Introduction
Looking for investing apps for beginners that won’t make your head spin? You’re in the right place. Thinking about investing can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be scary or confusing. Whether you’re brand new to finance or just dipping your toes into the investing world, we’re here to help you begin with confidence.
Thanks to the rise of technology, you no longer need a financial advisor or a large bank account to get started. These apps offer accessible, user-friendly tools that make it easier than ever to start growing your money.
Let’s break it all down in true FundFern style: clear, beginner-friendly, and totally judgment-free. Pajamas and coffee encouraged.
1. Why Use an Investing App to Get Started?
Investing used to require suits, stockbrokers, and a good chunk of cash. But now? All you need is a smartphone and a few spare dollars. Here’s why investing apps are the perfect way to start:
- Convenience: Apps let you start investing anywhere, anytime—even in line at the grocery store.
- Low Minimums: Many apps let you invest with as little as $5.
- Beginner Tools: Some offer educational resources, quizzes, and risk assessments.
- Automatic Investing: Set it and forget it—perfect for busy lives.
So if you’ve ever thought, “I want to start investing, but I don’t know how,” an app is your simplest on-ramp.
2. What to Look for in Beginner-Friendly Investing Apps
Before you download the first app that pops up, take a beat. Not all investing apps are created equal. Here are features that make a huge difference when you’re just starting out:
- Simple, Clean Interface: You should feel calm and confident navigating it.
- Low or No Fees: Every dollar counts when you’re starting small.
- Fractional Shares: Invest in companies like Apple or Amazon with just a few dollars.
- Educational Content: Some apps double as mini finance classrooms.
- Automatic Features: Like round-ups or scheduled deposits that build your portfolio while you live your life.
If it feels intuitive and supportive, you’re probably in the right place. If it makes you want to throw your phone—keep looking.
3. The Top 4 Investing Apps for Beginners (2025)
Here are our favorite beginner investing apps for 2025. Each one has something special to offer:
Acorns
- What it does: Rounds up your everyday purchases and invests the spare change.
- Why beginners like it: It’s super passive and perfect for people who want to start small.
- Pros: Automated investing, user-friendly interface, educational tips.
- Cons: Monthly fee for accounts under $1M.
SoFi Invest
- What it does: Lets you invest in stocks, ETFs, and crypto with zero commissions.
- Why beginners like it: Great mobile interface and educational resources.
- Pros: No commission fees, access to financial planners.
- Cons: Limited customization for advanced investors.
Fidelity Spire
- What it does: Designed to help users set financial goals and invest toward them.
- Why beginners like it: Encourages goal-based investing in a stress-free way.
- Pros: Trusted brand, user-centric design.
- Cons: Limited investing types compared to broader platforms.
M1 Finance
- What it does: Combines robo-investing with customization.
- Why beginners like it: Choose your own investments or let the app handle it.
- Pros: No commissions, flexible control.
- Cons: Slight learning curve.
4. What If You Only Have a Little Money to Start?
That’s perfectly okay. In fact, it’s expected. Most beginner investing apps support fractional investing and no minimum balance, which means you can invest $10 and still feel like a financial grown-up.
Don’t let small starting amounts hold you back—your future self will thank you for starting today.
Mini Story: Meet Sara
Sara is a 26-year-old teacher who downloaded Acorns after hearing about it on a podcast. She started with just $10 and enabled round-ups. Two years later, she had saved over $1,000 without even thinking about it. Small steps = big confidence.
5. Pair with a Budgeting Tool for Better Results
A strong budget sets the foundation for successful investing. FundFern’s Monthly Budget Calculator is a great place to begin.
Once you understand where your money goes, it’s easier to set aside consistent investing amounts. For more tips, check out:
- Best Budgeting Apps for Beginners: Start Small, Save Big
- Investing for Beginners: How to Grow Your Money with Confidence
6. Final Tips for First-Time Investors
- Start small, but start
- Consistency > timing
- Stick with it even when markets wiggle
- Learn as you go (you don’t need to be perfect)
Remember, investing isn’t a finish line—it’s a journey. You’re allowed to learn, grow, and make changes along the way. Bonus points if you do it in cozy socks.
Quick FAQs
Do I need a lot of money to start investing?
Nope! Many apps let you start with just $5 or even less thanks to fractional shares.
Can I lose money using investing apps?
Yes, investing always comes with risk. But using beginner-friendly apps with diverse ETFs can help reduce volatility.
Are these apps safe?
Most reputable apps are regulated, use encryption, and are insured through SIPC or FDIC (depending on the account type).
Should I invest or pay off debt first?
If your debt has high interest (like credit cards), prioritize that. But you can often do a bit of both with a budget.
Closing Words
Choosing the right investing app is your first step toward financial confidence. And no matter which one you go with, the most important part is this: you showed up. You took a step. And that’s more than most people ever do.
You’ve got this.
Now go forth and grow something amazing.