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Last updatedMay 2024

Best Stock Trading Platforms of 2024

Streamline your trading with top-tier platforms

Find the best trading platforms to invest and secure your future. Compare the best online trading platforms, including the best trading platforms for beginners, to choose one that suits your needs.

1
Our Most Popular
sofi logo image
9.8
BestMoneyscore
Popularity
Based on visits in the past 7 days
10.0
Brand Reputation
Based on web trends
9.1
Features & Benefits
Based on our editorial reviews
10.0

SoFi

$0 Account Minimums
Build a diversified portfolio and start automated investing
Mobile App Available
No-commission stock, ETF, and IPO investing
Trade stocks, ETFs and 30 cryptocurrencies
Virtual assistant available 24/7
4.6 stars on Trustpilot, A+ BBB rating

Over 1,538 peoplevisited this site today

Visit Site
Chance to win cash when you fund a new account¹
Read Review
2
jp-morgan logo image
9.3
BestMoneyscore
Popularity
Based on visits in the past 7 days
9.0
Brand Reputation
Based on web trends
10.0
Features & Benefits
Based on our editorial reviews
9.2

J.P. Morgan

Build your portfolio & start trading with J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing
No minimum to open an account & start trading⁷
Unlimited commission-free online trades
Get up to $700 when opening a new account⁵
Read Review
3
acorns logo image
8.8
BestMoneyscore
Popularity
Based on visits in the past 7 days
8.6
Brand Reputation
Based on web trends
8.7
Features & Benefits
Based on our editorial reviews
9.2

Acorns

Easy and automated investing using your spare change
Invest spare change using Round-Ups
Diversified portfolio picked by experts
View your performance through the mobile app
Read Review
4
robinhood logo image
9.2
BestMoneyscore
Popularity
Based on visits in the past 7 days
8.8
Brand Reputation
Based on web trends
9.6
Features & Benefits
Based on our editorial reviews
9.4

Robinhood

Brokerage accounts designed as a convenient entry point for beginners
Start investing with as little as $1
Get an extra 3% match with Robinhood Gold
Customized portfolios with no commission fees
Read Review
5
zacks-trade logo image
8.4
BestMoneyscore
Popularity
Based on visits in the past 7 days
8.1
Brand Reputation
Based on web trends
8.3
Features & Benefits
Based on our editorial reviews
9.0

Zacks Trade

Low margin rates and free broker-assisted trades
Basic & advanced trading platforms and tools
Stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds & more
Customer service from licensed representatives
Read Review
6
stash logo image
8.6
BestMoneyscore
Popularity
Based on visits in the past 7 days
8.4
Brand Reputation
Based on web trends
8.8
Features & Benefits
Based on our editorial reviews
8.8

Stash

Investing app built to take your goals and risk level into account⁶
Get started with just $5 & receive a $25 bonus
Stocks, ETFs, and more
Investments tailored to what you care about
Read Review

6,495 people

visited a brokerage account this week

BestMoney Total Score
Our product scores consist of a combination of the following 3 components:
Popularity
BestMoney measures user engagement based on the number of clicks each listed brand received in the past 7 days. The number of clicks to each brand will be measured against other brands listed in the same query. Therefore, the higher the share of clicks a brand receives in any specific query, the higher the Click Trend Score. BestMoney accepts advertising compensation from companies, which impacts their (and/or their products’) position, and in some cases, may also affect their Click Trend Score.
Brand Reputation
Semrush is a trusted and comprehensive tool that offers insights about online visibility and performance. The BestMoney Total Score will consist of the brand's reputation from Semrush. The brand reputation is based on Semrush's analysis of clickstream data, which includes user behavior, search patterns, and engagement, to accurately measure each brand's prominence, credibility, and trustworthiness. If a brand does not have a Semrush score, the BestMoney Total Score will be based solely on the Click Trend Score and Products & Features Score (read below).
Features & benefits
BestMoney’s editorial team researches and reviews financial products based on factors such as: range of products and services offered, ease-of-use, online accessibility, customer service, special awards, and more. Each brand is then given a score based on the offerings in each parameter. The specific parameters which we use to evaluate the score of each product can be found on its review page, which is updated every 3 months. If the editorial team cannot locate information relevant to a brand's Products & Services Score, it will not be included in its calculation.
Inv Stock Brokers SB 25.3
SSL INV
Editorial Reviews
SoFi
SoFi
Read Review
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Read all articles

Our Most Popular for Investments 2024

Most Popular on BestMoney
sofi logo image
9.8
BestMoneyscore
Popularity
Based on visits in the past 7 days
10.0
Brand Reputation
Based on web trends
9.1
Features & Benefits
Based on our editorial reviews
10.0

SoFi

$0 Account Minimums
Build a diversified portfolio and start automated investing
Mobile App Available
No-commission stock, ETF, and IPO investing
Trade stocks, ETFs and 30 cryptocurrencies
Virtual assistant available 24/7
4.6 stars on Trustpilot, A+ BBB rating

Over 1,538 peoplevisited this site today

Visit Site
Chance to win cash when you fund a new account¹
Read Review

What is a Trading Platform?

A trading platform is a software application that allows investors and traders to place trades and monitor accounts through financial intermediaries. Often provided by brokerage firms free or at a cost, these platforms offer powerful tools for analyzing financial markets and executing trades. Online trading platforms, especially, have revolutionized how individuals engage with financial markets, providing real-time trading capabilities at their fingertips.

Types of Trading Platforms

Trading platforms can be categorized into several types. Online trading platforms are the most accessible, enabling users to trade from anywhere with an internet connection. For more advanced users, direct-access trading platforms offer more sophisticated tools and faster execution. On the retail investor front, the best trading platform for beginners and the best stock trading platform for beginners provide simplified interfaces and educational resources to ease the learning curve.

Benefits & Disadvantages of Using a Trading Platform

The benefits of using a trading platform include real-time market data, a range of analytical tools, and the ability to trade across multiple markets from a single platform. For example, the best online trading platforms offer comprehensive features catering to novice and experienced traders. However, the disadvantages can include the risk of trading loss due to market volatility, the learning curve associated with advanced platforms, and, sometimes, substantial fees.

How to Use a Trading Platform

To begin using a trading platform, you typically need to create an account with a broker that offers the best online investment platform or the best stock platform that suits your needs. After funding your account, you can start trading by selecting stocks, entering orders, and monitoring your portfolio's performance. Many platforms offer demo versions, allowing beginners to practice trading without financial risk.

Security Features of Trading Platforms

Security should be a top priority when selecting the best online trading platforms. The best investing platforms employ advanced encryption and fraud detection technologies to protect user data and transactions. Additionally, the best investment platforms often provide two-factor authentication (2FA), secure login processes, and real-time alerts to safeguard accounts against unauthorized access. Users should prioritize platforms that strongly commit to security protocols, enhancing their overall trading safety.

Integration with Financial Tools

The most efficient online trading platforms offer seamless integration with various financial tools and services, including robo-advisors, tax management software, and real-time news feeds. This integration can greatly enhance the user experience, allowing for a more holistic approach to personal finance management. Best trading platforms, like the best online investing platform options, streamline the portfolio management process by providing all-inclusive services that cater to a wide range of financial needs.

Mobile Trading Capabilities

In today's fast-paced world, the best online trading platforms for beginners and experienced traders alike offer robust mobile apps. These apps ensure that traders can stay connected to the markets, view their investment performance, and execute trades from anywhere at any time. The best platform for stock trading typically features a user-friendly interface, real-time data streaming, full order functions, and even educational resources, all accessible via mobile devices.

Support and Educational Resources

For those new to trading, the best trading platform for beginners includes comprehensive support and educational resources. These might include tutorials, webinars, and articles to enhance trading knowledge and skills. Moreover, the best stock trading platform for beginners offer features demo accounts where users can practice trading strategies without financial risk. These educational tools are crucial for helping novice traders understand market dynamics and develop effective trading strategies.

Conclusion

Choosing among the best online stock trading platforms requires consideration of your specific trading preferences, the types of assets you're interested in, and the level of support you expect. Whether you're leaning towards the best online investment platform or the best trading platforms focusing on stocks, bonds, or other securities, it's essential to align your choice with your financial goals and trading style. Remember, the right platform is the one that not only facilitates your trading activities but also contributes to your long-term investment success.

This content was generated with AI.

Disclosures

Sofi

¹Customer must fund their Active Invest account with at least $10 within 30 days of opening the account. Probability of customers receiving $1,000 is 0.028%. See full terms and conditions.

Interactive Brokers

²Member SIPC. Restrictions apply. for more information see ibkr.com/info

eToro

³eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.

Disclaimer:

eToro is a multi-asset platform which offers both investing in stocks and cryptoassets, as well as trading CFDs.

Please note that CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 76% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more.

Past performance is not an indication of future results. Trading history presented is less than 5 complete years and may not suffice as basis for investment decisions.

Copy trading does not amount to investment advice. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.

Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more.

Cryptoasset investing is highly volatile and unregulated in some EU countries. No consumer protection. Tax on profits may apply.

eToro USA LLC does not offer CFDs and makes no representation and assumes no liability as to the accuracy or completeness of the content of this publication, which has been prepared by our partner utilizing publicly available non-entity specific information about eToro.

“[Affiliate] is compensated if you access certain of the products or services offered by eToro USA LLC and/or eToro USA Securities Inc. Any testimonials contained in this communication may not be representative of the experience of other eToro customers and such testimonials are not guarantees of future performance or success.”

Robinhood

⁴Terms apply All investments involve risk and loss of principal is possible. The bonus applies to eligible assets transferred from an external brokerage account into your Robinhood non-retirement brokerage account within the limited time offer period. To keep the bonus, you must keep the money you transfer into Robinhood in your Robinhood individual brokerage account for at least 2 years. The Robinhood ACATS Bonus Offer is not a recommendation of any investment or investment strategy, and is not a recommendation that a customer transfer assets into a Robinhood Brokerage Account. Robinhood reserves the right to change the offer terms or terminate the offer at any time without notice. The offer is not transferable, saleable, or valid in conjunction with certain other offers and is available to U.S. residents only. The offer is only available for personal use, and may not be used for commercial purposes.

J.P. Morgan

⁵When you open and fund a J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing account (retirement or general) with qualifying new money by 01/22/2024. Options contract and other fees may apply.

⁷INVESTMENT AND INSURANCE PRODUCTS ARE: NOT A DEPOSIT • NOT FDIC INSURED • NO BANK GUARANTEE • MAY LOSE VALUE