time you buy or sell a stock, which can eat into your profits. For beginners, these charges can be discouraging.
Fortunately, there’s good news, many modern platforms now offer commission-free trading, making it easier and more affordable for you to start investing without losing money to unnecessary fees.
What Commission Free Stock Trading Means
Commission free stock trading allows you to buy and sell stocks without paying a brokerage fee for each trade. In the past, these fees could range from a few dollars to much more, adding up quickly for frequent traders or beginners with smaller budgets. Now, you can invest more of your money directly into the market instead of paying it to your broker.
This change has made the stock market more accessible than ever, encouraging millions of new investors to take control of their finances. You can now focus on learning, experimenting, and building your investment portfolio without the burden of costly trading fees.
Right next to commission free stock trading, platforms like SoFi have taken extra steps to simplify the investing experience. They combine fee-free trading with educational tools, automatic investing features, and beginner-friendly apps that make it easy to understand how your money grows. These improvements help make the investment world more approachable for newcomers.
1. Robinhood
Robinhood was one of the first platforms to make commission-free investing popular. It’s known for its simple mobile app and quick setup process, which appeals to beginners. You can trade stocks, ETFs, and even cryptocurrencies without paying trading fees. Its clean design and real-time data make it easy to get started, though it’s best suited for those who prefer self-directed investing.
2. Webull
Webull is ideal for beginners who want more advanced tools as they grow. It offers free trading on stocks, ETFs, and options while providing detailed charts and analysis features. Even though it feels a bit more technical, it’s still beginner-friendly and doesn’t charge hidden fees.
3. Fidelity
Fidelity combines commission-free trading with excellent research tools and strong customer service. It’s a good choice if you want both accessibility and long-term support. The platform also offers fractional shares, so you can invest in expensive stocks with just a few dollars.
4. Charles Schwab
Charles Schwab is perfect for beginners who want a trusted, established brokerage. It provides commission-free trades, a wide range of educational resources, and helpful financial planning tools. It’s especially suitable for investors who plan to grow their accounts over time.
5. ETRADE
ETRADE offers a smooth transition from beginner to intermediate investing. Its intuitive interface, no trading fees, and wide selection of educational content make it a solid pick for anyone just getting started. The platform also includes retirement and savings options.
6. TD Ameritrade
TD Ameritrade offers commission-free trading along with powerful research and learning resources. Its thinkorswim platform is popular for advanced traders, but beginners can also start simple and access professional guidance whenever needed.
7. Public
The public focuses on community-driven investing. It offers commission-free trades and a social feed where you can learn from other investors. For beginners who want a more interactive experience, it provides a welcoming and educational environment to start building confidence.
