Investments

• Fees – $0 (checking) 0.25% (investing)
• Account Minimum – $500
• Retirement Account – Yes
• Fractional Stocks – No
• ETFs – Yes
• Bonds – Yes
• Debit Card – Yes
• Free ATM withdrawals – Yes (19,000 fee-free ATMs across the US)

Unique Selling Point:
For accounts larger than $100,000, Wealthfront offers a portfolio line of credit where you can take out a line of credit against your investments up to 30% of the current value of your account.

Who is this app for:
Wealthfront is an investment account aimed at those who want to be relatively hands-off and make their trading strategies based on balanced long term portfolio development. Wealthfront acts as a robo-advisor and gives you access to 11 tailored portfolios consisting of stock and bonds funds offering exposure to a diverse range of markets, as well as targetted energy and real estate funds. Wealthfront also offers tax-saving strategies including tax loss harvesting – an advanced tool which helps you automatically rebalance your portfolio in order to minimize your capital gains tax burden. Wealthfront also offers cash and bond-only investment options for those who are looking for low-risk growth.

Bonus points:
– Wealthfront offers a 529 college savings plan – a tax-free college savings investment account that allows you to make smart financial plans for your children’s future.
– Wealthfront users can set up a traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA), as well as a Roth IRA, and SEP IRAs. Wealthfront customers can also roll over their existing 401(k)s to Wealthfront IRAs.

Fintech Pros :
– With the Wealthfront, app you can manage your investment portfolio, checking account, portfolio line of credit and IRA all in one place.

Fintech Cons:
– None

• Fees – $0 (checking only) 0.25% (standard) 0.40% (premium)
• Account Minimum – $0
• Retirement Account – Yes
• Fractional Stocks – No
• ETFs – Yes
• Bonds – Yes
• Debit Card – Yes
• Free ATM withdrawals – Yes

Unique Selling Point:
Betterment is a robo-advisor which gives you access to 13 tailored portfolios consisting of stock and bonds funds offering exposure to a diverse range of markets, as well as “flexible portfolio customization”, where users can fine-tune the weighting of their specific portfolio holdings.

Who is this app for:
Betterment is an investment app aimed at those who want to be relatively hands-off and make their trading strategies based on balanced long term portfolio development. Betterment can help users set  an investing strategy for their personal financial goals,  recommending a stock-and-bond allocation based on your goal, and automatically adjusting your allocation to reduce risk over time. Betterment offers tax-saving strategies including tax loss harvesting – an advanced tool which helps you automatically rebalance your portfolio in order to minimize your capital gains tax burden. Betterment also offers cash and bond-only investment options for those who are looking for low-risk growth.

Bonus points:
– Betterment offers socially responsible and climate-focused ETF options which are good for both your portfolio and the planet.
– Betterment users can set up an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) in just a few taps with a tailored portfolio that’s right for them.

Fintech Pros :
– With the Betterment, app you can manage your investment portfolio, checking account, savings account and IRA all in one place.

Fintech Cons:
– None

• Fees – $0
• Account Minimum – $0
• Retirement Account – No
• Fractional Stocks – No
• ETFs – No
• Bonds – No
• Debit Card – No
• Free ATM withdrawals – N/A

Unique Selling Point:
With Twine, couples can set savings goals together, and reach them by  both contributing to a shared investment portfolio.

Who is this app for:
Twine is an investment app aimed at couples who are new to investing, and are looking for a simple way to save for things like  a vacation, a wedding or a home down payment. With  recurring deposits from your bank account, you can ‘set it and forget it’. Users chose from a number of different mutual funds based on each couples’ own risk tolerance. Each portfolio has been designed by top investment professionals and includes a diversified spectrum of equities and bonds. If  you’re looking to begin a short-medium term savings journey with your partner, where you’re both actively involved in the savings process, then Twine may be a good choice for you.

Bonus points:
– Along with it’s various investment options, Twine also offers a fee-free cash account within the app, giving users access to a FDIC-insured savings account that earns a competitive 1.05%  interest rate.

Fintech Pros :
– With the Twine app, you can automatically calculate how long it will take you to reach your savings goals based on your investment frequency.

Fintech Cons:
– The Twine app is currently not available on Android.

• Fees – $0
• Account Minimum – $0
• Retirement Account – No
• Fractional Stocks – Yes
• ETFs – Yes
• Bonds – No
• Debit Card – No
• Free ATM withdrawals – N/A

Unique Selling Point:
Public describes itself as an “investing social network” where members learn more about the stock market and investing by follow popular creators, and sharing ideas within a community of investors.

Who is this app for:
Public is an investment app aimed at those who are new to investing and are looking to grow their knowledge as well their investments. With a clear, simple interface, fractional shares, no minimum balance and no commission fess, beginners can start their investment journey with just $1, and slowly grow their portfolio over time as they learn more about the stock market and get insights and tips from fellow investors. Public users can also discover companies and ETFs through curated “Themes”, and ask questions to the community to help them gain insights into different businesses and industries. If you’re new to investing and want to start your long-term financial journey in a productive, social environment, while building confidence in portfolio development and risk management, then Public could be a good place to begin.

Bonus points:
– Public users can follow experienced investors and famous entrepreneurs in the app, and discover what shares are in their portfolios, and why.

Fintech Pros :
– With the Public app, you can start or join group chats to discuss your stock picks where you can tag the ticker symbol to pull up a real-time chart.

Fintech Cons:
– Public works only through the app, and doesn’t offer a browser-based web portal.

• Fees – $0
• Retirement Account – No
• Fractional Stocks – No
• ETFs – Yes
• Bonds – No
• Debit Card – No 
• Free ATM withdrawals – N/A

Unique Selling Point:
One thing that sets Webull apart is the level of technical analysis, charting and insight tools available to users. Users can access Level 2 Advance market data (Nasdaq TotalView), option probability calculators as well as customized charting tools and an in-depth stock screener.

Who is this app for:
Webull is an investment app aimed at moderate to advanced investors who like to have control over their portfolio and have hands-on access to in depth tools, data and charts. While some investment apps focus on select pre-packaged investment products, Webull allows users to buy and sell individual stocks, ETFs, options and cryptos, as well as trade on leverage. In addition to it’s advanced trading tools, Webull also offers retirement accounts – Traditional, Roth and Roll Over IRAs, which can be funded through annual contributions, roll-over and direct roll over contributions, or a transfer from trustee to trustee. For those that have have more advanced knowledge of the finance and investment world and want to actively manage their stock portfolio, with access to advanced research tools, high-level charts and calculators as well as access to 24/7 customer service, then Webull is a strong choice.

Bonus points:
– Webull supports full extended hours trading, including full pre-market (4:00 AM – 9:30 AM ET) and after hours (4:00 PM – 8:00 PM ET) sessions

Fintech Pros :
– With paper trading, level 2 data, stock screeners and advanced charting parameters, Webull offers users the ability to always be in an excellent position to follow the market and execute advanced trades with confidence

Fintech Cons:
– Unlike many other brokers, Webull does not offer fractional shares.

• Fees – 0.5%
• Account Minimum – $500
• Retirement Account – Yes
• Fractional Stocks – No
• ETFs – No
• Bonds – No
• Debit Card – No
• Free ATM withdrawals – N/A

Unique Selling Point:
Round gives you access to custom tailored portfolios consisting of actively managed funds from some of the biggest names in investment. With an account minimum of just $500, Round brings the complexity and diversity of actively managed funds usually only available to those with much more money.

Who is this app for:
Round is an investment app aimed at those who want to be hands-off and leave the trading strategies to the professionals. Round determines your investment goals and your level of risk by asking you a few short questions, and then sets you up with a custom portfolio with your money invested in some of the world’s top actively-managed funds. Round can also give users exposure to more than just generic stocks and bonds, allowing for your money to be invested in alternative asset classes such as private equity, asset-backed securities and collateralized loan obligations.

Bonus points:
– While there is an annual 0.5% management fee, if your portfolio loses money on any given month, the fee is waived. You only pay a management fee when you’ve actually made money.
– Round users can set up an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) in just a few taps with a tailored portfolio that’s right for them.

Fintech Pros :
– With the Round iOS app you can manage your portfolio on the go, and talk with a Round professional directly through it’s in-app messaging feature.

Fintech Cons:
– Round does not currently offer an Android app.

• Fees – Choose your own fee/$15 per month (Aspiration Plus)
• Retirement Account – Yes
• Fractional Stocks – No
• ETFs – No
• Bonds – No
• Debit Card – Yes
• Free ATM withdrawals – Yes (55,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide)

Unique Selling Point:
Aspiration’s investment option – the Redwood Fund uses a rigorous analysis of companies’ sustainable environmental, workplace, and governance practices to find companies that act responsibly toward their customers, their community, their employees and the planet.

Who is this app for:
Aspiration is a banking and investment app aimed at those who want to manage their money, invest and save for the future, while keeping the environment sustainability and charity close to mind. Aspiration tracks your debit card spending for social impact, and gives you your own Sustainability Score”, allowing you to see the impact that you’re making on the planet. Aspiration also offers additional planet-friendly features like allowing you to fund tree planting with your spare change. You can also easily set up automated giving a feature that donates a portion of your investments to one of seven pre-vetted causes. Additionally, Aspiration themselves donate 10% of their earnings to charity. If you’re someone who is passionate about the environment, charitable causes and sustainability, and you’re looking for a multi-purpose fintech solution for money management and investment, then Aspiration may be for you.

Bonus points:
– With Aspiration’s Redwood IRA, users can set up an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) in just a few taps with a sustainable portfolio that’s good for them, and good for the planet.

Fintech Pros :
– With Aspiration’s “Planet Protection” feature, you can automatically offset all of the carbon emissions of the gas that you pay for with your Aspiration debit card.

Fintech Cons:
– None

• Fees – $0
• Account Minimum – $0 ($100 to begin trading)
• Retirement Account – Yes
• Fractional Stocks – Yes
• ETFs – Yes
• Bonds – Yes
• Debit Card – Yes
• Free ATM withdrawals – Yes (1 per month)

Unique Selling Point:
With M1 Finance’s ‘pie’ based asset visualization, users can easily create their ideal asset allocation of shares and ETFs as different sized ‘slices’. Once you’re done, just fund your pie, and money automatically flows into your investments to align with your target asset allocation.

Who is this app for:
M1 Finance is an investment app aimed at those who are relatively new to investing. It offers both fee-free trading of stocks and ETFs, as well as acting as a robo-advisor – where your portfolio is managed automatically by advanced trading algorithms. Users can easily jump into the stock market and take a hands on approach with some of their money, while also keeping a more diversified longer-term approach with professionally designed ‘pies’ crafted to meet particular goals that are aligned with their risk tolerance. If you’re someone who wants to build a solid long term investment base, while also having the freedom to take a hands on investment approach from time-to-time, M1 Finance may be a good investment platform for you.

Bonus points:
– Along with it’s various investment options, M1 Finance also gives users access to M1 Spend –  a cash-management account within the app, which features zero minimum balance and zero annual fees.
– With M1 Finance, users can set up an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) including Roth, and SEP IRAs, all within the app.
– M1 Finance also offers users access to credit with M1 Borrow, where users can use margin to access a portfolio line of credit and borrow up to 35% of their portfolio’s value, in less than 10 seconds.

Fintech Pros :
– With M1 Plus, you get access to “Smart Transfers”, allowing you to set a cash threshold in your M1 Spend account, with any amount above that getting transferred into your investments and savings in the order that you choose.

Fintech Cons:
– None

• Fees – $0
• Account Minimum – $0
• Retirement Account – Yes
• Fractional Stocks – Yes
• ETFs – Yes
• Bonds – No
• Debit Card – Yes
• Free ATM withdrawals – Yes

Unique Selling Point:
With SoFi’s wide range of financial products, SoFi customers can manage their investments, retirement accounts, spending, loans, credit score and more all in one place.

Who is this app for:
If you’re someone who wants an all-in-one investment platform, with access to a variety of both manual and automated investment products, SoFi Invest may be for you. With access to fractional stocks starting from $1 and zero fees on trades, SoFi is a great option for those new to investing and looking to build their portfolio for the first time. For those who are already SoFi customers, SoFi Invest integrates seamlessly with your existing account, allowing you to manage all of your spending, loans and investments in one place. Founded in 2011 SoFi has quickly become one of the biggest consumer finance companies in the US.

Bonus points:
– SoFi members get access to exclusive benefits such as career coaching, financial planning and exclusive experiences.
– SoFi Invest users can set up an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) in just a few taps with a tailored portfolio that’s right for them.

Fintech Pros :
– With the SoFi app, you can manage your investments alongside your SoFi cash management, credit card, insurance, loans and credit score.

Fintech Cons:
– None

• Fees – $1 – $9 /month depending on plan
• Retirement Account – Yes
• Fractional Stocks – No
• ETFs – No
• Bonds – No
• Debit Card – Yes (55,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide)
• Free ATM withdrawals – Yes

Unique Selling Point:
With the Stash debit card and cash management account, Stash users can earn Stock-Back® rewards—pieces of stocks and funds that are added to their portfolio every time the use their card.

Who is this app for:
Stash is an investment app aimed at those who are relatively new to investing. With automatic round-ups on everyday purchases and automatic recurring deposits from your bank account, you can ‘set it and forget it’. With Smart-Stash, Stash uses smart analytics to help you increase your saving by analyzing your spending habits and earning patterns and saving your spare cash when and where you can afford it. 

Bonus points:
– Along with it’s various investment options, all Stash accounts also offer a checking account within the app, giving users features like recurring transfers, mobile check deposits and more.
– With Stash Growth and Stash+, users can set up an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) in just a few taps with a tailored portfolio that’s right for them.
– With Stash+, users can set up a tax-efficient (UTMA/UGMA) investment account for 2 of their kids, allowing you to prepare for their future with an account that grows along with them.

Fintech Pros :
– With the Stash app, you can manage your investments alongside your Stash cash management in one place.

Fintech Cons:
– None

• Fees – $1 – $5 /month depending on plan
• Account Minimum – $0
• Retirement Account – Yes
• Fractional Stocks – Yes
• ETFs – Yes
• Bonds – No
• Debit Card – Yes
• Free ATM withdrawals – Yes

Unique Selling Point:
Set aside the leftover change from everyday purchases by using automatic round-ups, which helps you to consistently build savings without having to think about it.

Who is this app for:
Acorns is an investment app aimed at those who are new to investing. With automatic round-ups on everyday purchases and automatic recurring deposits from your bank account, you can ‘set it and forget it’. Users chose one of 5 different investment portfolios based on each user’s own risk tolerance. Each portfolio has been designed by top investment professionals and includes a diversified spectrum of equities and bonds.

Bonus points:
– Along with it’s various investment options, Acorns also offers a full checking account within the app, giving users features like direct deposit, mobile check deposit, check sending and more.
– With Acorns Later, users can set up an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) in just a few taps with a tailored portfolio that’s right for them.
– With Acorns Early, users can set up a tax-efficient (UTMA/UGMA) investment account for each of their kids, allowing you to prepare for their future with an account that grows along with them.

Fintech Pros :
– With Found Money by Acorns, you can earn money from 350+ brands automatically by shopping using your Acorns  debit card, or by shopping online using the Acorns browser extension.

Fintech Cons:
– None

• Fees – $0
• Retirement Account – No
• Fractional Stocks – Yes
• ETFs – Yes
• Bonds – No
• Debit Card – Yes 
• Free ATM withdrawals – Yes (55,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide)

Unique Selling Point:
One thing that sets Robinhood apart is the level of access to all sorts of equities and financial instruments. Robinhood users can invest in stocks, ETFs, options and cryptocurrencies. Robinhood Gold users can also trade on margin and get access to research reports.

Who is this app for:
Robinhood is an investment app aimed at investors who like to have control over their portfolio and have hands-on access to many different financial products. While some investment apps focus on select pre-packaged investment products, Robinhood allows users to buy and sell individual stocks, ETFs and more whenever they want. For those that have have more advanced knowledge of the finance and investment world and want to actively manage their stock portfolio, Robinhood is a strong choice. Real-time trading, zero fees on trades, zero minimums and fractional shares allow users to buy and sell all of their favorite equities and funds staring with just $1.

Bonus points:
– Along with it’s various investment options, Robinhood also offers a cash management account within the app, allowing users to spend, pay bills, or withdraw their uninvested cash with the Robinhood debit card.

Fintech Pros :
– With Robinhood Gold, you can invest on margin giving you extra buying power and allowing to use leverage to potentially increase your gains.

Fintech Cons:
– None