03 / Investing Platforms
Put money to work long-term with a platform that fits your investing style.
The right investing platform can make it easier to build a portfolio, automate contributions, and invest toward long-term financial goals.
We compare investing platforms based on fees, minimums, investment choices, automation, tools, and overall flexibility so you can find an option that fits your experience and investing approach.
WealthEdge field guide
04 / Side-by-side
Not every investing platform works the same way. Some give you more control over individual investments, while others automate portfolio management or make it easier to build customized portfolios.
Comparison overview · Swipe horizontally to compare platforms →
| Compare | Fidelity | Betterment | M1 Finance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | All-around investing | Hands-off automated investing | Custom automated portfolios |
| Fee | $0 online stock/ETF trades | $5/month or 0.25%/yr | $3/month if requirements aren't met |
| Minimum to open | $0 | $0 | $100 |
| Investment style | Self-directed | Automated | Custom automated |
| Investment choices | Stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds & more | Managed portfolios | Stocks & ETFs |
| Automation | Available | Strong focus | Strong focus |
| Best suited for | Investors wanting flexibility | Hands-off investors | Investors wanting customized portfolios |
Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. A brokerage or investing platform provides access to investment products and tools, but your investment results depend on the securities you choose, market conditions, fees, time horizon and other factors.
Fees, minimums, investment options, and platform features can change. Verify current terms before opening an account.
05 / Closer look
Each platform takes a different approach. Here’s how Fidelity, Betterment, and M1 Finance stand apart when comparing the best online brokerage options.
Fidelity offers a broad range of investment choices, including stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, and more. Its brokerage account has no minimum to open, while online U.S. stock and ETF trades are commission-free.
Betterment is designed for investors who want portfolio management and automation without having to choose and manage every investment themselves. Its Digital investing service currently costs $5 per month or 0.25% annually depending on your balance and recurring deposits.
M1 lets investors build portfolios using its Pie system, set target allocations, and automate investing. Individual brokerage accounts currently require a $100 minimum to open. M1 may charge a $3 monthly platform fee for accounts that do not meet its fee-waiver requirements.
06 / Editorial view
Fidelity may be a good fit for investors who want control and a broad range of choices.
Betterment may be a good fit for hands-off investors who prefer automation.
M1 Finance may be a good fit for investors who want customized portfolios with automation.
07 / Quick decision
There is no single investing platform that is best for everyone. Your choice should depend on how much control you want, how comfortable you are choosing investments, and how much automation you prefer.
08 / What matters
Low fees are important, but they should not be the only thing you consider when comparing the best investment apps. A good investing platform should offer suitable investment choices, reasonable costs, useful tools, and features that match your investing goals and experience.
Look at trading costs, account fees, advisory fees, and other charges that could reduce your returns over time.
Consider whether the platform offers the stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, or other investments you may want.
Some platforms allow you to start with $0, while others require an initial deposit.
Automatic investing and portfolio management can make it easier to contribute consistently without managing every trade yourself.
Investors who want more control may benefit from research, educational resources, screeners, portfolio tools, and other investing features.
Consider whether you want to choose investments yourself, use a managed portfolio, or build a customized portfolio with automated investing.
09 / By need
Look for a platform with a broad selection of investments, strong research tools, and low trading costs.
Automated investing platforms can manage a portfolio based on your goals and risk preferences, making them useful for people who do not want to choose every investment themselves.
Look for platforms that allow you to choose your investments and target allocations while still providing automation.
If you are starting with a smaller balance, look for platforms with low or no account minimums and fractional investing options.
10 / Your checklist
Before opening an investing account, ask yourself:
The best investing platform is not necessarily the one with the lowest advertised fee. It is the one that provides the right combination of cost, flexibility, investment choices, and support for your approach.
Portfolio Plan · Long Term / 2026
Investment approach
Flexible control
11 / Method
Investing platforms can give you access to investment tools, automated portfolios, or self-directed investing without necessarily working with a traditional financial advisor.
A self-directed platform may give you more control, while an automated investing service can handle more of the portfolio management for you.
Consider the complete picture:
12 / Our method
An investing platform can look attractive because of its low fees or automation features, but the details matter.
Our goal is to help you understand the differences before choosing where to invest.
Research worksheet
13 / Questions
An investing platform is a service that allows you to open an investment account and buy, sell, or manage investments such as stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, or other securities.
There is no single best platform for everyone. Fidelity may suit investors who want broad investment choices and control, Betterment may appeal to people who prefer automated investing, and M1 Finance may suit investors who want customized portfolios with automation.
It depends on the platform and investment. Some platforms allow you to open an account with no minimum, while others require an initial deposit. Fidelity and Betterment currently have $0 account minimums, while M1 requires $100 to open an individual brokerage account.
Brokerage accounts can have protections such as SIPC coverage when provided by eligible member firms, but investment protection does not mean your investments cannot lose value. Always review the specific platform's protections and disclosures.
It depends on how involved you want to be. Automated investing can be useful if you prefer a hands-off approach, while self-directed investing gives you more control over individual investment decisions.
Not necessarily. Fees matter, but you should also consider investment choices, tools, automation, account features, and the level of support you need.
Yes. Some platforms support fractional investing, which can allow you to invest smaller dollar amounts instead of purchasing a full share. Fidelity, for example, currently allows eligible fractional investments starting at $1.
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