INVESTING
WINNERS for 2021
Best Online Broker for Stock Trading Platform and Research
$0
per trade
$0
None
no promotion available at this time
Pros
- Commission-free stock and ETF trades.
- Free research.
- High-quality trading platforms.
- No account minimum.
- Good customer support.
- Large investment selection.
Cons
- No fractional shares.
Pros
- Commission-free stock and ETF trades.
- Free research.
- High-quality trading platforms.
- No account minimum.
- Good customer support.
- Large investment selection.
Cons
- No fractional shares.
$0
per trade
$0
None
no promotion available at this time
Pros
- Commission-free stock and ETF trades.
- Free research.
- High-quality trading platforms.
- No account minimum.
- Good customer support.
- Large investment selection.
Cons
- No fractional shares.
Pros
- Commission-free stock and ETF trades.
- Free research.
- High-quality trading platforms.
- No account minimum.
- Good customer support.
- Large investment selection.
Cons
- No fractional shares.
$0
per trade
$0
None
no promotion available at this time
Pros
- Commission-free stock and ETF trades.
- Free research.
- High-quality trading platforms.
- No account minimum.
- Good customer support.
- Large investment selection.
Cons
- No fractional shares.
Pros
- Commission-free stock and ETF trades.
- Free research.
- High-quality trading platforms.
- No account minimum.
- Good customer support.
- Large investment selection.
Cons
- No fractional shares.
Why this broker made the list
TD Ameritrade offers free access to research from over a dozen high-quality sources as well as a downloadable or web-based professional-level trading platform.
Read our methodologyBest Online Broker for Beginning Investors
$0
per trade for online U.S. stocks and ETFs
$0
None
no promotion available at this time
Pros
- Commission-free stock, options and ETF trades.
- Large selection of research providers.
- Strong customer service.
- Expense-ratio-free index funds.
- Highly rated mobile app.
- High interest rate on uninvested cash.
Cons
- Relatively high broker-assisted trade fee.
Pros
- Commission-free stock, options and ETF trades.
- Large selection of research providers.
- Strong customer service.
- Expense-ratio-free index funds.
- Highly rated mobile app.
- High interest rate on uninvested cash.
Cons
- Relatively high broker-assisted trade fee.
$0
per trade for online U.S. stocks and ETFs
$0
None
no promotion available at this time
Pros
- Commission-free stock, options and ETF trades.
- Large selection of research providers.
- Strong customer service.
- Expense-ratio-free index funds.
- Highly rated mobile app.
- High interest rate on uninvested cash.
Cons
- Relatively high broker-assisted trade fee.
Pros
- Commission-free stock, options and ETF trades.
- Large selection of research providers.
- Strong customer service.
- Expense-ratio-free index funds.
- Highly rated mobile app.
- High interest rate on uninvested cash.
Cons
- Relatively high broker-assisted trade fee.
$0
per trade for online U.S. stocks and ETFs
$0
None
no promotion available at this time
Pros
- Commission-free stock, options and ETF trades.
- Large selection of research providers.
- Strong customer service.
- Expense-ratio-free index funds.
- Highly rated mobile app.
- High interest rate on uninvested cash.
Cons
- Relatively high broker-assisted trade fee.
Pros
- Commission-free stock, options and ETF trades.
- Large selection of research providers.
- Strong customer service.
- Expense-ratio-free index funds.
- Highly rated mobile app.
- High interest rate on uninvested cash.
Cons
- Relatively high broker-assisted trade fee.
Why this Broker made the list
Fidelity offers $0 trading commissions, more than 3,500 no-transaction-fee mutual funds, and earns high marks for customer service and investor education.
Read our methodologyBest App for Investing
$0
per trade for online U.S. stocks and ETFs
$0
None
no promotion available at this time
Pros
- Commission-free stock, options and ETF trades.
- Large selection of research providers.
- Strong customer service.
- Expense-ratio-free index funds.
- Highly rated mobile app.
- High interest rate on uninvested cash.
Cons
- Relatively high broker-assisted trade fee.
Pros
- Commission-free stock, options and ETF trades.
- Large selection of research providers.
- Strong customer service.
- Expense-ratio-free index funds.
- Highly rated mobile app.
- High interest rate on uninvested cash.
Cons
- Relatively high broker-assisted trade fee.
$0
per trade for online U.S. stocks and ETFs
$0
None
no promotion available at this time
Pros
- Commission-free stock, options and ETF trades.
- Large selection of research providers.
- Strong customer service.
- Expense-ratio-free index funds.
- Highly rated mobile app.
- High interest rate on uninvested cash.
Cons
- Relatively high broker-assisted trade fee.
Pros
- Commission-free stock, options and ETF trades.
- Large selection of research providers.
- Strong customer service.
- Expense-ratio-free index funds.
- Highly rated mobile app.
- High interest rate on uninvested cash.
Cons
- Relatively high broker-assisted trade fee.
$0
per trade for online U.S. stocks and ETFs
$0
None
no promotion available at this time
Pros
- Commission-free stock, options and ETF trades.
- Large selection of research providers.
- Strong customer service.
- Expense-ratio-free index funds.
- Highly rated mobile app.
- High interest rate on uninvested cash.
Cons
- Relatively high broker-assisted trade fee.
Pros
- Commission-free stock, options and ETF trades.
- Large selection of research providers.
- Strong customer service.
- Expense-ratio-free index funds.
- Highly rated mobile app.
- High interest rate on uninvested cash.
Cons
- Relatively high broker-assisted trade fee.
Why this Broker made the list
Aside from an all-star lineup of trading tools and investment research, Fidelity’s mobile apps have the highest average user rating of companies we reviewed.
Read our methodologyBest Robo-Advisor for Low-Cost Investing
on Vanguard's website
on Vanguard's website
0.15%
per year (approximately)
$3,000
No advisory fees
your first 90 days of Vanguard Digital Advisor investment management (Enrollment requires a Vanguard account with a minimum of $3,000)
Pros
- Access to Vanguard’s investing expertise and ETFs.
- Low portfolio management fee.
- Low investment expense ratios.
Cons
- Limited portfolio options and customization.
- $3,000 account minimum.
Pros
- Access to Vanguard’s investing expertise and ETFs.
- Low portfolio management fee.
- Low investment expense ratios.
Cons
- Limited portfolio options and customization.
- $3,000 account minimum.
0.15%
per year (approximately)
$3,000
No advisory fees
your first 90 days of Vanguard Digital Advisor investment management (Enrollment requires a Vanguard account with a minimum of $3,000)
Pros
- Access to Vanguard’s investing expertise and ETFs.
- Low portfolio management fee.
- Low investment expense ratios.
Cons
- Limited portfolio options and customization.
- $3,000 account minimum.
Pros
- Access to Vanguard’s investing expertise and ETFs.
- Low portfolio management fee.
- Low investment expense ratios.
Cons
- Limited portfolio options and customization.
- $3,000 account minimum.
0.15%
per year (approximately)
$3,000
No advisory fees
your first 90 days of Vanguard Digital Advisor investment management (Enrollment requires a Vanguard account with a minimum of $3,000)
Pros
- Access to Vanguard’s investing expertise and ETFs.
- Low portfolio management fee.
- Low investment expense ratios.
Cons
- Limited portfolio options and customization.
- $3,000 account minimum.
Pros
- Access to Vanguard’s investing expertise and ETFs.
- Low portfolio management fee.
- Low investment expense ratios.
Cons
- Limited portfolio options and customization.
- $3,000 account minimum.
Why this Robo-advisor made the list
Vanguard Digital Advisor is an affordable way to invest for retirement with low management fees, low investment expense ratios and no additional account fees.
Read our methodologyBest Robo-Advisor for Cash Management
0.24%
management fee
$500
None
no promotion available at this time
Pros
- Low portfolio management fee.
- Customizable portfolios.
- Goal-based financial planning tools.
Cons
- Limited account selection.
- $500 account minimum.
Pros
- Low portfolio management fee.
- Customizable portfolios.
- Goal-based financial planning tools.
Cons
- Limited account selection.
- $500 account minimum.
0.24%
management fee
$500
None
no promotion available at this time
Pros
- Low portfolio management fee.
- Customizable portfolios.
- Goal-based financial planning tools.
Cons
- Limited account selection.
- $500 account minimum.
Pros
- Low portfolio management fee.
- Customizable portfolios.
- Goal-based financial planning tools.
Cons
- Limited account selection.
- $500 account minimum.
0.24%
management fee
$500
None
no promotion available at this time
Pros
- Low portfolio management fee.
- Customizable portfolios.
- Goal-based financial planning tools.
Cons
- Limited account selection.
- $500 account minimum.
Pros
- Low portfolio management fee.
- Customizable portfolios.
- Goal-based financial planning tools.
Cons
- Limited account selection.
- $500 account minimum.
Why this Robo-advisor made the list
Axos Invest offers goal-based investing with an impressive amount of personalization. Its affiliate company, Axos Bank, offered the highest APY in our analysis.
Read our methodologyBest Online Broker for IRA Investing
on Charles Schwab's website
on Charles Schwab's website
$0
per online equity trade
$0
None
no promotion available at this time
Pros
- Commission-free stock, options and ETF trades.
- Four trading platforms with no minimums or fees.
- Above-average mobile app.
- Extensive research offerings.
- Large fund selection.
Cons
- Low interest rate on uninvested cash.
Pros
- Commission-free stock, options and ETF trades.
- Four trading platforms with no minimums or fees.
- Above-average mobile app.
- Extensive research offerings.
- Large fund selection.
Cons
- Low interest rate on uninvested cash.
$0
per online equity trade
$0
None
no promotion available at this time
Pros
- Commission-free stock, options and ETF trades.
- Four trading platforms with no minimums or fees.
- Above-average mobile app.
- Extensive research offerings.
- Large fund selection.
Cons
- Low interest rate on uninvested cash.
Pros
- Commission-free stock, options and ETF trades.
- Four trading platforms with no minimums or fees.
- Above-average mobile app.
- Extensive research offerings.
- Large fund selection.
Cons
- Low interest rate on uninvested cash.
$0
per online equity trade
$0
None
no promotion available at this time
Pros
- Commission-free stock, options and ETF trades.
- Four trading platforms with no minimums or fees.
- Above-average mobile app.
- Extensive research offerings.
- Large fund selection.
Cons
- Low interest rate on uninvested cash.
Pros
- Commission-free stock, options and ETF trades.
- Four trading platforms with no minimums or fees.
- Above-average mobile app.
- Extensive research offerings.
- Large fund selection.
Cons
- Low interest rate on uninvested cash.
Why this broker made the list
Schwab’s impressive suite of retirement planning tools and deep well of free research and data are packaged in an easy-to-use platform fit for anyone.
Read our methodologyBest Robo-Advisor for IRA Investing
on Ellevest's website
on Ellevest's website
$12
per month
$0
2 months free
with promo code "nerdwallet"
Pros
- Goal-focused investing approach.
- Portfolio mix that factors women’s needs.
- Members get discounted sessions with coaches and certified financial planners.
- No account minimum.
Cons
- No tax-loss harvesting.
- Some portfolios have minimum investment requirements.
Pros
- Goal-focused investing approach.
- Portfolio mix that factors women’s needs.
- Members get discounted sessions with coaches and certified financial planners.
- No account minimum.
Cons
- No tax-loss harvesting.
- Some portfolios have minimum investment requirements.
$12
per month
$0
2 months free
with promo code "nerdwallet"
Pros
- Goal-focused investing approach.
- Portfolio mix that factors women’s needs.
- Members get discounted sessions with coaches and certified financial planners.
- No account minimum.
Cons
- No tax-loss harvesting.
- Some portfolios have minimum investment requirements.
Pros
- Goal-focused investing approach.
- Portfolio mix that factors women’s needs.
- Members get discounted sessions with coaches and certified financial planners.
- No account minimum.
Cons
- No tax-loss harvesting.
- Some portfolios have minimum investment requirements.
$12
per month
$0
2 months free
with promo code "nerdwallet"
Pros
- Goal-focused investing approach.
- Portfolio mix that factors women’s needs.
- Members get discounted sessions with coaches and certified financial planners.
- No account minimum.
Cons
- No tax-loss harvesting.
- Some portfolios have minimum investment requirements.
Pros
- Goal-focused investing approach.
- Portfolio mix that factors women’s needs.
- Members get discounted sessions with coaches and certified financial planners.
- No account minimum.
Cons
- No tax-loss harvesting.
- Some portfolios have minimum investment requirements.
Why this Broker made the list
Ellevest considers how external factors such as life span affect retirement investors, particularly women. The a la carte advisor access makes it a standout.
Read our methodologyBest Online Financial Advisor
on Betterment's website
on Betterment's website
0.40%
management fee
$100,000
None
no promotion available at this time
Pros
- Unlimited access to certified financial planners.
- Low management fee.
- Innovative savings and retirement planning tools.
Cons
- Clients don't receive a dedicated advisor.
- Advisors available by phone and email only.
- $100,000 investment minimum.
Pros
- Unlimited access to certified financial planners.
- Low management fee.
- Innovative savings and retirement planning tools.
Cons
- Clients don't receive a dedicated advisor.
- Advisors available by phone and email only.
- $100,000 investment minimum.
0.40%
management fee
$100,000
None
no promotion available at this time
Pros
- Unlimited access to certified financial planners.
- Low management fee.
- Innovative savings and retirement planning tools.
Cons
- Clients don't receive a dedicated advisor.
- Advisors available by phone and email only.
- $100,000 investment minimum.
Pros
- Unlimited access to certified financial planners.
- Low management fee.
- Innovative savings and retirement planning tools.
Cons
- Clients don't receive a dedicated advisor.
- Advisors available by phone and email only.
- $100,000 investment minimum.
0.40%
management fee
$100,000
None
no promotion available at this time
Pros
- Unlimited access to certified financial planners.
- Low management fee.
- Innovative savings and retirement planning tools.
Cons
- Clients don't receive a dedicated advisor.
- Advisors available by phone and email only.
- $100,000 investment minimum.
Pros
- Unlimited access to certified financial planners.
- Low management fee.
- Innovative savings and retirement planning tools.
Cons
- Clients don't receive a dedicated advisor.
- Advisors available by phone and email only.
- $100,000 investment minimum.
Why this online financial advisor made the list
Betterment Premium provides a well-rounded service with many features, including unlimited phone access to CFPs for a 0.40% fee and $100,000 account minimum.
Read our methodologyBest Robo-Advisor for Portfolio Options
0%
management fee
$5,000
None
no promotion available at this time
Pros
- No portfolio management fee.
- Wide ETF selection.
- Customizable portfolios.
Cons
- $5,000 account minimum.
- Portfolios hold a large cash allocation.
- Tax-loss harvesting only available on balances of $50,000 or more.
Pros
- No portfolio management fee.
- Wide ETF selection.
- Customizable portfolios.
Cons
- $5,000 account minimum.
- Portfolios hold a large cash allocation.
- Tax-loss harvesting only available on balances of $50,000 or more.
0%
management fee
$5,000
None
no promotion available at this time
Pros
- No portfolio management fee.
- Wide ETF selection.
- Customizable portfolios.
Cons
- $5,000 account minimum.
- Portfolios hold a large cash allocation.
- Tax-loss harvesting only available on balances of $50,000 or more.
Pros
- No portfolio management fee.
- Wide ETF selection.
- Customizable portfolios.
Cons
- $5,000 account minimum.
- Portfolios hold a large cash allocation.
- Tax-loss harvesting only available on balances of $50,000 or more.
0%
management fee
$5,000
None
no promotion available at this time
Pros
- No portfolio management fee.
- Wide ETF selection.
- Customizable portfolios.
Cons
- $5,000 account minimum.
- Portfolios hold a large cash allocation.
- Tax-loss harvesting only available on balances of $50,000 or more.
Pros
- No portfolio management fee.
- Wide ETF selection.
- Customizable portfolios.
Cons
- $5,000 account minimum.
- Portfolios hold a large cash allocation.
- Tax-loss harvesting only available on balances of $50,000 or more.
Why this Robo-advisor made the list
Schwab Intelligent Portfolios offers 81 portfolios, including Global, U.S. Focused and Income Focused portfolios. Clients can also exclude up to three ETFs.
Read our methodologyBest Real Estate Crowdfunding Investment Platform
on Fundrise's website
on Fundrise's website
1%
other fees may apply
$10
Advisory fee waiver
for 12 months
Pros
- $10 minimum investment.
- Open to nonaccredited investors.
- Easy-to-use website.
- IRA accounts available.
Cons
- Highly illiquid investments.
- Fees can be difficult to understand.
Pros
- $10 minimum investment.
- Open to nonaccredited investors.
- Easy-to-use website.
- IRA accounts available.
Cons
- Highly illiquid investments.
- Fees can be difficult to understand.
1%
other fees may apply
$10
Advisory fee waiver
for 12 months
Pros
- $10 minimum investment.
- Open to nonaccredited investors.
- Easy-to-use website.
- IRA accounts available.
Cons
- Highly illiquid investments.
- Fees can be difficult to understand.
Pros
- $10 minimum investment.
- Open to nonaccredited investors.
- Easy-to-use website.
- IRA accounts available.
Cons
- Highly illiquid investments.
- Fees can be difficult to understand.
1%
other fees may apply
$10
Advisory fee waiver
for 12 months
Pros
- $10 minimum investment.
- Open to nonaccredited investors.
- Easy-to-use website.
- IRA accounts available.
Cons
- Highly illiquid investments.
- Fees can be difficult to understand.
Pros
- $10 minimum investment.
- Open to nonaccredited investors.
- Easy-to-use website.
- IRA accounts available.
Cons
- Highly illiquid investments.
- Fees can be difficult to understand.
Why this real estate platform made the list
With Fundrise, nonaccredited investors can access private commercial and residential real estate deals with minimum investment tiers suitable for anyone.
Read our methodologyFrequently Asked Questions
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